Eco tours in South America

The perfect way to experience Patagonia. Full on but you won't want to waste a moment . Don't worry about the long days travelling - the scenery is magnificent and all the transport very comfortable - the "public bus" more of a luxury coach with loo and wifi. The boat trip from Ushuaia to the penguin island was a long one but stunning scenery and the boats go onto the beach although you don't get off. How many can say they've sailed the Beagle Channel... The Perito Moreno glacier was a highlight - do the boat trip to the glacier face there. We spent 3 hours wandering the walkways and it was difficult to tear ourselves away - We saw several calvings and were mesmerised. The Serrano river glacier trip was expensive and somewhat disappointing as weather conditions did not allow our boat to actually reach the viewpoint -worth checking on the chances of getting there before embarking on that trip. No refund for a reduced experience either. The Hotel del Paine is in a stunning location but check bills as they add a tip to everything , including the pricey packed lunch and excursion. The 2 long hikes -Bas de Torres and Laguna De Los Tres- are as described. Challenging but so rewarding. A google will find them on several blogs if you want to research. Don't underestimate the weather - we had clear blue skies for one and rain sleet and sun for the other! Really loved being in EL Chalten - a hikers paradise and would've liked another day there. Everywhere took credit cards - we changed $100 each to Arg pesos and didn't need any Chilean. USD cash accepted in most places too. Marcelo our leader was a force of nature from day one. His enthusiasm and excitement for the trip were evident and infectious. We knew we were in for a fantastic time from day one and throughout the whole fortnight that energy level  never dropped. He has an incredible  breadth of knowledge , from the geology, flora and fauna of Patagonia to the geopolitical issues that have shaped the region. I don't think a tour leader has ever made us laugh so much - a crazy Argentinean Italian who's love for his job was evident. He absolutely made the trip - the comedy love/hate for Argentina/ Chile gave rise to many hilarious moments making for a most memorable experience. All in all probably the best Explore! holiday of the 15 we have done, and we've done some crackers!

Colombia will be one of the biggest surprises in all your travels. Amazing cities, modern and colorful with local ‘art graffiti’ murals showcasing the history and pride of the Colombian people. Stroll through 15th century streets, walk on the Camino Real, and hike up a staircase along a rock face, all the while enjoying the lush garden-like landscapes in this tropical paradise. You will be astonished at the diversity and beauty of the flora, fauna, culture and most all, the welcoming smiles through the country.

The trip was amazing. I appreciated the effort our guide, Elio, and the True Mountain Travelers put in to introduce us to the Quechua culture. The hike, camping and exploration wouldnt have been the same without them

We covered a lot of ground in 18 days and it was amazing. Miquel was an attentive and knowledgeable guide. Our experience was a bit unique as it was just my husband and I. We loved the mix of cultural, food, wildlife and adventure activities. We took advantage of many of the optional activities because - well why not - we were there to see things! I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to explore the 5 sister countries of Central America.

This trip was excellent. The itinerary was well thought out. I could not have imagined that Trafalgar had done such a unique job……. Special mention to the Tour Director Herman Rojas. He was a great part of what made this trip so good. He is a asset to Trafalgar.

Perfect mix of wildlife tours, local cultural experiences, optional excursions & thrills like horse riding, white water rafting & zip wire. Comfortable hotels, swimming, good company, wonderful trip leader & driver. The small group is a plus if you enjoy meeting people and sharing experiences.