reddoor

Hi all
Thought I'd start a new thread as those I looked at are out of date. I'm thinking of using Green Toad buses to go from Salta to Iguazu, and then join one of their jaunts from Iguazu to Campo Grande and Southern Pantanal. It just seems easier to deal with one company. They have a comprehensive web site, answered an email in English promptly and they seem to be everywhere. But I haven't found any reviews. I don't think they have their own buses - probably just piggyback on what's going.
If anyone has used them I'd really appreciate hearing of your experience.
I'm a mature female travelling alone.
Thanks in advance.
PS
I'm wondering if they are a bit pricey?
Also whether I'd be better just booking bus to Iguazu from Salta as I plan to be there for several days?

mlgb

If they don't have their own buses what is the point? Just find a good local travel agent to book if you can't manage online by yourself.

Huentetu

Companies like this are basically booking sites and you will be paying for them to make the booking, paying a lot. As said, they do not have their own buses so you are not really gaining anything. Read the terms and conditions carefully as you usually end up paying a premium for any route you actually want to take and cannot choose your level of service. They show Salta to Iguazu on Flechabus in semi-cama service (there are 2 or 3 better levels of service) which takes 26 hours and a change of bus in Posadas. You can book better buses for less money by yourself. Booking your own bus is easy in Argentina, Brazil and Chile.

crellston

I had not heard of Green Toad but, looking at their website, they do seem a bit expensive. We did the trip in 2008 and just turned up at the bus station in Salta a day or two before to book our seats (I think we used Flechabus). We traveled via Tucuman and it took 27 hours (including a time change!).

As Huentutu says it is easy to arrange bus travel in Argentina so you really don't need to pay extra fro someone else to do it for you. 20 odd hours on a bus is a long time and it is definitely worth paying the extra to travel "full cama" or "ejecutivo" . It is MUCH more comfortable - you will not regret it.

http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blo...0400/tpod.html

Fleetsy

I have just done a trip with Green Toad and I actually found it all pretty useful. As a single woman travelling alone I felt better that I had things booked and details of how to get everywhere. I saw other travellers at bus stations in Brazil who had not booked anything and there was no space left on the bus.I had good seats too, in Argentina I had bed/cama seats. I knew I had paid a little bit more for the service but I thought it worth it.

Fleetsy

Yes I get that and I agree but I think for me I had limited time and don't speak Portuguese so I was happy to get it all organised. If I had a long time exploring then I would want more flexibility and would do it myself, it was just easier to get one company to do it all and not have to worry. They were really efficient and organised and it just took some of the hassles away for me and it wasn't just buses in the trip there were included excursions too.

casper99

I have just finished a trip, using the services of Green Toad Bus and I agree with Fleetsy. The organisational abilities of this company are amazing, I had all of my travel details prior to departure and knew where I had to be at any given time, I found the online support service excellent.

Yes, you do pay for the service but you also get peace of mind, detailed itinerary and online support. When i return to South America I will certainly use their services again and have already recommended them to family.

Huentetu

There are suddenly a lot of enthusiasts for Green Toad buses on travel forums. First time posters in every case. Any traveller should just read the terms and conditions carefully before deciding.

casper99

I am very enthusiastic about Green Toad Bus, as I was unfortunately on an overland tour with a company that went out of business and left our group in Cusco. I contacted Green Toad Bus and within 48hours I had the rest of my trip to Rio organised and I was able to continue enjoying my trip without having to worry. I have now returned to the UK and am always happy to recommend excellent service.

rqmorning

Green Toad Bus is a cheater! Never ever use it again!!

We are two tourists who booked their 3day Patanal travel. It cost us $557 dollars! We booked online and prepaid all the money.

But here is our experience:
(1) No pickup service when we arrived at campo grande airport late in the night. Although we have paid the pickup fee, the company just replied that no driver was available.
(2) The worst hotel we have ever lived-- Hostel Campo Grande, never go there. It is shabby and terrible.
(3) such high price will only gave us 11ppl shared lodge room in Patanal. It askes us to pay 100usd more each person for a private space.
(4) rude attitude, no service at all. Everything we required, they just ask us to do it by ourselves.

We really feel angry about Green Toad Bus Company.
Friends, be careful with it and never get cheated again!