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
1-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
La Paz, Potosi, Uyuni, Copacaban
La Paz, Potosi, Uyuni, Copacabana, Sucre, El Alto, Yumani, Villamar, Bolivia, Silolio Dykuma, Tomasamil
Fantastic trip the organisation was brilliant from start to finish (including booking arrangements). A very well thought out and well planned holiday. It hit all the buttons!
Local culture
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
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Halong Bay, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An
I have been dreaming of traveling to Turkey for a long time. I had initially booked this tour in 2020 and clearly it had to be cancelled. Five years later, my expectations were exceeded by this tour. The rich history, culture, the food and the beautiful people of Turkey— this is a trip not to be missed!
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, Guest House, Resort
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Canakkale, Ayvalık, Se
Istanbul, Canakkale, Ayvalık, Selçuk, Pamukkale
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A new trip that exceeded expectations. Early starts for birds and sunrises and fascinating insights ( and climbs!) into Mayan culture, finishing with Caribbean laid back vibe and a day swimming with nurse sharks and rays!
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, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Belize City, Hol Chan Marine Res
Belize City, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Guatemala City, Tikal
As seasoned travelers, we’ve done many tours around the world, but the Royal Tour of Egypt stands out as one of the best. Every detail was spot-on, from our personalized welcome at the airport to the final transfer back.
Our guide, Hossam, was a true gem patient, funny, and deeply passionate about his country’s history. He took care of us like family, and we never once felt like "just another group."
The Nile cruise was elegant and peaceful, with attentive staff and outstanding food. Every meal was beautifully presented, and the hospitality was unmatched.
Even logistics like internal flights, transfers, and hotel check-ins were handled smoothly. We didn’t have to worry about a single thing.
This tour gave us more than just beautiful photos — it gave us a true connection to Egypt. Thank you for an incredible journey!
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
1-85 yrs
Operated in
english, french, german, italian, spanish
Destinations
Giza, Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Memph
Giza, Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Memphis, Valley Of The Kings, Kom Ombo, Abu Simbel
We spent 2 weeks (April 2023) of dreams with the route offered by this travel specialist in southern Ethiopia.
Accompanied by an excellent driver with a very comfortable 4x4 car and a guide fluent in English and French and rich in very broad knowledge of his country, its history, the many different tribes, the fauna, religions, different climates, climate, a real walking bible! We shared 10 days with these two very nice people and the many exchanges were friendly. A delight.
We particularly liked the visits to the different tribes (Dorze, Mursi, Karo, Arbore, Hamer, Sidama and others) where we could share the preparation and their meal, the coffee ceremonies and even their dances.
The different lodges for the night were all of very good quality and we really regret that actually only few tourists choose to travel through this beautiful country and its many ethnic groups so different and happy to share their daily life.
Betty and Yaye prepared our journeys over 10 days and we had only very good surprises, everything far exceeded our initial expectations.
Thanks again to Hailu and Fisch for allowing us to find ourselves in a different world, poor but very humble and welcoming.
Michèle et Gérald / Switzerland
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
6-65 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Gondar, L
Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Gondar, Lake Tana, Jinka, Turmi, Arba Minch, Chamo Lake, Bahir Dar, Simien Mountains National Park, Axum, Lake Langano
Just returned from.this Mongolia trip. It was a wonderful holiday. Mongolia is vast and fascinating. The holiday was made more enjoyable and informative by our guide MG. The Eagle Festival was unbelievable. 120 eagle hunters with their beautiful Golden Eagles.
Local culture
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
Ulaanbaatar, Khustain Nuruu Nati
Ulaanbaatar, Khustain Nuruu National Park, Ugii Lake, Erdene Zuu Monastery, Olgii, Terelj National Park, Dalanzadgad, Bayanzag, Khongoryn Els, Bayan Gobi, Arvaikheer, Kharkhorin
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