Chile Tours & Travel

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-- Atacama Desert --

Stacy Kopper (Atacama Desert, Nov 2007)
The lodge in Atacama was wonderful, a real oasis in the desert.

The guides in Atacama (Jorge & Willy) were quite knowledgeable about history, geography, geology and current events. Willy was quite a little fire plug, plodding us along on us treks up hills or around the geysers on a cold morning. Jorge insisted that we were all capable of the trek through the Valley of the Moon and, thanks to his perseverance, everyone (woman on crutches, 4 youngsters and my klutzy self) made it to watch the sun go down.

Food was good, fresh. Maybe a little more than I needed. Enjoyed the picnic lunch on the lagoon tour the best (avocados, tomatoes, grilled chicken sandwiches).

The tour was good!

Mary Markis and Kenneth Leifker (Atacama Desert and Lakes District, Mar 2007)
This was one of the best vacations I have ever had. You guys did a great job suggesting itineraries and the one I picked was exactly what I was looking for. Everyone we dealt with was extremely polite, considerate, and friendly.

Prior to booking this trip, I was looking to find an active vacation that allowed me to feel part of a small group. I hate feeling like a tourist and the atmosphere that presents itself on large cruise ships or group tours. Adventure Life provided me with the exact environment and access to local activities that I was looking for. I enjoyed the small group atmosphere and especially loved the Lakes District.

Ken and I had an exceptional time with our guide Rodrigo. He was charismatic and spoke excellent English. We hiked with him to Volcan Osorno and it will be a day that I will forever remember with fondness.

Our canyon excursion with Philippe and Andres was absolutely exhilarating and one of the most adventurous excursions of our lives. I speak French, Chinese, and Greek, but not Spanish. This trip allowed me the opportunity to feel comfortable in a country where my Spanish is far from fluent. I took this trip as a present to myself for my 40th birthday and it was the best present ever!!

Jonathan Fine (Atacama Desert, Dec 2006)
Terrantai Lodge was delightful-an oasis! All of our transfers were on time and Mario was superb-he planned a wonderful day of excursions out of Santiago. This was a fantastic tour-you guys did it again.

Glenn Weaver (Atacama Desert, Dec 2006)
I thought the Terrantai lodge was great. Everything was well planned throughout the tour and the local guides were excellent. Great food as well.

Dick, Patricia, Jordan and Justin Levinson (Atacama Desert, Jun 2006)
The tour far surpassed our expectations - we would happily do it again!

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-- Easter Island --

Shirley Wright (South American Wine Country + Easter Island, Aug 2008)
The local guides in Chile and Rapa Nui were outstanding. Agustin from was incredibly good and very knowledgeable about wine, history, and culture.

The Chilean wine country was beautiful. Many of the wineries were relatively new and featured incredible architecture and grounds. Each was carefully selected to be somewhat different so we were not repeating the same experience. The techniques used differed in small details from place to place. Many of the wines were unique, with robust, well-developed flavors which would only improve with maturity.

Judi Baker (Easter Island, Mar 2008)
My mother and I are photographers. We both found the island an exceptionally wonderful place to visit. My mother has traveled extensively, to over 100 countries, and she felt this was one of the best trips she's taken. I also have traveled, but not as much as my mom, but I cannot remember a more positive experience in such a short time. The islanders are friendly and helpful, and when I tried my limited Spanish, they did their best to understand me. I would say the guided tours were what made the trip so memorable. Then we rented a car one day and revisited some of the sites, at a different time of day, and went to some we hadn't been to before, on our own. Renting a car was a very easy experience. And don't forget the ice cream shop located between the 2 dives shops near the small harbor (not the main one). The ice cream is fantastic!!! Expect high prices (everything has to be shipped in) A lunch of a vegetarian sandwich, fries and a drink is over $15.00 US. Most places take US dollars, and all vendors have calculators handy to show the exchange rate in pesos. An extra day would have been nice. We didn't have any down time to sit by the pool, (our choice of course) since photography was our main effort. It rained part of one day...expect mud when it rains, so take a rain jacket (at least) and clothes that dry quickly. It wasn't cold when it rained, so we ... Read All

