Hi Vera and Yuna,
We are back in the US and have reflected on our fabulous trip. Thank you for a wonderful tour. We loved the program, the guide (Ava) and the hotels! We appreciate all your work, help and guidance in making this a special 60th birthday journey.
AdventureHoneymoon
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hut, Hotel, Villa
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Uyuni, Salta, Atacama Desert, Ju
Uyuni, Salta, Atacama Desert, Jujuy, San Pedro De Atacama, Moon Valley, Machuca Village, Laguna Colorada, Chiguana Salt Flat
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Bolivia's stunning landscapes with a tour that captures the essence of this diverse country. Discover the surreal Uyuni Salt Flats, explore vibrant La Paz, and marvel at ancient ruins in Tiwanaku. Enjoy thrilling activities like mountain biking down the "Death Road" and immerse yourself in local culture with community visits. This tour offers a perfect mix of natural wonders, historical sites, and adrenaline-pumping adventures, making it a top choice for intrepid travelers.
AdventureWildlifeWalking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Explore the wonders of Ecuador's diverse landscapes with an unforgettable adventure that spans the Amazon Rainforest, majestic Andes Mountains, and vibrant cultural sites. This captivating tour offers breathtaking views, wildlife encounters, and immersive cultural experiences. Hike through lush rainforests, visit traditional Andean villages, and marvel at the stunning Cotopaxi Volcano. Ideal for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts, this journey promises a unique blend of ecological discovery and rich heritage in one of the world's most biodiverse countries.
AdventureExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on an unforgettable Andean adventure, trekking through the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu route. Discover hidden Inca ruins, vibrant local culture, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. This immersive experience offers guided tours through ancient archaeological sites, scenic hikes across diverse terrain, and an intimate look at Peru's rich history. Experience authentic Andean hospitality with meals and accommodations in traditional settings. Perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a blend of history, nature, and culture in the heart of the Andes.
AdventureTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hostel, Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cusco, Chiquisca, Choquequirao
Cusco, Chiquisca, Choquequirao, Maizal, Yanama, Totora, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes
Hike the Inca Trail, enjoying exquisite food, soothing massages and a comfortable bed each night. We take the classic route, from the Urubamba River, across mountain passes, through cloud forests and past crumbling fortresses, to the ruins of Machu Picchu. We have designed the trip to spend more time on the route, arriving at Machu Picchu in the afternoon for classic photos before we stay overnight in nearby Aguas Calientes. We return the next morning, fresh and well rested, for our in-depth tour of this New Wonder of the World.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Travelling aboard the upgraded Treasure of the Galapagos catamaran, experience the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first dropped anchor off its shores. Spend six nights discovering the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago in comfort, with access to your own private cabin balcony as well as a sundeck Jacuzzi. Travelling between the central and west islands, you will have the chance to explore from land and from the sea; snorkel at Vicente Roca and spot large schools of tropical fish, find the Galapagos penguin near Isabela Island and head to Santa Cruz's verdant highlands to see giant tortoises in their natural environment.
Treasure of the Galapagos Catamaran - Spend six nights cruising onboard this first class catamaran with a naturalist guide, experienced crew and with the luxury of an onboard Jacuzzi
Wildlife spotting - Swim with sea lions and the Galapagos penguin, and spot the flightless cormorant, blue-footed boobies, iguanas and giant tortoises on land, among many other species
Snorkel and walk - Discover an underwater paradise as well as a volcanic landscape, with daily snorkelling and on-shore excursions
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla I
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla Isabela, Moreno Point, Isla Fernandina, Rábida Island
An excellent trip on a comfortable boat with a good crew and good food. We saw all of the expected wildlife, and snorkelling with sea lions and turtles amongst the fish was a particular highlight.
The boat is not operated by Explore, so on my trip there were other nationalities who had booked through other operators, but it was a good mix. On the afternoon of the first day at the hotel I received a WhatsApp from the cruise operator providing details of the airport transfer (handled by the hotel in my case) and of their representative who met me at the airport to provide my printed boarding pass and Transit Control Card. They also helped with the additional baggage check required before bag drop. The message also includes the flight details if you want to complete the bio-security form at https://declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec/ before arriving at the airport.
After snorkelling the crew will rinse all your gear and then hang wetsuits to dry (I think it was 80 USD to rent a wetsuit on board for the six days, but masks, snorkels and fins were free). There are lines with clothes pegs on the top deck to dry your swimwear.
Remember to take USD cash for tipping the crew and guide at the end of the trip. Two envelopes were left in my cabin for this, but the amount suggested at 15 USD per day for the guide and 25 USD per day for the crew of 11 was about double that in the trip notes.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla I
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla Isabela, Moreno Point, Isla Fernandina, Isla Santiago, Rábida Island