We're delighted to be part of the latest travel trend. Traveling with "Boutique Tour Operators."  Sophisticated consumers of all ages are drifting away from big travel brands in favor of small companies. This is the case with Adios Adventure Travel, who organizes trips to South America.  Who is best suited to help you find the right local experiences on your journey to Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Amazon Rain Forest, Galapagos Islands, Bolivia Salt Flats, Patagonia and Easter Island?  A small boutique tour operator or a big brand operator? How can consumers find "authentic tours?" 

11 differences between a Small Boutique Tour Operator and a Mass Market Tour Operator:

  1. Boutique tour operators have small advertising budgets. You won't see our ads splashed in high profile travel websites and magazines. You have to find us. We rely on referrals by word of mouth, online travel forums, or web searches using key words like small travel groups, private guided tours etc.
  2. Small operators prefer to work with small groups. The majority of our groups are private. This is the way we've always worked.  We're pros at working with small groups. And when we do combine groups, the maximum is less than 8 people. (we can book private tours for larger groups on request)
  3. Typically small travel companies like ours work directly with clients to:  choose the right tours and activities, prepare for travel, and assist while traveling. We don't have software to book trips online. We talk to you by phone and encourage you to email us as often as you like.
  4. Our reach in local travel markets is extensive. Although like big companies, we offer standardized tours to well-known destinations, we have established connections to out-of-the-way and lesser known spots.
  5. A boutique tour operator is likely to know the guides, drivers and local service providers in each destination. As small tour operators, we are able to communicate with them directly regarding your needs and interests.
  6. Some of the best aspects of traveling can't be planned in advance and are best when stumbled on accidentally. Small groups are nimble and flexible.  Our guides are on the look out for serendipitous and meaningful opportunities to: interact with locals, sample cuisine or stop at your request. They're always ready to use their insider knowledge to get you off-the-beaten-path.
  7. Small operators offer a high level of customer service to all their groups regardless of your budget. The biggest impact to budgets are flights and class of hotels. Our staff and guides treat all our groups the same. Excellent customer service for everyone is the goal. 
  8. Travel assistance. When things go wrong, someone is there to help you through it. 
  9. Small tour operators customize tours for special interests groups:  culinary, photography, nature, service projects or weddings.
  10. We can book budget-friendly boutique hotels or luxury hotels.  And if you choose to use award points to make your own hotel reservations, we can customize your activities and tours based on your hotel preferences.
  11. Your payments are processed through our US office in US banks. You're investing in a company that shares equity between our US and Peruvian offices. Our profits support the local economy in all our destinations. 

We welcome your questions.  Contact Adios Adventure Travel in our US Office.