"For a first time tour by Miru/Inside…"

For a first time tour by Miru/Inside Expeditions, Bolivia/Chile was a unique and exceptional trip. It was well planned and executed thanks to Rich Pagen. His inclusion of Ralph Eshelman with his knowledge of Bolivia and geology was an excellent choice for a lecturer. Condor Travel was superior for in-country logistics. Their experience showed in the quality of the guides, transport, hotels, and activities selected for this trip that were all important and seamless throughout the itinerary. Gonzalo, Wilber, and Yasu were each experts in the their jobs as lecturers, coordinators, and as helpful fellow travelers. The drivers were also top-notch. A long road trip avoiding delays or flat tires was evidence of their skill and knowledge. It was greatly appreciated the extra effort on Rich’s part to plan ahead and pre-order meals to save time.

The highlight of the trip for us was really the entire cross-country route over the Altiplano from Sucre to Calama. It was special to be in Sucre for Independence Day festivities, to visit the Mint and mine in Potosi, and to experience Tarabuco on market day. Tarabuco was a good substitution as it has an authentic market as opposed to the touristy Calle de Bruhas in La Paz. It is a center of textiles and has a very good tourist restaurant as well. It might be good to have a textile lecturer or visit the textile museum in Sucre for a future trip. However, individually, it was the great Salar de Uyuni that was the major attraction that didn’t disappoint. The island and lunch on the salt flat was spectacular.

The only minor disappointments were missing the Jaen Street museums in La Paz and the observatory in Chile. As a suggestion, the visit to Valley of the Moon might be moved before lunch or even eliminated. It was not an important site in learning about La Paz and Bolivia. I understand the use of ‘observatory’ in the itinerary was in error. However, along with the Salar, it had attracted us to this itinerary and we had looked forward in seeing one of the high altitude observatories in Chile. It may be better to drive out into the desert for a full view of the night sky rather than the visit to the local astronomer. While the concept was good, it was distracting within the town and difficult to understand the lecturer’s speech.

It was pleasure to travel with such an intrepid group. While the trip was adventurous, it was not difficult. However, given the age and size of the group, there were some challenges. Rich and Ralph gave extra care so that everyone could participate and feel successful. It was a credit to the experience of the whole group that made this journey such a positive experience.

"More accurate descriptions "

Rich, Ralph and the group of travelers made the trip awesome. However, the written descriptions of some of the activities, were very inaccurate. For example, the “gentle hike” on Sun Island was inaccurate. It was an arduous hike arriving a a lovely ecolodge at 14,000 feet. One day on 4 by 4s was included in the description, but it was actually three long days on very rough terrain.
Our group ranged in age between 67 and 90. We accomplished it all with big smiles, but the description should be amended to reflect reality.

"A wonderful surprise of a destination!"

Our trip to Bolivia and the Atacama Desert was really great for so many reasons! The itinerary was fascinating and gave us an excellent overview of the country. The activities were varied so there was always something fascinating to see or do. I loved seeing LaPaz from the cable cars, staying in the oldest hacienda in Bolivia, seeing the Uyuni salt flats, staying at a beautiful hotel made of salt and experiencing the surreal beauty of the high mountain environment of Bolivia and Chile. We saw lots of amazing wildlife in unusual settings, including rheas, vicuñas, viscachas and 3 species of flamingo. Most of our local guides were very good. Our tour of the mint in Potosi was excellent! One of the highlights of the trip. It was also great to be in Sucre on Bolivian Independence Day and see the parades and celebrations. The trip was a great mix of cultural tourism, scenery and wildlife.

"We so enjoy travelling with Rich and…"

We so enjoy travelling with Rich and Kristin. They are well informed, helpful, easy going, and they laugh at most of our jokes, i.e. they both have a great sense of humor.

"Traveling with Rich and Kristin…"

As always traveling with Rich and Kristin is informative, extremely pleasant, entertaining and they actually are extremely concerned about how the trip is going and trying to make it as good as possible.
I feel safe going with them and know it will be great time.

"Everything about it was well done and…"

Everything about it was well done and the food was delicious!
Couldn't ask for better!!!

"Great safari"

Great leader and fantastic safari experience

"Noel's review"

Personnel their knowledge and attitude.
Lex
The guides
The employees of every place we stayed.
And number one: The animals
I am 83 and this was by far the best vacation I have ever been on.

"Miru is Awesome!!"

Miru informed us about everything we would need for our trip--scheduling, documents, vaccinations, weather, packing--it made it very simple. This, in addition to, planning a fabulous trip. Our guide, the accommodations, the locations and travel connections were all first class. We enjoyed every minute.

"7777"

I thought it was a wonderful experience, as it was my first trip to the Asian continent.
The logistics of the team and the crew of the Champa Pawda were excellent.
The guides were very attentive and cordial, their leader Richard attended us with warm joy, enjoying the trip with the group, being one more.