4 Star North America Tour Reviews — 1 to 6 of 6

The guides’ flexibility and attention to detail. The food, group dynamics, and the area we toured. There was a snafu at the hotel for the add on pre and post trip nights. Staff , Wilma, was exceptionally helpful.

The guides’ flexibility and attention to detail. The food, group dynamics, and the area we toured. There was a snafu at the hotel for the add on pre and post trip nights. Freewheeling staff , Wilma, was exceptionally helpful.

The scenery was amazing. The hiking was challenging. The guide was passionate. She could have done a better job of briefing the group about each hike so we could better prepare ourselves. Since there was only one guide, if we thought the planned hike might be too difficult, the only choice was to go or not go on the hike that day. The lunches need to be more varied. Everyday we prepared our own lunch from food bought by the guide. We ate processed deli meat, cheese, wraps, and snacks from COSTCO and potato chips everyday. This became unappealing after several days. Extra water was provided in single use plastic bottles. This is not environmentally friendly. I would have preferred being given a large reusable water bottle with the company logo that could be refilled with water from a large container carried in the van. At the end of the trip the guide sent each couple an email requesting a tip equal to 20% the total cost of the trip. We were all surprised at the amount. If this was the expected amount this should have been shared prior to the trip in a FAQ. Many of us did not have that amount of cash on hand.

Prompt and timely transfers. We were impressed that each of our pick-ups from our various events were on time and efficient.
Improvement suggestions: After viewing some of the other lodging options (as our shuttle dropped off other travelers), I would have preferred the option to upgrade one or two of our hotels in the planning stage (granted, it would have cost a bit more). No pool & no close restaurants on our third hotel was unfortunate (we had some down-time which a pool would have been appreciated). We didn't have time after the white-water rafting to view and purchase photos before we were hustled out for the long bus ride to Avernal. Although adequate, I would have preferred actually visiting one of the two Cloud Forest Reserves vs an abbreviated hike around the 100% Adventure property. It's a long way to go to not see the actual Cloud Forest Reserve.

We loved interacting with the local guides, who were all so friendly, positive, accommodating, knowledgeable, and obviously loved their work and their country.

The most memorable part of my trip was our day in Samara. We biked to three beaches and the views were wonderful. We biked on the beach at sunset and that experience was surreal.