South America WOW Trips: Reviews from our Travelers
35 min readFor sun in winter, value for money, less jet lag, few tour groups, and an outstanding diversity of landscapes and experiences, it’s hard to beat South America. From celeb-magnet beach towns in Brazil to coffee-region haciendas in Colombia to Amazonian lodges in Ecuador to heli-hiking in Chile to top-value wine regions in Argentina—not to mention ...
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For sun in winter, value for money, less jet lag, few tour groups, and an outstanding diversity of landscapes and experiences, it’s hard to beat South America. From celeb-magnet beach towns in Brazil to coffee-region haciendas in Colombia to Amazonian lodges in Ecuador to heli-hiking in Chile to top-value wine regions in Argentina—not to mention the Galapagos Islands and Patagonia—South America has an extraordinary vivid range. The following reviews show you what’s possible when you plan your trip with a Trusted Travel Expert for South America. Here’s what it means to get a WOW trip.
Uruguay: “In-the-know South Americans spend their vacations in this small country that packs a really big punch…”
Traveler Jeannie Mullen riding the trusty steed Indio on the beach in “unforgettable” Jose Ignacio.
“Uruguay is a SLEEPER! … while it may fly under the radar with most Americans, in-the-know South Americans spend their vacations in this small country that packs a really big punch. Brazilians and Argentinians also apparently invest there because the Uruguayan economy is so strong. Paul and Lucinda planned an outstanding, diverse, and well-paced 12-day trip for me over the Christmas holidays, and coordinated a smooth transition with a separately planned cruise to Antarctica which followed immediately thereafter.
Universally described as “muy tranquilo”… Uruguay boasts fantastic family-owned wineries, distinctive restaurants with world-renowned chefs, unique and interesting hotels and resorts, beautiful boho chic beach towns, sprawling estancias with an authentic gaucho culture, rolling farm country, the second largest river on the continent, a penchant for all things vintage, and history, art and architecture. After spending time in Carmelo, historic Colonia del Sacramento, Montevideo, Punta del Este and the unforgettable Jose Ignacio, I’ve decided that if I ever decide to live outside the United States, I’m heading to Uruguay.” —Jeannie Mullen
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Peru’s Amazon rainforest—from monkeys to macaws—and people of the high Andes
A trip highlight for traveler Audrey Moore and family: meeting people living a “simpler life” high in the Andes.
“Our trip to Peru was one my family will remember forever. We started in the Amazon rainforest, and saw so much wildlife at the Tambopata Research Center. This really felt like a special place, and we felt very far away from civilization. My kids loved the birds, monkeys and boat rides. The food was great, our guide Dino was wonderful, and we had a great experience. The morning watching the macaws at the clay lick was a highlight. But we were pretty ready to escape the heat and the bugs after 3 days and get to the cooler air in the Andes.
We absolutely loved our time in the Sacred Valley and Cusco. The resort at Sol Y Luna was so nice that we had to force ourselves to leave to go adventuring each day. Our favorite day of the trip was the day we spent at the Lamay Village. It was so special to make friends and see how people live a simpler life high in the Andes. We also loved our one-day hike on the Inca trail into Machu Picchu—incredible! My family could have spent several more days exploring Cusco as well.
Every hotel on this trip was perfection. Our guide Rogers and driver Jose were both incredible. The locals treated us with such kindness everywhere we went. There is so much to see and do in Peru…10 days just wasn’t enough time!” —Audrey Moore
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Colombia glows—from colorful arts, salsa dancing and rum tastings to swimming in bioluminescent waters
Lauren Schor and family with the iconic Palenqueras of Cartagena.
“Boris and his team put together a fabulous five-night getaway over Presidents’ weekend for our family of three (our daughter is 14). From our first conversation, I knew that Boris understood exactly what we were hoping to get out of this trip—culture, food, activities, and some time to unwind. Since we had a limited amount of time, we took an easy five-hour direct flight from New York to Cartagena. We spent three nights relaxing at the Sofitel Baru beach resort, which is brand new and a 90-minute drive from the airport and the city. Boris had suggested we do the bioluminescent plankton night activity, which we all loved! Swimming in the warm water at night with glowing microorganisms around us was an incredible experience!
We then spent another two nights at Casa Pestagua, a beautiful boutique hotel in the walled city. Cartagena is a colorful, picturesque, walkable small city with beautiful spots around every corner. After a couple of conversations about our interests and travel style, Boris arranged some amazing activities for us: a private salsa dancing lesson in a nightclub; a chocolate, rum, and exotic fruit tasting; a street food tasting and street art walk; a historical tour of the city, and a cooking class on our last morning. We also had plenty of time for wandering around and shopping for some fun treasures. Boris planned out our schedule perfectly. One thing to be prepared for is the weather. I knew it was going to be hot, but the humidity made it feel even warmer. We took plenty of breaks in cool stores and restaurants, but it’s something to be aware of.
