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9 Reviews 1 Complaint
- 4 out of 5
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Southern Explorations overview
No one has a better understanding of Latin America than Southern Explorations. We’ve spent most of our time exploring guides, studying, and exploring the places we provide. We’re familiar with the most popular destinations, the locals, the culture, foods, sounds, hid, den places, and some of the most popular adventures. The years of experience we have gained allow us to offer you the freedom to design and personalize your dream Latin America travel itinerary or pick from our exquisitely designed group trips and cruises that are guaranteed to exceed our highest standards.
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No one has a better understanding of Latin America than Southern Explorations. We've spent most of our time exploring g ...Read more
Address
PO Box 30156 98113 Seattle, WA United States
Phone
$ Monetary Loss
500
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6.74K
When my partner and I planned a trip to Panama, we chose Southern Explorations because of their attention to detail. We knew they would subcontract to a local company, and that was fine with us. What we didn’t realize was that once they made the arrangements, they completely washed their hands of us. The only follow-up we received was a generic form letter three weeks after we returned. And when I reached out about a minor issue—one of the guides on the drive to Bocas del Toro didn’t speak English—I never got a response. Would I use Southern Explorations again? Maybe. But if I go to Panama again, I’d contact Panama Trails directly since they were the only company we actually dealt with after paying Southern Explorations.
We'll definitely be using their services once more.
We have just returned after a honeymoon in Ecuador. Each detail was carefully planned and implemented with the help of Southern Explorations. It was impossible to ask for a better-organized excursion. Many different types of transportation - plane, taxi and canoe were available, and all punctual! The accommodations we received exceeded our expectations. Southern Explorations had to "replan" our honeymoon last second and done it efficiently and with grace. Their expertise in Ecuador helped make the trip memorable! We'll definitely be using their services once more.
Highly recommend
What an amazing trip to the Galapagos! Southern Explorations managed everything beautifully and exceeded expectations on information and getting us to and from everything. Can’t say enough about completeness and professionalism. Highly recommend.
It was a fantastic trip and couldn't have been more perfect
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the Galapagos as well as Quito Ecuador. Staff members kept in contact regularly, making sure we met deadlines, and also offering trips that we're happy to have done. It was a fantastic trip and couldn't have been more perfect.
The experience was fantastic
The experience was fantastic. Some times it was quite strenuous. Rogillio the naturalist at our disposal was an excellent naturalist. The Tip Top II experience was much more than I had thought of. The staff were attentive to the needs of everyone.
Everything went according to plan
Everything went according to plan. Southern Explorations people all along all the way were well-prepared, friendly and professional. If a flight got delayed and we needed assistance and assistance, our Southern Explorations rep in Ecuador was conscious of the issue and was working to make the necessary adjustments before we even had the chance to reach her. Overall, I was satisfied with the team and their work.
Our Galapagos excursion together with Southern Explorations was fantastic
Our Galapagos excursion together with Southern Explorations was fantastic. The entire trip was perfectly from the shuttle service to the meals and services aboard our vessel as well as the day-long excursions. I'd be extremely difficult to think of a single thing that was not perfect or that could be made better.
Our accommodations were fantastic
The whole thing was organized to our satisfaction! Our accommodations were fantastic. Food was good however nothing exceptional. It's a middle-of-the-road when it comes to luxurious. The cost was expensive for the quality of food as well as the lack of alcohol but it was incredible and we strongly recommend the trip to everyone. The tour guide was helpful and knowledgeable, but also quiet. We were able to take advantage of so many wonderful things that made our experience so unique.
We'd recommend this trip to anybody.
It was a wonderful trip in Costa Rica and saw many exotic animals, exotic birds and even plants. A large part of that was due in part to Jose Pablo Schmidt who was an exceptional guide who had more than thirty years of knowledge. Food and accommodations were extremely good for the majority portion. The only issue we encountered was a slight mismatch on a few specifics of the itinerary between us and our tour guide. This caused a little some confusion, but our guide was extremely flexible, and could work out an adjustments to the itinerary through our local Costa Rican tour agency without the cost of an additional trip to us. We'd recommend this trip to anybody.
Ice accommodation, trip somewhat too long. I didn't like the structured meals timings. There was too much waiting between dinner and lunch. The dinner was also tardy. There was not enough to do for the amount of time on board. The room was smelling bad. Problem not solved. I was expecting a refund for an action that they were unable to deliver, but by Quark and the refund has not been received. I am still waiting for a $495.00 . I returned home on the 11th of January I was told Quark will issue a refund within three to four weeks. We will refer to Southern Explorations if refund does not appear in a week.
much more costly
Southern Explorations is a travel agent that doesn't manage the cruise. It serves as an intermediary that assists with transfers between airports. The fact that we didn't realize this until we boarded the ship. Our cruise ended up being much more costly than it had to be. We likely were the ones aboard our boat who were the ones who paid the most for the trip.