They say it’s the tour leader who makes or breaks a trip, and for me, this couldn’t be truer. Luis Flores brought this whirlwind adventure to life with his warmth, kindness, passion for his country, and enduring patience—all matched by his brilliant, boyish sense of humour, which was a bonus. Behind the company logo is a man of immense grace and generosity—a true superstar in countless subtle ways. He’s not just someone who leads you through a place but someone who helps you connect with its soul and its people.
This trip was a vibrant tapestry of breathtaking sights, iconic landmarks, and mouthwateringly delicious cuisine (with portions that were often humongous—wear stretchy trousers!). Add to that the genuine, heartwarming hospitality of the people we met, and it was an experience like no other.
The long, scenic drives became opportunities to daydream out the window, snooze in readiness for the next adventure (or “meditate,” as Luis fondly called these sleepy and quiet moments), or share conversations that added even more richness to the journey—or, occasionally, for me to ask, “Are we nearly there?”
Was it perfect? No. Could some things have been better? Yes, of course. But I came hoping for an authentic, enriching experience—and that’s precisely what I got.
If you’re considering this trip, come with an open mind and heart and be ready to let the magic unfold. Drink in the numerous sensorial moments of wonder. There are so many “wow, wow, wow” moments—turning a corner and seeing something genuinely magnificent alongside enchanting flora and fauna (sadly, no jaguars made an appearance). For me, this was a genuinely enriching and transformative journey.
In all honesty, I was hesitant to book after a really disappointing experience with an Explore guide earlier this year. It felt like a huge risk to trust you again, especially since this was a 2-week trip and tour leaders are beyond your control. But I’m so glad I did and am deeply grateful for the experience.
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Mexico City, Belize City, Palenq
Mexico City, Belize City, Palenque, Flores, Tikal, San Ignacio, Oaxaca, Tehuantepec
23% OFF TODAY
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Lima and Santiago bookended this trip. The small cities and towns we visited were more to my taste. La Paz was special in part because of a very good city tour largely on the cable card.
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, Resort, Guest House
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Santiago, Lima, La Paz, Sucre, P
Santiago, Lima, La Paz, Sucre, Potosi, Uyuni, Salar De Uyuni, San Pedro De Atacama, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Puno
32% OFF TODAY
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I absolutely would recommend this trip to anyone. It is a very active tour because you are on the go all of the time, but we saw and experienced so much. I got just enough of a taste to want to return. I would also recommend adding at least a day, or two, before and after the tour.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Victoria Falls, Windhoek, Dekar
Victoria Falls, Windhoek, Dekar, Maun, Okavango Delta, Nata, Kasane
27% OFF TODAY
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The guys transporting us were really punctual, courteous, and kept us safe. Lino in Pompeii was fantastic! Nicola & Micaela were so hospitable and some of the best food I had in my 3 weeks in Italy was at Sant’ Alfonso Agriturismo. Everybody was top-notch on this trip, however, Vincenzo was the most exceptional Tour Leader and really made the experience unforgettable! He was personable, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable on all topics (with impeccable English)! He made the tour educational, entertaining, and memorable. He went above and beyond by assisting tour group members even on his own personal time. He helped individuals with post-tour travel plans, catching the right trains, and directing them on how to mail postcards to the USA. When the group expressed interest in doing an activity together on our free day, Vincenzo orchestrated a last-minute tour of a cheese making facility and a limoncello factory. He even spent his down time taking a few of us to a restaurant in Sorrento that was less touristy and popular among the locals. We were so grateful for this experience and for the cultural humility he espoused. It was evident that solo hiking and the resulting self evaluation have garnered him much wisdom and have tailored him to be an inspiring mentor. It was special to see him in his element as he prepared us for and led us on a hike on the Amalfi Coast. When someone is doing what they love, it always shows and is a gift to others involved. By the end of the trip he felt like an old friend! We will miss his storytelling and charisma!
