Tipping Guidelines
We have put together this tipping reference in response to many requests from travelers worried about not sufficiently tipping or tipping too generously.
Although not mandatory, tipping is highly appreciated in all cases. Our general advice to travelers is to tip what you feel is appropriate and based on performance – using the guidelines below – and do not worry about offending anyone. You may have the same guide for several days – this will depend on your specific itinerary. It is a good idea to keep small denomination bills (either U.S. dollars or local currency) handy for tips. Gratuities are gladly accepted in U.S. dollars or local currency.
You can download this guide in PDF format here.
$5 per passenger, per day.
Airport transfers or short transfers: $5-$10, total.
Transfers (2-4 hours): $10-20, total.
Transfers (over 4 hours): $10-$30, total.
$5-$10 per passenger/per day.
Small group (2-6 passengers) – $30-$60 total per day.
Larger groups (over 6 passengers) – $50-$100 total per day.
Local guide – $5-$7, per passenger, per day.
Small group (2-6 passengers) – $20-$40 total per day.
Larger groups (over 6 passengers) – $40-$80 total per day.
Naturalist/Specialized* guide – $10-$15, per passenger, per day.
*Specialist guides might earn a larger tip than the average tour guide (for a special service performed, or if it generally feels appropriate).
$5-$10, per passenger, per night.
$10-$15, per person, per night.
Hotels: Luggage handlers – $1-$2 or $0.50 – $1 per bag; housekeeping staff – $1 per room per day; 10% for room service if the service charge has not already been added.
At restaurants throughout Latin America, 10 – 15% of your bill is customary and may be added automatically.
Scan this QR code to visit this page with your mobile device:
Antigua & Lake Atitlan Guatemala Trip
From your arrival in Guatemala City Airport you will transfer about 45 minutes by car to Antigua. The next day you will explore the city on a private walking tour. Adventurous eaters can sample the local foods offered by street vendors. Next you will travel to beautiful Lake Atitlan with a stop at the Chichicastenango Market en route.
Bolivia To Chile – The Altiplano To The Atacama Tour Package
From majestic mountain views, to natural wonders and cityscapes, this tour through Bolivia and Chile is sure to be unforgettable. You will visit some of the most famous landmarks in Bolivia, like Yungas Road (also called “Death Road”) where you are sure to be awestruck by the lush rainforest and mountainside scenery, and travel to the Salar de Uyuni, where it’s had to tell where the earth ends and the sky begins.
Colombia Highlights Tour
Prepare for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Colombia, a land brimming with vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history. This meticulously crafted itinerary invites you to discover the diverse facets of this captivating South American gem.
Upscale Pantanal & Bonito Tour Package to Brazil
Get ready for an extraordinary journey into the heart of Brazil’s wild side. This unique itinerary takes you deep into the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, and the vibrant ecotourism hub of Bonito. Prepare to immerse yourself in a world teeming with wildlife, where every day promises a new adventure. From tracking elusive jaguars to snorkeling in rivers so clear they feel like a natural aquarium, this trip is designed for those who seek to connect with nature on an intimate and unforgettable level.
