Experience the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first dropped anchor off its shores. Spend four nights exploring the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago aboard a stylish vessel - the Archipel I. Travelling between the central and west islands, you will have the chance to explore from land and from the sea; snorkel at Vicente Roca amongst tropical fish and seahorses, and head to Santa Cruz's verdant highlands to see giant tortoises in their natural environment.
Archipel I Catamaran - Spend four nights cruising onboard this modern, spacious catamaran with a naturalist guide and experienced crew
Wildlife spotting - Find blue-footed booby padding around on the islands, as well as sea lions, iguanas, Galapagos penguin, giant tortoises and much more
Snorkel and walk - Discover an underwater paradise as well as a volcanic landscape, with daily snorkelling and on-shore excursions
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla I
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla Isabela, Isla Fernandina, Rábida Island
If you love big landscapes, deserts, rock formations, volcanoes, geysers, remoteness and views that go on forever, then this is the trip for you. This was combined with very friendly people, local culture and good wine, making for one of the best trips I've ever had.
This was my first trip with Explore. (All the other members of the group had travelled multiple times with them). I would say the trip exceeded my expectations in every respect. Judging by the comments of the rest of the group, it was one of the best many of them had been on too. I have taken away memories that will last forever and met some wonderful people along the way.
There were six travellers in the group (all solo travellers) as well as Andres our guide, local guides and drivers. This was the first trip run on a new itinerary or at least one which Explore has not sold for a number of years. So in that respect our group were the guinea-pigs for the trip. I felt the group got on very well. I would say six was a good group size for the minibuses. It gave us room to spread out with our bags and snooze if needed on the longer journeys.
Itinerary:
The itinerary covers a lot of ground in a short space of time so is definitely full-on. However, overall, I thought it was well-paced with well-timed rest periods. Given that this was a new itinerary, there are a couple of "tweaks" I would make (mentioned below). However, they are minor changes only to what I found to be a well-rounded and balanced trip.
HIghlights for me included the Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia. I loved the desert, lagoons, volcanoes, flamingoes, the salt hotel and of course, our meal with our wonderful Bolivian guides - which I'll never forget. Another highlight was the sunset and moonrise over the Atacama Desert near San Pedro. I felt the trip was a gift that kept on giving. Just when you had one experience which you thought could not be topped, along came another one. The trip was cleverly planned in that sense.
In terms of amendments, I would suggest the following:
HIgh altitude is a feature of this trip and perhaps needs to be emphasised and explained a little more fully in the trip notes so that travellers can take a view. However, for me, any discomfort was more than compensated for by the remoteness and beauty of the landscapes we saw.
I particularly loved Bolivia and perhaps Explore could consider adding that another day to this leg of the trip. This would allow more time to get to know this fantastic country and its people but would also allow more time to acclimatise.
We had a wonderful day in the wine region of Cafayate. Both wine and food were delicious and plentiful. However, I think we all felt the number of tours and tastings should be reduced a little to allow us to relax into one wine tour and the meal without worrying about time.
Guiding:
Andres was our Explore guide and I cannot speak highly enough of him. Most of the group had travelled extensively over the years with Explore and said that he was one of the best guides they had ever had. Andres was excellent in every respect - professional, knowledgeable, organised but relaxed and very person-centred, attending well to the different needs of the group. The trip ran very smoothly and to time. Andres paid close attention to detail, making small changes to the itinerary as needed, He found good places to eat, and timed visits to avoid any crowds in particularly popular places. As far as I am aware, there was one small logistical glitch during the whole trip. This was beyond Andres' control but he took it in his stride, dealt with it and it did not affect the group. Definitely 5* for Andres.
The local guides and drivers in each country were very friendly and efficient. I would say the guides in Argentina and Bolivia were particularly knowledgeable. The warmth and kindness shown to us was lovely. I would single out Wilbur in Bolivia for particular praise.
Accommodation:
Before the trip, I did not have particularly high expectations of the hotels, thinking that location would take priority over hotel standard and that budget hotels would be used to keep costs down. To a certain extent this proved to be the case. I would say in most places the standard was 3*. I found all of them were perfectly acceptable although some had variable hot water and wifi which is only to be expected really given the region. All hotels were very friendly and in a very good location. Some hotels stood out as having more character and better service than others. The Salt Hotel (Laguna Salada) on the Uyuni flats was something truly special. The stunning location, the hotel design and the friendliness of the staff there were something I will never forget. The Hotel Los Flamencos at the Laguna Hedionda was graded as "simple" and we warned to take warm sleepwear as it can get cold at night. However, I found the hotel to be warm and characterful and again, the location was stunning. Standing outside the hotel (albeit at about -5 degrees Celsius), watching the flamingos on the lagoon and the sun come up over the volcanoes behind was something truly memorable.
San Pedro de Atacama was the most touristy place we visited and I would say the hotel there reflected that. It felt a bit more generic than the others, although the barman was excellent and served some knockout Pisco sours.
