Veloso Tours Traveller Reviews

Two weeks traveĺling through Chile and Argentina, crossing the Andes in the Lake District, and finishing off in Rio via the Iguazu Falls.

All travel arrangements went smoothly and full support was given for the many changes of location throughout the holiday. Two Guides associated with Veloso were particularly friendly and knowledgeable - Gabriela Segura in Argentina and Paulo Giffoni in Brazil.

Spent in Peru in Cuzco, Titicaca, Sacred Valley and Lima. We particularly enjoyed everything we saw and did in the Sacred Valley. A truly wonderful area and worthy of its name. We were given a clear and insightful appreciation of the Inca culture from our guides for whom nothing was too much trouble.

They took a great deal of trouble to ensure that we had all we needed to enjoy our holiday to the full.

Stayed in ecolodges recommended by Veloso in the coastal rain forest and cloud forest areas. Both had attractive accommodation, friendly staff, delicious local cuisine and exploration walks led by guides were included. Transfers and guided activities all went smoothly.

Veloso offers a personal service at the planning stage and the staff have a good knowledge of latin american countries and the facilities offered. The quality of information about our destinations was very comprehensive. Booking is easily done with a combination of phone and email communication. They have arranged 4 holidays for us now which were all most enjoyable.

Excellent guides, a comprehensive itinerary and some lovely hotels made our tour of Mexico very memorable.

Veloso planned an excellent itinerary which covered all the aspects we wanted to experience. Information and documentation was very thorough.

We started in Rio de Janeiro and continued on to Iguazu, Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Santiago, La Paz, the Amazon and finally Lima. Every day was a joy, the holiday was filled with the right mix of adventure, free time and organised tours. The tour lasted just under 4 weeks and covered a huge area so we got a real flavour of South American life. The tour guides were really knowledgeable and we learnt so much about ancient cultures, the present situation in South America and a great deal about the flora and fauna of the areas we visited. We have to say it was the trip of a lifetime and we consider ourselves very lucky to have found Veloso Tours.

The holiday encompassed all that we asked for and so much more. As we journeyed across South America every single travel arrangement fell into place. The hard work that Veloso put into making sure that our holiday was perfect for us cannot be emphasised enough. The tour covered 5 countries and in each one the tour guides were superb, they were knowledgeable and hit just the right note by making the tours both fun and full of information. The hotels chosen were central and yet quiet - ideal after busy days of sightseeing. Veloso gave us the holiday of a lifetime and we are so grateful to have found them.

Visited Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Salvador and Praia do Forte. Each day presented wonderful sights and experiences giving us wonderful memories. Our guides were exceptionally helpful, informed and generally went out of their way to make our holiday experience brilliant. Rio and Salvador are lovely cities to visit and the Iguassu Falls are completely amazing, in fact indescribable. Praia do Forte was a lovely place to wind visiting the turtle project and wallowing in the lovely warm Atlantic Ocean. This was topped be the sight of an adult Humpback Whale breaching, albeit through binoculars!!

Extremely polite and knowledgeable with help to arrange our tour. Always someone available either by phone or e-mail. Even arranged an hotel upgrade in Rio.