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-- End of the World --

Malcolm Dufty (End of the World + Iguazu Falls + Lakes Crossing + End of the World, Mar 2008)
Many thanks to Jenny for organizing everything. The packing lists were just right. One tip we learned was to insert a large garbage bag into our duffel bags before packing - it saved our clothes from getting wet more than once

We were glad we did the tours through you as we could not have seen all we did on our own. Having personal guides to ourselves much of the time was an added bonus. We had misgivings about our safety which were unfounded. We found the people wonderful and found only in the plazas etc was extra caution advised. We found an American tourist we had met earlier wiping a liquid off himself in the Congress Plaza in B.A. He had fended off an attempted robbery. The availability of safes in almost all our hotel rooms meant we didn't have to risk much loss in a robbery or pick-pocketing. We had read concerns about getting money from ATM's. In fact they were everywhere and we never once had to use one in the street.

Jessica Wrobel (End of the World + End of the World, Jan 2008)
Jonathan did a great job working with my many requests that came with a very short time frame. His initial attention to my needs made me disregard the other tour companies that I had been also looking at.

The food at the Eco Camp was my favorite. It was cozy and simple and complemented the stay very nicely.

Tom Litteral (End of the World, Jan 2006)
The tour gave us a very good "taste" of Patagonia. A huge and delightful surprise was the transfer arrangements made for Adventure Life clients to drive from Torres del Paine to El Calafate. The transfer that was arranged avoided using a public bus at the border crossing. This saved us from a major headache!

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-- End of the World --

Malcolm Dufty (End of the World + Iguazu Falls + Lakes Crossing + End of the World, Mar 2008)
Many thanks to Jenny for organizing everything. The packing lists were just right. One tip we learned was to insert a large garbage bag into our duffel bags before packing - it saved our clothes from getting wet more than once

We were glad we did the tours through you as we could not have seen all we did on our own. Having personal guides to ourselves much of the time was an added bonus. We had misgivings about our safety which were unfounded. We found the people wonderful and found only in the plazas etc was extra caution advised. We found an American tourist we had met earlier wiping a liquid off himself in the Congress Plaza in B.A. He had fended off an attempted robbery. The availability of safes in almost all our hotel rooms meant we didn't have to risk much loss in a robbery or pick-pocketing. We had read concerns about getting money from ATM's. In fact they were everywhere and we never once had to use one in the street.

Jessica Wrobel (End of the World + End of the World, Jan 2008)
Jonathan did a great job working with my many requests that came with a very short time frame. His initial attention to my needs made me disregard the other tour companies that I had been also looking at.

The food at the Eco Camp was my favorite. It was cozy and simple and complemented the stay very nicely.

Margot & Eric McDonald (End of the World, Mar 2004)
This trip was excellent. We enjoyed the variety of the three parts - the cruise, estancia, and the national park. Each segment of the trip was filled with a steady choice of activities without feeling rushed or exhausted. Every transition was very smooth. This trip provided a luxurious experience, which we welcomed. I enjoyed the balance of nature and cultural history that we experienced throughout the trip. The organizational details also went smoothly. For each of our transfers the guide showed up promtly, identified themselves, and provided excellent service. The guides were superb and accommodating. This trip reminded me of my travels in Europe in the late 1970s. It was refreshing to find a place where the people are not overwhelmed by tourists. Having your agency plan the entire trip allowed us to enjoy ourselves completely. We would definately check in with you in the future when we plan another trip.

May Wah Ng (End of the World, Feb 2004)
The Mare Australis cruise was excellent for the quality of the service, the knowledge of the naturalists, the accommodations, and the food. The pristine beauty of Patagonia was incredible. Overall the tour was great and I would like to go again!

Robert and Irina Danetz (End of the World, Oct 2003)
Everyone on the trip was pleasant and accommodating and the food on the Mare Australis was excellent.

