We both had an absolutely fabulous time. The weather was really kind to us,
we had a few hours rain at Iguassu Falls and then the only other rain we
experienced was as we crossed the border to Chile (near Petrohue). We were
really lucky and when you think what it would have been like at Torres del
Paine and Estancia Christina, in the rain!

We both felt that the itinerary was really well put together, we loved the
selection of hotels and we liked the contrast between them, some being big
and busy and others being small and remote. The whole holiday was full of
contrast and excitement.

Muchas Gracias.
Ed

Dear Martin,
We had a fabulous time.
After floundering around for weeks trying to figure out what to do in Chile
where our son was studying, I finally decided to call you. Why I didn't do
that earlier, I don't know, but I didn't realize that Chile was another area
you have plenty of expertise in. Before jumping into the trip details, I
want to take this opportunity to thank you yet again, profusely, for all the
assistance you gave me in planning this trip. We sincerely appreciate the
fact that you offer so much flexibility for our tight schedule and can
tailor trips to our interests with very little price difference This is
something big tour companies just can't do! Your patient, cheerful, prompt
consideration of all our time constraints, interests and concerns never
ceased to amaze me. Thank goodness I called you! Chile's such a varied
country, I just didn't know what to do. You were able to put together
another unforgettable trip for us!

Because we missed our flight out of JFK to Santiago thanks to delays upon
delays, we ended up flying standby. Your folks were right there to get us
and adapted our schedule that afternoon. We loved the restaurant we had
lunch at! A word about our guide -- Grace Gonzales. She was incredibly
helpful when we were trying to connect with our son that day. She and he
spoke several times before we got there and when things got confusing
finding the restaurant, she actually left and got our son when he was
walking to meet us from the metro. She was wonderful! The tour that
afternoon was good, but we were exhausted, so I'm not sure we really
appreciated it! The Rugendas was a very nice hotel and they even packed us
breakfast for the early EARLY flight we had up to Calama the next morning.

The Explora. What can we say? It was exquisite! We stayed 3 nights/4 days
in San Pedro de Atacama and 5 days/4 nights in Torres del Paine. The two
were more different than we expected, although the model is basically the
same. Fabulous surroundings, great food, great rooms, great facilities,
excellent excursions, excellent guides and wonderful guests with whom to
socialize! Key to the Explora is its excursions. All the guides gather
in the bar the night before and the guests break into small groups to
discuss what they want to do the next day. The excursions can be rigorous
or not, 1/2 or full day and include hiking, mountain biking or horseback
riding. At Atacama, the guides make certain you've assimilated well to the
altitude before recommending a particular trip (and sometimes they know
you're not ready for something even if you think you are!) The groups don't
exceed 8 people per guide (sometimes less depending on how many sign up) and
over a period of days, one tends to run into the same folks on trips. For
us, this added to the fun because the people were GREAT. (It was a very
international crowd -- Brazilians, Swiss, Germans, Brits, Italians and very
few Americans.) We hiked mostly and scenery and wildlife exceeded our
expectations by far. (We figured Atacama would pale in comparison to Torres
del Paine. Not so!) The guides were extremely interesting, considerate and
knowledgable. The atmosphere in Atacama was very gracious and we felt like
we were on an old hacienda.

A high point was the Chilean BBQ nearby which was fantastic and so fun!
Because guests tend to come and go in 4- or 8-day intervals, the BBQ can be
like a goodbye party, which is was for us. The staff said some groups
"click" and some don't....and that ours really did. We agreed. We didn't go
hoping to meet people, but as it all worked out, we had a better time
because of the folks we met! As for trips, we particularly enjoined the
full day road trip up to the Altiplano, the "cactus walk" and the sunset
excursion to the big salt lake. The flamingos were unbelievable. The
weather was definitely warm and the sun intense (this was late November),
but the excursions were designed to avoid the heat of day. One thing that's
really nice, considering the expense, is that because the airport is only 1
1/2 hours away, morning excursions leave early-ish and afternoon excursions
leave mid- to late-afternoon, you can arrange to do an excursion the
afternoon you get there and the morning before you leave.

