Southern Explorations

When my partner and I planned a trip to Panama we selected Southern Explorations because of their attention. We were aware that they would sub to a local company and that was fine with us. What we were unaware of was that once they made their arrangements, they ‘washed’ there hands of us. One form letter follow up 3 weeks after we returned and on one minor item (one of the guides — the drive to Bocas Del Toro was not English speaking) never responded. Would I use Southern Explorations again? Maybe but if I go to Panama again I would contact Panama Trails directly as they were the only ones we dealt with once we paid Southern Explorations.

When i needed some expertise on planning my trip to Patagonia last year, I found Southern Explorations.
After reviewing a myriad of options, in both the US and Argentina, I chose these guys based on a friendly and informative phone call with the owner Justin Laycob.
The fact that SE is based in offices above the Red Door Ale House only confirmed for me that this was the right choice. Since I used to live up the street, in Seattle’s Fremont nhood, i figured it was fate.
And fate it was. My trip to Patagonia was spectacular. Southern Explorations provided me with pre-​trip information along with everything in country such as airport transfers, hotel bookings and private guides for insane hikes in the Fitzroy Mt region. For the rest, I was on my own…
I particularly appreciated the transfers in Buenos Aires — the lovely Paulina added a nice human touch to my experience, and I knew that she had my back if anything went wrong (nothing did) while I was in Argentina.
The efficiency of this trip was impressive, and even when I switched flights (from El Calafate to BA) on the fly, everything still went right on time. I really can’t say enough about the whole experience.
I also appreciated that Justin called me the day before I left to make sure everything was OK and see if I had any last-​minute questions. Nice touch.
Southern Explorations specializes in trips to Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Brazil and Costa Rica. Next time I travel to any of these countries, I will surely give them a ring.