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-- Lakes Crossing --

Malcolm Dufty (End of the World + Iguazu Falls + Lakes Crossing + End of the World, Mar 2008)
Many thanks to Jenny for organizing everything. The packing lists were just right. One tip we learned was to insert a large garbage bag into our duffel bags before packing - it saved our clothes from getting wet more than once

We were glad we did the tours through you as we could not have seen all we did on our own. Having personal guides to ourselves much of the time was an added bonus. We had misgivings about our safety which were unfounded. We found the people wonderful and found only in the plazas etc was extra caution advised. We found an American tourist we had met earlier wiping a liquid off himself in the Congress Plaza in B.A. He had fended off an attempted robbery. The availability of safes in almost all our hotel rooms meant we didn't have to risk much loss in a robbery or pick-pocketing. We had read concerns about getting money from ATM's. In fact they were everywhere and we never once had to use one in the street.

Ken Godowski (Lakes Crossing, Jan 2008)
The Lakes crossing was unique in all of our travels. High mountains with snowfields and glaciers, waterfalls plunging through temperate rainforest into deep lakes, rustic lodges, and the alpine flavor of Bariloche were terrific fun.

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-- M/V Mare Australis --

Peter & Bethany Chirco (Mare Australis - Ushuaia-Punta Arenas, Nov 2004)
The cruise on the Mare Australis was truely incredible. The accommodations onboard combined with the gourmet meals gave us the sense that we were staying at a 5 star hotel with an indescribably beautiful ocean front view (all the time). Our crew, guides and staff were really friendly, knowledgeable, and glowingly proud of the astounding natural features of Tierra del Fuego and Chilean Patagonia regions. The oceans and currents around Cape Horn are quite rough and the Mare Australis is not immune to rocking and heaving in heavy swells. We decided that it added to the adventure and really gave us an appreciation for what the sailors and exploreres who rounded the Cape generations before us had to endure - and in much less comfort!

Scott & Pamela Orton (Mare Australis + Iguazu Falls, Apr 2004)
The trip was excellent. Having private tours and small group expeditions is the only way to do this type of trip. While others were herded like sheep, we were given hands on experiences such as tasting medicinal bark and learning how to use lichen as dye. Being the only English speaking couple in Iguazu Falls was also really beneficial as we ended up with our own personal guide! The best part of the trip was probably the people. Everyone was really friendly and always accommodating. I was also impressed by the cleanliness and sense of safety. Most merchants went out of their way to assure you that you were paying the right amount. The areas we visited were as clean or cleaner and felt safer than any US city I've visited.

Gibby & Soryl Rosenberg (Mare Australis + Tierra del Fuego, Feb 2004)
All I can say is that the trip could not have been better. The crews were great and everthing was organized perfectly.

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-- M/V Via Australis --

Julie Copaken (Via Australis 5 day, Feb 2008)
I booked this trip very last minute. Jonathan Brunger was very helpful, and responded quickly to all my questions. Reilly Sullivan was also very helpful with providing me with details for my hotel reservation in Buenos Aires.

My trip aboard Via Australis far surpassed my expectations. Truth is, I didn't know what to expect! But, the accommodations were great (roomy rooms; nice/hot shower; comfortable bed; beautiful view), the staff was so knowledgeable and friendly, and the cruise attracts a nice group of fellow passengers. I was traveling by myself and easily met people and felt totally at ease.

Robert and Alice Friedenson (Via Australis 5-Day Cruise, Jan 2007)
Adventure Life was very professional, available, and knowledgeable. The tour guides were very friendly and enthusiastic. This tour was 1st class.

Charles McMurray (Australis 5-Day, Nov 2006)
I would definitely take this cruise again, it was very well organized.

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-- Patagonia Panorama --

JoAnn Hofheimer (Argentina Glacier Adventure + Patagonia Panorama + Pure Patagonia, Dec 2007)
This was the best trekking experience I've had, including New Zealand, Peru, Nepal, Bhutan...Great balance of easy and difficult days, super trails, spectacular scenery without altitude issues, and ecocamp is terrific. Even the wind and rain added to the experience, the forests and rock scrambles balanced each other, and our fellow travelers were delightful. A grand trip! Many thanks.

