This was a great trip with a good range of experiences, scenery, nature, culture, communities and food.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and great at spotting and identifying birds. She judged exactly the right pace for walks and exploring, enabling everyone to participate fully.
Ecuador is a wonderful country to visit and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip.
This was an excellent trip in every way. The leader Alejandro was outstanding- very caring, helpful , informative and well-organised. Peru is a varied and interesting country and although Machu Picchu was spectacular there were many other highlights to our tour. The itinerary covered a lot of ground but it was not too rushed with a good mix of organised activities and some free time. The transport by bus and train was comfortable and the hotels were good and well-situated.
Our leader made sure each and every one of us had the best experience of the countries that he was so passionate and knowledgeable about. They are beautiful and varied with snow capped mountains, glaciers creating large lakes and miles and miles of wide open spaces where a variety of animals such as grey foxes, sheep and guanacos roam. We learned of their history, culture, food, music and people whilst travelling from Buenos Airies to the ‘end of the world’ in Ushuaia and north through Chile. It is an experience I will never forget and would thoroughly recommend to those who love to travel.
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Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Perito Moreno Glac
Buenos Aires, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chaltén, Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego National Park, Punta Arenas, Torres del Paine National Park, Torres Del Paine, El Calafate
This was a fantastic trip that lived up fully to its billing, as we saw many spectacular and varied landscapes and we sampled many gorgeous wines. The guide Lucia was very knowledgeable and helpful throughout. My only observation is that it was a hard trip in terms of several very long days travelling of 8 or more hours - over 12 hours on one day - which meant we rarely had the chance to relax and/or enjoy the hotel facilities (e.g. pools in most hotels).
The Trip Notes highlighted this but even so, after more than a dozen Explore trips previously which we thought prepared us for a lot of time on the road , we were still surprised. Essentially the trip was 12 full days and we thought it could have been stretched to 14 to cover the same itinerary - maybe an extra day in Cafayate and in Cachi?
Why for example, did we travel from Mendoza to Aconcagua (a brilliant trip) but then back to Mendoza (3 hours each way) on one day, only to retrace our steps almost all the way back to Aconcagua on the next day, on the way to the next stop? This retracing of the same route wasted 6 hours, or almost a full day? Why did we not go from Aconcagua directly to the next stop, instead of back to Mendoza?
In summary, this is a great tour, but we recommend you review the itinerary and through better planning and some extra time make it a more relaxing tour spread over over one or two more days.
As a solo traveller, this was my first experience in a group, and it won't be my last. The whole tour exceeded my expectations and every day had a 'Wow' factor.
It was very full on and not a relaxing holiday, but when you're travelling that far, why would you not want to embrace everything that the whole country has to offer?!
The accommodation was all very good and in perfect locations for exploring the towns and cities. All were very clean and equipped with everything you could need during your stay.
Our guide, Pabel was excellent. Very friendly, helpful, accommodating to our needs and has a true passion for, and a very deep knowledge of his country. He deserves a huge pay rise!
A totally amazing trip and I'm already looking at my next destination.
Our tour Leader was brilliant. He was engaging , knowledgeable, Apporachable and very patient. Made the Trip super fun.
Itinerary was full on and packed. Would like Explore to consider adding Rainbow Mountain to the Itinerary rather than an option. Did the Trip with my daughter who really enjoyed herself. So there could be a future Explore traveller!!
This is a very active, fast-paced trip with plenty of opportunities for long hikes, amazing scenery and fabulous flora and fauna. Some long journeys, as it is a vast area to cover, but well worth it. An absolutely fabulous experience.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Perito Moreno Glac
Buenos Aires, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chaltén, Mount Fitzroy, Puerto Iguazu, Iguazu Falls, Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego National Park, Punta Arenas, Torres del Paine National Park, Los Glaciares National Park
Set sail on a 10-day adventure cruise around the central and southern islands of the Galapagos, observing the unique wildlife of these remote Pacific islands. Be charmed by the native bird species and underwater ecosystems of colourful marine life. Hike across lava flows, sail through mangroves and snorkel in natural aquariums abundant with fish, sea lions and turtles. This sail features some of the Galapagos’ most naturally beautiful islands, so sit back and relax, because it’s all smooth sailing from here!
Experience the best of Peru in a 15-day tour of the south of the country, one of the most privileged areas of our territory. Discover its natural treasures in Paracas and delight the palate with the intense flavors of our capital Gastronomy of Arequipa. Explore the Andes, visit fascinating towns on Lake Titicaca and get closer to our Millenary past and Inca history when you arrive in Cusco. A trip you will never forget!
Experience the very best of Peru on this fifteen-day tour of the south of the country, one of the most privileged regions of this unique territory. Discover natural treasures in Paracas and delight your palate with the intense flavours of the local cuisine in Peru’s capital of gastronomy, Arequipa. Explore the dizzying heights of the Andes and visit fascinating, traditional villages on Lake Titicaca. Of course, no trip to Peru would be complete without delving into its rich history, and the Incan archaeological sites you will witness as you travel along the Sacred Valley to Cusco are unrivalled. It is sure to be a trip you will never forget!
Arturo was a fantastic leader and guide. Knowledgable, helpful, caring, experienced and amusing. This was my 11th Explore holiday and Arturo is up there with the best guides. The porters and cooks are heroes - we were very happy to tip them generously. The itinerary was perfect, though no one should underestimate the challenge of around ten hours walking on day three. Cusco hotel staff were fine but the layout around a central atrium means the rooms are very noisy. The hotel near Machu Picchu was lovely but the staff were rude, unhelpful and disinterested. Overall I’d fully recommend this trip - but be sure to get into shape beforehand and consider your kit carefully.