TAILOR MADE TRIPS TO CHILE AND OTHER SOUTH AMERICAN DESTINATIONS - TRAVEL PACKAGES TO CHILE, PERU, ARGENTINA, & EASTER ISLAND

The impressions of some of those who have travelled with Exploring Chile Travel

After 25 years of travelling and taking photographs all over the world, thanks to Exploring Chile I have discovered a country of 1,000 climates and 5,000 faces. Rarely have I had such a long and complex programme of travel and work with so few logistical and organisational problems. A testimony to the professionalism of Exploring Chile and their experience in organising tailor made travel programmes – as well as the excellence of their guides and representatives on the ground in Chile. Rarely would I give such a whole heartedly positive assessment of a trip: Exploring Chile deserves all my praise. I am already thinking of returning to Chile to see more of this land of diversity and infinite latitudes.

Franco Barbagallo, nature and travel photographer and journalist since 1983


Dear Sara,

The journey was truly beautiful and interesting. I really appreciated how both you during the planning and Laura throughout my stay, were always available to help. Travelling with your organisation is like being looked after by family.

Thanks again and goodbye – until the next occasion.

Carlo Banfi “From the Desert to Patagonia” March/April 2009


I wanted to thank you personally for helping my mother, my son and me live out a dream. The holiday, apart from unavoidable delays, was well organised and the local guides were well prepared and always available to help. The days we spent on Easter Island will stay with us for the rest of our lives. We left wanting to go back to Chile when we have more time.

Thank you and good luck with the business.

Daniela Bondi "Easter Island & Valparaiso” March 2009


CHILE is a fantastic country, it was one of our favourite trips, a pity we didn’t get to see the north of the country….next time. After Santiago, it would be a shame not to visit the capital, the tour of PATAGONIA took our breath away. DON’T MISS THE TRIP to one of the glaciers in a dinghy. You will remain speechless in front of the majesty, the noise and the colours of the glacier that rests so lightly on the water!!! Last but not least... THANK YOU EXPLORING CHILE for a first class, tailor made service and without a single hitch!

Claudio Zolla "Exploring Patagonia” January 2009

Hello, I am a passionate mountain biker (endurance and downhill), one day, feeling more depressed than usual for the state of things in Italy (and in Europe in general), I took a moment to examine the map of the world and my eyes rested on Chile: what a fantastic country I thought, high mountains and the sea a short distance from each other. You may not believe it but from that moment I started looking for someone who would help me “understand” Chile. I looked on the internet and…. ExploringChile: I asked for a quote explaining that I was looking for a country to move to with my family and that therefore I didn’t want a simple “holiday”. The quote came quickly and after a making a few minor changes I accepted. My wife Valentina and I have discovered how our lives could be in Santiago, or more probably Vina del Mar or perhaps Zapallar; thanks to the first class organisation of our trip (perfect in every way) we visited the residential neighbourhoods of the capital (including some flats in new buildings), understood how healthcare works, how schools are organised, how and where Chileans do there shopping, where they go to have fun and where they eat…..everything we wanted to know. We also had the honour of having dinner with the director of Exploring Chile: the mythical Yuri who we say hello to and thank. Soon we will go back for a similar tour – this time the north of the country.

Daniele Palmieri & Valentina - January 2009


Hola Yuri:

We want to thank you, it was a truly stupendous holiday!! If our expectations beforehand were 100, what we found we gave a 1,000!! The organisation of our trip, even if some (read Sarah – the German) may have their doubts, was perfect. The hotels, all beautiful and welcoming, and all the other services first class.

All the places we visited struck us for something different:

The desert and San Pedro, had a unique atmosphere, you could go from the most deserted of deserts to an oasis of trees at sunset in Moon Valley…the best was the Puritama Thermal Baths, especially after the cold of the geysers...stupendous, incredible seeing the thermal baths in the middle of a ravine in the middle of a desert at more than 3000m! Crazy! And the people were truly friendly and courteous.

Chiloè..a shame to have stayed only one day, but it was impossible to stay longer, we had a tight schedule!

