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.
Our Peru adventure was truly magical in so many ways. We met a great bunch of fellow travellers, enjoyed the local history, culture and cuisines, and fulfilled a long held ambition to trek the classic route to Machu Picchu.
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.
As initially mentioned, this trip was absolutely incredible. Alex, our main guide, did a wonderful job getting us to bond as a group and encouraging us to think as one unit while we were trekking together. He also did a wonderful job integrating the porters into the mix while we were on the trail. We truly felt like one big family by the end, and it made the experience extraordinarily special. My partner got ill on the last day of the hike and I was so nervous we weren't going to make it to the end. This hike and seeing Machi Picchu has been a dream of mine for so long. But Alex made sure we got to the end and I was teary-eyed when I say Machu Picchu at the Sun Gate. It was everything I had hoped for, made even better by the wonderful people I was with.
Additionally, the inclusion of the activities with local artisans was wonderful. I loved learning about the different techniques, seeing the local way of life, and being able to buy goods from communities where the impacts would be immediately felt. It's exactly the type of tourism economy that lifts up communities and countries.
G Adventures did an amazing job with this trip and I would book another trip through you all in a heart beat. Thank for for providing me with the opportunity to fulfill my dream, above and beyond what I could have imagined.
I got what I came for. It was physically challenging for me on the big hike to Mount Fitzroy (that walk was rated 4/5, but could be a 5/5 in my view): however, there is no gain without some pain! Overall, it was a memorable experience.
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.
Embark on an exhilarating Ecuador expedition blending adventure and nature. Traverse the Amazon Rainforest, marvel at the Andes, and bathe in pristine waterfalls. Encounter diverse wildlife in lush jungles, and explore vibrant indigenous communities. Relish thrilling hikes, local culinary delights, and scenic rides through astounding landscapes. This unforgettable journey offers unique cultural immersion, breathtaking vistas, and thrilling outdoor activities. Experience Ecuador’s raw beauty and vibrant traditions for the ultimate South American adventure.
This should be on everyone?s ?bucket list?. Each person from G Adventures was extraordinarily committed to ensuring travelers were well-supported. I learned so much and enjoyed both the physical challenges and the luxurious meals and accommodations. I will choose G Adventures again and again in the future.
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!!