Overall, I would give this trip 5* without hesitation. Unforgettable - in the best possible way. Any quibbles are very minor ones to me. I would highly recommend.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, San Pedro, Santiag
Buenos Aires, San Pedro, Santiago, Salta, Cafayate, Purmamarca, Tilcara, Tupiza, Uyuni, Incahuasi, San Pedro De Atacama
The guide (Fisher) was fabulous as he dealt with every situation calmly and the coordinator (Diana) of the tour in Cusco was a dream and kept us up to date and answered all my questions promptly.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail
Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Phuyupatamarca, Aguas Calientes
Hike the Inca Trail, enjoying exquisite food, soothing massages and a comfortable bed each night. We take the classic route, from the Urubamba River, across mountain passes, through cloud forests and past crumbling fortresses, to the ruins of Machu Picchu. We have designed the trip to spend more time on the route, arriving at Machu Picchu in the afternoon for classic photos before we stay overnight in nearby Aguas Calientes. We return the next morning, fresh and well rested, for our in-depth tour of this New Wonder of the World.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
From the colonial charm of Quito's Old Town to the breathtaking heights of Chimborazo and the lush depths of the Amazon Rainforest, this tour is designed to immerse you in the country’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Your adventure begins in Quito, where you’ll explore its historic center and visit the Equator line. From there, journey to Otavalo’s vibrant markets and hike around Cuicocha Lake before heading into the Amazon, where you’ll navigate rivers, visit an animal rescue center, and experience the traditions of the indigenous Quichua people.
Continuing south, you’ll marvel at the towering peaks of Chimborazo, explore the ancient ruins of Ingapirca, and wander the cobbled streets of Cuenca. The tour then takes you to the coastal city of Guayaquil and the pristine Isla de la Plata, where you’ll spot exotic wildlife and, if lucky, migrating whales.
With a mix of guided experiences and free time to explore, this adventure blends culture, nature, and adventure, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Ecuador.
For more details, see the itinerary section.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Age Range
18-68 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Banos
Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Banos, Otavalo, Puerto Lopez, Amazon Ecuador, Chimborazo, Isla De La Plata, Tena
From the vibrant streets of Santa Marta to the ancient ruins of the Lost City, embark on an unforgettable journey through Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Your adventure begins with a scenic flight to Santa Marta, where you can explore the city at your own pace or unwind by the beach.
Next, immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Tayrona National Park. A rewarding hike through lush jungles leads to stunning beaches like Cabo San Juan, Arrecife, and La Piscina—perfect for relaxation and exploration.
Then, brace yourself for one of South America’s most incredible hikes: the Lost City trek. Over several days, you'll navigate dense forests, cross rivers, and engage with indigenous communities before ascending 1,200 stone steps to reach this sacred archaeological wonder. Each night, you'll stay in rustic camps, embracing the raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Finally, return to comfort in Santa Marta before heading to Cartagena. Along the way, enjoy coastal views, a stop in Barranquilla, and a guided exploration of Cartagena’s historic sites.
City sightseeingBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Age Range
18-70 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Bogota, Cartagena, Santa Marta
Bogota, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Sierra Nevada del Cocuy, Tayrona National Park, Lost City, El Mamey
Embark on an enchanting journey where the mysteries of the Amazon rainforest meet the timeless charm of Cusco. From exploring the lush jungles of Puerto Maldonado to discovering the rich tapestry of cultures in Cusco, this six-day expedition offers an array of unforgettable experiences. Journey through diverse ecosystems, witness extraordinary wildlife, engage in authentic cultural activities, and retreat in serene accommodations—each moment crafted for adventurous souls.
AdventureWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover the breathtaking Uyuni Salt Flats with Bamba’s unforgettable adventure. This Bolivia tour offers an extraordinary journey through the world's largest salt flats, mesmerizing deserts, and colorful lagoons. Witness stunning sunsets, surreal landscapes, and local wildlife in their natural habitat. Capture perfect photos with creative perspective shots and marvel at the famous train cemetery. Experience local culture in traditional villages and stay in a unique salt hotel. This is the must-do Uyuni tour for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts!
Desert safaris
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on a captivating expedition through Uyuni’s mesmerising landscapes, including the enchanting Train Cemetery, dazzling salt flats, vibrant lagoons, and striking geologic formations. Witness spectacular wildlife like flamingos, relax in soothing thermal waters, and spend immersive nights in the singular salt hotel and a remote hostel. This journey promises a blend of natural wonders and cultural richness, offering an unforgettable experience.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Join us on this 5-day trip to the Colombian Amazon and get the chance to experience the stunning beauty and rich biodiversity of the world's largest tropical rainforest. The Amazon region makes up over a third of Colombia's total area and is home to a mind-blowing array of animal and plant species.
Start this trip with a pickup service from Leticia Airport to Tanimboca Natural Reserve. Go out on a nocturnal hike through the forest and see the animals that hide during the day. Walk through the forest to visit the Huitotos, an indigenous community living in the area.
Take a boat to Marasha, a natural reserve located in the Peruvian territory, and enjoy seeing a variety of wildlife before making your way to Mocagua, in Colombia. Walk through the forest and see woolly monkeys and other animal species. Travel to Parque Santander in Leticia to see thousands of parakeets and other birds.
Go beyond sightseeing and experience the Amazon in fun, active and exciting ways. Enjoy zip lining on the final day of the trip and fly from canopy to canopy before making your way back to Leticia Airport. For more about this trip, please go through the itinerary below.
Discover the ancient wonders of Easter Island with an immersive adventure that showcases iconic moai statues, volcanic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Embark on guided tours to Rano Raraku, Orongo Ceremonial Village, and Anakena Beach, uncovering the mysteries of this remote Pacific island. Enjoy unique encounters with local traditions, folklore, and breathtaking natural beauty. This unforgettable journey offers a perfect blend of history, stunning vistas, and authentic experiences, making it a must-visit for travel enthusiasts seeking extraordinary destinations.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
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
Easter Island, Ahu Akivi, Anaken
Easter Island, Ahu Akivi, Anakena Beach, Orongo, Hanga Roa
