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User Reviews
Amazing Experience!
We had an amazing trip to Cuba this summer. We had the perfect blend of cultural and historical activities, agricultural visits, and learned a lot about political realities. We had a great group and a super Intrepid guide! The home we stayed in were clean, welcoming, and helpful. Honestly, we have decided there is not one single thing we would change on our trip!
6d5n Inca Trail - Great Experience!
My husband & I just did the Inca trail with Intrepid. The airport pickup was fine, no problems whatsoever. Our guide Bruno met up at 6pm in the hotel lobby as stated in the Trip notes and took an hour to explain the itinerary, what to bring and patiently answered our questions.
When we started the Inca trail, Bruno was patient, funny and interesting - the best guide we could ever hope for. He took time not only to explain the Inca ruins but to point out interesting flora and fauna and explained their properties and such. He also gave great insight to the history of the trail, the Inca civilisation and current Peruvian politics and economics. The porters were wonderful and I have absolutely no words other than respect for them. On the first day of the hike, one of the guys in the group fell really ill and had to turn back. Bruno was supportive and patient throughout the first day as the couple debated to turn back or not. He offered them various options and repeated his instructions again and again to make sure they got what they had to do before sending a porter to go back with them while we carried on.
The rest of the Inca trail was out of the world and we had great support. I really like the itinerary Intrepid provided - most of the hard walking is done in the first two days, get to the 3rd campsite early to rest and visit the nearby Inca ruin (which I think is more impressive than Machu Picchu because it is tucked away and there was hardly anyone there even though the campsite had ALL the groups who were trekking to Machu Picchu early next morning). We noticed that other groups came in late on Day 3 because they had an easy Day 1 and difficult Day 2 & 3. As a result, they only checked into the campsite at 5, 6pm on Day 3.
I emailed Intrepid a couple of times to ask about water supplies, pickups etc and had prompt replies from them. My only gripe is that throughout the whole trip, it wasn't clear if we even had a tour leader. The lack of a tour leader doesn't cause for much concern at all especially during the trail but as the tour leader was supposed to let us know the time for the hotel pickup, we got a little concerned the day before we left Cusco. I emailed Intrepid but the helpdesk couldn't really tell me who to contact. In the end, it turned out that the hotel we were at was arranging the pickup on Intrepid's behalf.
The hotel we stayed in (Awki's dream) is part of the Intrepid package. It's a decent hotel, basic and clean and centrally located and the hotel staff was helpful. We stored our luggage (a suitcase & a backpack) with them when we left for the trail and when we got back, I realised my combination lock was tampered with and someone had opened my husband's backpack. I think the problem lies in the room where they stored the luggage. The door seems to be always open and anyone could go in. We didn't lose anything since we didn't have anything worth stealing in the luggage but still, it wasn't a great feeling.
That said, the Inca trail and the whole experience is still the best part of our trip and I would recommend Intrepid and in particular this itinerary to people who want to do the Inca trail.
Best Of Spain 2013
What a great tour,Jose our tour leader made sure we did experience the very best of this country.We saw a fantastic flamingo dance performance,he made sure we had the best seats for viewing,orientation walks and made life easy for the group by accompanying us to Gibraltar.Our visits to historical sights as Alambra,Alcazar and Cordoba Cathedral just a few of the most interesting landmarks Spain has to offer.The size of the group was important to me and this tour provided the right amount of free time with the security of a tour leader if needed.This group of travellers blended well with each other and this added to the experience. Accommodation was 50% ok,the other 50% was dirty,dusty and had bathrooms smelling of urine and bleach! My paid transfer was a no show in Madrid even after waiting 1 hour,paperwork supplied by Intrepid was less than helpful.Most of these tours are contracted out by Intrepid,travellers beware don't book your transfers through Intrepid as Australia Intrepid has no idea or control in another country.Very poor service on return to Australia from Intrepid.Before recommending anyone I would have to be honest about my experiences.
Dear travelers,
Namaste and warm Greetings from Himalayan Country Nepal!!
My name is Sanjib Adhikari. As an independent trekking guide and tour operator in Nepal, I would like to welcome everyone in my motherland country, Nepal. With the keen interest in the adventure tourism, I have been involved in this field at a very young age. Pursuing my career in different capacities as porter, assistant guide, I have developed myself as an independent trekking guide and leadership in various outdoor activities. Licensed and fully certified from the Government of Nepal, we plan and guide for exploration and adventure throughout Nepal.
A little history:
I myself have been over expeditions to Mera peak, Island peak, Kalapathar, Gokyo peak, Tseryo RI and across many high passes in Nepal, Larkye Pass, Ampulapcha Pass, Chola pass, Renjula pass, Tashilapcha pass, Ganjala pass, Thorong La pass, Tilicho pass, (Mesokantola pass). Within the long span of an adventurous journey, I have extensive guiding experience on Mt. Kailash, Lhasa in Tibet also Ladak and Sikkim in India. Enrollment for 7 years long journey gives me courage to work out for an independent organized trekking agency.
Personalized service
I have guided many international groups especially from Europe, USA, Canada, Australia through the Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Mustang, Dolpo, Kanchanjunga, Makalu, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Helambu regions of Nepal thus have gained diversified experience and extensive knowledge on geography, religion, culture, local flora and fauna and on environmental issues in the areas where I personally organized the treks. We arrange all the customized packages on the basis of your interests and liking. Together with our highly friendly and experienced staffs as well your prior experience or interest, we can develop a personalized program of your interest..
