reliable tours to Peru and Chile

I have not been to South America at all but I can say that I’ve been on two Road Scholar tours in the last two years - and I’m doing another one next week - and I like their itineraries. I’ve really enjoyed the Road Scholar travelers we have met and for the two tours we took recently the guides were excellent.

Have you looked at Gate1 Travel? I have done a few of their tours (Egypt, Ireland, Sicily) and highly recommend them.

https://www.gate1travel.com/latin-america

Hi, Mari,

I have travelled to South America with Overseas Adventure Travel (aka: OAT) and have been very satisfied. Their trip to Machu Picchu includes two days at the site. OAT, in my experience, delivered all that was promised and at a reasonable cost. Great guides, pleasant accommodations, and a good exposure to the history and culture on the Inca. I would indeed encourage you to check out their offerings.

I agree with JimD. Our oat tour to Machu Picchu and Galapagos small boat was excellent. 2 trips into Machu Picchu and 4 nights on a boat holding 16 guests plus crew to Galápagos Islands. Total price with air will be less than the trip you are considering. Only a max of 16 guests. Look it up on their website. We went in January 2020. Good weather.

I’ve not been to South America but like Valerie I’ve traveled with Road Scholar. I’ve done 13 with them.

Do know Road Scholar contracts their trips out and does not actually run any themselves. Most people don’t realize this so sometimes you will see uneven reviews from program to program. I had a pretty bad trip in May with a new contractor as the old one who did that particular program retired during Covid. I had an excellent trip last Fall in France as their infrastructure was still intact thru Covid and would travel to France with them in a heartbeat.

Their main office way understaffed at present so it’s difficult to get thru but I’d call and ask who the contractor is and are they new since Covid or if it’s someone who has been in place for a long time.

There are also a couple of good FB groups where you might have some folks who have done that tour. I’m in Women of Road Scholar and Friends of Road Scholar.

Also, I’ve done all my trips as a solo traveler and it’s an excellent way to travel. All tips are included so that’s one less thing to think about.

Road Scholar did wind up refunding during the pandemic. They are MA based and that state has good consumer laws. There were complaints on Trip Advisor that OAT failed to refund and was only issuing vouchers although people here may have first-hand experience that differs from what I read.

Hi, Peru is very high on our travel list, so following along and would love to hear how it went after you return. I have done quite a bit of research for Peru, we are thinking we will be doing an independent trip with support from Adios Adventure Travel. However, in the end, I may end up doing a tour.

Without a doubt, Tauck Tours....excellent reputation! We have traveled with them several times, and they are top-notch in every way. But, check quickly, as they may already be booked up for next year.

We have not done land-only journeys with National Geographic, only ship-based or ship/land combos via their partnership with Lindblad, but National Geo (which is now owned by Disney) offers land-only journeys (but I do not know if they sub-contract those).

"There were complaints on Trip Advisor that OAT failed to refund and was only issuing vouchers although people here may have first-hand experience that differs from what I read."

That is true. I my case, after they only offered a voucher, I filed a complaint with the MA Attorney General's Office and got an immediate refund. OAT shutdown their own forum after several people brought up this solution.

I would suggest Odysseys Unlimited. I know they go to Peru but not sure about Chile.

These are all such helpful suggestions, and I really appreciate them. I will continue to research based on the suggestions you all have offered. Thanks again!

@Bob!! I’d completely forgotten you were one of those caught up in a refund mess.

I did all our trip planning for South America for our family so I can't comment on choice of tour guides, but I did want to say Easter Island is amazing. I celebrated my 50th birthday there and it was one of those "once in a lifetime experiences". If you change tours, try to get one that includes Easter Island. Try to visit the entire island including the quarry and volcano. Pictures do not do it justice when you are right up against the Moais. I wouldn't worry about having just one day in Macchu Picchu if you get there early and leave when it closes. Be sure to bring a walking stick or buy one in Agua Calientes. There are lots of steps.

With respect to alttitude, be sure to drink the tea and keep yourself hydrated. Our family of four had no problems. We went to the Sacred Valley first to get aclimated. Have a great time!!