But our favourite part of the trip was the Lake District: there are no words to describe how beautiful it is! We liked everything and how. First of all when Johnny saw the pick-up....he would have been happy to sleep in the it…. he was so happy. You should have seen him driving ….he adapted to the Chilean style of driving….nothing else to add..it seemed like we were in Switzerland or Bavaria…I felt so at home! The green meadows, the cows, the volcanoes, the lakes – with the clearest of waters - the thermal baths….after staying at the Villarica Park Lake...who could ask for more…as we said we felt like Popes!!! And the cabanas ..so beautiful...on the banks of the lake, you fall asleep with the sun dipping into the waters of the lake, the sound of the water, what memories….we could have spent a whole week there we had such a good time!

And a special mention for you all!! Beyond the perfect organisation of the trip, we felt like we had been welcomed into your family you made us feel so at home. And also a special mention for the telephone assistance, a great idea and very useful! We never felt alone, hardly ever anyway, and we knew that in the case of any problems we could count on you…24 hours a day, no small thing!!

Thank you all for having made this a unique and unforgettable journey, it will be the first of many, we hope!

Besos !

Jonathan & Sarah “From the Desert to the Lakes” November 2008”


As well as thanking you for your best wishes I wanted to take the opportunity to express my complete satisfaction with the travel programme you organised for me. Everything went perfectly: transfers, hotels, flights, buses and trekking. Even the weather - though you can’t get credit for that.

Thanks and happy New Year.

Laura Levi " Trekking in Patagonia” December 2008


Dear Yuri Marin and Sara Pelini,

We (Vianelli: 4 Italian couples) just got back to Italy as you know. We haven’t recovered from the jet lag yet but time will sort that one. Most importantly we wanted to thank you for the work your travel agency did for us. For booking all our flights and for the work on Chilean soil. But what really won our appreciation was the precise, punctual and continual help and support you gave us. Your representatives in Chile were well prepared, serious and punctual. We were grateful for their willingness and availability. Can we mention a couple of them? Pedro and Veronica were like true friends to us!. A personal thank you to Yuri who being in Chile met us in person! And a truly special thank you to Sara Pelini, her care and courtesy were exceptional. Who knows if we will have another opportunity to travel with you!
Yours,

Miro Vianelli " The Best of Chile " November 2008


Good evening Sara,

The trip was fantastic, we had a great time in every place we visited and we were treated well. Your agency was impeccabile. Congratulations. In Santiago we met Miss Marlèn who was very nice and also good at her job. We must send you our photos. We hope to travel with you again.

Yours, Toni.

Gruppo Trettel " The Desert, the Lakes, Patagonia " October 2008
Amigos,
Our trip to Chile was exceptional! We had a fantastic time in Patagonia and in the Atacama Desert. The organisation of our trip was flawless and we always found more than we expected.
Thank you so much
Luca Ramella & Camilla Tolomei “Chile with Hotel Explora” April May 2008
"It was an unusual trip, off the beaten track, characterised by new experiences rich in emotion. An unforgettable trip that has left me with memories of flavours, colours, sounds and colour rich images that recall moments of contemplation and silence. It is impossible to forget the white strip that is the "Grey Glacier" with its brilliant shades of blue that through plays of form and light give life to fantastic animated images. It would be a crime not to talk about the nature, the landscapes, the paths, the waterfalls, the flowers, the animals and the rocks of the "Torres del Paine " National Park -images that form a romantic frame to my deepest memories and thoughts. I would also like to say a few words about our guide; always courteous and thoughtful. And the immensity, the power, the energy of the ocean waves that have the power to regenerate the whole body. An ocean whose powerful melody accompanies and cradles as a mother cradles her baby. SO <<a journey of adventure but also of marvels, emotions and a chance to list to your deepest feelings.>>" Thanks to the staff of Exploring Chile.



