Well planned, well appointed epic trip. The folks at BioBio Expeditions (Chilean partners of Southern Explorations) have this sh!t down. Beautiful area, epic river, great accomodations, spectacular food, and superb people. Don't think, just book it.

Our trip was planned with great attention to detail. The whole experience was flawless from start to finish (a 25 day three country adventure).

Southern Explorations/ Jonathan was very detailed and responsive throughout the whole process! Jonathan was very knowledgeable and appreciate his expertise and guidance.

Guides knew their subjects and were polite, patient and reliable. One time only, our excursion pick-up came late (1/2 hour late, early morning pick-up) even though we had discussed the scheduled time the night before. No other glitches occurred.

We had great, tireless help in choosing the trip, and the folks on the ground were also very helpful and interesting.

Loved our guide, Gus, and all the wildlife we saw!!

Very well organized trip planning. There is an app that had all our itinerary available.

Souther Explorations was perfect! We really enjoyed working with the team and they helped us get prepared for an amazing trip to Antarctica. 10/10!

This was our third trip with Southern Explorations. We have come to expect nothing but perfection from the team. Every detail was taken care of so we could relax and enjoy our adventure. Deanna helps us pick the perfect ship for our trip to Antartica. Every interaction was top notch and professional. I highly recommend!

Amazing itinerary! Incredible guides!
We had 11 people of different ages and abilities. The itinerary was wonderfully designed to accommodate all. And, our guides were spectacular!!! Eager to explore more countries in South America!!

We have just taken our second trip with Southern Explorations and continue to be incredibly satisfied! Originally we had two countries booked into one trip, but due to some unrest in Peru, we had to postpone the Peru portion of our trip. Southern Explorations was excellent to work with in regards to postponing, we moved the trip forward one year with no hassle whatsoever. They were easier to work with than our “travel insurance“. We find their guides to be incredibly knowledgeable, with excellent English, and particularly passionate about the sites and locations. The accommodations through Southern Explorations are excellent, and they’ve never missed a beat in regards to the logistics of the trip. Their customer service is above and beyond. We also appreciate the app that works off-line, provides suggestions for restaurants, is helpful with tips, and gives us insight to our itinerary. We’ve only been to three countries in South America, and we will use Southern Explorations to check off the remaining countries. Highly recommend Southern Explorations!!!

Our family trip to Peru with our entire family was wonderful. Our grandkids ranged from 17-24yrears and enjoyed every day. From hotels, guides ( especially Jose Luis ) and activities, every detail was covered. It was a pleasure working with Kaitlyn at Southern Explorations who was very patient and fulfilled all our expectations. We will use Southern Explorations in future travel to South America.

My husband and I and another couple (in our mid- sixties) had a truly wonderful and relaxing vacation in Costa Rica. It was our first trip there and we chose to book with Southwest Explorations as we found an itinerary that suited us.
It was our first trip like this and we found that having our own driver and guide made it so enjoyable and stress free! Our guide, Jose, was easy to converse with but as a local knew the best times and routes for getting where we wanted to go. He was also amazing at spotting wildlife near Arenal and Monteverde, and would pull over and set up his spotting scope. He enabled us to see and take great photos of the creatures high in the trees.
Our hotel accommodations were great and the breakfasts were included and delicious— lots of variety.
Whenever we had free time and needed a meal, our guide took us to top notch but local places. We would never have known where to go on our own, so really appreciated his knowledge.
Sadly, our guide dropped us off at Manuel Antonio and we had to say goodbye.
We thoroughly enjoyed our 3 nights there and the excursions we had chosen. From there our friends had to depart and head home, while my husband and I carried on to the OSA Peninsula to stay at the Corcovado Wilderness Lodge for three nights.
It was indeed a remote location and an adventure just coming and going from there. We saw lots of wildlife and birds and found the lodge very accommodating. The staff were most attentive and since I had a minor accident, the manager was very helpful and caring.
In all, this was a fabulous trip and a wonderful introduction to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica, the land of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife, has always been on our travel bucket list. When we finally had the opportunity to explore this tropical paradise, we knew that having a knowledgeable and well-versed guide would be essential for an unforgettable experience. We were fortunate to find just the right guide through Southwest Explorations, and can confidently say that our journey through Costa Rica was nothing short of incredible, thanks to their expertise providing us with just the right guide.

