5 Stars (515 reviews)
It is impossible to capture the Outh Island in only a week but this trip had so many different experiences that one could get a taste of the marvels of the South Island. Hiking, kayaking, biking, flights, optional heli-hiking, forests, coastline, mountains and of course, Milford Sound. If your time is limited, this is a great introduction to the magic that is new Zealand.
Classic South Island Adventure, March 2023
Kristine
5 Stars (20 reviews)
Our guide Marco "Tex" Fallas made Costa Rica come alive for my family and me. From the moment Tex picked us up his energy, enthusiasm, knowledge and love for Costa Rica inspired us all. We learned so much about the culture, history, flora and fauna while enjoying great food and adventures. Each of the four of us had different favorite activities: My husband particularly loved the ocean-side lunch at Miriam's house. One of my 15 year old twins can't stop talking about snorkeling at the Whale's Tale. Our other twin thought surfing lessons with Dennis at the perfect sandy bottom Pacific beach was the hi light. And I couldn't get enough of the amazing birding everywhere we went. Tex is an ornithologist and studied under and has worked with the man who literally wrote the book on Costa Rica birding. ("The Birds of Costa Rica A Field Guide" by Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean). Our patient, alert and unflappable driver, Worner completed the team. Worner had a great eye and spotted squirrel monkeys, sloths, toucans and even frogs while driving. He would alert Tex who would say, "Perfecto!" The van would be pulled over on the side of the road, Tex would grab his scope and lead us all in a mini impromptu lesson or adventure. We cannot wait to return to Costa Rica and plan to do it again with Tex and Worner and Austin Adventures.
Costa Rica Family Vacation, March 2023
Denise
5 Stars (143 reviews)
Reading reviews or watching U-Tube videos about trekking to EBC provides at best an introduction. Only after you’re in your boots on the trail at high altitude can you truly understand this experience. Active Adventures and our guides, Koru and Gokul did a great job helping my wife and I prepare and stay safe and enjoy every part of this once in a lifetime experience. Each day of the trek was its own adventure, with its own challenges and rewards. Thus, getting to EBC was the icing on an already awesome cake. This trek is not for the faint of heart. In my 63 years on the planet I have never done anything more physically demanding and I have been athletic all my life. But it’s worth it! There aren’t enough adjectives to describe the splendor that awaits at the “Roof of the World.”
Everest Base Camp Trek, March 2023
Gerald
5 Stars (34 reviews)
Big Picture: Excellent, exceeded expectations.
To many options in detailed tabs, so here is everything I want to say:
- The Eco Thamel Resort in Karthmandu was more than adequate.
- A little disappointed that there the chief guide (once we split from the ECB half of the team) was not a native English speaker. Occasionally shree's English was hard to understand. But he did a fine job.
- And apparently he (Shree) did NOT have a SAT phone, which we were told would be the case. At a few places where we were a distance from the closest village if something bad had happened , then there would have been a delay getting help.
- And the assistant guide's (Bidek?) English was not good at all. If something had happened to Shree, life might have been complicated.
- Food: Adequate options and definitely enough. We were told that there would be no meat once we left Kathmandu and that was the case. Perhaps recommending to us to bring some jerky would have been helpful, as the all vege diet got a little tiresome.
- Before we left home AA also recommended to NOT eat meat in Kathmandu (we arrived 2 days before the trip officially started). That was wrong. AA took us to some GREAT restaurants in Kathmandu and we hand some great meals;- Pizza with chicken and Australian lamb.
Everest Lodge to Lodge Trek, March 2023
Fenton
4 Stars (515 reviews)
I had a great trip with Active Adventures on the South Island. New Zealand has been on my bucket list. This trip fulfilled all my hopes and dreams of exploring New Zealand in a very short time. I will remember this trip for the rest of my life.
Classic South Island Adventure, March 2023
Michelle
4 Stars (343 reviews)
Excellent trip guides throughout the trip. Very informative, interesting, attentive and helpful individuals. Our group chose to do the W Trek with the backpacking and refugios in Torres del Paine. Completely worth it for the hiking -- just be prepared, refugios are like hostels with food. We rented equipment and it was good quality and condition. Most of the rest of the hotels on trip aren't notable -- they tend to be a mixture of moderate to budget level hotels. However, the experience of Patagonia and hiking (in all types of weather!) was perfect!
Patagonia Hiking Adventure, March 2023
K Lynne
5 Stars (26 reviews)
I usually do my own itinerary, I am my own travel agent, however, I felt that this hiking tour along the West Coast of New Zealand had created a plan I couldn't beat. I wasn't sure I would like being on a tour with a group of strangers, however, things just clicked. It was a small group and we just seemed to click. The guides were awesome setting the tone that made the trip so thrilling.
Great Walks of New Zealand, March 2023
Christine
5 Stars (46 reviews)
I loved the Alps to Ocean bike ride. The scenery is exceptional and beautiful. However, our 2 guides showed a wealth of knowledge and experience, and this translated into a number of great decisions, which ensured our group could capitalize on the best possible biking experience. The accommodation and food are excellent. Best moments? Too many the mention. Highly recommended.
Alps to Ocean Biking Adventure, March 2023
Louise