Private Tour Highlights
- See collections artwork including paintings, sculpture and furniture at San Francisco, the oldest church in Ecuador
- Take a trip to the middle of the world to see the monument that honors the exact location of the equator!
- Have a chance to taste the sweet, local juice of sugar cane and melcochas while visiting the Banos waterfalls
- Marvle at the spectacular Andean scenery aboard the "Devil's Nose" train
- Visit Genovesa Island, known as “bird island” for being home to thousands of tropical birds
- See the remarkable cactus forest as well as land iguanas, sea lions and several species of bird
Tour Overview
This Yampu trip will bring you to Ecuador’s Must-See Sites and Experiences, including the volcanoes of Ecuador, the Devil’s Nose train ride from Alausí, Cuenca, and the Galapagos Islands aboard a First Class Catamaran. The highlands of Ecuador are a diverse region with multiple indigenous cultures and extreme landscapes.
During your tour you will see a drastic change in scenery as you travel from the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano to the high plains near Cuenca. Your excursion will end in the amazing and diverse environment of the Galapagos viewing the copious and exotic flora and fauna.
Included in the itinerary is a First Class cruise. Due to current Galapagos Islands regulations, each cruise can only visit an island every 14 days. This sample 5 day itinerary runs every two weeks. However, we are able to offer a variety of other Galapagos cruises. Depending on your dates of travel, we are able to customize your itinerary to match the Galapagos Cruise departures.
Inclusions
Round-trip domestic air from Quito or Guayaquil to the Galapagos; one-way domestic airfare from Cuenca to Quito; 4 nights cabin aboard a First class boat, including all meals; hotel accommodation including breakfast; daily guided tours of the islands, led by naturalist guides; guided excursions with English-speaking guide; and all transfers including assistance and baggage handling. Also included in the rates is the $100 Galapagos Park fee, and the $10 Transit Control Card fee.
*All cruise itineraries are subject to change.
*By traveling to the Galapagos with Yampu Tours, you will be making the choice to travel responsibly. As members of IGTOA (International Galapagos Tour Operators Association), Yampu donates $7 for every traveler that travels to the Galapagos with us. We are dedicated to helping preserve the islands while supporting sustainable ecotourism. As an IGTOA member, we are informed, involved, and concerned.
*There will also be an optional Galapagos Conservation contribution of $50 per passenger added to your final proposal. The contribution will go towards:
• Creating benefits and educational opportunities for local people.
• Strengthening responsible tourism management.
• Building strong financial support for conservation among the travel industry and travelers.
• Promoting high professional standards for the tourist industry.
Exclusions
Gratuities and local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included.
Package Price: From £$ 11611
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Quito
Upon arrival in Quito, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the hotel.
Upon arrival in Quito, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the hotel.
Full Day Colonial Quito Tour & The Equator
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The tour begins today with a visit to Independence Square where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located. Also visit the Church of La Compania (1605), and enjoy a brief visit to the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535). The oldest Ecuadorian church, the collection of artwork here includes paintings, sculpture and furniture dating back to the 16th century. Leaving the churches, visit the recently restored 24 De Mayo Boulevard, named after the battle which sealed Ecuador´s independence.
Also visit La Ronda Street in Old Quito. Lined with colonial houses and inspired by painters, poets, musicians and historians, this visit gives a taste of traditional Quito. The tour will then continue 30-minutes outside of Quito, towards the Middle of the World. Visit the main Monument honoring the correct location of the equator and visit the Ethnographic Museum, located inside the Equator Monument. Or, visit the Inti Nan Museum, a scientific and cultural Museum located in the exact place where the Equator Line crosses. ...read less
Quito - Cotopaxi NP – Banos
This morning, be greeted at the hotel in Quito and transferred privately to the Cotopaxi National Park. Here, admire the beautiful snow-capped volcano and will have an optional hike. Later, head to the Hacienda La Cienega, one of the oldest haciendas dating back to the seventeenth century, for a tasty lunch (included). After lunch, stop at Saquisili Market (if Thursday), or Latacunga Market (if Tuesday or Saturday), please see information on these markets below. Transfer to Banos for an evening of leisure. Lunch included.
This morning, be greeted at the hotel in Quito and transferred privately to the Cotopaxi National Park. Here, admire the beautiful snow-capped volcano and will have an optional hike. Later, head to the Hacienda La Cienega, one of the oldest haciendas dating back to the seventeenth century, for a tasty lunch (included). After lunch, stop at Saquisili Market (if Thursday), or Latacunga Market (if Tuesday or Saturday), please see information on these markets below. Transfer to Banos for an evening of leisure. Lunch included.
Banos – Riobamba
After breakfast enjoy a visit to the Banos waterfalls including Manto de la Novia, Pailon del Diablo and Ines Maria. During the visit, enjoy tastes of the local juice of sugar cane and melcochas. In the afternoon, transfer to Riobamba, visiting a local Indian Market en route (if open on that day).
After breakfast enjoy a visit to the Banos waterfalls including Manto de la Novia, Pailon del Diablo and Ines Maria. During the visit, enjoy tastes of the local juice of sugar cane and melcochas. In the afternoon, transfer to Riobamba, visiting a local Indian Market en route (if open on that day).
Alausi - Devil's Nose Train
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Very early in the morning, after breakfast, we drive to the town of Alausi for a train ride to the famous “Devil’s Nose”. Due to the land topography, this portion is a masterpiece of railway engineering, commonly named “the most difficult railway in the world”. The descent is not an ordinary one, we start the ride at an altitude of 2,346 meters and go down to 1,860 meters in just 30 minutes, in a zigzag-carved railway tracks. Afterward the guide and driver will bring you to Tolte Community to enjoy the following activities.
- You will be able to descend 330 stairs up to a view point, perfect place to appreciate the zig-zag from Devil’s Nose and take fabulous pictures.
- You may choose between horse-back riding or biking tour in the surrounding areas of the local community to enjoy the landscape and see in a deeper way the local lifestyle (around 25 to 30 minutes)
- Enjoy a lunch prepared by the local community (gourmet meals). There will be a Dancing show during lunch time.
- Passengers will receive a key ring from devil’s nose train ride as souvenir
- Passengers are able to take pictures with the llama and local people without additional cost.
- Passengers are able to visit an organic local farm to see the where the community develops agro-tourism and produce the vegetables that will be served at the restaurant during the meals.
Return and travel south to Cuenca, visiting the ruins of the Inca fortress Ingapirca en route. This evening, overnight in Cuenca. Box lunch included.
Please note this train does not operate on Mondays.
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Cuenca
This morning, enjoy a city tour of Cuenca visiting the Calderon Park, the new and old Cathedral, the Park of the Flowers, the City Museum and modern art, the Canari-Incas of all saints’ ruins, Canon of the Tomebamba and Turi River. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Quito (one may also choose to spend an extra night in Cuenca, please consult with a Yampu travel consultant).
This morning, enjoy a city tour of Cuenca visiting the Calderon Park, the new and old Cathedral, the Park of the Flowers, the City Museum and modern art, the Canari-Incas of all saints’ ruins, Canon of the Tomebamba and Turi River. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Quito (one may also choose to spend an extra night in Cuenca, please consult with a Yampu travel consultant).
Quito – Baltra – Santa Cruz Island
Transfer to the airport for the morning flight from Quito to Baltra in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, be greeted at the airport and transferred to the Galapagos cruise.
This afternoon, visit Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island. Play de las Bachas is located on the northern coastline of Santa Cruz. Here, be able to see the brightly colored flamingo lagoon, encounter marine iguanas, various sea birds, and sea turtles. This is a good location to swim and snorkel.
Transfer to the airport for the morning flight from Quito to Baltra in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, be greeted at the airport and transferred to the Galapagos cruise.
This afternoon, visit Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island. Play de las Bachas is located on the northern coastline of Santa Cruz. Here, be able to see the brightly colored flamingo lagoon, encounter marine iguanas, various sea birds, and sea turtles. This is a good location to swim and snorkel.
Genovesa Island
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This morning, visit Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island. Genovesa is a collapsed volcano that ships are able to sail into through its large breached caldera and anchor at the foot of the steep crater walls. Genovesa is commonly referred to as ‘bird island’ because it is home to thousands of great frigate birds, red-footed boobies, noddy terns, lava gulls, tropic birds, doves, storm petrels, and Darwin’s finches.
This afternoon, visit Prince Philip’s Steps on Genovesa Island. El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, has a trail through a Palo Santo forest to an open area full of nesting birds that include masked boobies, frigates, and red-footed boobies. At the end of this trail are thousands of band-rumbed storm petrels nesting in the crevices at the cliff’s edge. One will also be able to see the short-eared owls as they hunt the storm petrels during the daylight hours.
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Plazas Island – Santa Fe Island
This morning, visit Plazas Island. Plaza Sur was originally formed by uplifted lava and the terrain includes an impressive cactus forest. On land one will see land iguanas, sea lions and several species of tropical birds.
This afternoon, visit Santa Fe Island, home to a cactus forest and a colony of land iguanas that are native to the island. Here, one can also see the Galapagos mockingbird, magnificent frigate, brown pelican, and several species of Darwin’s finches.
This morning, visit Plazas Island. Plaza Sur was originally formed by uplifted lava and the terrain includes an impressive cactus forest. On land one will see land iguanas, sea lions and several species of tropical birds.
This afternoon, visit Santa Fe Island, home to a cactus forest and a colony of land iguanas that are native to the island. Here, one can also see the Galapagos mockingbird, magnificent frigate, brown pelican, and several species of Darwin’s finches.
San Cristobal Island - Isla Lobos
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This morning, visit Punta Pitt. This unusual volcanic formation is located in the northeast of San Cristobal Island. Here one is likely to see tiny lava lizards scurrying around the rocks as well as all three species of the Galapagos booby; Nazca, masked, and blue or red-footed boobies.
This afternoon, visit Kicker Rock and Isla Lobos. Isla Lobos is a tiny rock island to see a colony of sea lions and a colony of blue-footed boobies. Kicker Rock is a magnificent rock that jets out 500 feet high from the middle of the ocean and is shaped similar to a sleeping lion. The rock is split with towering vertical walls on either side that forms a narrow channel through which small vessels can investigate. There is no landing site here but the view from the boat will make a lasting impression.
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San Cristobal – Quito – Home
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This morning, visit El Junco Lagoon, San Cristobal. This site is reached by road and is about a half hour drive from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The road goes through the small farming settlement of El Progreso. The lake itself is the caldera (collapsed cone) of an extinct volcano and is about 300 meters wide. The name El Junco is Spanish for sedge, which is present along the banks of the lake.
This afternoon, be transferred to the San Cristobal airport for the flight back to Quito and connect with the international flight home.
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Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
Banos, Tungurahua, Ecuador
Riobamba, Chimborazo, Ecuador
Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Places You'll See
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Quito
The magnificent city of Quito is bursting with cultural, historical, and artistic character. Along with its scenic parks such as Parque La Carolina, visit its enchanting museums like the Museo del Banco Central. Take a trip to the Mitad del Mundo, or the “Middle of the World”, where the first measurements to prove the earth was round, were taken.
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Banos
On the foothills of the Tungurahua Volcano, lies the city of Banos. One of the final cities before reaching the depths of the Amazon, Banos offers many exciting activities to take in. Enjoy the picturesque waterfalls, such as the famous Cascada de La Virgin, or take on nature with jungle tours, rafting, bungee jumping and so much more at the capital of adventure!
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Riobamba
One of the stops along the Pan-American-Highway is the scenic Riobamba. One cannot miss the views of the surrounding mountain ranges including Ecuador’s highest mountain, Chimborazo. Visit the local art museums and its neoclassical basilica, Parque La Libertad, to absorb the areas culture and history.
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Cuenca
Well known for its stunning and historical architecture, Cuenca is a City that holds a great amount of history. Visit the historic center of the city that has been named a UNESCO Heritage Site with its historical structures. Take a tour of The Ruins of the former Inca Empire, Ingapirca, and learn of these ancient people.
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Galapagos
Become enchanted by the unique and seemingly intrepid wildlife native to the Galapagos Islands. Dive in with the underwater life, or stay above water enjoying the other several water sports. For a dryer experience, relax on the sandy beaches soaking up the sun. Spend time with Giant Tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Center.
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
4 Star Properties
La Casona de la Ronda
Quito , ECUADOR
La Casona de la Ronda is a delightful, authentic Spanish Colonial style boutique hotel with a gentle, calming feel built in an old 1738 Mansion. The rooms are attractively decorated beyond your expectations featuring hand carved furniture by local master craftsmen, polished fine wood flooring, spacious and comfortable with a deluge shower in the bathroom. Even though it is an old “La Casona” it offers modern services us as free Wi-Fi, a full service restaurant, a buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch and dinner, and room service available.
Hotel Carlota Quito
Quito , ECUADOR
CARLOTA is a boutique hotel in a renovated historical house within the Historic district of Quito. The house was built at the turn of the century circa 1905. In 1966 Doña Carlota Echeverría de Moreno acquired this house, which would be her home and her family’s for over 40 years.
CARLOTA began in 2011, with the intent of preserving a historical landmark of great value to the city and to Doña Carlota. At the same time the hotel aims to contribute to the city with an intimate, exclusive and innovative hospitality proposal that will enrich what the historic district has to offer.
UNESCO declared Quito’s Historic District a “World Heritage Site” in 1978. The National Government and Municipio de Quito have taken actions to recover the historic district and to turn it into the most important tourist destination in Ecuador and in Latin America. The city of Quito has been distinguished as best tourist destination in Latin America for the last three consecutive years (2013-2016).
Sangay Spa Hotel
Banos , ECUADOR
The Sangay Spa Hotel is located next to an impressive 80 meter waterfall and across the street from the most famous thermal baths in the City of Baños, ´La Virgen´ which have stimulating health restoring properties. Baños Tungurahua Ecuador, a thermal bath destination offers peace and quiet during week days, fun and plenty of activities on weekends. The 84 years of experience delivering quality service to its customers makes Sangay the best option for lodging in one of the most important tourist destinations of Ecuador.
Chimborazo Lodge
Riobamba , ECUADOR
Located on the foothill of Chimborazo Volcano, Chimborazo Lodge offers rooms with heating in Chimborazo Natural reserve. There is a restaurant, and free parking is provided. Riobamba is 22.4 miles away.
Decorated with wooden gabled roofs, rooms at Chimborazo Lodge offer mountain views. All of them have shared bathroom facilities.
Breakfast and dinner are served daily. International dishes can be ordered at the property’s restaurant.
Chimborazo Lodge is the only property located within the reserve. Ambato is 49.7 miles away.
Hotel Victoria
Cuenca , ECUADOR
The Hotel Victoria is a first class hotel located in the ravine of the city of Cuenca, on the River Tomebamba. Its face is a beautiful mixture of bourgeois aristocrat construction, and the brick and marble interior is decorated with typical elements of the culture. The rooms have large windows, overlooking the beautiful garden and city, which keep them brightly lit. They are decorated with stylish furnishings and are equipped with cable TVs and private bathrooms. The Garden Restaurant offers some of the best cuisine in the country, the back garden offers peace and tranquility with breathtaking views, and El Barril bar serves more than 100 labels of wine and specialty cocktails.
5 Star Properties
Hotel Mama Cuchara
Quito , ECUADOR
Situated in the best-preserved, least altered historic center of UNESCO’s world heritage sites in Latin America – the Historical Center of Quito – Hotel Mama Cuchara enjoys an ideal location among the hotels in Quito’s historic center, a walkable distance from the Plaza Santo Domingo, La Ronda, and many of the city’s most popular historical sites.
Faithful to the Art Hotels brand concept, Hotel Mama Cuchara indulges the keen traveler with a private collection of art complemented by rotating exhibits of various Ecuadorian artists. Proceeds from sales of art directly benefit the artists and their community.
Hotel Mama Cuchara breathes new life into the Historic Center of Quito, linking the service and design of Art Hotels Ecuador’s brand with the Historic Center’s charm.
Within all of our properties, the ethos is the same—to passionately and authentically mix old with new and create an artistic, creative approach to luxury hospitality.
Illa Experience Hotel
Quito , ECUADOR
Hotel Illa offers a unique cultural experience for guests in Quito’s warmest and most welcoming traditional neighborhood. Something beyond bricks and mortar, beds and breakfasts. For generations, San Marcos has been home to artists, writers and musicians. Its present-day charm owes much to the tight-knit community of residents. It’s the perfect setting for our experience hotel.
Samari Spa & Resort
Banos , ECUADOR
In Quechua, Samari means “relax and feel at home”. Samari Spa Resort is the result of 8 years of hard work and a vision which took into consideration thousands of details with the final objective of offering guests a destination with a unique style of providing relaxation and well-being. Samari offers 37 luxurious rooms which provide comfortable beds with double goose down duvet covers, TVs, wireless internet, mini-bars, and a spacious bathroom which includes a bathtub. Guests can relax at Samari Spa featuring body and facial treatments, aromatherapy, chromotherapy, and massage. The hotel also offers a gourmet restaurant serving regional cuisine.
Banos : Luna Volcan Adventure Spa
Luna Volcan Adventure Spa
Banos , ECUADOR
Experience newly renovated rooms and romantic suites at Luna Volcán, Adventure SPA in Baños, Ecuador. Our themed rooms and suites feature electronic locks, energy saving devices, queen and king size beds, fireplaces, eco-heated floors, hydromassage bath tubs and terraces with spectacular views, designed to accommodate the new ways in which you travel, love and recharge.
Riobamba : Hacienda Abraspungo
Hacienda Abraspungo
Riobamba , ECUADOR
The wonderful Hacienda Abraspungo is located at 2,754 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the magnificence of the Ecuadorian Andes. Hotel Hacienda Abraspungo Riobamba Ecuador has 38 comfortable rooms that are unique by each bearing the name of a different mountain in Ecuador. They are furnished and equipped to meet all customer needs, making them a perfect place to relax, and have direct access to beautiful gardens. The Novoandina kitchen of Abraspungo creates special dishes, mixing culinary gourmet techniques with local flavors.
