South American Odyssey with Peru Reviews

Only one hotel was not good, the Mabo at Iguasu - room musty, no safe key and the food was not up to standard. Had some problems with the prepaid gratuities, as we had two different tour directors (both terrific), one from Rio to Santiago and then another for the Peru extension. We gave the vouchers to the first and a copy to the second, but gave the ...read more second cash as well as we were worried he wouldn't receive anything and he was very good. I didn't realise we would have two different tour directors. I think it would be helpful in future to have different vouchers for each, stating exactly which leg of the tour it was for. Overall, we have to say this was a wonderful experience and the best organised tour we have been on. We will definitely recommend to family and friends.

We loved Fernando, our Tour Director, and the other tour members. This is the best tour experience we have had by far and will remain in our hearts forever with joy. The memories of having to run to catch up the train to Machu Picchu will be forever cherished with laughter and happiness. Bravo Globus for giving the best touring experience to us!

The tour was actually a bundle of tours with various individuals taking different options. Our initial group of 34 later became 14, then 13. There were about 20+ tour guides or drivers, which should be taken into account re advice on tipping - prepaying tips is not very practical. Taking small denomination US dollars is advisable. Currency exchange ...read more is a constant issue, but US dollars work in most circumstances (less so in Brazil) - and in the case of Argentina, informal exchange rates definitely favour US currency. Accommodation was of an excellent standard but the location of some hotels was not ideal, remote from central areas. Organisation necessary for such a trip was complex but very competently handled. The trip pace is partly dictated by the large percentage of time involved with flying - inevitable in such a wide ranging tour but should be noted. The guide booklet provided was useful but, as I had cause to attempt to use the emergency numbers in Brazil, I found none of the after-hours numbers worked - this was a matter of concern to me at the time as I had missed a flight. It should also be noted that the Uruguay optional trip is currently not available due to changes in Argentinian tax policies which have made it uneconomic for the companies which had provided it. It can however be done privately quite easily and a couple of people did do this.