People back home were surprised to hear that we were going to Colombia because of the country’s history and reputation, but Colombia is not what it was 25 years ago—we never felt one bit unsafe. If you’re thinking about going to Colombia, go now, before it gets too popular and crowded, and definitely let Boris plan your trip! Cartagena is a gem and I hope to work with Boris again on another trip to see more of this beautiful country!” —Lauren Schor
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Brazil and Argentina: exploring ecosystems with “jaw-dropping” diversity, galloping in a gaucho town
Gauchos take a stand in San Antonio de Areco, Argentina. Photo: Traveler John Strachan
“We spent a magnificent three weeks visiting Brazil and Argentina with our 11-year-old daughter and 13-year-old son. We hit six locales in 21 days (Rio, Paraty, and Iguazú in Brazil; Buenos Aires, Iberá National Park, and San Antonio de Areca in Argentina), but Paul and Lucinda’s itinerary made it work seamlessly.
Rincón del Socorro in Iberá National Park is one of the most wondrous places I have ever visited. My wife says the closest thing is safari in Kenya, and it felt very Out of Africa. It is a former farm that was bought and rewilded by the family that founded The North Face. What they have done is stunning. We stayed in one of their old cottages and spent the next few days exploring different nearby ecosystems on foot and e-bikes, in jeeps and a boat.
Right now, we live in Quito. People here weekend in the Galápagos. The Amazon is a four-hour drive away. This region is a biodiversity paradise. But I have never seen so many species of animals so active in one vista as I did in Iberá. While our portion of the Andes has among the highest concentration of bird species in the world, the trees, forests, and mountainous terrain often hide them from view. In the wide-open wetlands of Iberá, they are all right there in front of you—storks, rheas, egrets, herons, ducks, caracara, grebes, geese, macaws, parrots, cardinals, flycatchers, swallows, and more—mating, dancing, building nests, wading, hunting. It was jaw-dropping. So was the number of active mammals we saw—foxes, boar, four species of deer, capybaras, and peccaries. Also, turtles, snakes, and caimans. This place would be on every human’s bucket list if it were more widely known.
Then we stepped back in time, to the gaucho town of San Antonio de Areco. We had a quiet little three-room inn to ourselves. At night, we sat around the outdoor fire listening to legendary local troubadours play guitar and sing songs of old. It felt like we were treasured guests in a good friend’s home. The local gauchos taught our daughter to gallop and even had her standing on horseback, albeit while stationary.
Paul and Lucinda’s expertise in these two huge countries was invaluable. They turned our trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we never knew was possible.” —John Strachan
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Ecuador, Peru, and the Galapagos: “Truly astounding to be that close to these magnificent, endangered birds…”
A red-footed booby “utterly unafraid” of visitors to El Barranco in the Galapagos. Photo: Traveler Rebel Rice.
“Allie planned and coordinated a trip of a lifetime for my husband and I, as well as four to six other friends, depending on where we were when. The highlight destinations of the group trip were: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and Cusco (6 people); Galapagos Cruise aboard the catamaran The Elite (8 people); Ecuadorian Amazon at La Selva Lodge on Rio Napo (5 people). I am an experienced trip planner and traveler, but I could have NEVER pulled off this trip with this many people, in this many different places, with such superb guides and outstanding lodging, as well as the many smooth transfers.
We loved her recommendations for every single destination, the most important of which was the Galapagos catamaran, The Elite. She definitely had to talk our group into the smaller boat, as well as the 7-day itinerary on a zoom call because it was more expensive. However, the benefits of the catamaran Elite, a small boat (16 passengers), were well worth it. The Elite has large, comfortable staterooms, smooth motoring (except for one rough night), and superbly prepared and presented meals. Plus, they happily accommodated my dietary restrictions, as well as surprising one couple with a wedding anniversary cake, and two of us with birthday cakes. The guide, Morris, was superb and the crew was wonderful—professional, friendly and helpful. When we started the booking process, some of us had some specific islands to visit, but most of us were not that well informed. We were all delighted with the itinerary of the eastern islands.
The Amazon portion of the trip started as almost a lark when we asked Allie if we could throw in the Amazon while we were in Ecuador/ Peru. She came back with La Selva Lodge on the Rio Napo, a tributary of the Amazon. Fantastic.
Machu Picchu reminds us of the Grand Canyon, in that the photos do NOT do the site justice. The scope of the ruin, as well as the greater insights one gains by being there, are incomparable. We wondered if Machu Picchu combined with Galapagos would be too much, but we loved them both. If you ever had dreams of going to the Amazon, then visit La Selva, an eco-lodge on the Rio Napo, part of the Amazon basin. The rain forest experience is authentic and remarkable. The food is the highest quality, and they were fantastic at accommodating my dietary restrictions. We spent 4 days/ 3 nights which seemed like the right amount of time.
Our favorite activity was the Macaw clay lick, where we saw a large flock of Scarlet Macaws, that were then followed by 2-3 flocks of Cobalt-winged parakeets. The Parrot clay lick is seen from the river (on a boat), but is quite a distance (maybe ½ kilometer). The Macaw clay lick is situated about a 10–15-minute walk from the river. The local indigenous tribe has built a bird blind with benches, and even a restroom, where you can wait for the birds to arrive and then watch them from about 100 ft. Truly astounding to be that close to these magnificent, endangered birds.
