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Please have a look at a little of the feedback we have received from clients over the years...

Here at Argentina we firmly believe in the feedback of our clients, be it good or bad, as it really is the key to us moving forwards and improving our service and the overall experience. With the price of hotels and flights only on the increase we feel it is important to know where we have gotten things right and where wrong. In the below, please see what our clients are saying about us and judge for yourself. (please note that ALL of the reviews we feature are 100% real and unedited. If you would like to speak to any of our past clients please let us know).

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Hi Holly,

Please forgive us for the extremely delayed response! We've been really busy since we got back. Our honeymoon was absolutely amazing (Patagonia is a beautiful place) and we had a wonderful time! We're already ready to go back to visit the Argentinian side :)

Anyway, everything went fairly smoothly for the most part. I think the only issues that we ran into were with the Kayaking trip and with our departure from Patagonia Camp. We didn't realize this until we arrived, but Patagonia Camp schedules 3 or so excursions each day that the guests then choose from (we were originally under the impression that we could freely choose what to do each day, rather than pick from a list), so in the future, you might want to let people know the structure. We DID get to do everything we wanted (with the exception of the kayaking trip), but it was a little bit stressful making sure we would be able to get to do everything we traveled to Patagonia for. As far as departure from Patagonia Camp, our itinerary from you said we'd be leaving at 9, but we got a knock on our door at 8 and we had to rush out. Granted, we should have checked with the front desk the night before, but we were a bit stressed about the last minute departure!

Everything else was absolutely wonderful, though. Thank you so much for putting it all together for us! We can't wait to get back!

Kendra & Ian

Kendra and Ian
January 12, 2016

Hi Holly,
Sorry it has taken me so long to reply to you- the re-entry into our busy lives after almost 3 weeks away is always challenging!!
First of all- we had a fabulous trip and I want to thank you for your assistance.
We had no problem with any of our flights ( those booked by you and by us).
All of the transportation that you booked were timely/ very professional and helpful. With a larger group it was nice to have those transportation details organized in advance.
We all loved the Hotel Atton el Bosque and would stay there again. The restaurant, Happening, was an easy walk and quite good- a great choice.
The Rio Serrano Hotel was extraordinary!! I think that was the highlight of our trip. The food was great/ the park amazing/ and we loved the set-up of the hotel- lots of comfortable common rooms to relax and enjoy the other guests. We really took advantage of the excursions. The highlight was the Torres Base hike- really challenging but fabulous. We also took the zodiac river trip on the Serrano river and it was amazing- hiked up to a glacier and saw 2 others. The girls went horseback riding and we all did several half day excursions. The guides were excellent. I am still cranky about the cost of the transportation for Will but…The Hosteria Tyndall is really close- it was fine and the boys basically only slept there- ate all meals and hung out with us at the Rio Serrano.
The hotel in El Calafate was fine but too far out of town to walk in ( although 3 of us did just to get some exercise). We did have a nice dinner at La Cocina.
We also really liked Ushuaia. Hotel was great and well located although the breakfast was marginal (Mil 810). The Canalfun excursion was great fun ( liked the guides a lot) although the canoeing was not as challenging as we had hoped, but the hike was great and the penguins were amazing. WE saw 3 types that day. On our own we arranged a boat trip with Patagonia Explorer ( out to the cormorant/sea lion colonies and light house) and I would really recommend that outfitter. Also, took minibus up to Tierra Del Fuego Nat’l. park- great half day hike. The boys are college athletes and found a fun local gym in Ushuaia that they frequented every day we were there. New Year’s Eve dinner- prebooked by us at Gustino was wonderful. Other restaurants that we liked- Bodegon Fueguino and Placeres Patagonicos.
Our last several days in Punta De Este were great. Luckily we were staying a ways out of the Miami Beach- like -downtown Punta on a quiet and beautiful beach, Playa Chihuahua. One day we took a drive to a lovely small beach community- Jose Ignacio that was fun and found a wind-surfing/paddle boarding spot near there.
All -in -all a successful trip with quite a varied group!
Thanks again.
Jennifer

Jen and family
January 2, 2016

Hi Holly,

As you know, booking travel with a company on the internet, with which I had no prior experience, and no personal referrals, was a little stressful for me. I've got to say that you and South America Specialists came through with everything as promised. The local tour companies were friendly, informed, and professional. The door-to-door pick ups and delivery were smooth and stress-free. The hotels in Santiago, Iquique, and San Pedro were great. Especially the Terrantai in San Pedro - a real 4-star experience. The Pan America hotel in Arica was well located on the beach and an easy walk into town. The facility itself is somewhat "tired" and not quite up to the standard of the other stays you arranged.

During our stay in San Pedro we were able to identify a local guide who spent three days with us - taking us to remote rock art sites which were only accessible through neighboring local indigenous communities. This is exactly the experience we were looking for. For example, we spent an 8 hour day exploring and photographing the Hierbas Buenas petroglyph site at Rio Grande outside of San Pedro - we witnessed the local tour companies coming and going from there, each spending 20-30 minutes before departing to the next place on their agenda..........

The guides you had arranged from afar, were more geared to want to take us along the normal tourist pathway and some "got it" that we had a slightly different agenda in mind and were able to accommodate us. In all, we were pleased with the time spent visiting geoglyph and rock art sites. We want to go back again in the future.

