Dream destinations like Machu Picchu, the Galápagos, and the Amazon are impressive all on their own—but savvy travelers know that proper planning and top-notch guides can make highlights like these shine even brighter. And that’s where we come in! Peter S. and Thalia P. wrote in to tell me not just why they loved exploring South America, but also why they’re glad they did so with OAT.
My wife and I visited Machu Picchu with OAT a few years ago. I had been there once before, but it was the first visit for my wife, Margareta. It was great, much better than my first visit. The OAT visit starts from the Sacred Valley just about an hour or so away and you are spared that long, tiresome train ride that most other visitors take. And we got to make the trip up the mountain twice: once in the afternoon of our arrival to the town and then again the following morning. So you really get the feel for that magnificent place. My wife went along on the Trail of the Incas, but my fear of heights kept me close to the major ruin sites, and we both had a grand day. This whole trip was part of Real Affordable Peru, which, with its whitewater rafting, visits and meals with local families, and strolls along the streets of Peru, is one of the best travel experiences one can imagine.
Peter S.
3-time traveler & Overseas Adventurers’ Club member
Vienna, VA
Hello Harriet,
We recently returned from Peru and Ecuador on Machu Picchu & Galápagos, with the pre-trip to the Peruvian rain forest. Imagine viewing for many years the Victoria Regia lilies at the nearby famous Longwood Gardens of Pennsylvania, and then seeing the real deal in the Amazon! I’m sorry Mr. DuPont, your lilies are wonderful, but seeing them in the jungle can’t be beat. Our guide, Clever, is a wonderful young man with a wealth of knowledge of his area, which he shared with extraordinary skill.
We then had the fortune of having Edgar Chucya as our guide for some of Peru and, of course, Machu Picchu. We have told the grandchildren that no documentary, photo, or travelogue can possibly replace the sensation of actually standing amongst the rocks of Machu Picchu. We hope that they will be fortunate to one day have a wonderful guide like Edgar to share the Inca experience.
Luis Rodriguez was our guide in the Galápagos. That Luis loves his work—sharing his knowledge of Ecuador, Darwin, the environment, and so many things—made our days fly by all too quickly. My snorkeling adventures were successful because Luis was very caring and helpful.
OAT is to be commended in their selection of guides. These three were outstanding and made our trip truly memorable. We hope we will be as lucky on our next trip.
Thalia P.
7-time traveler & Vacation Ambassador
Devon, PA
It’s been several weeks since we announced our new book, 101 Tips for Women Travelers (if you haven’t seen it yet, order your free copy here). While 101 may seem like a lot, I know there are thousands more tips where those came from—and I encourage you to send me yours so I can share them here. I know I’ll keep Carole W.’s restaurant recommendation in mind the next time I’m in Buenos Aires.
Dear Harriet,
I have been to South America several times, most recently this past summer with my granddaughter to Ecuador (the Amazon and Galápagos). I have two recommendations for future travelers: 1) Don’t miss the post-trip to Iguassu Falls, and 2) Go to La Chacra in Buenos Aires, one of the best restaurants in the world. Beef is better than Kobe (free-range pampas grass-fed), not expensive, wonderful service.
Carole W.
20-time traveler & Vacation Ambassador
Hummelstown, PA
Thanks for the tips, Carole!
Now I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge a very special group of OAT travelers. These folks are no strangers to adventure, yet they’ve shown great courage in learning to explore the world in a brand new way: without their spouses. I’ve met many widows and widowers who have faced this challenge with OAT, and I’ve been inspired by each and every one of them. Jean M. is one such OAT traveler—and if any of you have been hesitating to take that first brave step, I hope you’ll take her story to heart. The world is still waiting for you—and we’re here to ensure you’ll never have to go it alone. Jean, thank you for sharing.
In 2005 my husband and I were signed up on your Real Affordable Peru trip. We were scheduled to leave in May. Unfortunately Bob died that same month (I had canceled when I knew he would not make it). In October of that same year, a friend asked me if I still wanted to go. So we signed up for the next May. From our guide Enrique to the sights and experiences to the other group members, the trip was wonderful. I honestly felt that Bob was there with me at Machu Picchu. It was a special time, as I learned I could still enjoy traveling even though Bob couldn’t be with me. Since then, my friend (and her husband this time) and I went to Chile and Argentina with Grand Circle. On that trip I learned that I can enjoy traveling as a single, too. Again, everyone was so friendly and warm towards me. I thank OAT and Grand Circle for giving me the opportunities to learn more about other cultures, and about myself as well.
I look forward to traveling with OAT again soon.
Jean M.
2-time traveler
Glen Head, NY