From the moment we met our guide, it was evident that we were in the hands of someone who not only knew the country like the back of his hand but also had a deep passion for its culture, history, and natural beauty. His enthusiasm was contagious and set the tone for our entire adventure.

One of the standout features of our guide was his knowledge of the local areas. He didn't just take us to the well-known tourist spots; he took us off the beaten path to hidden gems that most tourists wouldn't even know existed. We explored remote waterfalls, hiked through pristine cloud forests, and ventured into quaint villages where we could immerse ourselves in the authentic Costa Rican way of life. Jose's ability to uncover these hidden treasures added a sense of wonder and excitement to our journey, and we're grateful for the unique experiences we gained as a result.

Costa Rica's rich biodiversity is one of its most celebrated features, and Jose's expertise in identifying and explaining the unique flora and fauna was nothing short of remarkable. Whether we were on a hike in Mount Arenal or exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Jose would eagerly point out various species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, providing fascinating insights into their behaviours and habitats. It was like having our very own wildlife encyclopedia come to life.

Not only was Jose knowledgeable about the natural world, but he also had a deep understanding of Costa Rican culture and history. During our visits to local communities, museums, and historical sites, our guide shared captivating stories about the country's past and present, helping us connect on a deeper level with the places we visited. Learning about the traditions, customs, and the warm-hearted people of Costa Rica enriched our travel experience in ways we never expected.

Additionally, Jose's proficiency in the Spanish language proved to be invaluable. He effortlessly bridged the gap between us and the locals, enhancing our interactions and allowing us to connect on a more personal level. This language proficiency not only made our travels more enjoyable but also facilitated our ability to navigate the country with ease.

Safety and comfort were also top priorities for Jose. He was well-prepared, ensuring we had all the necessary supplies for our excursions, and was vigilant in ensuring our group's safety at all times. His attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile to accommodate our needs made us feel cared for and secure throughout our journey.

In conclusion, our trip to Costa Rica was elevated to extraordinary heights by our knowledgeable and well-versed guide Jose. His expertise in local areas, enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge, and genuine love for Costa Rica's natural beauty and culture made our adventure truly unforgettable. Thanks to him, we didn't just see Costa Rica; we experienced it in all its splendor. If you're planning a trip to this stunning country, I wholeheartedly recommend seeking out a guide like ours for an incredible and enriching experience you'll treasure forever.

We were on a long trip with lots of short airport & hotel stops and everything went smoothly! There was always someone there waiting on us letting us know where to go and what to do!

Except for our international flights, Southern Explorations took care of everything for our journey to the Galapagos. We were met by representative at the airport in Quito, transferred us to our hotel and then back to airport for flight to Baltran. Hotel in Quito was super. SE took care of all fees to enter the Galapagos. All questions were answered in a timely fashion. Would highly recommend.

Excellent accommodations, some outstanding scenery, good organization, and a variety of venue#

Everything was spot on perfect. The tour guides were wonderful. Accommodations were great. All of the handouts were perfect. It was just a great trip.

We have use Southern Explorations in past trips, they’re well organized and manage well. It’s exactly what they explained of what’s gonna take place of each step of the trip. goes on seamlessly. I will highly recommend this company to anyone who likes the outdoor adventures

Just returned from a trip to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos planned by Kaitlyn. She was always responsive and answered all our questions promptly. Our guide in Peru, José Luis was so knowledgeable, helpful and a delight to be with for six days as well as our driver, Andy. All accommodations and transfers were perfect. The second part of the trip was spent on the EcoGalaxy touring the Galápagos Islands. The ship was beautiful and comfortable. The staff made everything easy and fun. Our guide/naturalist, Victor knew everything about the animals, fish, birds and plants of the Galapagos. It was a better than expected, wonderful vacation!