January 2001 Spring Discovery Across South America
Witness nature's awakening with over 2,000 spring tours across South America in January 2001. Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, and comfortable temperatures make this ideal for exploration, backed by 4,600 spring travelers.
What an amazing trip, couldnt fault a thing! From start to finish, it was organised so well and our tour guide was so knowledgeable. A gentle introduction to Brazilian life on the beautiful island of Marajo with its golden beaches and buffalo was a great idea.
The public ferry was pretty basic but gave a glimpse of river life, relaxing on a hammock as we sailed up the Amazon. Yes, the food was plain and a bit repetitive but it was freshly cooked, tasty and plenty of it.
Santarem was a delight, just like a seaside resort. The jungle hike there was a bit tough (but so worth it!) with a local guide showing us all the ways the plants and trees are used by the local people, and a swim in a cool stream was most welcome.
The private boat trip was fabulous; sleeping on deck listening to the sounds of the night-time jungle, canoe rides to see the wildlife, fishing for piranha and another hike were exciting. The food on the boat was superb!
TV programmes on the Amazon just don't cover the scale and magnificence of the river and jungle so if you're looking for adventure, maybe a little outside your comfort zone, then go for it. For me, this was the trip of a lifetime!
WildlifeActive and outdoor
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
Rio de Janeiro, Belém, Manaus, R
Rio de Janeiro, Belém, Manaus, Rio Negro, Marajo Island, Santarem, Alter Do Chao
Fabulous trip and our Explore leader Diego was the best we have encountered, he was just brilliant, we have never met a leader who was so suited to the job, he was just as excited as us about the things we saw and experienced along the way. Jasmine in northern Argentina also deserves a special mention. We saw so much on this trip. It was indeed fast paced as warned, lots of beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Though don't worry, time also for naps en route. However, warning, the scenery everywhere is so stunning, you really won't want to close your eyes and miss any of it! So hard to pick out highlights - however, we were lucky to have water in the Uyuni salt flats which were spectacular, we loved San Pedro and the sights around the town as well as Pumamarca and of course the mining town and market we visited in Bolivia. Make sure you book an optional star gazing tour around San Pedro if you can because the stars are incredible as is the Milky Way. Oh, and the day of wine tasting, also spectacular. Honestly, we loved all of this trip. if you can stay an extra night in Santiago, please do, as there is lots to see there! The elevation was handled carefully so that you don't elevate too quickly and you can adjust. We will never forget this trip! Thank you so much Diego!
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The trek was very well organized from the beginning to end. I was quite nervous to do it but the team was very motivating and attentive, which I really appreciated. The guide was very informative and the food was great.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Venture to the shores of Lake Titicaca on the "Lake Titicaca & Isla del Sol Explorer 3D/2N (La Paz to Cuzco)" adventure trip. Over three days, travel from La Paz to Cusco, passing through the mystical Isla del Sol and the cultural heartlands of Bolivia and Peru. Guided small-group activities include boat rides on the world’s highest navigable lake, explorations of ancient Inca ruins, and immersive visits with local communities—offering a blend of relaxation and hands-on discovery. Young adults and experienced travelers will appreciate the relaxed yet enriching pace, while the standout feature is the rare opportunity to experience two vibrant cultures on one seamless journey through the Andes.
AdventureExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
CharlieTheTraveler does such an excellent job balancing out trips, such as this Costa Rica trip. I enjoyed the balance between active daytrips and daytrips that allowed me to relax and enjoy my time away. This was the perfect vacation for me and something I would not have been able to plan on my own.
We loved our trip to Costa Rica/Panama and it was a perfect mix of tours and time on our own. The guides were all great and the hotels (including breakfast) all good -- one less so but not bad... Highly recommend this trip!
National parksWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Panama City, San Jose, Panama Ca
Panama City, San Jose, Panama Canal, Soberanía National Park, Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio
Thanks for everything !!! This trip was just perfect. This was my first cruise ever and I loved it. I thought the stop at Port Lockroy was the icing on the cake. I was really worried that we would not be able to stop there as I didn't know if it was a sure thing or not. But we went there and I got a TON of souvenirs. I hope to travel with this tour operator in the near future. Thanks again !!!!!!!
Cruise
Tour Type
Cruise Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Antarctic Peninsul
Buenos Aires, Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia, Drake Passage
We loved the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Sarapiqui River tour! La Paz is beyond beautiful with orchids, hummingbirds, frogs, toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots, coatis, sloths, ocelots, margays, and a jaguar. The gardens and waterfalls are exquisite. A wonderful buffet lunch was included.
Our trip down the Sarapiqui River in a covered boat was so much fun! We saw two caimans, iguanas, Anhingas, swallows, butterflies, and five troops of Mantled Howler monkeys.
Oscar and Armando, our guide and driver were so kind and taught us so much. We stopped at a lovely coffee finca to see the beans ripening, a sopa (local restaurant) in the mountains to take in spectacular waterfall and hummingbird views, we watched whitewater rafters, and sampled fresh pineapple at a farmstand.
Oscar and Armando treated us like family and made our first day in Costa Rica amazing!
National parksRaftingVolcanoes
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Eco Lodge, Resort
Age Range
8-79 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Pa
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Orosi, La Fortuna, Cahuita National Park
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
