SouthAmerica.travel Reviews & Client Testimonials

110 Prefontaine Pl S, Suite 506 Seattle, Washington 98104

Well we are back home now and almost recovered from the 20+ hour trip home. We had a wonderful time, the itinerary was great and the details were handled flawlessly. From the time we first arrived in Buenos Aires until we left Lima 26 days later everything went exactly as you planned. The numerous guides we had were professional, helpful and extremely knowledgeable. The hotels were excellent, well situated, spotlessly clean and very comfortable. Val and I greatly enjoyed Iguazu Falls and the Sheraton Hotel while our travelling companions found a bike tour of BA and had a great time. We all loved going into the rainforest and are convinced you steered us well in recommending Refugio Amazonas. We really enjoyed the facility and most of all our guide, Aldo, he totally took us under his wing and went out of his way to ensure we had the best possible experience.
And of course the Machu Piccu tour was unbelievable. From the tour of Cuzco, through the Sacred Valley, to the train ride to Aguas Calientes and then on to MP, everything came together exactly as layed out despite the very tight time lines we had (exacerbated by a 11/2 hr. flight delay out of Peurto Maldonado to Cuzco). Obviously no one should ever venture to Peru without seeing Machu Piccu, it's simply amazing.
The only hitch in the entire trip was the confusion regarding our internal flight segments. However I have to say the LAN airport staff in Lima were fantastic, as was your representative who went out of his way to ensure no further hassle by going to the airport the next day and securing our boarding passes to ensure we would have no problem, definitely above and beyond what was required or expected.
So thank you Rebecca for doing such a fantastic job, I will highly recommend SouthAmerica.travel and especially yourself to anyone planning a similar trip.

Written by: John B.

South American Tour to Peru, Iguazu, and Argentina

Date published: 04/19/2013

4.5 / 5 stars

Just a note to tell you how fabulous were the arrangements you made for us and the Walkers. The guides were exceptional, as well. Thank you for wonderful service. We will definitely recommend you and your company.

Written by: Donna & John G

South American Tour

Date published: 04/19/2013

5 / 5 stars

We returned today from an absolutely incredible adventure, everything went like a dream and I wanted to thank you for all the effort you put in to making this trip happen. As long as you remain my contact I will definately be making my plans to do the rest of the continent over the next few years...... dont go anywhere!

Written by: Nick Jackets

Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

Date published: 03/18/2013

5 / 5 stars

I just wanted to thank you for arranging the trip of a lifetime and also provide you with some feedback on the unbelievable trip that we experienced. After spending our first night in the Hotel in Lima (which was quiet lovely and a welcome sight after a long day of travel) we set out the next day for our stay in the Rain Forest. We were met at the Puerto Maldonado Airport by the staff of the Lodge and taken to a rest centre which was not only lovely but included a live Butterfly Exhibit.

We were transported by car and boat to the lodge and staffs were only too happy to provide a guided tour on route. THE LODGE WAS AMAZING. It is in a wonderful location and we were blown away by our room which included hammocks, deck chairs, our own cooling pool with a screened roof for star gazing and a multitude of wonderful amenities. Sitting by candle light listening to the sound of the animals and birds was just incredible. Further, every meal was a delight and the staff went above and beyond to ensure that our stay was memorable.

The next day we had the pleasure of meeting our guide Hugo. He took us a tour of the river, lagoon and a walking tour of the jungle. After lunch we did the rainforest canopy tour which was an experience we will never forget. Hugo went above and beyond to ensure that every question was answered and that we got the most out of rainforest experience. He is a real asset to the lodge. The next day it was off to Cusco where we were welcomed at the Monasterio Hotel. We were given a suite which included a second floor living room. The food, drink, service, accommodation and staff are exceptional bar none. Dad and I both travel frequently and we both felt that this was the best service we have ever experienced.

In Cusco we were met by our host Carlos who was extremely helpful. He introduced us to our guide for the Inca trail Rueben Soto. Rueben spent a day taking up to other Inca sights, a couple of animal sanctuaries a tour of the country side, he took us for lunch and then shopping. He was a delight to be with and was able to answer all of our questions.

The next day we set off for the trek to Machu Picchu. I have never participated in anything as hard as this was in my life. If it was not for Rueben’s patience and encouragement I would not have completed this task. It is an accomplishment that I do not take lightly and wouldn’t have missed for the world. All the staff (porters, cooks etc.) were wonderful. The meals were excellent (when I had enough energy to eat them). I can’t put in words the feeling that came over me the fourth morning coming of the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu below. I cannot say enough about the kindness and generosity that Rueben displayed. My Dad lost his glasses during the trek and Rueben was able to locate them and return them to us on his own time back in Cusco. We will never forget him.

Our stay at the Sanctuary Hotel in Machu Picchu was the icing on the cake. The staff makes this one of the finest hotels I have ever day the pleasure of staying at. The Orient Express Hotel Chain now has a client that will seek out these fine hotels every time we travel. The standards they set and the quality of care is matched by none. Our room was not ready when we arrived at 900 am so we were put in a day room in the orchid garden. We were able to shower, eat, relax and organize our belongings in a private area with beautiful surroundings. Again the food was out of this world.