One of many wonderful things about La Selva, and the blackwater lagoon on which it sits—no mosquitoes. Really! We started our trip in Lima, Peru. We found it an interesting, enormous city, whose historical buildings put much of colonial Latin American history into tighter perspective. The food and the restaurant scene are as amazing as reported. The Museo Larco is a must see for the wider perspective on Peruvian indigenous people. As it was winter there, the city was foggy and chilly. Glad we went, but not sure we will return. We went to Otavalo, an important market town in the Andes. It was an interesting and fun chance to see the local Andean people. We stayed in an old Hacienda outside of the town. My husband and I ended our trip with a few days in Mindo, about 2 hours west of Quito in the cloud forest. We stayed at one of the best lodges we encountered, Las Terrazas de Dana. The staff, especially Marco, extended the warmest welcome.
The value for money is remarkable. It’s walking distance from town, but set out in the forest. The birding was excellent, as were the other attractions in town, such as the 3 artisanal chocolate producers, the bird feeding stations, and the butterfly garden. The food in the many restaurants was delicious, as it was at the resort. We found this true throughout our time in Ecuador.
The most unusual experience is the very reason one goes to the Galapagos: the animals. They are utterly unafraid of humans. Wow. The nesting Blue-Footed Booby or Waved Albatross just sat there as we walked within 2 feet. The bird might calmly gaze at us, but mostly didn’t care. The sea lions don’t even look up.
Allie is THE BOMB! This amazing trip would have never happened without Allie. She is so organized, fun to talk to about the trip, and knowledgeable. Allie prepared us well for this trip. There are so many details—the “visa” to visit the Galapagos islands, what to pack, insurance to buy, the visit to Machu Picchu. Her emails are remarkable. The guides—we cannot say enough about the extraordinarily high-quality guides that Allie arranged for us. This was our 8th trip booked through Wendy because we know that the guides will be great. They were the perfect match for our inquisitive, overeducated group.
PS: One more thing to add: We felt completely safe at all times. Go to Ecuador!! Ecuador needs tourists to return to help conserve the beautiful places and amazing wildlife.” —Rebel Rice
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Peru: climbing Palcoyo, hiking the Inca trail, “plentiful” wildlife sightings and conservation efforts at the Tambopata Research Center
Will and Kate Nury meet a local and his alpaca while climbing Palcoyo. Photo: Traveler Beth Nury
“Our 2024 holiday trip did not disappoint! We selected Peru as our destination due to the warm weather, direct flight from Newark to Lima and time zone consistent with EST. Marisol’s colleague Mark and his supporting cast did a great job of getting us acclimated to Peru’s higher altitude by starting our trip in Lima, then moving to higher elevated locations (Cusco) in preparation for our climb at Palcoyo (4,975m/16,300 ft.), a lesser-known rainbow mountain with few visitors.
One trip highlight included hiking the one day Inca Trail with our guide Johann. As with other trips booked with Wendy’s WOW List planners, the tour guides make the trip. Johann was patient with all of us (two teens and two adults that hike at different speeds!), knowledgeable about the plethora of relics we encountered, and willing to share the names of local restaurants in Cusco which were outstanding and affordable!
Another trip highlight was the Tambopata Research Center. Wildlife sightings were plentiful and the staff educated on the conservation efforts of the lodge. Temperatures are high, but the guides set a reasonable pace and planned hikes in the early morning, to avoid the afternoon oppressive heat.
Since our return flight did not leave until midnight and we arrived at the airport from Tambopata in the early afternoon, we reserved day rooms at the Wyndham Lima Airport Hotel, which offered a comfortable place to shower, relax and eat before the red eye flight to Newark. I highly recommend it!” —Beth Nury
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Ecuador’s many species, like “watching a National Geographic special, but it was right there in front of us…”
A Mashpi glass frog clings to a traveler’s glasses frame. Photo: Traveler Robin Madden
“We just returned from a 10-day trip to Ecuador, with our two adult sons and one of their partners, and unlike most, we did not include the Galapagos in the itinerary. We chose to visit the Amazon and stay at Napo Wildlife Center (NWC) and Mashpi in the cloud forest. These two places were chosen due to their commitment to the local communities and preservation of the incredibly biologically diverse ecosystems in which they are each set. We began in Quito, with a daylong visit to some churches, the equator, chocolate and agave tastings, and a fabulous restaurant set in the caldera of an old volcano. Despite the recent unrest, we felt comfortable, and heeded the advice to not go out without a taxi at night.
Getting to Napo and the NWC included a short flight, a two-hour speed boat ride and another 1.5 hours by paddled canoe. Though remote, the lodge is both elegant and comfortable. Our experience included a dedicated and very knowledgeable guide, Juan, as well as a local guide from the indigenous community, and an additional paddler for the canoe. The food and drink was very good, and Edison the bartender was everywhere making everyone feel welcome. It is owned and operated by the local community—a rarity in luxury lodges. Mornings started early, 5:30, but oh, the payoff! We saw multiple species of monkeys, more than 40 different birds, caimen, river otters, and a sloth, as well as various snakes and insects. The food was good, and accommodations very comfortable despite no air conditioning. We even had a jacuzzi on the deck of one of our suites! Our WOW Moment occurred while being paddled on the lake at sunset, when chilled wine was served along with gifts of handmade jewelry and a gorgeous bowl made by the local women. Then upon arriving back at the dock, there was a sumptuous spread of food and more wine! Enough to share with many others.
