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.
Active and outdoorFood tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Cafayate, Mendoza
Buenos Aires, Cafayate, Mendoza, Salta, Humahuaca, Barreal, Villa Union, Belen, Cachi
“Classic Peru” is genuinely a “highlights” tour of Southern Peru and what we saw was truly epic; a fascinating blend of Inca history & culture, the stunning scenery of the Andes and the Andean wildlife.
The 2 top highlights, for me, were a) entering the site of Macchu Picchu, shrouded in cloud, only for the wind to gradually blow that cloud away for the dramatic “reveal” and b) to see 5 or 6 Condors (adults & juveniles) gradually rise up the Colca Canyon, on the morning’s thermals, until they were soaring over our heads!
Lima is often written off but is worth a look and we arrived one day early (on Saturday) and visited the Centro Historico on Sunday morning. We were rewarded with a front-row view of the city’s own “changing of the guard” in Plaza de Armas.
The food on the trip is excellent in general and very good value. Our guide, Hector, was also excellent and very focussed on keeping us safe and in good health (managing the gradual increase in altitude, as much as possible); he’s especially knowledgable on all things culture and history.
For me, the only two negatives in the trip were:-
a) the overnight stay on Taquile Island - by all means visit the island but the poor accommodation overshadowed the stay and
b) the misleading advice in the pre-trip literature about currencies and exchange - Explore imply it’s ok to buy Peruvian Sol at Lima airport; DON’T - the rate is terrible. They also say “take US$ because the rate for the GB£ is poor”; ignore that too as the local rates (in forex bureaux) were almost entirely equivalent, so buying US$ in the UK is just a waste of money.
I’m sure Explore can quickly rectify these two things in an otherwise excellent tour.
Active and outdoorRafting
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Home-stay
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cusco, Lima, Aguas Calientes, Ma
Cusco, Lima, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, Chivay, Puno, Taquile Island, Sacred Valley
The trip was breathtaking- literally and figuratively. The food was so amazing, the people were just so lovely and friendly wherever you went. The streets were so full of charm and culture. Everyday was something new and I absolutely had a blast! ALL THANKS TO THE BEST GUIDE EVER!! WENNY!!
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Lodge, Hotel, Hut
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Agua
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Amazon Lodge Tambopata
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Embark on an unforgettable Amazon eco-adventure, exploring the pristine Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Encounter exotic wildlife, such as monkeys, anacondas, and pink river dolphins. Paddle along lush, tranquil lagoons and trek through rich, biodiverse rainforests. Engage with indigenous communities, learning their traditions and sustainable living practices. This immersive eco-lodge experience offers captivating guided tours, nighttime jungle walks, and birdwatching, making it a must for nature enthusiasts seeking an authentic and sustainable Amazon escape.
AdventureWildlifeExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This trip was amazing and Ernesto was an exceptional tour leader, making sure to integrate the whole group and going above and beyond in every instance. His knowledge and passion for the destination was evident. Such an enjoyable trip with and amazing group of people and memories that will last forever.
Active and outdoorRafting
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Tent, Guest House, Camping, Home-stay
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cusco, Lima, Puno, Sacred Valley
Cusco, Lima, Puno, Sacred Valley, Q'orimarca, Llulluchapampa, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Pachacamac, Nazca, Arequipa, Chivay, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Taquile Island
Explore Colombia's breathtaking beauty with Bamba Travel, featuring the ultimate Tayrona Beaches & Lost City adventure. Immerse yourself in lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and ancient ruins. Trek through the Sierra Nevada mountains, traverse jungle trails, and visit indigenous communities. Relax on the stunning white-sand shores of Tayrona National Park, and uncover the mysteries of Ciudad Perdida, the legendary Lost City. This unforgettable experience offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history, attracting adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts alike. Book now for an unparalleled Colombian journey.
AdventureWalking toursExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Santa Marta, Neguanje, The Lost
Santa Marta, Neguanje, The Lost City Trek, Rio Buritaca
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Peru’s iconic landscapes with this thrilling travel pass from Cuzco to Lima. Discover the rich history of the Sacred Valley, the mesmerizing beauty of Machu Picchu, and the vibrant culture of Lima. Enjoy guided tours, scenic bus rides, and immersive cultural experiences. Perfect for adventurers and history enthusiasts, this package offers a seamless blend of majestic ruins, breathtaking scenery, and local traditions. Witness Peru’s magic unfold on this ultimate exploration journey.
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
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
Embark on an exhilarating adventure through Patagonia with an 8-day Torres del Paine O Trek. Explore the stunning landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park, renowned for its breathtaking mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes. This self-guided tour offers an immersive experience, allowing you to hike iconic trails, encounter diverse wildlife, and enjoy unparalleled vistas. Ideal for seasoned trekkers, this journey promises unforgettable moments and the ultimate immersion in one of the world's most iconic trekking destinations.
AdventureExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hostel, Hotel, Tent
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Puerto Natales, Patagonia, Camp
Puerto Natales, Patagonia, Camp Seron, Lake Dickson Camp, Camp Los Perros, Camp Grey, Camp Paine Grande, Vallée Del Francés, Camp Central
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.
AdventureTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers