Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Contrasts of Colombia definitely the right tour title. Trip was so different every day.
Catalina was fabulous, funny, informative, full of energy and took everyone's preferences into account. Especially loved the workshops and demonstrations.
The only minor spoilers foe me were that we didn't get to go to the leather workshop, the bus was too cramped (but sorted later for which we were all grateful), the red house was closed but again Cat arranged for bus to drop us there avoiding a long walk back.
This being said I loved the whole trip and have already recommended my friends book it.
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin, Gua
Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin, Guatapé, Paloquemao, Villa De Leyva, Barichara, Guane, Chicamocha National Park, Cocora Valley
Fantastic trip, one of the best I have been on. Beautiful country, amazing landscapes, lovely friendly people. Plus we had a fun group and an excellent guide, Marcelo. And we were lucky with the weather too.
Yes, it’s expensive but worth it. Spend the extra to do the optional activities to make the most of it. Loved the walking with penguins, the zodiac trip on Rio Serrano and both the big walks.
The days are very long but you can always sleep on the bus/back at home!
Contrary to previous reviews I thought the hotels were all fine and the breakfasts were great and a good start to each day. The tango show we went to was in a small venue and great. Wish I’d added more time in Buenos Aires before the trip as it’s a lovely city and there’s a lot to see and do there - I will be back.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The trek was very well organized from the beginning to end. I was quite nervous to do it but the team was very motivating and attentive, which I really appreciated. The guide was very informative and the food was great.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A brilliant trip covering many highlights. Our top 6 would be walking with Penguins near Ushuaia, Hike to Torres base, Boat trip on Serrano river, walking along Perito Merino glacier, hike to Fitzroy base, Iguazu boat ride.
Bear in mind that all except Fitzroy are add on extras costing around £1000 in total ( Perito Moreno is an exorbitant £400). The boat trip to lago del desierto is not available despite being shown as such in the trip notes.
It was a strenuous trip with long bus and minibus journeys as advertised.
We had a great group and Andres our guide was excellent.
It is worth taking lots of dollars and exchanging at the blue rate on the street which is around 20 percent better than the official rate and 10 percent better than credit card rate.
It was the best of our 6 Explore trips.
WildlifeActive and outdoor
Tour Type
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
The itinerary was as expected although some of the details were out of date or obsolete. An up to date review would be useful.
Lucie, the Explore Leader was exceptional!
National parksAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers