About us

Testimonials

Please have a look at a little of the feedback we have received from clients over the years...

Here at Brazil we firmly believe in the feedback of our clients, be it good or bad, as it really is the key to us moving forwards and improving our service and the overall experience. With the price of hotels and flights only on the increase we feel it is important to know where we have gotten things right and where wrong. In the below, please see what our clients are saying about us and judge for yourself. (please note that ALL of the reviews we feature are 100% real and unedited. If you would like to speak to any of our past clients please let us know).

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Great trip! It all worked smoothly. 

Tierra Patagonia was sensational. Our family members joined us and we were 5--the place only had 11 guests since it's the off season. Great food, drinks and service.

Other small hotels very good. Club Tapiz was very beautiful. Great food and wine tasting where we chatted with fun folks. As was Esplendor in El Calafate. We should have spent another day in El Calafate to walk on the glacier as our son did. It's a neat little place.

Weather in BA and Santiago were sunny and warm, perfect fall weather. Rojo Tango was worth every penny! Restaurants in Santiago--Bocanariz and Mulato-- top-quality and Don Julio's in BA tops--but split the portions unless you're an NFL lineman. All were easy walking distance from the hotels.

All pick-ups went smoothly and drivers were interesting. A big plus arriving in a new country or city. I will definitely write a nice piece about your company.

Thanks Nick! Cheers, Bob

Bob & Sue
May 10, 2018

Hi Nick,

We are home and recovering from our Chilean adventure - which was wonderful in all aspects. However, we do want to thank you for all of your help in arranging and then rearranging our trip.

I am so sorry that I had called you and bothered you with asking about the flights. All did work out fine in the end. We did have some problems with our last internal flight - but through chat and email I was able to resolve. I wish I had realized that I could do that earlier and then would not have had to bother you.

Typically we travel with some variance in our scheduling but without that option on this trip, we were concerned that we would miss flights and thus miss part of our vacation.

All the hotels were amazing - and we enjoyed the trip.

Thanks for all your help, Julie and Tom Wendorf

Tom & Julie
April 7, 2018

Hi Nick,

I just returned yesterday morning from Argentina. I have to commend you on all three accommodations that you arranged. They were each incredible in their own way.

I loved each place and the people were incredibly hospitable. I would love to go back to all of them. This trip really opened my eyes to what an interesting and beautiful country Argentina is.

I had been very uneasy about the trip as it was so far away and totally out of my comfort zone. But it had the opposite affect and now I am eager to learn Spanish so we can return again and further explore.

Thanks again for all of your help. The people who provided the transfers were all great and so prompt. Best regards, Nora

Nora & Alexander
March 12, 2018

Thanks Nick.

The trip was very good indeed, and we definitely plan to go back.

Firstly I want to highlight someone who absolutely shone out for us from Rio Life, Alexandre. He was the driver we had throughout (except one leg from Paraty to Rio). Alex has extremely good English language skills, frankly as good and sometimes better than the guides, and is an excellent and interesting conversationalist. He built a very strong and caring relationship with us, was very informative, sharing all sorts of unique and thoughtful insights into life in Brazil, about the journeys we undertook and the places we visited. I had some real problems throughout the trip resulting from an early episode of food poisoning, including bad dehydration and related high blood pressure issues, he was extraordinarily caring, helpful, and attentive in dealing with these, including helping getting me medicine, getting medical help and so forth. He was always there for us, always early, always cheerful and engaging. He always insisted on helping. He is an absolute gem and a real talent. A lovely man. He should be a guide himself.

We enjoyed Flandrio who did not have good weather on his side for either of our Rio visits, he too was flexible and helpful re my medical problems, and always checking up on me. Julie in Paraty was excellent and very engaging, in Salvador my health problems rather cut short what Carlos was able to do for us but it was all well run.

Everything ran like clockwork from beginning to end thanks to your work Nick, thank you for that. We enjoyed Rio very much and would like to see more. Paraty was very unique, loved the old town and a day trip to the ‘fjord’ was also a highlight, the Poussada arranged a boat and captain at a very economic price (much much cheaper than the price quoted to you by the guide company) and was an excellent private trip in all respects. The food in Paraty is a highlight also. The state of the ‘cobbled’ streets is amusing at first but gets in the way of one’s enjoyment because you cannot walk and look around at the same time! We also got caught by the high tide which enters the town at full moon and meant we had to literally wade to the hotel one day, but that was part of the fun of it.

Ibitipoca was a simply amazing place. Stunning and the people lovely. Its full of extraordinary surprises and is a real paradise. The only downside for us was the food, the breakfast and lunches varied from okay to good but dinner not so good on two out of the three times. It was also at times difficult to find anybody when we needed a drink or other help. The guides were outstanding.

Salvador was intriguing, I think the right amount of time spent, loved the music, the old town, the museums we visited and found some very good food. Also were there in a time of some political protest and demonstrations which added a fascinating dimension to the visit.

Buzios, well what can you say? Utterly delightful one of the best beach holiday locations we’ve experienced with the Casa Blancas as a perfect base. So many coves and beaches to explore and enjoy. A definite repeat and for longer, yes we should have been there longer anyway. That's about it, happy for you to use / share our feedback as you dream appropriate but INSIST a huge shout out for Alex!

We will do another South America trip in the next year so keep in touch!

Very best Mike and Ilene

Mike and Ilene
March 7, 2018

Dear Nick:

Wanted to let you know what a great time we had everywhere we went.

Loved El Pedral- the house, the owner, the food, the penguins, the other guests.

El Calafate was interesting- glad we did that glacier hike before the remote beauty of aguas arribas which was fabulous. The hosts and staff were very hospitable and fun, the environment remote and beautiful. Well worth the bucks, happy we could spend it. Met Nora (another of your clients from Westport,Ct) and her family there and hit it off.

Love BA and the MIne Hotel is located near so many restaurants, art walks etc. The staff was helpful in making reservations etc.

Thank you for a trip of a lifetime!

Susan

Susan and Jonathan
March 6, 2018

Thank you South American Specialists for organising such a fantastic trip with such professionalism, insight and knowledge and good humour. And for all the hours you spent in reorganising our flights when we were delayed in Antartica. Your efforts really justified using your company to organise the trip.

It was a trip that will last in my memory for years to come. It exceeded all my expectations, for the beauty of the surroundings, the unpredictable nature of the weather, the marvellous food, the exceptional crew, the care, attention and professionalism we were afforded by the team leading the expedition and the lectures we were privileged to listen to from experts in many fields.

It was truly memorable. I cannot recommend this trip highly enough.

Sue and Keith

Sue and Keith
March 1, 2018

Dear Nick,

Just a note to say that we are now back safely in Mauritius ( in fact we’ve been back for some 10 days ). The trip in South America went really well. Everything that you arranged for us - hotels, transfers, tours etc, worked perfectly.

In a previous correspondence we were asked whether we wanted to contribute $25 to a fund dedicated to conserving Torres Del Paine. I didn’t answer, as before going I didn’t really understand the context. Having been there & now appreciating its beauty & uniqueness we would like to make this contribution. How do we do it ?

We realize that there is a lot more to see in South America & are planning to go again. If we do, we will be in touch with you.