At Mashpi there were also extraordinarily knowledgeable guides. Fernando (Anderson) was our guide, and he is the “frog whisperer.” He found them and many other species everywhere. He is a biologist who did research there prior to becoming a guide and identified a new species, the “Mashpi glass frog,” which he found for us on a night walk. We had the extraordinary luck of witnessing a battle between a wasp and a tarantula. The wasp won, killing the tarantula and depositing her eggs inside to hatch in about 10 days. Fernando videotaped the whole encounter. It was like watching a National Geographic special, but it was right there in front of us. The most surprising thing was the food at Mashpi. We knew the lodge would be luxurious and visually striking, and had great guides, but did not expect the world-class cuisine that was constantly delivered at every meal with great service. Would highly recommend Jordan’s team, and hope they get added as Ecuador specialists on The WOW List.” —Robin and Josh Madden
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Brazil: “A day trip on a schooner where we visited several bays and beaches and had lunch at a place that was only accessible by boat…”
Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo: Shutterstock
“We booked a two-week trip to Brazil with Paul, and he came through big time. The best tour guide we’ve ever had, Lais, met us at the airport on arrival and transported us to the beautiful Hotel Fasano right on Ipanema Beach. We were able to spend two full days on the beach, where we really got a feel for the local culture.
My wife had wanted to see the dancers at Carnivale, but we didn’t arrive in Rio until it was over. Somehow Lais pulled off a miracle and found a group that was meeting in a public park and recreating their Carnivale performance. It was called a Samba Hangover Dance. We were able to hang out with the locals for a few hours and see the performance up close.
Then we went to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, where we were met by a master craftsman who taught us how to make the best Caipirinhas we had on the entire trip. While in Rio we were able to eat at Garota de Ipanema, the cafe where Vinicius de Moraes originally saw the famous ‘girl from Ipanema’ go by before writing the lyrics to the song. On Paul’s advice, we also went to eat at Aprazivel restaurant in the hills above Rio for a delicious meal in a beautiful restaurant with an amazing view of the city below.
Next, we boarded a plane to Iguassu Falls. We stayed at the Hotel das Cataratas in the national park and only 100 yards from the falls. The hotel is the only one in the park and you often had the viewing areas to yourself. Our guide took us on a tour the next day of both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of these gigantic, 2 ½-mile-wide falls. Seeing them was awe-inspiring, but taking a boat ride under them was exhilarating and an experience not to be missed. At Niagara Falls you get misted when taking the boat ride, but at Iguassu you actually go under the falls. It was safe and great fun.
We ended our trip with a stay in the colonial town of Paraty. We’d seen the big city while in Rio, the jungle in Iguassu, and now a peaceful, historical small town in the center of the country. Our stay at Casa Turquesa was magical. It’s a 9-room inn with a beautiful pool and lovely rooms. We enjoyed navigating the original rocky streets while visiting the shops in town. Paul had arranged a day trip on a schooner where we visited several bays and beaches and had lunch at a place that was only accessible by boat. It was a perfect, relaxing way to end our trip.
A final note about safety. In the United States we’d read traveler warnings and received a notice to beware of dengue fever from our government. Some friends were wary of us going to Brazil. In response I’d like to note that we never felt uncomfortable or unsafe for even a minute during our trip. Are there places in the city of Rio that you shouldn’t visit? Of course, just like in New York City. So don’t go there. Your guides will help you with that. I’ve told friends that Rio is like NYC, but with a better view. Even though we’d taken mosquito repellent to avoid getting dengue fever, we only used it once the whole trip and I never saw a mosquito the whole time.” —Ted Embacher
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Ecuador & the Galapagos: “A 300-year-old hacienda that seemed like it belonged to a dear family friend…”
Colonial hacienda near Cotopaxi Volcano in Ecuador. Photo: Shutterstock
“We wanted a balance of active adventuring and some much-needed downtime for a spring-break trip as a family and Allie more than delivered! Between a delightful boutique hotel in Quito’s old town, Casa Eden, with proprietors who fussed over our kiddo like their own grandchild, to a 300-year-old hacienda in Otavalo that seemed like it belonged to a dear family friend (with the family’s friendly horses wandering through to say hello to visitors and the chef happily teaching us how to make empanadas or offering samples of freshly made local gelato), we had ample time to relax.
Allie set us up with fantastic drivers/guides throughout Ecuador, with special shout-outs to our guide who took us to see artisanal chocolate being made, to eat bizcochos at a super-local non-touristy spot, and to meet a weaver whose family has made award-winning textiles in the same manner for hundreds of years, as well as set us up with great hiking and exploring by foot and horseback, incredible meals, and a stop at the equator (I was skeptical of the museum but it’s a hidden gem and great for families).
