Culture Holidays in Asia

Exploring the dramatic, captivating and beautiful Patagonian landscape in two short weeks. The weather ranged from windy, cold, to warm and sunny all in the same day. For those of you who are into photography you’re in for a treat.
Did I tell you about the wind?

James Gannon Patagonian Highlights

A very diverse bunch of people came together to experience the classic ‘cultural triangle’ and much more – but in a more in-depth way. Apart from the lovely people we encountered on our travels, the wildlife was one of my favourite aspects. My absolute favourite moment was when a monkey dropped from a tree onto our ‘snacks’ table and made off with one of the spicy biscuits (good choice!) – chaos/hilarity ensued!

Some of the riding days were tough – I hadn’t got as much training in as I had planned – but the back-up crew were always there to help! A few of the rides (particularly the big one) are on busy roads so would recommend a ‘commuter mask’ if your lungs are sensitive. The fumes from the buses can get a bit much. Although the people travelling on them, hanging out the doors and windows shouting encouragement, almost made up for it!

Keryn Vella Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka

I booked the Easter Island extension with Exodus at a cost of £1299 plus compulsory single supplement of 345. There was no loyalty discount. Flights from Santiago to EI were not included but if you book your own flights with LATAM it is possible to add the EI return to your ticket for far less than a standalone return ticket which costs around £800.
For the money charged by Exodus you get:- group transfer from Santiago hotel to airport for EI flight (a taxi would cost £25-30)
Picked up from airport and taken to hotel in EI (hotel offers a free pick up service)
3 nights at the Hotel Otai – per notice in reception charge for single room was $190, double room $260 us dollars
Two separate half day tours in a minibus and one full day trip – these cost around £25 for each half day tour and £70 gor full day with lunch but are multi lingual. We had mainly English speaking morning trip but Spanish/English in afternoon and mostly Spanish on day trip. When asked, our Guide suggested that you could have a private guide for around £100 a day – this would be preferable as English speaking and you could visit the various Moai sites at the best times of the day.
Transfer back to EI airport – again offered free by hotel.
Pick up at Santiago airport and taken to hotel – taxi would cost £25-30.
One night B&B at Santiago hotel
Airport transfer from hotel to airport for homeward flight but be warned – Exodus expected us to leave hotel at 05.20 for a flight leaving at 17.00 because they were only offering one transfer and one of our group was flying to Mexico on an early flight. Attempts to contact Exodus in UK went unanswered and local agent only arranged transfer after we had booked a taxi through hotel.
I fully appreciate that Exodus need to make a profit on their tours but there is a difference between making a profit and ripping off loyal customers.
It is much easier for couples to make their own arrangements than solo travellers but you could save almost half what Exodus charge by making your own arrangements and it would be straightforward to pre book tours, hotel etc.

Linda Stalker Easter Island Extension