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa, Guest House
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Amalfi Coast & Campania, Naples
Amalfi Coast & Campania, Naples, Furore
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The best. It suited me. Lovely walks, lovely food, historical locations, wonderful guide. I loved the local input - visits to the farms, bakery. A visit to a working Truli house would have been a plus ( very touristy visit to Alberobello) and the last walk could have been more varied scenically. Could have stayed much longer in Matera! Altogether it was the best trip I’ve done with Explore. It helped having a lovely group too.
Where next?
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bari, Altamura, Matera, Cisterni
Bari, Altamura, Matera, Cisternino, Monopoli
22% OFF TODAY
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Our accommodation in Rio Bamba was terrible, I felt I could not use the shower as it was so dilapidated. We only had one towel that had already been ripped in half. We felt it would have been hygenically unsafe to use the 'restaurant' and went out for breakfast. We were unsure why we went to Rio Bamba as it was not a nice place and it felt unsafe at night. Apart from 4 nights the accommodation was quite good. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and spoke to us for most of the time during the coach journeys. Nothing was too much trouble for him to do for us. The itinerary was very good apart from Rio Bamba (which should have been avoided) and a wasted last day in Quito. We could have caught an earlier flight to Quito, from Cuenca, the next day and not spent another day in a hotel that is a long way from Quito city which we had already explored.. Also it would have been better to have flown from Cuenca on the early morning flight to Quito then straight to Bogota and the to LHR.
Active and outdoorExplorer
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, Guayaquil, Riobamba, Cuen
Quito, Guayaquil, Riobamba, Cuenca, Otavalo, Peguche, Cotopaxi National Park, Tena, Misahualli, Misicocha, Banos
22% OFF TODAY
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I had a wonderful time traveling with G to Colombia. The CEOs were wonderful, and G always seems to attract likeminded travellers who I thoroughly enjoy my time with. As a 30-something year old woman, I completely recommend taking a Classic tour, as there is a wonderful mix of age ranges that add so much character to the tour. The tour to Colombia included a great mix of smaller towns and larger cities, and I felt the pacing was perfect. While the accommodations could be improved, I had such a wonderful time, and would highly recommend the tour to others.
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, Villa, Guest House
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bogota, Santa Marta, Cartagena
Bogota, Santa Marta, Cartagena, Minca, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, Taganga, Armenia, Salento, Medellin
22% OFF TODAY
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A thoroughly comprehensive tour taking in Vietnam from north to south. The standard of the hotels was very good, the Pu Luong retreat lovely and the homestay in the Mekong delta well worth experiencing. There was just about enough walking to call it a "walking holiday" although I would have happily done a little bit more. The group (9 clients) was a lovely size enabling a good camaraderie. Leader (Wonn - phonetic spelling) was well organised and informative about fauna and flora. Would have liked to learn more about the culture. Would happily do another trip with Explore.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Home-stay, Guest House
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, My Son
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, My Son Sanctuary, Mekong Delta, Pu Luong, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An
23% OFF TODAY
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Had a great tour leader - Rene- who gave a wonderful insight into Nicaragua.
The itinerary unfortunately was affected by the incessant rain and Rene had to alter it as we went along. Disappointingly we could not do (or see) any of the volcano activities, and wildlife viewing was marred by the constant heavy rain.
All of the included activities ( boat rides, coffee farm, chocolate making, farm tour, local lunches at communities etc), were EXCELLENT. As were the optional things we could do (that were not rain affected!!) - eg boat trip on Lake Nicaragua.
Love the fact Nicaragua is still developing as a tourist destination and isn't spoilt (yet). Enjoyed my own time for a few days in Granada prior to joining the trip.
Felt that the last day was a bit of a "dead" day as we all waited around for airport transfers.
Accommodation
- Hotel Los Balcones was substandard- not clean, standard of breakfast and staff less than ideal. Do not recommend this place at all.
- Selva ***** Ecolodge was lovely in a beautiful setting.
- Hotel Pacaya Lodge was exceptional!
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Managua, Granada, Selva Negra Cl
Managua, Granada, Selva Negra Cloud Forest Reserve, Laguna De Apoyo Nature Reserve, Mombacho Volcano National Preserve, Isla Ometepe, Leon, Reserva Natural Isla Juan Venado
22% OFF TODAY
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