You could find yourself in the midst of a crowd on your arrival in Santiago your name clearly pronounced by a 1,80m tall amphitrion, elegant, unmistakable and with eyes that mirror the sky. You could find yourself taken to your hotel in a comfortable 7-seater, that you have all to yourself, sipping a drink as you doze off under the effects of jetlag or under the attention of your guide and your amphitrion. You could find yourself welcomed by the inviting excitement of an asado (traditional barbecue) or a mariscada (traditional seafood dish) around which you will be able to try some exceptional wines and meet smiling people, never banal, just lovers of what their land and their lives have to offer. You could find yourself cutting into an Easter Island tuna steak, the blade cutting through the flesh as though through butter, or sipping piscosour in front of a park of flamingos in the middle of Santiago, or wandering streets seeped in the turbulent history of Chile, a country with a proud culture, or your could find yourself in the early hours in a bar beyond fashion living visionary rhythms, or be taken in your exclusive 7-seater to a vineyard where you will be cradled by the musty scents of historic vines, you feel important and that is worth a lot. You could chose to enjoy a glass of wine with your congrio at the lodge or take a trip through the vines on a tractor – sat on a bale of hay with the wind from the Pacific on your face lightening the strength of the sun. You could find yourself tracing the flight of seagulls through the sparkle of spray from the waves that crash under your bed as you savour the taste of your chocolate covered strawberries and their contrast with the flavours and colours of the sunset.
All this can happen to you thanks to ExploringChile Travel and while the 7-seater takes you back to the airport you realise that you have started a new journey towards a different way of under standing life.

Lorenzo Pansani -Sommelier A.I.S


"A fantastic trip, full of surprises, and sensations that only the endless, unspoilt nature of Chile can offer."
Andrea

"It was an extraordinary holiday, characterised by new and emotion-filled experiences. An unforgettable trip that has left me with rich memories of the flavours, the colours, the sounds and the images of Chile. The flavours, the colours, the sounds and the images are still with me and I can bring them back when I am by myself. It is impossible to forget the imposing white stripe of the “Grey Glacier” with its shades of blue. And how could I leave out the natural richness of this country: the landscapes; the footpaths; the waterfalls; the flowers; the trees; the animals; the rocks of the "Torres del Paine" nature reserve. And I would also like to mention our guide; polite, thoughtful and attentive. The force and energy of the immense waves of the Pacific Ocean that have the power to regenerate the body. An ocean whose powerful melody cradles you, as a mother cradles her baby.
Thank you Exploring Chile.
Elisa Rossi

"I still can’t find the right words to describe what I saw and felt: walking on glaciers, experiencing nature on breathtaking treks, delighting in the romantic sea and its fantastic sunsets, it is difficult to find the right words. Thank you to all the staff of Exploring Chile who made me feel so at home. Innocenzo Ingenui

I’ve recently been in Patagonia and I don’t want to share my impression of the place, but only to give some advice to anyone who intends to go. Free your mind of every idea, any stories you have heard about the place, any preconception you might have. Go with your heart open. Only in this way will you be able to truly see Patagonia and when you are there you will understand what I am trying to say."
Giordana Coronella 

Dear Exploring Chile Travel, I’ve just got home and I would like to thank you for how you organised my short visit to Chile and for having sent me Juan, who was excellent and very kind. Lots of love
Mario Mariani 

Hello all, my holiday went smoothly, even the flights (thank god) and the various journeys.
I got on well with all the guides, who were polite and helpful. Please say hi to Juan for me, he’s the guide I had in Santiago.
Joseph, who was my guide on Easter Island was also very good and lots of fun.
The places I visited were stupendous and magical. Especially Rapa Nui but also the north which is fantastic. It would have been nice, given it is so close, to have visited Bolivia for 3 days to see the lagoons and the salt flats. Maybe another time, and I could also visit Patagonia – another place I would like to go sooner or later.
Saludos Yuri, hope to see you again, maybe in Italy or even better in Chile!!!!
CIAO !! Thanks for a fantastic holiday..
Luigino Corrado

Dear friends:

I really liked Chile. As always not knowing a country it is not easy to plan a holiday. Sincerely we had a wonderful time at Torres del Paine. We climbed the Torres and it was great. It was a clear day and so we had a fantastic view.
Also the Hotel Torres del Paine was wonderful. The guides were nice and helpful. We really liked our hotel in Santiago. Juan was always very organised and helpful. We also enjoyed ourselves at Aldea. We appreciated the flower arrangements in Santiago.....

The Atacama Desert was stupendous.....you organised some marvellous stars for us!

Lots of love and thanks again,

Bianca & Alessandro Annoni

Dear Yuri :

It all went smoothly! Thanks so much, to you and all the people that work with you and that made our holiday truly exceptional. Chile is really a fantastic country! 

Stefano Braghetta & Francesco Biasi