Lionlove

I'm a 40-something woman wanting to explore SA (Patagonia/Chile/Argentina/Ecuador). I'm trying to find a solid travel group that is not for budget travellers, but also not for mature wealthy couples. I don't mind a little bit of camping...I absolutely want it to be active...but I also want decent meals, and not to have to worry about bringing a sleeping bag.

I looked at G-Adventure and Intrepid, but I'm turned off by their paltry meal plan. Perhaps this is standard fare? I don't mind dining out a few times, but I also don't want to be hungry.

Budget for land portion is $5000, which I'm hoping will cover at least 12 days.

Any suggestions?

thursdaysd

Have you thought about going it alone? I looked at a few companies before my trip a couple of years back, but wound up going solo, with no problems. (Click on my name for my TR.)

I've traveled with Intrepid a few times, not sure what you mean about the meal plan. You might look at Adventures Abroad, I think they are a bit more upmarket.

Lionlove

Thank you thursdaysd. I was under the impression that these guided tours fed you in addition to the rest. I wasn't aware that finding food was up to the traveller. I know of other companies that provide 3 meals per day, or so. I will check out Adventures Abroad.

thursdaysd

No, the number of meals provided varies depending on the company. Personally I prefer NOT to have them all included. Breakfast is almost always included because it is included in the hotel rate.

janisj

>>I was under the impression that these guided tours fed you in addition to the rest. I wasn't aware that finding food was up to the traveller. I know of other companies that provide 3 meals per day<<

What they provide will clearly be explained in each tour's detailed itinerary. Me personally - I'd never EVER book a tour that provided every meal. Do you really want to eat every single meal in tourist traps.

Lionlove

janisj: The meals are had with the groups, who usually number around 10 ppl. I assume there are no restaurants in the hills of Patagonia, and most meals will be had at the inns or stops en route.

I agree that if the trip were in larger cities, trying different restaurants would be more authentic.

I found a couple of tour companies that I think will work. Their reviews speak volumes.

thursdaysd

"The meals are had with the groups, who usually number around 10 ppl."

Again, that depends entirely on the company. There are not a lot who take groups that small. Where in the "hills" of Patagonia are you going that you expect food to be a problem?