Our overseas trips are generally packed with activity and this was no exception. We began our first full day in Peru with a 4am pickup from our hotel in Lima to travel south to Nasca to fly over the enigmatic Nasca Lines - something I'd wanted to do for over 40 years. The flight didn't disappoint, the lines were clearly visible and the pilot skilled in getting the best angles. From Nasca we headed to the Ballestas Islands to view seabirds and sea lions in abundance. Once back in Lima we flew to Arequipa, visiting the colonial city centre including the cathedral and the monastery. There were superb views of the surrounding volcanoes. Next to Chivay, starting point for the Colca Canyon and the condors. On arrival in Chivay we visited the local hot spring pools for a relaxing soak before dinner. Next morning was another early start to reach Cruz del Condor in time for the first condor flights of the day; two hours and several hundred photos later I was pleased with my efforts and confident I'd have some good images. Visits to Maca and Sibayo completed the day. Next day we crossed the Altiplano to Puno where a carnival celebrating the anniversary of the local university provided a specularly colourful display. A full day excursion on Lake Titicaca included visits to the floating Uros Islands and to Taquile Island; lots to learn about local culture (and of course souvenir opportunities). From Puno once again across the Altiplano with visits to villages, churches and a museum en route to Yucay in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After a welcome rest day spent walking locally and photographing humming birds in the hotel garden we had a full day tour of the principal sites in the Sacred Valley including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray and the salt pools. From Yucay we headed to Machu Picchu on the Vistadome train. Machu Picchu was everything we expected; beautiful, spectacular, mysterious. We were lucky that our first visit was on a relatively quiet day (or is it always quieter in the afternoon?); our second day (arrived ~8am) was much busier - we resisted the temptation to join the masses wanting to enter Macchu Pichu at first light (much overrated according to our guide due to frequent early morning cloud cover). We walked to the Inca Bridge and to the Sun Gate for different perspectives and even more photos. From Machu Picchu to Cusco; this was our favourite city and in hindsight we should have planned for an additional day here. The tour of the cathedral, the Koricancha, and outside of the city, Sacsayhuaman and Kenko with a small group, private transport and a very informative guide was excellent. For the final section of our trip we flew from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado then transferred by motor canoe to Posoda Amazonas (rainforest lodge). Our initial shock at the temperature and humidity (36 C and ~100% humidity) were soon overcome as we encountered Capybari, Cayman, Red Howler Monkeys, a whole array of colourful birds and an amazing variety of insects of all sizes (mostly very large!). Unfortunately we were not successful in our attempt to see the Giant River Otters; the guides, spotters and boatman did their very best but it just didn't happen. The activities, timed for early morning and late afternoon to maximise wildlife viewing (and avoid the hottest part of the day), were led by a young, enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. His ability to spot wildlife was uncanny - given the level of camouflage many insects, lizards and even some birds have developed. This was an excellent trip with many highlights; early morning starts and challenging conditions (altitude, heat and humidity) were amply rewarded.

Our final itinerary was put together as the result of a number of very helpful discussions with staff at Veloso Tours following initial contact at the Destinations travel show in London. It soon became obvious that a standard group tour would not meet our desire to visit a number of geographically separated sites within Peru. The staff at Veloso Tours were very knowledgeable and whilst putting together our requested itinerary suggested other visits we could make in the same vicinity. These suggestions were based upon our personal interests, as noted by the staff in our early discussions. We were initially concerned about travelling 'alone' (rather than in a small group) on a bespoke itinerary but our doubts were set aside as we realised that we would have our own regional guide and driver for each section of the trip. In the event this worked incredibly well and we will have no hesitation in repeating this format on future trips. The documentation from Veloso Tours was exceptional and made available well before our departure. The details were well presented and all encompassing; even the names of our guides were provided in advance. During our 21 day trip all travel / transfer/ tour / guide arrangements worked as outlined; we were taken to and met at airports (including 3 internal flights); drivers and guides appeared at our hotels as promised and the whole trip just 'worked'. We would have no hesitation in using Veloso Tours for future trips to Latin America.

Thoroughly enjoyed the holiday that comprised of a brief overnight stay in Lima before heading on to Cusco for 5 nights. The private itinerary included a Cusco City Tour (half day), a day trip to Machu Picchu via train and a Sacred Valley day tour. None of the tours disappointed and the initial view looking down on the Inca ruin of Machu Picchu was a memorable experience. The last full day in Cusco was a free day and being a keen bird watcher I pre-arranged a 'birding' tour with a local 'birding' company. The return overnight stay in Lima allowed for a half day tour of the city before getting dropped off at the airport. My only criticism was that we only viewed the Huaca Pucllana pyramid from the vehicle. I would have preferred to have walked around the site.

I highly recommend the Machu Picchu Tour offered by Veloso Tours. Machu Picchu has always been somewhere I have wanted to visit and we enjoyed an efficient hassle free service from start to finish. Both our Lima and Cusco guides were very knowledgeable and added value to the tours. I have previously always arranged my own itinerary but I suspect we'll use Veloso Tours again when we return to South America to visit Chile.

A week's trip to visit Lima, the Sacred Valley in Peru, Machu Pichu andCusco. A second week visiting Quito in Ecuador followed by a week on a small boat touring the Islands of the Galapagos

We travelled with Veloso Travel. Their organisation was superb and we had a good balance of interest and relaxation. They gave valuable information before travelling. Their guides were particularly good in Peru and we learned a huge amount about the Inca civilisation. The Galapagos was a full on holiday, but so worthwhile. A certain level of fitness is needed, but crew on the boat Beluga ensured passenger safety at all times and were charming and helpful. The cabins were very comfortable with en suite facilities.

2 week holiday to Costa Rica. Travelling around the country and experiencing beautiful scenery and wildlife. Organised by Veloso Tours. Very well organised and we received very good service through out our trip.

Excellent service. Organised a holiday taylor made for us.