I am helping plan a 2-week vacation for my mother and aunt to South America in October. They are around 60 years old and would like a higher-end fully guided tour of a few countries - not fixed on any but had in mind Brazil, Argentina, Peru. Any thoughts of where to go, and recommendations for tour companies?

Thank you.

I used Abercrombie and Kent for a private tour in Peru. It was fully guided (except for a free afternoon or two), but without the group. I thought they did a very good job. A & K also has small to mid sized group tours (we crossed paths with one a couple of times), and multi-country tours. I haven't been to Brazil, so I can't comment, but Peru is a good choice, as would Argentina and/or Chile. For two weeks, two countries might be enough, although there probably are "highlights of South America" that fit three countries into two weeks. Good luck.

We were traveling independently, but saw a Tauck Tour ( large group) in Chile.

In addition to the above, the following all have a good reputation for that region and are financially stable. That's important in this climate as some lesser-known operators are having financial troubles of late.
Cox & Kings
Adventure Life
Kensington
Tauck
Mountain Travel Sobek
Geographic Expeditions
International Expeditions

Three countries will be tough in two weeks. Maybe 2 of the 3. You may want to check out Inspira Travel, they do experiential high-end tours in South America (but not group tours).

www.kuodatours.com my fav for quality custom tours...

www.affordabletours.com

good comp site to see all group tours on offer...

Globus gets good marks by many also...

Two more that are good:

http://www.yampu.com/
http://www.lostworldadventures.com/

I have used A&K and Lost World on different trips to South America. One thing to keep in mind is that most if not all of these travel agencies are going to sub-contract or have arrangements with local guides. So it is theoretically possible, if not likely, to end up with the exact same guide no matter which of 2 or 3 travel agents you are deciding between.

I used Yampu a few months back for a trip to Peru and Brazil. Everything was very well planned, and it all went like clockwork. Evetything my consultant (Monica) told me would happen, happened exactly like she promised. They have their own offices in Lima and also Cuzco I think. Ifyou do contact them be sure to ask for Monica, tell her Julia referred her (traveled with Stephen)

Good luck

This is all really great information, thanks everyone!! So far I liked the variety of Kensington tours, but still have to check out the last few that were posted. Now I want to plan something for myself too...

We used this company for private tours in Peru. We had a driver and a guide. New vehicles, always on time, called us the evening before. I would highly recommend them. I lined up my lodging and flights, but they will do a complete tour. I pasted the info below.

CONDOR TRAVEL

Tel. (51-1) 615-3000 ext 515

Fax. (51-1) 628-9703 / 628-9704

24H/7D Emergency Line: (51-1) 9350-7766

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.condortravel.com

PERÚ-CHILE-ECUADOR-BOLIVIA-ARGENTINA-BRAZIL