Ursula & Howard Booth (Patagonia Panorama, Mar 2004)
First, let me say this was a great trip! The itinerary was great in all its daily objectives and their variety. A friend of ours who had hiked intensively in both parks said he thought the itinerary was the best he had seen of out of all the offereings by tour companies. The scenery was stunning! All the places we stayed were clean and even scenic. The personnel at the hotels were helpful and spoke English. We particularly felt at home at EcoCamp where we could enjoy the Patagonian horses galoping by at down. Our tour leaders were congenial, helpful, and enthusiastic.

Patty Eilers and Brad Roberts (Patagonia Panorama, Mar 2004)
The accommodations were great and the Argentinean guide was entertaining and knowledgeable. This was an adventurous tour!

John Proulx (Patagonia Panorama, Feb 2004)
Overall this is an excellent trip. The scenery is fantastic and the wildlife is great. The hiking is well spaced so that there are no real hard, long days. The two main guides were excellent and took care of us with patience and good humor. Armando in Chile was especially good - knowledgeable, attentive to details, an extremely good organizer, and easy to get along with. He knows what he is doing.

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-- Pure Patagonia --

Melissa Prince (Pure Patagonia + Iguazu Falls, Oct 2008)
The EcoCamp was fantastic, the hotel in Buenos Aires was a great location and the hotel in Iguazu was fine.

Yes, and more. Chile- Torres del Paine was a great trip, I was blown away by the beauty and the adventure. I have never felt so alive hiking through Torres del Paine, and coming home to the EcoCamp at night with the best food I have ever tasted. A perfect way to spend a vacation, wouldn't you agree?

Buenos Aires and Iguazu were amazing as well- I would recommend this trip to anyone!

JoAnn Hofheimer (Argentina Glacier Adventure + Patagonia Panorama + Pure Patagonia, Dec 2007)
This was the best trekking experience I've had, including New Zealand, Peru, Nepal, Bhutan...Great balance of easy and difficult days, super trails, spectacular scenery without altitude issues, and ecocamp is terrific. Even the wind and rain added to the experience, the forests and rock scrambles balanced each other, and our fellow travelers were delightful. A grand trip! Many thanks.

Carey Murphy (Pure Patagonia, Dec 2006)
The enthusiasm of the local guides was wonderful. Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and excited about their jobs. The local crew was very friendly and helpful. Overall this was an excellent tour!

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-- South American Wine Country --

Patricia Putnam (South American Wine Country, Oct 2008)
Jenny Fiebig was very helpful with some last minute questions. Thank-you, Jenny.

Agusta Landetta o could not have done a better job putting together an informative and extremely enjoyable tour of wineries and the gastronomy of the areas. Phillipe, his driver was extremely courteous and a careful driver. The vehicle was in great condition and very comfortable and roomy. They were the BEST!!!

Robert O'Connell (South American Wine Country, Oct 2008)
We have returned from our one week Wine Tour of Chile. I have to tell you that this tour was absolutely the best one I've ever taken. Everything from the guide, transportation, food and hotels was First Rate. This Wine Tour exceeded all of our expectations!I had grown tired of the traditional tours and was somewhat suspect that one might be like all the rest but you proved me absolutely wrong!

I just want to thank you for setting up this tour for the O''Connell's and the Putnam's. You were very helpful and really convinced me that Adventure Live was not like any other tour company.

Special thanks for selecting Slow Tours, they were absolutely the best! They knew the people, the food, the lodging and most importantly the Chilean Wine better that anyone could ever expect.

Thanks for making me look good, I set up this tour and persuaded the other couple to come along. You made me look like I really knew what I was doing.

Thanks again, really appreciate all your help and we will spread the word about Adventure life.

Shirley Wright (South American Wine Country + Easter Island, Aug 2008)
The local guides in Chile and Rapa Nui were outstanding. Agustin from was incredibly good and very knowledgeable about wine, history, and culture.

The Chilean wine country was beautiful. Many of the wineries were relatively new and featured incredible architecture and grounds. Each was carefully selected to be somewhat different so we were not repeating the same experience. The techniques used differed in small details from place to place. Many of the wines were unique, with robust, well-developed flavors which would only improve with maturity.

[ Back to Top ]