I would consider Vaya to be a premier travel and adventure provider... we have used them to travel to Easter island, Patagonia, Lisbon, Porto, and it all was amazing... from the specialized itineraries to the premier service you travel hassle free and see amazing sights you might otherwise miss without their hand picked local guides. They work with you to get exactly what you want for what you want to spend! Can't say enough great things about this company! read more

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November 15, 2024 Last year, in November of 2023, we booked a trip to South America (Argentina, Amazon cruise, Quito and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador). It was a complicated itinerary, and we gave it to our travel agent, whom we had known and trusted for over thirty (30) years. She somehow looked to Vaya Adventures. We had never heard about them, but trusted her. Bad decision. Vaya Adventures is composed of charlatans. Their office is in Berkeley, CA, with no representatives in Argentina, only vendors. The CEO of Vaya Adventures is not stable, hysterical, unable to make rational decisions. He left us stranded in Argentina, at a time when we were already seventy-six (76, R. G.) and eighty-four (84, J. G) years old. We had to make our own arrangements to go back home. He cut us out of the Amazon, Quito, and Galapagos destinations, and refused for over an entire year to return the money for the unused portion of the trip. Please, please, if you plan a vacation in South America, do not do it with Vaya Adventures. It will save you a lot of heartache and also a lot of money. They are not even registered with the Better Business Bureau, so no one knows objectively about their financial status or their performance. They have a glowing web page, but do not trust it. read more

I've used Vaya Adventures twice in 2024 for two pretty big adventures. The first in Argentina/Chile/Patagonia and most recently in South Africa/Zimbabwe. Both experiences were incredible on all accounts. Both of my trip specialists (Emily for S. America and Dervla for S. Africa) were incredibly knowledgeable, professional, very approachable and helped me craft a perfect itinerary. They were supportive each step of the way. The trips themselves did not disappoint. Each place we stayed were top notch, quaint, stylish and the staff were phenomenal. Same for the guides we met and learned from as well as all the adventures planned for us. I cannot rave enough about Vaya. I am a bit addicted to using them for my travel adventures and will definitely use them again as I embark on new journeys. read more

Without a doubt this trip was the most well organized and run trip we have ever experienced. Our tour guide in Cape Town for the peninsula tour was exceptional, a locla with a font of knowledge the limits of which we never found. Fast forward to Leopard Hills and our safari. Here are locaed the most friendly and courteous people tha tyou could ever wish to meet. The food was exceptional (and ever present!). Our guides amazed us with their knowledge and enthusiasm, and the trackers are something to behold, also kind and willing to chat, answer questions, and teach you whatever you want to know. As for the organization, every desire that we expressed in our initial sketch of our desires for the trip were considered and met with Gareth and Stephanie never failing to respond quickly to any communication. We have already asked them about preparing us for our next trip. read more

We had an exceptional experience to Ecuador and the Galapagos with the help of Liz from Vaya. Worth every penny.

Jeff at Vaya arranged a trip of a lifetime to Ecuador (Quito and Amazon, followed by Galapagos) for my family, and my brother's family. Because we were a large enough group we had our own van transporting us from one place to the next. There was always someone there to make the trip seamless and low stress. The hotel choices made by Vaya were perfect, as were the guides and the activities they planned for us. In the future I would probably scale back on having a guided tour/activity as often as we did. But I would definitely use Vaya again. read more

I absolutely love living here! The property is spotless and pristine all the time, lobby and common areas, bathrooms and hallways smell wonderful! The maintenance staff (Dave and Rod) rocks! Sam and Bree with the leasing office are always available, prompt and efficient! They are physically present in the office every day of the week from 9 AM until 6 PM!!! What a huge change compared to where I used to live and just moved here from! Beautiful pool and one amazing rooftop! The layers of security are so great, it's virtually impossible to get in the building unless you have a fob or somebody lets you in and meets you in the lobby. I honestly cannot say enough great things about this awesome place I am now super proud to call home! read more

My husband and I just returned from a wonderful 2+week vacation in Argentina that was organized by James Kinard. He put a trip together for us to Peru/Galapagos a couple of years ago and we were so impressed with the quality of the experience that we chose him for our trip to Argentina. No disappointments or complaints this time either. Everything smooth and stress free. He is easy to work with, quick to respond, has lots of good advice, and puts everything together in the best way. Thank you James! Vaya is the master of well organized and facinating travel. It is a real treat to wake up each day and look forward to a day of discovery, knowing that Vaya will have chosen the most interesting sights, the correct pace, best food and most convivial guides. I feel like we really saw a lot...and learned a lot too about Argentina, thanks to the quality of the guides/drivers. There is just the right amount of free time to explore on your own vs time with guides. The hotels were perfect - just the size/style we like. Small and well located and that reflect the culture of the country but still are modern and comfortable. Vaya definitely knows how to pick the hotels. We highly recommend Vaya. read more

We used Vaya for our two week vacation in Chile and Argentina. Communication was easy and timely by phone and email in the planning stages. Their suggestions and opinions were spot on. All went smoothly during our entire trip. The guides and drivers were great. Flora, in Buenos Aires, was particularly wonderful. Not only was she knowledgeable and helpful while we were with there, but she continued to communicate with us and help us after we left the city. I would definitely recommend them! read more

The guides, accommodations, and transportation provided were first class! I highly recommend Vaya.

I booked a Peru tour thru Vaya Advantures for July of this year. I prepaid part of the tour, the insurance (they required), and internal flights in Peru (they chose). I cancelled the trip because Peru is locked down due to the Corona Virus. They are refunded none of my money (over $3200). The trip was going to be with my niece who is going off to college so I can't change the dates so some unknown future date when Peru may reopen. read more

My wife and I just returned from a 3 and 1/2 week trip to Peru, Argentina, and Chile that was organized by Vaya (Gabrielle Venturi), and it could not have been more perfect! We are so glad we took advantage of Gabrielle and Vaya's expertise. Everything was seamless. And the guides they arranged in various places were exceptional! What made the trip particularly successful was how well Gabrielle listened to our interests, helped figure out what we'd enjoy most, her suggestions on places to stay, and what we might not mind missing. She understood our desire to minimize time in cities, our passion to be out in nature, our need for unscheduled time, how often and how long we might want guides. Gabrielle was responsive, thorough, accessible. Vaya specializes in South America. You can't do any better than this! Thanks to Vaya and Gabrielle Venturi for helping us have the 'trip of a lifetime!' read more

We had been contemplating a 'do-it-yourself' trip to Argentina, and thankfully, my friend had the wits to contact a travel agent. We were very pleased with the itinerary we worked out with him. We handled our own air travel, both internationally, and within Argentina ( I would recommend that, as well). But everything he suggested for us was amazing!!!!! We went for two weeks-- Buenos Aires and several places in Patagonia- and were nothing but pleased! We had not one glitch, and that is an amazing feat of accomplishment, especially in a foreign country. His guides and drivers at SurTurissmo (in SA) were friendly, knowledgable, and skilled. You won't be disappointed! He listens to you and works to meet your needs to ensure a great vacation! read more

Just returned with our family of 6 from visiting Machu Picchu and Cusco . The trip arranged by Gabrielle at Vaya was perfect, exceeding all of our expectations. She arranged an excellent combination of adventure, nature, and luxury accommodations as per our wishes. We had the right blend of guided and free time. The hotel selections were one better than the next. Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco is not to be missed. We will definitely use Vaya for our next trip to South America. read more

Liz at Vaya organized a fantastic trip to the Galapagos for my husband and me. She consulted with us to determine what our expectations and preferences might be. She gave us choices, made suggestions, sent us links where we could read about everything from Ecuadorean history and culture to Galapagos volcanos and wildlife - and then, thoughtfully arranged every detail of our itinerary. Our guide in Quito was outstanding - warm, exceptionally knowledgeable, and fun to be with. Liz arranged for us to stay in a beautiful hotel in the old part of town, visit two renowned artists' studios and residences, and sent us to a terrific restaurants serving traditional Ecuadorean cuisine with a modern twist. The catamaran cruise she picked for us was run by Haugan Cruises. The Ocean Spray was very well-maintained, with spacious cabins and common areas, and the crew and our naturalist guide were outstanding. Liz suggested that the ocean would be both calmer and warmer in the springtime, which allayed my fears about seasickness, so she booked our trip, including cabin location, with that in mind. She was available by phone or email throughout the planning process, and everything went perfectly. We highly recommend Vaya and Liz. read more

Very friendly and personalized service to Latin America. Everything is organized with attention to detail and according to customer's request! Highly recommended! read more

Vaya Adventures helped set up a wonderful tour of parts of Colombia for us. They worked through an internal agency called Colombia57. The guides we had in Medellin and the coffee country were fantastic as well as the tours that they organized. We learned an amazing amount about the urban revitalization of Medellin and the area of the coffee country. While I was concerned I was working through an internet company, and sometimes the response was slower than I would have liked, the final product was perfect. We had one small snag on our trip and everything was handled smoothly. I would highly recommend this company and will certainly use them again for another trip in South America. Excellent work. read more

We have now taken 4 trips using the staff at Vaya Adventures: Argentina, Oso Peninsula in Costa Rica, Brazil, and most recently The Galapagos. Each trip has been excellent. They have a particular knack for discerning a client's taste in places to visit and lodging. I only regret being near the end of places in Latin America I haven't visited. James Kinard helped with the last 3 trips, but I'm sure anyone in their office will be great to work with. read more

Gabrielle from Vaya Adventures put together a fabulous trip to Patagonia for me and three friends. The local guides and activities were all terrific. She arranged everything from tango lessons in Buenos Aires to glacier walks to visiting with penguins and long hikes to see Mount Fitz Roy and Torres del Paine. Just a fabulous job and great follow up. I highly recommend Vaya and Gabrielle. read more

Gabrielle set up a trip for us to Argentina and Chile and everything was excellent. We were met after every flight by a knowledgeable guide. Our hotels were wonderful and the excursions all exceeded our expectations. read more

Thank you Vaya Adventures for arranging our amazing trip tp Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands! As retirees it was the perfect blend of cultural and outdoor activities. Prior to the trip an extensive information packet arrived which answered all our questions from a history of the countries to packing suggestions. We were met by a representative at the airport, escorted to our hotel, and each day reviewed our plans with the guides. We can not praise our guides (and drivers) enough). They were knowledgeable, accommodating and so pleasant to be with. We travelled the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Macchu Picchu with the wonderful Ruben and Gustavo. Then Fabian met us in Quito and arranged for us to go to the Equator and a pre-Colombian museum. Thank you Fabian for urging us not to miss the church in town! Next we boarded the Ocean Spray with their marvelous crew and brillant guide Morris to be awed by the Galapagos Islands. it was a trip of a lifetime! read more

I've just returned from my trip to Peru that included Cusco, Inca Trail,. Huilloc, Sacsayhuaman, Q'enqo and Machu Picchu. Gabrielle from Vaya Adventures arranged the most incredible, satisfying and fulfilling trip to Peru. It was extremely adventurous with the hike on the Inca Trail. The guide, Wilfredo, that Vaya Adventures uses for the Inca Trail and the Sacred Valley sites is incredibly insightful and a warm, delightful man. I am so pleased we had him as our guide. The hotels were lovely and comfortable as arranged by Gabrielle. I also attended a Pachamanca which is like a thanksgiving feast of meat, fruit and vegetables cooked in the earth under hot rocks. The ritual was lovely and transformative. I cannot begin to express the depth of my gratitude for the incredible, eye-opening and fulfilling experience that was Peru and the Sacred Valley. Thank you Gabrielle and Vaya Adventures. read more