All the best,
Leigh

Leigh and Amy
January 1, 2016

Hi Holly!
I am back home and had a WONDERFUL trip. Thank you for all your help. We especially enjoyed the Rio Serano Lodge. Perfect for us. Not too fancy, the excursions were wonderful lead by fantastic guides, food very good, great staff. I do wish we had had enough time in El Calafate to see the Moreno glacier. Also, Hotel Mil810 was just OK. Wish there had been more of a restaurant, bar and common room as the rooms were a bit small. Wifi was difficult there. I originally had been given a room where the bed headboard shared a wall with the elevator. I asked to have a different and room and they gladly changed it for me. That was good. Staff very friendly for the most part. The driving service in Ushuaia was FANTASTIC! My daughter discovered that she could not find her passport as we were driving to the airport to depart. UGGGHHH! The driver and woman guide were super. They took us back to the hotel to look again and when we could not find it, went back to the hotel (we paid them for this part of the drive and were happy to do so) and she went into the airport with us and ran around like crazy trying to get my daughter on the flight after talking to the airport police. We made it just in time. Really good service!

Thank you again and I would (and already have) recommend your company for travel to South America.

Take care,

Jennifer

Jennifer and Larkin
January 1, 2016

Hi Holly

We had a great time in Argentina – saw amazing things so it really was wonderful. I think we probably did too much in two weeks but we did want to go to all of those places so there you go!

In terms of feedback, I would like to acknowledge that the service from you guys was excellent – you are very efficient, responsive and helpful. Thank you so much. Likewise, the travel agency on the ground was great – always picking us up early from the airport or hotel, helpful with the baggage. We loved the tour in Iguazu – it wasn’t clear exactly what we had paid for in advance (boat trip or no boat trip), so I would suggest that is made clearer for future customers. We paid extra for the boat trip onsite and it was definitely worth it.

In terms of the hotels… they were fine. I don’t know the breakdown of the rates etc., but my general feeling was that the overall cost was expensive for the quality of the hotels. They were all comfortable and clean, and the staff at all were incredibly helpful and efficient, but the cost seemed high for what we got. Some thoughts on each that might help you and your future customers:

- Mine hotel – very helpful staff, they were knowledgeable, spoke perfect English, made you feel very welcome. Lovely breakfast. Excellently located. The rooms are quite small, and I did ask to switch after one night as the walls in between each room are not sound proof, I could hear the conversation of the people in the room next door as well as their toilet habits!
- Iguazu lodge hotel – room was nice, large. Again very helpful staff. Common parts of the hotel were quite shabby. Food during the day was terrible, but lovely in the evening. Well located for the falls
- Parador del Angel – very simple and clean. On the basic side, which was ok for us, but might not be for others. Would really recommend a wine touring company called Ampora – they were absolutely fantastic, hugely knowledgeable. We had two amazing days touring vineyards with them
- Penninsula hotel – the most amazing breakfast, incredibly friendly and helpful staff, food in the restaurant in the evening very good. Beautifully appointed and located hotel (car definitely required), but the rooms did feel dated and I think require a bit of a refresh. Would definitely recommend that people upgrade rooms here as I think they had seating areas in the more expensive bedrooms which would have been much appreciated and would allow people to take further advantage of the view (rather than just staring out by sitting on the bed!).

Just some thoughts that might be helpful when you’re designing trips in the future.

Thanks again for all of your assistance, overall it was great! And thank you for booking Francis Mallman in Mendoza – that was wonderful.

Best wishes
Laura

Laura and Tom
December 24, 2015

Hi Holly,

We are home and all rested after the trip! We had an absolutely amazing time and everything went incredibly smoothly. We are very grateful for your help and certainly acknowledge the benefit of your expertise in planning. We loved every hotel. Hotel Clasico in BA was very accommodating, cute, clean, and their breakfast restaurant was one of our favorites. We loved the location of the hotel with easy access to shops, cafes, restaurants. La Cantera was also great. We loved the lake view and the helpful staff. The big ice trek was an amazing experience. Nibepo Aike was absolutely wonderful and our favorite day of the whole trip! We are so glad you suggested for us to visit the estancia. Of course Cavas was amazing; impeccable service, beautiful property, and very relaxing activities. All of our car transfers and flights were perfectly smooth. Overall it was a fantastic trip and with all of the possible difficulties in travel/flights/language barrier we are thrilled how seamless it went. Thank you for your help and advice, we will highly recommend your service.

Sincerely,
Mike and Gina

Gina and Mike
November 30, 2015
Sharon and Fred
November 17, 2015

Hi Holly
Just for your records the weekend was superb.
Highly recommend Puerto Valle Lodge to others.
If you want any more feedback let me know.

Regards
Camille Cooke

Camille, Kevin and Olivia
November 9, 2015

Hi Holly

We had a great trip and thanks for all the organising, it all went very smoothly!

Tierra Atacama was great. The Puna experience was amazing scenery, it is quite a rugged trip and by necessity there is a lot of travelling in 4 wheel drives. The scenery is amazing and the company charming, thoroughly recommended.

Finca Valentina is a beautiful haven of tranquility, both before and after a puna trip.

The museum in Salta and the central square are well worth a visit.

Dos Lunas was also excellent, staff food accommodation and tranquility - all top of the game.

La Faena was great. as usual the tango show was good and the hotel bar really lively.

All round an excellent trip in all aspects.

I will be going back to travel south and will be very pleased to do buisness with you again.

Thanks Angus

Angus and Alexia
October 17, 2015

Hi Holly,

"Our experience with the South America Specialists exceeded our expectations. All of our transfers were on time and where we were promised they would be. The hotels we stayed at were amazing! Our hotels were very friendly, accommodating, and stylish. We didn't have much time to plan our honeymoon beforehand, so we left it up to the South America Specialists, who did not disappoint. It was nice to know that everything had been planned ahead of time. All of the tours were exceptional, and we would definitely recommend the South America Specialists to anyone who asked! We look forward to using them on our vacations in the future."

Best,
Stefanie and Souad

Stefanie and Souad
October 17, 2015

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