South America Wildlife Trips

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.

This trip truly lives up to its name and was an unforgettable way to experience Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity. From lush rainforests and wildlife-rich national parks to volcanic landscapes and the coast, the itinerary felt perfectly balanced and thoughtfully paced, with each destination offering something new and exciting. One of the real highlights was the wildlife. Seeing animals in their natural habitat was a daily occurrence, made even more special by the expertise of our local leader. Their knowledge, enthusiasm and ability to spot wildlife we would otherwise have missed added huge value to the experience and brought the landscapes to life. The trip also offered a great mix of guided walks, scenic drives and time to simply take in the surroundings, making it feel immersive without ever being rushed. Early starts were well worth it for the rewarding wildlife encounters and peaceful moments in nature. Overall, this adventure is ideal for anyone wanting to explore Costa Rica’s natural highlights in depth, with the reassurance of excellent organisation and an outstanding local leader. A truly memorable journey through one of the world’s most beautiful and biodiverse countries.

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.

It’s a very different holiday and bespoke to those who are ‘into’ that sort of thing. Very well organised and the crew ship staff were all amazing. All our connections went perfectly. Lovely wildlife in their natural environment. Good that we all had to take precautions regarding echo cleanliness on and off ship.

Antarctica was somewhere I had long wanted to visit and I have finally been. This is the best trip I have ever done with Explore and there have been very many wonderful ones. To anyone considering going to Antarctica, I'd say, 'do go', you will not regret it.

A top trip for the nature and photography enthusiast. Excellent locations with some stunning nature in its natural setting. Well organised and expertly led by Explores team of driver and lead who’s sharp observation and intuition where to find what never ceased to amaze.