Allie also connected us with a breathtaking week in the Galapagos on the Ocean Spray: There was just one other couple on the boat besides our family, so we had incredible small experiences snorkeling, kayaking, and on some of the smaller islands, where our naturalist, Enrique Silva, really took the time to interact with us and point out things for our kid (who was a first-time snorkeler but by the second day was cruising everywhere thanks to his help). The catamaran was very comfortable and the rooms quite large—but the real highlight was the warmth and kindness of the staff and crew (and the food—which was phenomenal).” —Katherine Sanders
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Chile: “The terrain was so varied it felt like we had gone to a different planet each day.”
Laurie Richter and friends above Moon Valley, in Chile’s Atacama Desert.
“Visiting BOTH Patagonia and the Atacama Desert is an absolute must. The beauty and ruggedness of both places was unsurpassed. They were pristine and there were very few other people or vehicles. And they were so different from each other.
The scenery in Patagonia is breathtaking—newly formed mountains, green glacial lakes, layers upon layers of natural formations. Explora Lodge wasn’t fancy but the location was unsurpassed, and the quality of the guides and excursions available provided something for everyone. We mostly hiked and, with the windy conditions there, even a simple hike was pretty strenuous. Try out the spa and the outside hot tubs.
On to the Vik Chile in wine country, outside of Santiago. Spectacular facility in a beautiful setting with a wonderful winery. The food in the restaurant is spectacular and not to be missed. The winery tour and tasting was a highlight as well.
Then on to the Atacama Desert, which may have been the unexpected highlight for me. Again, wonderful lodging (Nayara Alto Atacama) with terrific service and, again, some of the best food you can imagine. The terrain was so varied it felt like we had gone to a different planet each day. You are at elevation (8,000 at the lodge and up to 14,350 at the geysers) so you need to be prepared for that, but everyone in our group was fine. You do spend a lot of time in the vans, as most of the hikes and sites are 45 minutes to an hour and a half away, but this isn’t Disneyland, and no lodge can be close to everything.
I can’t stress enough that, if you can afford the time and money, make sure to see both Patagonia and the Atacama Desert. Unforgettable.” —Laurie Richter
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Colombia: “incredibly varied” landscapes, diverse food markets, community art and “warm locals willing to share their stories”
Tracy Reller and her family hiking among wax palm trees near Colombia’s coffee-growing region.
“Colombia is a beautiful country with incredibly varied landscapes, amazing agricultural bounty (mostly done by hand—saw only one tractor the entire time), wonderfully creative, fresh and delicious food everywhere, and warm locals willing to share their stories.
Boris arranged activities that we either wouldn’t have been able to do on our own or wouldn’t have been the same. They turned out to be some of our favorite experiences. For example, we toured two different poor neighborhoods in Medellin with Spanish-speaking neighborhood leaders involved in the graffiti art transforming the neighborhood. It was fascinating to see these communities up close and to hear their stories of the violence and hopes for the future.
Another favorite experience was visiting very different markets used by locals. First, Paloquemao in Bogota—very clean, well organized, items from produce to meats/fish to home goods and flowers, beautifully presented. That was in contrast to the Barzuto market in Cartagena, where we seemed to be the only tourists navigating the dirt floors, tight winding walkways though makeshift stalls, fish and meat sitting in open hot temperatures with a French chef shopping for our cooking lesson (we only bought produce there). It was a sight to see!
Finally, we would not have known about some amazing restaurants we visited for lunch that were not even in our itinerary. One of those restaurants, in Bogota, didn’t even have a sign out front, but our guide knocked and was welcomed in. Our hotels were all wonderful and a welcome respite at the end of every day. Most outstanding were the Four Seasons Casa Medina in Bogota, Hacienda Buenavista in the coffee region, Villa Playa Tayrona, and Casa San Agustin in Cartagena.
Our guides were wonderful and really added to our experience. They were intelligent, interesting and informative. It’s a gift to get to spend time with a local, get to know them and share details about our lives. We gain a better understanding of a country and its people with a guide rather than just crossing tourist sites off a list.” —Tracy Reller
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
From Peru’s Lake Titicaca to Bolivia’s Salt Flats, stargazing for “a truly spellbinding experience…”
Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni salt flats reveal a vast and bright night sky. Photo: Shutterstock
“Our trip was amazing—from visiting the salt flats to checking out a silver mine, boating on Lake Titicaca, visiting cathedrals and museums, eating delicious foods, and meeting wonderful people.
We were delighted from start to finish with Marisol and Mark’s exceptional advice and service, and a big thank-you to Wendy for the WOW Moment: The unobstructed expanse of the isolated salt flats make star-gazing on the Salar de Uyuni a truly spellbinding experience, as the full breadth and immensity of the night sky can be observed and appreciated with the telescope provided or with the naked eye. Located at altitude with almost no light pollution thanks to a sparse population, the Salar de Uyuni is one of the best places to stargaze in South America.” —Dominique Tran
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
The Galapagos Islands: “It was simply mind-boggling how many amazing animals we saw up close…”
A sea turtle is one of many creatures you’re almost certain to see in the Galapagos island. Photo: Shutterstock
“My family of four (two parents, 10yr old, 12yr old) took a one-week Galapagos cruise aboard the Elite. Allie planned the trip. EVERY aspect of the journey was incredible, and none of us wanted to leave.
