We had no idea what Ecuador had in store for us, it honestly wasn’t even at the top of our travel list but glad we booked it. From the moment we landed in Quito, we were hooked. The city is lively and colorful, and even though the altitude made us slow down a bit at first, the views from the top of El Panecillo made up for it.
The Otavalo Market was pure chaos in the best way. I kept telling myself not to buy anything… ended up with a bag full of woven scarves. Zero regrets.
Papallacta was a whole other vibe. The hot springs were exactly what we didn’t know we needed. If the trip had stopped there, I think we’d still be raving about it.
Banos was this hidden gem with waterfalls and fresh air.
The small group made everything more relaxed. No rushing, but no wasting time either. We felt like we got to really be in the places we visited. Everything was organized, we barely had to think. Just showed up, enjoyed, and soaked it all in. Would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Our travel agent, Lucila, designed the best trip ever. Everything was just perfect—from the hotels to the wild experiences. We enjoyed the trip so much; every day felt like a dream. I look forward to organizing a new adventure around the world with Lucila.
Everything was just AMAZING!
Thank you, Lucila and team!
Self-drive or vehicle rental
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Salt
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Salta, Purmamarca, Jujuy, Humahuaca, Tilcara, Cachi, Cafayate, Puerto Iguazu
Excellent email communication throughout, and when we arrived in each new region, the local tour specialists welcomed us and let us know they were available if we needed anything. It comes highly recommended.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping
Age Range
1-79 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, El C
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, El Calafate, Puerto Iguazu, El Ombu, Perito Moreno Glacier, Iguazu Falls National Park
This tour operator organized a cultural, spiritual and community immersion for me, my husband, my adult daughter and her boyfriend for 16 days in late February/early March of 2023. It was the most exciting trip I’ve taken. This is saying a lot considering I have spent a lifetime of travel, both personal and professional, focusing on Latin America.
Everything ran smoothly, even with chaotic settings and complex logistics. A big part of this was by providing us with amazing guides, starting with Jahel Amaru, who met us at the La Paz airport to whisk us across the altiplano to Oruro for its truly spectacular Carnival. Jahel is knowledgeable, patient, down-to-earth, smart patient, funny, and an extremely enjoyable person to spend time with. She guided us through the hectic Oruro Carnaval during its culminating weekend - with boundless energy and contagious enthusiasm. We had the time of our lives cheering on the colorful characters as they paraded and danced thanks to Jahel knowing exactly where to go, when, and providing invaluable context.
Community tourism (where visitors are connected with everyday Bolivians to learn about their lives) - has started to blossom in Bolivia, and this company is one of its pioneers. We got to experience it in Potosi, where we had another excellent guide, Marlene Quispe. She took us through Cerro Rico mine, which was the world’s leading supplier of silver. Marlene has close ties to mining: her brothers, parents and even she has worked there. As we ventured deeper into the earth, we learned from her about the mining process and cooperatives involved with it. She also introduced us to one of the mine's “tios” (“uncles” who are believed to protect miners), to whom she made an offering as she explained his importance.
Marlene took us to the Quechua community of Phuto Phuto, one of several in the rural district Cabanias that welcomes visitors as part of its community tourism program. Families take turns showing visitors their homes and traditions, including cooking huts with steaming pots, whose contents you later share for lunch. Marlene and one of the family members we met then led us on a beautiful hike to a spot where they invited us to participate in a ritual offering to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). It was an incredible day I will always remember.
Another wonderful community tourism experience was in the majestic Cordillera Real (Central Andean range), where we appreciated both the nature and culture of the region by staying near the town of Tuni with the multi-generational Quispe family (not related to Marlene). Family members share with guests Aymara traditions like placing fishing nets, spinning yarn, making quinoa flour, and shearing alpaca fleece. Patriarch Jaime is a charismatic host and a certified mountain guide who along with his adult son Denys, also a certified mountain guide, have expertise leading visitors of different ages and abilities. We loved staying with them!
There are a few other places that stood out on our trip:
Hostal Las Olas in Copacabana on the shore of Lake Titicaca with gorgeous, artistic “cabins” and lovely views
Templo del Retiro Espiritual Cruz Andina (the Andean Cross Spiritual Retreat Center), in Tiwanaku steps from the ruins and owned by spiritual and cultural guide Rosse Mary Vargas Vilela. It’s filled with cats and crystals and offers delicious vegetarian meals. This is not a stop for everyone, but worth visiting or staying in if you are interested in mindfulness, ancient healing, and/or new age spirituality.
Local culture
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Home-stay
Age Range
1-75 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
La Paz, Potosi, Uyuni, Copacaban
La Paz, Potosi, Uyuni, Copacabana, Sucre, El Alto, Yumani, Villamar, Bolivia, Silolio Dykuma, Tomasamil
I did the Rainbow Mountain tour with Edgar and it was amazing! He is a great guide with a lot of information to share and super nice! The tour starts early which is great, because you will reach the mountains before all the others do and it was an amazing experience! The food we got was also really good. Thank you.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Absolutely incredible experience! Our tour guide, Rom, was so patient with our group and provided so much information for each spot! 100% will use this agency again!
AdventureTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private and Group Tour Private Tour with a few fixed group departures available.
I sent an email to the tour operator only a couple weeks before arriving in Salta. Mateo from their company arranged 3 full day tours - even though one fell on a major holiday - the 200th anniversary of Argentina's independence!
He is clearly one of the most knowledgable travel agents we have ever used. The first day our tour took us to almost 14,000 feet - the viaduct where the train to the clouds travels. Being with him was so much better than a long bus ride and 20 km on the train!! He constantly checked on us to make sure we were not getting sick from the altitude. He adjusted our trip to stop and see everything, or just to take pictures. When we arrived back in Salta, he made sure we had great local food for dinner.
The second day, Mateo again arrived bright and early so that we could see all the little villages on our way to Cafayate. As we drove through the amazing views, Mariano knew exactly where to stop to avoid the crowds. He picked an amazing inn outside of the city for lunch, so that we would not fight the crowds. AND he was incredibly patient as we walked the mercado in search of a chess set!!
Our days in Salta and jujuy were wonderful and left us wanting more!!! We all highly recommend their travel agency, ask for Mateo and hold on for the ride!!!
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Longing for a trekking adventure in Peru beyond the classic Inca Trail? The "Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu" offers a thrilling four-day journey through the Andes, ideal for families and adventurous travelers eager to explore off the beaten path. Traverse a dramatic landscape, from snowcapped peaks to lush forests and vibrant highland villages, all en route to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu.
Highlights include crossing the formidable Salkantay Pass (4,650m), marveling at the tranquil beauty of Humantay Lake (4,200m), and visiting significant Inca sites. This trekking trip is designed for those who seek variety—each day brings new scenery, wildlife, and cultural encounters.
The unique selling point lies in its rich tapestry of landscapes and authentic village life, offering a more secluded, nature-immersed alternative to the traditional route. Accommodation, transport, meals, and expert guidance are all provided, making this tour package a seamless way to experience Peru’s wild beauty and ancient wonders.