Santa Lucia
Cuenca , ECUADOR
Hotel Santa Lucia is a beautiful colonial hotel located in the center of Cuenca. Just two street blocks from the central park, it has twenty exquisite decorated rooms. Each room is different from each other and they have all the comfort of a modern style room. Inside the hotel there are three restaurants considered some of the best restaurants of the city, serving regional and international cuisine. The rooms showcase Baroque influences and generate a regal atmosphere, and are equipped with Cable TV, minibars, and work desks. Guests can also enjoy a daily buffet style breakfast.
San Juan Hotel
Cuenca , ECUADOR
San Juan Hotel is a large historic home converted to a luxury Hotel with a charming environment offering the pleasure of resting in old colonial style. San Juan offers 25 colonial style rooms, fully equipped with flat screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms. There is free Wi-Fi accessible throughout the hotel, a quiet reading area, a cozy relaxation area, and a full American style breakfast, served daily, providing juices, fruits, and eggs. There is also an onsite restaurant and café, serving traditional dishes from Cuenca, prepared using the freshest produce of the region.
Luxury Properties
Casa Gangotena
Quito , ECUADOR
Situated in a newly-restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco, the three-story Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel in Quito harbors 31 rooms, a showcase of eye-catching style, a fine mix of classic architecture, contemporary interior design, antiques, fine furnishings, modern technology and quintessential comforts. Beautifully and eclectically-appointed, the hotel invites its guests to explore and relax, whether in its dining room, at the glassed-in patio, in the garden redolent with the perfume of native flowers, at the elegant indoors Sitting Room by the patio or atop its panoramic third-floor terrace.
Cruz del Vado
Cuenca , ECUADOR
Testimonials
Domit from Australia
Traveled May, 2010
The trip was fantastic
I hope this email finds you happy and well. I am so sorry, I have been meaning to call you for so long to give you feedback on the trip to Central and south-america late last year, but as John Lennon once said Life’s what happens while you’re busy making other plans. My heartfelt apologies. Overall, due to your wonderful expertise, the trip was fantastic. Thanks for your troubles, and needless to say, we’ll be in touch when we’re ready to hit Latin America again.
Traveled To
Repeat Client
Traveled November, 2012
We know who we will call when we are ready to go again
Our first trip with Yampu Tours was in 2003 when it was Kon-Tiki Tours and Travel. We contacted Jose Irauzqui and his team to create a special trip for us to Chile. (We travel by ourselves on a customized tour with a driver and an English speaking guide). We told Jose what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go, our time limits and anything else he needed to know and he and his staff went from there creating a wonderful trip with lots of memories for us. We were so impressed by the service we got that when we were ready to return to south-america to visit Peru in 2006, we immediately contacted Jose, who again came through for us. Most of our trips are ecological in nature. My daughter is an exotic animal veterinarian and we travel to see animals in the wild. All of our trips through Yampu have comprised an ecological component, which we have built our vacations around. Many of the ecological lodges we stayed in were small in size, so we start making our plans at the beginning of the year for a trip in the fall because of availability. We traveled with Yampu to southern Brazil in 2004, Peru in 2006, Argentina in 2007 and again to Peru in 2012. Some parts of our trips were done with groups, but on the most part, we had private customized tours. Yampu has a terrific network system of tour providers in all these countries and through five trips we have only had one complaint, which Yampu took care of when we returned. The problem was with a tour guide and therefore was beyond Yampu’s control until we got back as we did not complain at the time to the local agency. Next time we will handle it locally as Yampu provides you with a list of people to contact along the way. The number of fabulous, well-informed tour guides far outweighed that one incident. The above trips are just the ones my husband and I have gone on with our daughter through Yampu. My daughter has used Yampu for many trips throughout Central and south-america with her friends. We just returned from our second trip to Peru in November and she is off to Ecuador in January. We still have places in south-america we wish to visit, it is a big continent and very diverse. We know who we will call when we are ready to go again. We were very fortunate to find Yampu. And now Yampu has expanded to other parts of the world!
Traveled To
Linda
Traveled May, 2014
Yampu Tours planned an amazing trip for our inaugural South America experience
Yampu Tours planned an amazing trip for our inaugural south-america experience. We wanted to cover 6 countries in one month so it would have been a nightmare if we had to plan it ourselves from Asia. Karolina from Yampu put together a great itinerary and gave great advice. She was also extremely patient when we wanted to change things around. All the planning happened over email super efficient. We were very pleased with the accommodation choices, activities planned and the quality of the local tour guides. Thanks again!
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