We are so happy Wendy linked us up with Allie. Allie was essential to helping us sort through the blizzard of options (land-based or boat-based? which of a hundred boats? large or small? monohull or cat? four-day or longer? etc.). She helped us make it perfect.
With Allie’s guidance we chose a small boat (the Elite has a 16-person max). Small boats can be rocky, so she steered us toward a catamaran for more stability, to minimize the risk of seasickness. The water was generally smooth, but on one or two nights with bigger waves, we were very happy to have two hulls, especially while watching how tippy the monohulls were. We didn’t really think about it beforehand, but being aboard a catamaran allowed for a wider beam and more spacious rooms on board.
The reason to go to the Galapagos is the geological and natural history, so I’ll start there. We saw blue-footed boobies, courting frigate birds, gulls, Galapagos hawks (hunting and eating marine iguanas!) and more. We encountered a number of Galapagos tortoises in the wild. In the water, on numerous snorkeling activities, we saw more types of reef fish than I could name, from little gobis and half-inch baby puffers up to tuna. Small sharks skimmed the bottom, oblivious of us. Penguins flashed by, within a few feet, as they hunted, and we actually saw them catching fish. We never sought out sea lions because as soon as we hit the water, they found us, swimming within inches of us in circles and loops, trying to get us to play with them. Pods of sea turtles munched on algae as we floated above, swimming so close to us at times that we actually had to struggle to swim away in order not to contact or disturb them. It was simply mind-boggling how many amazing animals we saw up close.
My 12yr old was captivated by being on a boat and got to know Marcello, the captain, and Rey, the first mate. They let him take the wheel a few times. Both were great with the kids aboard. On the zodiac boats that took us from the Elite to the shore, the guys who drove those boats also let our kids take the helm a couple times. The whole crew was super friendly and seemed committed to sharing their beautiful islands and making sure everyone left having had an extraordinary experience. They all had their specific jobs which they took seriously (it was a boat, after all, so it’s all serious at some point), but when they had time, they stepped outside their appointed roles to help guests or to point out interesting things. For example, one of the crew, Francis, snorkeled whenever he could and did a great job enhancing our experience, pointing out hard-to-spot creatures like sea cucumbers or rays camouflaged on the ocean bottom.
One unexpected aspect of the trip was the beauty of the islands. Had we never stepped ashore, the trip would have been memorable just for the gorgeous islands, striking sunsets, impressive vistas, and stunning beaches. I genuinely cannot think of anything that could be improved upon. We badly want to go again, bringing aunts, uncles, and cousins to share this exceptional experience.” —John Strachan
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Patagonia, Chile’s Atacama Desert, and a private astronomy evening at an observatory
Barbara Schoenfeld and her husband enjoying a Christmas Eve cruise on Grey Lake.
“Tom designed a Christmas/New Year’s trip to Chile for our family of six. He rose to the challenge of transporting us down and back up half the length of the continent. He organized visits to both Patagonia and the Atacama Desert, securing rooms at Hotel Las Torres in Patagonia and Explora Atacama. Both were excellent choices for their top-notch adventure staff and boutique experience.
He pretty much had to plan three trips because we originated in San Francisco, New York, and New England, and we had three different time frames. He and his staff handled the transportation logistics smoothly.
Alain Maury’s SPACE Observatory, Chile. Photo: Barbara Schoenfeld
And I’m not just saying this because I’m writing a review for Wendy’s WOW List, but the best part of the trip was the Wendy WOW Moment. We had a private stargazing evening, hosted by French astronomer Alain Maury, at his observatory called SPACE (San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations). Above is the photo he took of us in front of one of his telescopes. Plus we have a video he recorded on my son’s cell phone where he described what we were seeing on the Sea of Tranquility on the moon—particularly the smudge where the US Apollo 11 landed.” —Barbara Schoenfeld
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Trekking in Patagonia: gorgeous and strenuous terrain, scenery and wildlife, “terrific” cross-cultural conversations with guides
Traveler Jeannie Mullen in Torres del Paine National Park.
“Since returning from two weeks of trekking in Patagonia, I can’t quit showing off my trip photos! Every time I looked, a National-Geographic-worthy photo leapt into my iPhone.
My goal for this trip was to get in as much trekking as possible—specifically, I wanted to see what my improving fitness level would allow me to do and challenge myself to do more but still get home in one piece. Tom‘s trip suggestions and logistics planning were spot-on, and he was able to secure great private trekking guides in each location of the trip, as I wound my way through Chile and Argentina.
First, Torres del Paine: Oh my goodness, what a location. Scenery, wildlife… it absolutely has it all. Tom suggested that Explora was the most advantageous location to do the sort of trekking that I was interested in, and it was perfection.