Kind regards

Tim

Tim and group
February 24, 2018

Dear Nick
We would like to say a big thank you for all your patience and guidance in putting together a wonderful holiday for our special Anniversary trip to South America. After trying a few South American travel specialists I knew as soon as I spoke to you that I had found a company who knew what they were talking about! Your first hand knowledge about the places we wanted to visit and the different ways of getting there, places to stay and activities in the area created one of the best holidays we’ve had in many a year and all within our budget. Our mixture of cities and countryside proved to be just the right combination.
Starting off in Buenos Aires was a good idea and the beautiful ‘boutique’ Mine Hotel in the Palermo district made a great base for exploring the city. The staff were so helpful and friendly – we felt right at home!
I must say we were feeling a bit nervous (and excited) about heading to Patagonia but all the arrangements slotted beautifully into place with your agent making the schedule run like clockwork. We were very lucky with the weather and the mountain walking in El Chalten was superb with clear views of the mountains – absolutely stunning! And again, the accommodation - Los Cerros Hotel - was delightful.
We spent our 40th Anniversary at the Perito Merino Glacier – it was wonderful being close to the glacier along the walkways listening for rumbling noises with massive chunks of ice crashing into the lake. We celebrated with a wee dram of whisky with a big chunk of glacial ice in it!
The next step was our expedition into the Ibera Wetlands (Rincon del Socorro). Getting there was an adventure in itself. Cecilia, our driver and guide picked us up and made the 4 hour car journey along some very challenging roads fly by. Her English was very good indeed and we really enjoyed her company and her local knowledge made the trip come alive.
Rincon del Socorro is certainly a unique place, very tranquil and peaceful and it was super to relax and enjoy the scenery, food and wildlife. You may think you are in the middle of nowhere but there is plenty to keep you on the go - boat trips on the lagoon, horseriding through the estancia grounds which was great fun, spotting tapir, capybara, marsh deer and loads of different birds. Even the creepy crawlies are good to see!! Please pass on to others how special the night sky is here – on clear nights it is indescribably beautiful. After 4 wonderful days here Cecilia dragged us away as we were bound for the Iguazu Falls. She handed us over to Roberto, who like Cecilia was exceptionally good – so friendly, comfortable to be with and knowledgeable about their country.
We stayed 3 nights at the Loi Suites Hotel in Iguazu – it’s a beautiful hotel with lovely pools to relax after visiting the Falls. The restaurant in the hotel was very good indeed.
What can I say about the Falls – well, I can understand why they are one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World! The butterflies have to be seen to be believed – unreal!! Our last port of call Rio was totally different again. It was possibly too much go, go, go for us but I’m glad we experienced it and we were made very welcome by everyone we met.
Thank you for putting together an absolutely super holiday – we had a wonderful time and have many great memories of our trip. We had thought this was our one trip to South America but it has whetted our appetites and we’re hoping you can help arrange our next big adventure!
Kind regards Janice & Charles
 

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Janice and Charles
February 22, 2018

Hi Nick,

Apologies for the delay. Set out below is my feedback regarding the hotels and the penguin trip. Let me know if you have any questions.

1. Casa Silva – Hotel is very nice; service a bit hit and miss (this may be partially due to the fact that it was over New Year's), especially disappointing that they didn't even offer a tour of the vineyard on those days.

2. Casa Higueras – Excellent in all respects, including great restaurant recommendations and service.

3. Luciano K – Disappointing, especially the room procured by Tierra is unacceptable due to the lack of windows to the outside.

4. Hare Boutik – Hotel and rooms are very nice. The prices quoted for the tours were outrageous – ended up renting a car with a Chilean couple staying at the hotel as well and this worked out perfectly.

5. Tierra Chiloe – Simply stunning, absolutely amazing in all respects. The hotel is truly a destination in itself.

6. Tierra Atacama – Liked the hotel (but not as much as Chiloe); the meal times in the evening were limited, especially when coming from an excursion running late into the evening (you effectively could not shower before having to rush for dinner) (in Chiloe dinner is also not served late but because the trips finish earlier, it's not an issue).

7. La Yagua Loca – Charming hotel; the restaurant is also great (had a delicious lunch there after the penguin trip).

8. Penguin Trip – Very well organised (the trip itself as well as the transfers); enjoyed it enormously.

9. Tierra Patagonia – Absolutely beautiful hotel but felt less personal than Tierra Chiloe; we had issues with the tours (having been put into a group with retirees), overall even though the property itself is stunning, the service / management are not at par with the other Tierra properties. Same issue with dinner time in the evening when trips finish late.

10. Lastarria Boutique Hotel – It's an ok hotel and the room we had was fine but nothing really to rave about.

Once again many thanks for organising the trip for us – we really absolutely enjoyed it!

Best regards,
Sylwia

Sylwia
February 19, 2018

Hi Nick

All the hotels were fine, I suppose Patagonia Camp was the highlight. Legado Mitico in Salta, a friend 's recommendation, was a lovely building and large rooms, the staff were nice but a little dreamy! Classico in BA was great. Staff at VInas Cafayate, as I said earlier, were very helpful and a nice property. Esplendor in Calafate was a larger type hotel but lovely large rooms, all fine there. Club Tapiz outside Mendoza was good too, nice people, interesting wine tastings, people tended to eat just once in their restaurant though it was good. The whole trip ran like clockwork!

When I get back to France and my Mac I will sort out photos.

Thanks again for everything.
Jackie

Jackie
February 2, 2018

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