"FIVE STARS to Southern Exploration & Galapagos"

Marisa at Southern Explorations gave wonderful guidance to plan our Galapagos vacation. My wife and I are experienced travelers; however, traveling through Ecuador and aligned with the National Park operators definitely required proven experience! The Tip Top V crew was professional and welcoming, and our Park Guide, Nancy, was quite expert. We also benefitted from calm seas, perfect temperatures, and all flights “on-time”. Arriving a day in advance to enjoy Quito (and have a 24 hr buffer in case of delays) was great advice and our Quito hotel stay and old city tour very worthwhile. I did not appreciate Quito is 9,000’ elevation! Marisa and Southern Explorations arranged all the “pre” and “post” Galapagos stays and logistics and the on-site service for all was top notch. If you are in the mood to visit the Galapagos, certainly we give Marisa/Southern Explorations and Tip Top our highest recommendation.

"A perfectly tailored trip chalk-full of experiences!"

Marissa listened to us and planned our itinerary accordingly. After sharing an initial draft, she tweaked it a bit to make it perfect. Our trip was chalk-full of interesting and unique experiences, which is exactly how we like to travel. The excursions were wonderful, as were the guides, and we'd happily contact Southern Explorations again in the near future!

"A little screw up with the Kayaking."

A little screw up with the Kayaking.

"Peru trip to Lima, Cusco, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu"

The guides we were lucky enough to get were Antonio and Darwin, they made the trip so enjoyable. They are extremely outgoing, friendly and knowledgeable. We did white water rafting, steel ladders and zip lining, climb the Inca trail, Machu Picchu and a full day of community service at two local schools. It was beautiful and amazing. We traveled with 8 teenaged boys.

"Patagonia Plus"

Southern Explorations (SA) customized our itinerary to meet all of our interests and their downloadable portal was a great reference tool throughout the trip. The transfers, accommodations, guides, and excursions were excellent and the guides went out of their way to make sure we had the experience we were wanting. This was our second trip with SA and we'll gladly use them again if our travel plans take us back to South America and we've also referred them to others.

"Repeat customer "

I just finished my sixth trip with Southern Explorations, and looking at possibilities for trip number seven. Always an amazing experience!

"Great customer service"

Great customer service

"Marissa was awesome"

Marissa was awesome. She was so patient with our many questions and many changes to the itinerary. She made great suggestions and the trip worked out flawlessly. And we were thrilled with the guides and excursions that she set up for us. Cannot say enough good things! AWESOME!!!!

"The trip was well-organized and…"

The trip was well-organized and well-paced. The guides, especially in Bariloche, were excellent! They were able to pivot and provide an alternative hike/activity when the original first-day hiking trail was closed due to rain the previous day.
The hotels were well-situated and comfortable.

"Amazing Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Experience"

My family of four that includes two teenagers had a wonderful time in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco. Southern Explorations coordinated everything perfectly allowing us to just have fun. Jose Luis was an incredible guide with an enormous depth and breadth of knowledge about Inca culture, architecture and the surrounding environment, flora, fauna as well as life in general in Peru. Really amazing once in a lifetime trip!!!!