My guide for three days, Francisca, was delightful, knowledgeable, and encouraging. On our first half-day trek to view wildlife, we saw everything, including the elusive puma… taking an afternoon nap. We had him all to ourselves for over an hour. On some very long, back-to-back treks over the next two days (Grey Glacier and the French Valley), she and I had some terrific conversations, shared our personal stories, and learned a lot from each other, given our different cultures and generations.
Guanacos (close relatives of llamas) are among the few residents of Patagonia. Photo: Traveler Jeannie Mullen
Crossing the border and entering Argentina, I was seamlessly transferred to another guide and driver, Juan and Beto, who showed me some of Argentina’s most gorgeous terrain. We hiked to the base of Cerro Torre and the very next day to the base of Fitz Roy. I have to confess I had serious doubts that I could do these hikes, but Juan was very encouraging and guided me through… he took my goal seriously… and I had three gorgeous treks in El Chalten (and sore feet) to show for it.
On our way back to Calafate to view the Perito Moreno glacier, Juan and Beto invited me to share the mate (mah-tay) experience with them—a tradition practiced by all the locals: a warm emulsion of (mostly bitter) local herbs. I was so thrilled to be offered the opportunity to experience it the way the locals do (versus ordering it at a restaurant just to say that I had). I’m pretty sure that Juan and Beto got a kick out of watching the “gringa” trying to finish it, which one must do before returning it to the one who prepares it.
On to Ushuaia for a final three days of trekking through Glacier National Park. Ushuaia is not on everyone’s radar screen, unless there is a cruise to Antarctica involved, but it should be. It’s an interesting, evolving place in a very remote part of the world that you don’t really hear that much about. The mountains on Beagle Channel make for some really striking views. On our hikes (through sun, wind, light rain, and even a curious 10 minutes of hail which happened on a clear, sunny day) my guide, Santiago, was very engaging and shared a lot about his country (current economy, government, growth and job opportunities in Ushuaia) and his family.
I leave in just under a month for another hiking trip that Tom planned for me over the upcoming holidays—in Chile’s Lake District. Stay tuned!” —Jeannie Mullen
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Argentina’s “many layers” of natural beauty and culture through food, wine, arts, and glaciers
“To see the glaciers up close was an incredible experience!”
“We have just returned from a wonderful two-week birthday trip to Argentina planned by Maita and Malena. During the planning session we told Maita we wanted to experience the “real” Argentina through food, art, people, and nature. She listened and then planned an exceptional trip that exceeded our expectations.
The tone of our trip was set the minute we landed as we were lucky to see the Jacarandas trees in full bloom. This natural beauty was repeated throughout our adventures in Buenos Aries, Lujan de Cuyo Valley and Uco Valley in Mendoza, and finally Calafate. To see the glaciers up close was an incredible experience. Maita and Malena created many unforgettable moments for this special trip which included birthday wishes at every restaurant and resort. Wonderful guides/drivers, Gloria (food tour), Victoria (fantastic day tour), and Marcos (fun and engaging driver/guide) shared with us their love for their country. We also enjoyed a variety of restaurants that showed us the many layers of Argentina. Each restaurant was better than the last. One of our favorite dining experiences was at the Asado where all the food was cooked by women chefs! We are looking forward to sharing some of our favorites with our family back in the States, as the team was kind enough to send recipes!
We were also grateful for Maita and Malena’s suggestions where to stay in each location. We loved the seclusion of Eolo and the beauty of Cavas Wine Lodge. Cavas quickly became our favorite resort as we sat on our terrace looking at the sunset sipping wine! Also, the special birthday dinner on our terrace at Cavas with a fire, the sunset, and a sampling of the foods and wines of Argentina will be a memory to last a long time!
Highlights of our trip included meeting two very talented artists: visual artist Sergio Roggerone and his lovely wife Marina and silversmith Juan Carlos Pallarols. Each of these artists were generous with their time. We enjoyed talking with them, learning about their art, and sharing common experiences. We also enjoyed our visit to the Monastery of the Preaching Christ and spending time with Father Diego and his dog! And of course what would a trip to Argentina be without a little (or in our case a lot) of wine tastings. We most enjoyed wine tasting when it was paired with delicious lunches at Lagarde Winery, Zuccardi Piedra Infinita Winery and our WOW Moment of a gourmet picnic lunch on the grounds of another beautiful winery. We look forward to sharing our wine purchases with friends and family back home!
It was also nice to receive consistent communication during our trip from Maita, Malena and the team. They used WhatsApp to provide driver information, pick up time, boarding passes, and to ask about our day. We are thankful for all the planning and attention to detail that Maita, Malena and the team provided. Even after our trip was over, Maita continues to help us on a purchase we made. Thanks for making this birthday trip a very memorable adventure!” —Peggy Murphy
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Rapa Nui’s remote majesty, from the silent mystery of the Moai figures to rich Chilean viniculture
“We will never forget the serene silence of the island and the mystery of how the Rapa Nui people carved and carried the innumerable statues.” Photo: Traveler Michael Ruma
“We flew to Santiago on February 16 and spent two nights in Chile’s capital city before traveling to Rapa Nui for a blissful week, topped off by a few days in the birthplace of Chilean viticulture before returning home on February 28, 2025.