>From Atacama, we flew down to Santiago and even though our flight was late,
your folks were right there to take us out to Vina del Mar. It was almost
midnight and it was a long trip, but the guide and driver were chipper and
helpful. Thanks so much for arranging that for us! We had a great visit
with our son, who was studying in Valparaiso. The Cafe Turri which your
recommended was a wonderful spot. We'd read complaints about it being a
tourist trap, but the food, the view and service were great. We sort of did
our own thing in Valparaiso, so I'll keep this part short, except to say if
folks have time, they should get out in the neighborhoods and explore. It's
a very cool place...and Vina is beautiful.

>From Santiago, we flew down to Punta Arenas, met the Explora folks (along
with the other guests) and started the 5-6 hour trek up Torres del Paine.
(There's a good reason why the Explora restricts exit and entry dates -- the
trip back and forth to Punta Areans is SO LONG, they just can't commit the
time and resources to drive back and forth every day.) Along the way, we
had a nice lunch/pit stop and we got to take pictures of the Paine Massif
and the towers on the way into the park. The Explora has an exquisite
setting on Lago Peho and the facility takes advantage of its unbelievable
view of the Cuernos from every possible angle. We were in a suite and it
was FABULOUS. Unlike Atacama, where everything was open-air and like a
hacienda, the Explora here was much more modern and enclosed (for obvious
reasons), but equally beautiful. We felt the food was somewhat better here,
although it was really good in Atacama, and the two-level dining room a bit
more crowded. There is a GREAT cocktail party every night before dinner
when you meet with the guides. The appetizers were incredible! There were
a lot more Americans than in Atacama. Unlike Atacama, there were
fascinating lectures and movies offered in the evening for those wanting to
beef up on the local geology, flora and fauna. (We think Atacama could do a
bit more on the geology scene for those interested.) The separate spa
facility w/ pool was down on the lake and so peaceful. There are three
Jacuzzis in which to relax out on the deck and you can have the beverage of
your choice as you enjoy life!

The hikes and guides were fantastic. All Explora guides go through 2 months
(!) of rigorous training before they start out with guests and many had been
with Explora for several seasons. We loved our hike to Grey Glacier and the
French Valley, both day hikes, as well as our hike to the drier eastern part
of the part where we saw ample guanacos and condors. Like Atacama, there
was a BBQ at the local estancia where the horses are kept, a van ride from
the hotel, which was great fun (but it's in the afternoon not evening so
there's not quite the party atmosphere). Afterward, altho' we aren't
experienced, we went on a terrific easy ride under the watchful eyes of
"real live" gauchos. A word about the weather -- it's not dependable but
it's not that cold and only really windy in places. Before we were there,
they had 3 unusual days of fantastic weather. Our weather was "okay" and
the day we went to French Valley, it got quite bad. But -- dress right
(including waterproof gear -- water resistent just doesn't cut it when it's
pouring) and go with the flow. The guides know what they're doing and
dealing with the elements is part of and adds to the experience. Whatever
you do is incredible! The guides even lug picnic lunches with them which
the lay out on checked tableclothes at the base of the glaciers or wherever
you happen to be! The hot soup and coffee with optional Bailey's sure taste
good out on the trail!

Well, I've gone on and on. I guess I can't rave about the Explora enough.
Thanks for encouraging us to go to Atacama, as well as Torres del Paine, and
for arranging for us to go to the Explora even though we were a little late
with request. Thank you especially for your patience in working with me to
hammer out all the details! You are the best!

Till the next time!
K. Ebel and S. Root

Dear Claudia,

Our group is back home happily! I spoke to TL and everything was really
fine and very well organised!

Thank you very much for your great job!

Our other group, called Transport group who also visited Chile in late
November was very very happy.

Argo

Hi Martin,
We're back and our trip was FANTASTIC!!! I have to get settled here, but we
can chat maybe early next week. I know you still have to get back home
again from California. We LOVED the Explora(s) so, SO much! I am so glad
we went there. They're fabulous and we met so many wonderful people.
Honestly, I am glad the Awasi didn't work out -- half the fun was doing the
"explorations" with the different guides and the guests.

Karen

Dear Viviana,
We just arrived back in Toronto from Miami and I am just writing to thank you and everyone at your office for arranging such a wonderful trip. Everything went perfectly, and we were very impressed with the quality of the tour and all of the activities. We had a wonderful time and really got to experience Chile and the people of the country in a very fun and interesting way. Once again, thanks very much for everything.
Sincerely,
Aaron Posluns