Then it was off to Lima, the Casa Andina Private Collection hotel was very nice. We took a private tour of Lima and saw some incredible sights. The staffs in the Hotel were very friendly and helpful. Our room had a nice view and was very large. Something that was very convenient at all of the hotels was the ability to leave the majority of your luggage in a secure location and just take an overnight bag for the various excursions. It is a very helpful and practical provision.

Our final adventure in our trip was to Paracas to see the Nasca Lines. We stayed at the Double Tree Resort which is in a beautiful location on the Pacific Ocean. We had a suite right on the beach. My only complaint was that the staff was not as friendly were not trained properly and overall the service was not great. I have to say we were a little disappointed probably because we had gotten so used to being spoiled.

We loved the airplane ride over the Nasca Lines and it was enhanced by the fact that our tour guide in Lima also named Carlos, had provided us with a history of the lines and how they had been discovered. Again I cannot thank everyone involved in planning this trip enough. Bucket List checked and invaluable memories obtained.

Written by: Cindy McDonald

Custom Peru Tour

Date published: 03/28/2013

5 / 5 stars

From time to time Ann & I thought of you during our trip as we thought about the detailed planning which had obviously gone into it from your end. We had a wonderful time. All of the plans worked like clockwork.

We did not realise that the transfers from airports and buses would largely be in the form of a driver and a guide. We had assumed it would have been a transfer on a more group like bus or van. However it was certainly a treat to have the individual attention and to be whisked off to our accommodation without delay, especially when we arrived in centres after long trips or when it was late at night (or very early in the morning!).

Without exception the guides we had were very good and they went out of their way to make sure we were properly signed into our accommodation or had boarded the correct bus or plane.

We were pleased to have the quality seats on our long bus trip from Nasca (as it happened we were the only passengers on the lower deck of the bus!). We also enjoyed the silver service on the train from Puno to Cusco.

Our accommodation throughout was of higher quality than we expected. We even had occasions when we were upgraded to suites which was exceptionally nice. Hotel staff were always obliging.

Thank you very much indeed for the work you did to bring together our very enjoyable holiday which we will remember for ever.

Written by: Stephen and Ann Paterson

Custom Peru Tour

Date published: 03/28/2013

5 / 5 stars

We are just back from the 6 weeks travel around South America (Ecuador, Galapagos, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brasil) organized by South America Travel. This was a fantastic experience to us. We enjoyed very much the wonders of nature and culture, and the friendliness of people of all the countries visited. The success of the tour was, to a large extent, the result of its excellent organization by the South America Travel, and friendly, quick, professional and efficient assistance of Izabela, both while planning the tour and during our travel. Many thanks, Izabela!

Written by: Michal & Bozena Krzyzanowski

Custom South America Tour

Date published: 01/16/2013

5 / 5 stars

Our trip was awesome. We liked Iguazu Falls and Machu Picchu the most. The tour guides, and people in South America in general, were very friendly. And our hotels were comfortable. Even at places that I had worried about the most before our trip, I was very surprised to find the tree house hotel, and the hotel in Sacred Valley very unique (and comfortable). At first I felt like we had quite a couple of afternoons that we didn't have any scheduled activities, but I realized later in the trip that we either needed the time to rest or would love to have some free time to wander on the street ;)

Written by: Meng Tao

Custom Peru and Iguazu Falls Tour

Date published: 03/28/2013

5 / 5 stars

You did an incredible job of working out the itinerary. All of the people that met us and acted as our guides were first rate. They took very good care of us and made sure that Nancy and I (and our bags) were on our way to the next destination. It was very comforting to have them there. There were no miss-steps; each transition from city to city went very smoothly. We'd like to give special recognition and thanks to Abril Dauphin (Karina Juares) who stayed with Nancy while she recovered from the flight over Nazca. Abril spoke to the people at the front desk at the hotel and arranged for us to checkout later than normal. It gave Nancy some time to get her legs back and settle her stomach. Roberto, in Cusco, was also very professional and gave us some good advice. All of our other accommodations were very good to excellent. You did an excellent job and exceeded our expectations.

Written by: Tom and Nancy Balogh

Tour of Cusco, Machu Picchu, Arequipa

Date published: 12/19/2012

4 / 5 stars

Before our trip to Argentina and Peru even began, I was anxious that how everything would go for me and my family with very different tastes. My brother has high standards for everything including hotels and places to see. Over three month period, Ms. Annica Cameron, our travel agent at SouthAmerica.travel worked with me with an amazingly high degree of patience.

I have to say that I was lucky to have Ms. Cameron as my travel agent. She has been to South America, and has lived there for several years in different regions. She has enough knowledge about weather, visas, people, airports, cities, vaccination and anything you can think of. Also she has a lot of patience working with you to make the best possible trip for you and your family. She does her best to fulfill everybody's demands. I have to say that I changed our tickets, dates, and trip plan more than 10 times and every time, within one day, she was ready with a new trip plan for us with a smile.

When we left for the trip, there were no surprises, all the tour guides were at the airports ready to pick us up as Ms. Cameron had told us. All the tour guides were nice, knowledgeable and proud to show us their history. Overall, the four of us had an awesome time in Iguazu falls in Argentina and 3-4 days in Peru seeing Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and Cuzco.

I would definitely recommend SouthAmerica.travel and I am sure all their travel agents are as awesome and knowledgeable like our travel agent. The trip was without a doubt one of the best tours that we had. It was without any stress and surprises. The hotels were all above average and better.

Written by: Kamran Kabolizadeh

Tour of Iguazu Falls, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and Cuzco

Date published: 01/21/2013

5 / 5 stars

We have enjoyed our one-week trip to Peru very much. In Lima, the agent was already there transferring us to the hotel and giving us a shot on the capital of the country. The cars/minivans were of good quality and clean for the entire journey. The grocery stores and markets are full of very cheap exotic fruits! And the local beer is good. About food, alpaca meat was superb for the most part, very impressed. Alpaca Stroganoff rules!!!

The hotel in Cuzco was very modern and close to the center of the city. The service was exceptional. There are many good restaurants around. We felt always very secure because the police presence is nearly permanent in the tourist places. If there are some bad areas, the guides will advise you not to go there. The local grape moonshine – pisco – is very good, but you should be wary of its common cocktail “sour pisco” – not every stomach can tolerate the acid.

Next day we got the same guide only for two of us and went by minivan to the Sacred Valley of Incas. The nice perk was that the guide took us for a side trip to the refuge shelter for exotic animals taken from smugglers. It was absolutely not in our program and the chance to meet two huge adult condors (and their young girlfriend) eye to eye was simply astonishing. Not mentioning the bunch of other rare birds and animals. The views were breathtaking all the way and we have been stuffed with historical info to the limit. The high point was a visit to the local market, where I lost lots of money and my wife acquired a beautiful silver necklace with earrings. The local jewelry storeowner even adjusted the construction of the earrings according to my wife’s wishes right on the spot, for free. [In most places you can pay by credit cards. Many restaurants prefer cash though. ATMs are everywhere.]

The trip to Machu Picchu by train was very-very nice. The train is comfortable with glass ceiling and the views are beautiful. The hotel was again of high quality. They really invest in the tourist infrastructure there. We were very lucky with the weather.

The stay in Puno included a trip to Incas’ (and pre-Incas’) tombs. Very interesting and enlightening, indeed. Some good last-minute shopping too. Next day, we went to floating islands – absolutely amazing experience! The hotel in Puno was very good, the service outstanding. The local agent was able to make some schedule changes according to our needs. Everything was on time, all connections, including the final one – to the airport. The trip organization in Peru was flawless.

Written by: Sergey and Olga Lindeman

Tour of Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno

Date published: 10/10/2012

5 / 5 stars

So very nice to meet with you in Buenos Aires! We have had a great time in Santiago, so surprising as the city is so modern and very clean. The W Hotel is everything you painted it to be. Very stylish. Our guide, Judith has been very good and so interesting. The food scene is wonderful, particularly around Constitution Ave in Bellavista. And today we discovered a great restaurant/kitchen/gourmet next to the hotel. The day trip to Valparaiso was very interesting with such colourful and amazing homes. The trip has been wonderful with so many positive experiences, amazing places and wonderful people. Thank you once again for all your work in putting this memorable holiday together for us. Kindest regards after a fantastic time in South America.

Written by: Ron & Colleen Hutchinson

Custom Argentina and Chile Tour

Date published: 09/04/2012

5 / 5 stars

First things first, this was by far my best trip to date.. normally I plan my own trips and rarely do I avail service from any tour operator. Because I wanted to cover a lot in South America in 2 weeks, I thought it best to take help from a well-known tour operator. All I can say is SouthAmerica.travel has been just perfect...

I covered 4 countries in 2 weeks and my itinerary wasn't easy to put in place... still from the moment I landed in Buenos Aires everything from pick up service, guides, tours etc were just superbly managed… I am super impressed at how this trip was organized to perfection, I couldn't find even one flaw. The personal touch was the icing on the cake. All my guides were amazing in terms of knowledge and personal attention…

This testimonial will be incomplete if I don't mention my agent and friend Izabela. I had contacted her months before my trip and right from the first day she's been just awesome. In short she was my person to turn to in case I need anything and everything. I thank SouthAmerica.travel for making this trip my most memorable till date and also for letting me befriend a wonderful person like Izabela.

Written by: Sayan Datta

Custom South America Tour

Date published: 08/22/2012

5 / 5 stars

[Our Travel Consultant] went so far beyond customer service excellence that we felt it was our responsibility to let you know how wonderful it was to work with her over the past few months. From her first call after reading my e-mail inquiring about a possible trip to Peru and Chile all the way through her last e-mail when we returned from our vacation, [she] was extremely professional, knowledgably, and courteous... She ensured that every portion of our trip from planning to execution was amazing! [We] would absolutely recommend your company to anyone contemplating a trip to South America.

Written by: Karen Magrann & Connie Steele

Custom Peru and Chile Tour

Date published: 07/17/2012

5 / 5 stars