We have been fortunate to spend time in Santiago, Patagonia, and Chile in prior travels. Ranked as one of the most remote places on earth, Rapa Nui seemed like a perfect place filled with wanderlust for our first trip of 2025.
Landing early in Santiago, we made our way through immigration and customs and were carefully chauffeured to the Singular Santiago Hotel. We dropped our bags and enjoyed a guided tour to reorient ourselves to the capital of Chile. Awakening the next day, we charted out a full day to explore the city. From a funicular ride, a trip to the top of the tallest building in South America, a stop for the best empanada in town, and dinner and wine tasting at our favorite, Boca Nariz, Santiago delighted our senses.
The following morning, we enjoyed the nearly 6-hour flight to Rapa Nui. Enjoying all the bustle of the big city but constantly drawn to the connections made in countryside spots, we grew excited to land in Rapa Nui, home to only 9,000 locals and the two daily flights of tourists. Picked up by Explora staff, we were rapidly transferred to the hotel and introduced to the daily program of the lodge. Before lunch, we joined a casual walk to explore the island countryside right out our back door.
Most visitors spend 2 or 3 nights, but we were grateful to have booked a solid week as there is plenty to discover on the island. We spent our days hiking each of the three extinct volcanoes, snorkeling and scuba diving, discovering caves and lava tubes, and dining on nearly everything offered by the lodge. The highlight of our time in Rapa Nui is exceedingly difficult to select as the Moai at sunrise and at the quarry were indescribable, the peak of the Bird Man hike had views of the bluest sea glimmering below the volcanic crater, and the clarity of the ocean water beneath the surface was beyond description. However, we will never forget the serene silence of the island and the mystery of how the Rapa Nui people carved and carried the innumerable statues all around the island.
After hiking many miles and visiting numerous archaeological sites, we left Rapa Nui with a new appreciation of the culture and countless memories. As we boarded our flight back to Santiago, we were reminded of yet another benefit of traveling under the guide of a trusted travel partner. Just prior to takeoff, Alexander sent me a text to inform us nearly the entire country of Chile was suffering a blackout. He assured me the airport was fully operational due to backup generators and our ride to our hotel in Pirque in the Maipo Valley was on their way and would be waiting for us despite the national power outage. Reassured with the seamless teamwork occurring behind the scenes, we enjoyed our departure and flight back to Santiago.
Arriving late to Hotel Las Majadas, we quickly checked in and fell to sleep. Awakening the next day, we explored the beautiful palatial grounds and enjoyed a great breakfast before heading out midday for wine tasting followed by a cocktail making class before dinner.
Recognizing our love of wine, the hotel concierge, Pablo Garcés, joined us at our late lunch, poured us numerous local wines, and made sure to share the secrets of the Maipo Valley and places we should not miss during our stay. One of these closely held secrets included Viña Don Melchor, which recently had their cabernet sauvignon named Wine Spectator’s 2024 Wine of the Year. While we had planned on a hike the last day of our trip, we queried Pablo to see if it was possible to schedule a tasting at Don Melchor and likely due to his relationship with the vineyard, we were able to book a private tasting the next day. Met by the vineyard manager at the large gates of Viña Don Melchor, we were guided through the private gardens, down to the cellar of Casillero del Diablo, and then into the former private home of Don Melchor. We were then seated in an exquisite, contemporary conference room for a private blending tasting to demonstrate how the winemaker creates the best-in-class cabernet.
It may be possible to purchase a plane ticket and book a hotel room. However, without the assistance of Wendy Perrin and her network, we as travelers would never be able to sew the patchwork of professional drivers and adept guides who created the exemplary experiences and special moments during our trip to the Moai and the Maipo.” —Michael Ruma
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Patagonia and Argentina Lake Country’s drop-dead views of lakes, mountains and volcanoes
Kitty Bean Yancey’s guided hike in Torres del Paine National Park included a picnic buffet.
“Imagine hotel rooms with drop-dead views of lakes, mountains and volcanoes and interacting with some of the warmest people we’ve ever encountered. That made our amazingly well-planned trip to Patagonia and Argentina Lake Country one of the more memorable trips in decades of travel. Krista and Jordan steered us to fantastic hotels and lodges (most off the beaten tourist track as we requested) and secured us exceptional rooms and activities, including dinner at a chef’s home and a private horseback ride.
Our WOW Moment was the best we’ve had. We initially thought it was the visit to Torres del Paine National Park with a guide, featuring a two-hour hike to see snow-covered peaks up close and a picnic buffet. But no, that was just the appetizer. Next day, we were taken to an historic estancia and entered the ranch house to find a locally famed musician and his daughter and son ready to give us a private concert of his songs about Patagonia. We’ll remember it always, as well as the four-course lunch including perfectly roasted guanaco and homemade matcha tea/fig ice cream.
I’m a semi-retired travel writer, but use Wendy’s WOW List experts to explore new territory because they can ensure a special trip with insider experiences.” —Kitty Bean Yancey
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