"We are very grateful to Kaitlyn for…"

We are very grateful to Kaitlyn for reshuffling our trip three years in a row with professionalism grace and enthusiasm (due to Covid); what a spectacular trip we’ve experienced with magical Machu Picchu, the Galapagos and hacienda Zuleta as our highlights. We were very lucky to be traveling with Jose Luis as our Peruvian guide who (together with our driver Fausto) made this the most memorable trip. Passionate, extremely knowledgeable and chivalrous, Jose guided us to the not to miss sites of the Sacred Valley, stepping off the train for our one day hike along the mountain range towards the sacred Machu Picchu site which we first visited in the afternoon light; a place so majestic it should be on everyone’s bucket list. If you get the opportunity, this team will prepare a trip for you and your family which you will never forget.

"Climbing Climbing Climbing!"

All went well. The trek was as advertised. The trek was challenging yet equally rewarding. All of the s-b-venders were timing and supportive. Milton in particular when above and beyond the call of duty. One comment correction. The drive from the end of our hike was more like 3+ hours to the estimated 2hrs. lastly, we only had one full day in Lima and a particular hotel was recommended. It was not in he old town area and in hindsight, if you only have one day I would suggest recommending a hotel in that area. All in all a trip to remember and we were very satisfied with the work by Southern Explorations putting it together. We really like Peru and expect to return.

"outstanding tour company."

outstanding tour company.
Everything from guides, to hotels, meals and transfers, were excellent.
highly recommend this company.

"The logistics were all well planned and…"

The logistics were all well planned and executed. The Quito guide was excellent, and tours interesting. The Anahi crew and guide Jo-el were friendly and knowledgeable. The activities were fun and interesting. Altogether an outstanding experience!

"Southern Explorations was recommended…"

Southern Explorations was recommended to us by friends, and I am so grateful to them. They were helpful every step of the way, which covered more than three years due to the pandemic. Our Galapagos trip was all we’d hoped and they remained helpful to the very end, despite COVID throwing a wrench in the works. They really went above and beyond expectations and I would recommend them to anyone planning a trip to South America or Antarctica.

"I was part of a group that had booked a…Galapagos cruise"

I was part of a group that had booked a trip back in 2019 to the Galapagos as well as some day trips while in Quito for May 2020. With the pandemic, the trip was cancelled for two years. Southern Explorations, together with their partners in Ecuador made good on our trip for 2022 with some minor price increases. We can't say enough how thoughtful and professional this organization is and, in particular, Marissa. She guided us through the initial cancellation and keep us informed as to conditions in Ecuador in 2021. We just completed our travels last week and unfortunately, a number of us were diagnosed with COVID at the end of the trip. Southern Explorations negotiated a better rate at the airport hotel where many of our group were staying before flying out as well as meals. They also were able to cancel a day trip outside of Quito for those who were staying on longer.They really came through for us. I would highly recommend working with Southern Explorations.

"Southern Explorations and our guide…"

Southern Explorations and our guide were phenomenal! Our guide took such good care of us and always made sure we were happy with the plan and that we felt OK. One of the people in my group got altitude sickness the first day and our guide made sure she got an oxygen treatment at our hotel, which treated her altitude sickness completely and did not have any more issues for the rest of our trip. Patricia, our guide, was very watchful of how we felt and how we were doing on the steep and narrow trails at very high altitudes. She was knowledgeable and I learned a lot from her about the area and the Incas. Also, there were a couple of things that I wanted to take back as souvenirs and our guide, Patricia, and driver made sure I was able to get them.

Thank you for the awesome trip. I will use Southern Explorations again if I decide on another trip to South America. Maybe Patagonia???

"After waiting 3.5 years to take this…"

After waiting 3.5 years to take this trip, it was even better than imagined. Southern explorations worked with us over the time to reschedule the trip several times due to Covid 19. It was all top notch,from the meeting at the airport, local guides, air reservations, hotel and of course the boat in the Galapagos. We could not have asked for more.

"Communicate promptly and helpful in…"

Communicate promptly and helpful in organizing our tour to the Galapagos.

"Southern Explorations Does South America Well"

We enjoyed our trip to Peru and Ecuador arranged through Southern Explorations. Our guides were so knowledgeable! And spoke excellent English. The hotels were excellent and SE's handling of logistics- i.e. being met at the airport and delivered to the right place- was wonderful. The sites chosen for our tour were interesting and added to our understanding of both the history and culture of the countries. They were able to be flexible in adding a tour in Cusco at the last minute, and made enjoyable substitutions to the day when we were not feeling up to climbing the very steep Huayna Picchu.
My only reservations were about the cruise of the Galapagos, which was less under SE's control. Having one guide for a mixed Spanish/English group of 16 people didn't work well, especially as the guide didn't divide his time well. And there were no naturalist lectures included on our boat. Otherwise, I would heartily recommend SE for your South American travels. They have done it for a long time and they do it well.