It's good to be back and we're just about over the jet lag! Getting upgraded to Business class on the return Santiago - Auckland leg by LAN Chile helped a lot !!!
The trip was wonderful ! It's been a while since we've been on an 'organised' holiday but it was everything and more that we expected it to be. I'll comment on each portion of the trip individually....
PERU: The guides were exceptional, particularly the ones that took us to Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu and Cusco - their knowledge and enthusiasm for their subjects was excellent. They were all very prompt, courteous and very helpful. The hotel in the Sacred Valley was superb - a lovely way to start the holiday.
BUENOS AIRES: The guide, Claudia, was exceptional, and again extremely knowledgeable, courteous, prompt and friendly. The hotel was excellent and great location also. Bus transportation worked well and we were very impressed by the 'comfort' of the buses. Again it was nice to be dropped off at the bus station and met upon arrival and taken to the hotel/game.
IGUAZU: Fabulous hotel and location and a real treat to stay there.
RIO DE JANEIRO: Great guide, Marcelo, and hotel location was awesome! Marcelo was again very knowledgable and friendly and organised an additional tour for us without any problem.
PUERTO VARAS: Lovely hotel and again super location. No need of a guide, we enjoyed our free time to look around, and we received a message from the tour company regarding 'pick-up' time to go to the airport which was timely and efficient.
All in all a fabulous trip and introduction to South America. Being met at every step along the way was reassuring and made it more of a 'holiday' as all the 'thinking/organising' was being done for us! Drivers and cars were all of a high standard.
Thank you for organising it and for the choices of hotels and guiding companies that you chose/use. We will definitely recommend Contours Travel to friends and family if they express an interest in a similar trip.
Kind Regards,