SAmerica & Group Travel
 

I don't like to travel alone and I like someone else to take care of the travel plans... travel co's or tour operators. I show up and they take care of everything.

My next few trips will be to South America. I'm looking for some advice. I like small groups (less than 15), local interaction and non-touristy. Traveling to Argentina, Peru, Colombia or Brazil (not all at the same time ;) ). I don't have a big budget, so nothing too pricey.

A German friend recommend viventura. Noticed that viventura.com is 'coming soon' to the US. Took the survey (I could use the $100 off my next trip and a hammock).

My questions are:
Has anyone used viventura before (from any country)?
Is there anyone else that you would recommend?

Thx - Veri

Tucantravel.com best for this for me

Self guiding cheaper easier no early AM bus calls though

Lots of scammers never heard of yours

Stick with reputable operators through saexplorers.org

Join them for cheap lodging great discounts

Insuremytrip.com always pay with CC never wire money

spirit.com saved me a tonne FLL LIM $239 RT all in with them from the US last

Lokihostels.com tour around from there by bus as desired

Ormeno goes all the way from BsAs to cartagena when I road tripped last fall there

You might not be interested in this, but some friends liked this Spanish immersion program, which is in a few cities: http://www.ecela.com/ You can also choose a home-stay through them, if that appeals to you.

OAT is popular with the small-group crowd, mostly middle age and older. They go to Peru, not sure about the others.

@qwovadis thanks, that's the 2nd time I've heard of Tucan Travel, first time for SAexplorers.

This seems to be a really small niche for group travelers. I'm not changing my mind, but will need to do a lot of research.
@PeaceOut - I'd love an immersion course some day, just not ready yet. will keep it in mind. If have some extra time, I'll think about it.
@mlgb - OAT, sounds interesting. Not too expensive, but with a certain level of comfort.

These help, I'll look forward to more feedback before I make my final decision. Still looking for any travelers w/ viventura, if they are out there.

-
http://www.savacations.com/

In June-2007, used South American vacations for a 'semi-independent' trip in Peru. Did have a travel companion, and there was only a couple others on some portions of our trip. Was my 1st time to Peru and appreciated having all the logistics/transfers managed on our behalf.

Note -- saw commentary on Trip Advisor talking about SA Vacations, suggesting not best option if considering a trip to Galapogas Islands. Since my trip was just to Peru (MP, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca), can't speak to Galapogas cruise.

Have you looked on Trip Advisor for any comments re: viventura?

I've traveled twice with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) and really enjoyed both trips, even though I usually am a solo independent traveler.

Here's my trip report from my (first) Peru trip, with OAT, to give you some idea:
http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...rip-report.cfm

Nice spam.

I have observed that a post from the owner of viventura.com was removed above.

I feel this was a mistake, as this person clearly indicated he owned the business and stressed he was obviously biased in it's favor.