Brief review of our experiences at the Ports

[jarand]

Here's the short version:

 

Lima:Haku Tours: Excellent, especially the Shantetown part

 

Santiago: Walking Tours for Tips: Excellent, you need a few dollars in Chilean Pesos for the subway.

 

Transfer from Santiago to Valpo: we used Leo Cuzmar from http://www.privatetourschile.com/. Leo sent another guide and driver, and there were several miscommunications about what we had agreed to. In the end, they made it right and we had a good day. (If you decide to go to a winery, be very clear about which one and the price). In Valpo, taxis to the port are around $15 and may ask for Chilean pesos

 

Puerto Montt: Dennis Purtov They used mini busses for about 15 people or so. Good guide, and pretty drive, but not particularly spectacular for people who live near mountains.

 

Puerto Chucabaco: EnPatagonia! By far the best option. Beautiful drive out to a family farm where they serve lunch and dance. Limited seating, Book early!! (The ship offered something similar and people seemed to enjoy it too). Taxis are available, but there's not much around there others than beautiful countryside.

 

Punta Arenas: GV Tours (based out of Puerto Montt). Pre-tour Communication and mini bus were okay but the guide was terrible. Would not recommend this company.

 

Montevideo: the Wine Experience (private tour, see Trip Advisior for info). A little pricey but lots of fun. Definitely recommend. Only about 4-5 hours so you have time to walk in the old town near the port if you also want to. (There are also taxis near the port)

 

Stanley: like at least 50% of the ships, we couldn't go in due to weather. (Something to keep in mind if you're debating on seeing the Penguins at Punta Arenas)

 

Ushuaia: we did a ships tour involving a boat ride across the bay to the Ntl Park then a bus ride back. Gorgeous day, so the boat was wonderful. Bus ride was pretty but just a typical ship tour. (This was sold to passengers as wheelchair friendly--it is not!)

 

Buenos Aires: Highly recommend BonaventuraTours, owned and guided by Thomas. Be aware that he talks *really* quickly, but even if you only remember half of what he says it will be twice of the typical tours and you'll have a lot more fun. Try to go in a small group, four was perfect for us.

 

One more note: it's helpful to have a little Chilean money but in Argentina USD is happily accepted if the bills are in very good condition.

[minka34]

Jarand -Thank you! Brief, but educational! Your review is much appreciated.

[davwen81]

Hi Jarand, can you give me more information about who the guide was, what date you were there and why the guide was so bad in Punta Arenas. Also what tour did you do with GV tours there?? Many thanks.

[cccruisin]

Jet came back from day tour in Manta with SOS Manta tours. The worst ever . Have had cruise critic group tours all over the world and this was by far the worst.

Started they didn't pay to park with other tour companies and police wouldn't let us board. After 1 hour delay had to cross street and vans met us.

We formed a group of 8 and they added 2. As getting on vans they added 3 more.

Got to fishing village late. Boats were long gone.

Rain forest a dangerous 1 1/2 hour hike.

Took us to some govt museum after saying we were 10 min from hat factory.

Then took us to shop in hat store. When asked about demo guide said oh factory closed today.

Guide only spoke when we asked questions. Told us nothing. He was talking to driver and had radio on whole time.

[sjf]

Jet came back from day tour in Manta with SOS Manta tours. The worst ever . Have had cruise critic group tours all over the world and this was by far the worst.

Started they didn't pay to park with other tour companies and police wouldn't let us board. After 1 hour delay had to cross street and vans met us.

We formed a group of 8 and they added 2. As getting on vans they added 3 more.

Got to fishing village late. Boats were long gone.

Rain forest a dangerous 1 1/2 hour hike.

Took us to some govt museum after saying we were 10 min from hat factory.

Then took us to shop in hat store. When asked about demo guide said oh factory closed today.

Guide only spoke when we asked questions. Told us nothing. He was talking to driver and had radio on whole time.

 

That's appalling. Hope you post a review on tripadvisor to stop others making the same mistake. Sorry your day was spoilt.