South America Tours for Experienced Travelers

This was an unforgettable trip that exceeded all expectations. Our guide Allan and driver Ronald were exceptional - very knowledgeable, friendly and always making sure everyone felt comfortable and included, often going above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience. Our group of 11, seemed to bond really well, with lots of laughter to be had. The wildlife and scenery were absolutely amazing - a photographer's dream! Costa Rica is a beautiful country, and I would highly recommend this trip.

The tour leader, Andrés, really made this trip to a Good experience. The itenerary includes more or less all relevant cities/sights in Colombia, and we have received a Good introduction to the general life in Colombia. Some of the travel days were a bit long. All in all a Good experience and travel.

This was a fantastic trip with a great group of people and a terrific leader. I thought the hotels were fine and well located. The highlight one was in Torres Del Paine with views of the mountains. The meals here were included and they were delicious. The weather fully cooperated aside from one day in Torres Del Paine. But this didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits and our leader was able to adjust so we didn’t feel we missed out. Some of the listed optionals were not running. But I didn’t feel this effected anything as we were so busy and the catamaran trip to see the penguins was a highlight and we got very close to the, so I didn’t feel I missed out by not getting to walk on the island with them. This is a busy and very active trip that does require a certain level of fitness to enjoy the walks especially the last one in El Chelten. Hiking poles helped. I used my credit card in most places without issue. The suggested budget for meals and that is a bit low. Argentina, in particular, is very expensive and meals are not super cheap.

Loved this tour. The Rain Forest, the Cloud Forest, the Volcano, the beach - all magnificent. The food was excellent. The people so kind and welcoming. The scenery is fabulous. I especially loved seeing the wild life. Absolutely love Costa Rica.

I've wanted to do this trip for over 20 years and it exceeded all my expectations. I did this trip with my 16 year old son in the long summer break after his GCSEs and it was the most perfect father-son time we've ever shared. The views are incredible, the air as clean as it comes and the team were just outstanding. Our guide, Wilmer, led the group expertly despite different walking speeds, and the porters were just humbling. This trip ticked every single one of my boxes and we look back on it with both the sense of achievement and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

This was the experience of a lifetime for me and definitely the highlight of my month-long trip to Central and South America. I joined this one the day I finished my Yucatan Peninsula cycling trip with Explore, my first with the company. The recommendations and reviews I'd received beforehand were justified. I was the only Australian on both trips. It didn't matter, as there was great camaraderie within the group and the leader, Allan, was top-notch. Our driver, Ronald, was also professional as well as being obviously very big-hearted and concerned about our comfort, welfare and safety. When a trip relies on being at the right place and time, the driver and vehicle are the most important elements of the trip. Allan's knowledge and passion for Costa Rica and its natural environment are obvious and he was very effective in helping us learn and love it as well. The detail and frequency of his communication was ideal and his attention to detail excellent. We were very fortunate to have both Allan and Ronald look after us, as well as the bonus of having Issy, an Explore senior exec, along for most of the trip, doing QC and checking out hotel options. Good to see the company checking its services! The accommodation was very good and matched the expectations Explore provided in its pre-trip information. As always, some places are better than others. When a place had some minor deficiency it was offset by being in a great location. My favourites were in the rainforest and mountains. The itinerary is right for a 2-week wildlife tour, plenty of time for varied photography, physical activity options and unstructured time for R&R and doing your own thing. Whitewater rafting, ziplining, sea kayaking and of course walking are all easily able to be included. Allan and some of the group are excellent wildlife spotters and photographers. I learnt so much and am keen to improve my own skills. I am so happy I chose to go on this trip and have been recommending it often since it concluded.