Good food and comfortable accommodation
Trekking is the way of relating to the local community and practicing their life. One can enjoy an accommodation available according to the various regions. Accomodation varied from tea house in the local way and camping in the restricted and remote regions. For any kind of trekking, we make proper arrangement of hygienic food and safe and comfortable place to stay concerning the demand of our visitors. Along with that, we also make assure for maintaining your health condition with our full guidance.
Worry-free logistics and services
My first experience on many trekking routes has made me an expert on making unique trekking itineraries as per the tastes, interests and budget of the western clients. For those international trekkers who want to climb high mountain passes and peaks, I can also organize this challenging and rewarding adventure. We arrange all the necessary logistics necessities which include permit cards, pick up from the airport, national park fee, arrangement of porters and all other necessary requirements.
A Belief in environmental awareness and preservation
We have been organizing the trek in association with the local communities who are in true sense an ecologically aware. We are environmentally concerned with utilizing local resources which are beneficial for the local economy. As well as we sort out our own garbages and the waste disposal .Thus, making our trip fully environment friendly. Relating to the local ethnic communities and learning their unique way of living is also an important aspect of our trekking.
Assured safety and Financial Protection
From time to time I keep upgrading my skills and knowledge by taking refresher trainings on safety, sanitation, first–aid, emergency rescue, hygiene and cooking, safe accomodation. We follow all kinds of safety and precaution method .Though, we assure for making your trip fully secure and safe. We set out the itinerary budget in an economic way with an affordable accommodation and healthy food.
My clients have been very pleased with my professional guiding services, and you may read some of their comments on my website. We always strive in giving some more qualitative service indeed. My guiding service is dedicated to helping you enjoy your adventure travelling.
Please contact me at the email address listed below or contact me online if you have any questions or would like to discuss a possible trek in Nepal! I will look forward to hearing from you!
http://www.nepalguideinfo.com/Trekking-Guide-Nepal.php
http://www.hikehimalayas.com
Email-:[email protected]
Wonderful Experience
Everything went like clockwork. We had a delightful mix of people who bonded well.
Petra was everything and more. The only down side was Dana.
The walk down to the valley was difficult, dangerous and very slippery; the only scenery to be see was the ground because the unstable path.
When you arrived at the bottom there was nothing to see and we had to begin the arduous journey back to the top.
The home stay dinner was delicious and it was good to interact with a local family.
Dear travelers,
Namaste and warm Greetings from Himalayan Country Nepal!!
My name is Sanjib Adhikari. As an independent trekking guide and tour operator in Nepal, I would like to welcome everyone in my motherland country, Nepal. With the keen interest in the adventure tourism, I have been involved in this field at a very young age. Pursuing my career in different capacities as porter, assistant guide, I have developed myself as an independent trekking guide and leadership in various outdoor activities. Licensed and fully certified from the Government of Nepal, we plan and guide for exploration and adventure throughout Nepal.
A little history:
I myself have been over expeditions to Mera peak, Island peak, Kalapathar, Gokyo peak, Tseryo RI and across many high passes in Nepal, Larkye Pass, Ampulapcha Pass, Chola pass, Renjula pass, Tashilapcha pass, Ganjala pass, Thorong La pass, Tilicho pass, (Mesokantola pass). Within the long span of an adventurous journey, I have extensive guiding experience on Mt. Kailash, Lhasa in Tibet also Ladak and Sikkim in India. Enrollment for 7 years long journey gives me courage to work out for an independent organized trekking agency.
Personalized service
I have guided many international groups especially from Europe, USA, Canada, Australia through the Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Mustang, Dolpo, Kanchanjunga, Makalu, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Helambu regions of Nepal thus have gained diversified experience and extensive knowledge on geography, religion, culture, local flora and fauna and on environmental issues in the areas where I personally organized the treks. We arrange all the customized packages on the basis of your interests and liking. Together with our highly friendly and experienced staffs as well your prior experience or interest, we can develop a personalized program of your interest..
Good food and comfortable accommodation
Trekking is the way of relating to the local community and practicing their life. One can enjoy an accommodation available according to the various regions. Accomodation varied from tea house in the local way and camping in the restricted and remote regions. For any kind of trekking, we make proper arrangement of hygienic food and safe and comfortable place to stay concerning the demand of our visitors. Along with that, we also make assure for maintaining your health condition with our full guidance.
Worry-free logistics and services
My first experience on many trekking routes has made me an expert on making unique trekking itineraries as per the tastes, interests and budget of the western clients. For those international trekkers who want to climb high mountain passes and peaks, I can also organize this challenging and rewarding adventure. We arrange all the necessary logistics necessities which include permit cards, pick up from the airport, national park fee, arrangement of porters and all other necessary requirements.
A Belief in environmental awareness and preservation
We have been organizing the trek in association with the local communities who are in true sense an ecologically aware. We are environmentally concerned with utilizing local resources which are beneficial for the local economy. As well as we sort out our own garbages and the waste disposal .Thus, making our trip fully environment friendly. Relating to the local ethnic communities and learning their unique way of living is also an important aspect of our trekking.
Assured safety and Financial Protection
From time to time I keep upgrading my skills and knowledge by taking refresher trainings on safety, sanitation, first–aid, emergency rescue, hygiene and cooking, safe accomodation. We follow all kinds of safety and precaution method .Though, we assure for making your trip fully secure and safe. We set out the itinerary budget in an economic way with an affordable accommodation and healthy food.
My clients have been very pleased with my professional guiding services, and you may read some of their comments on my website. We always strive in giving some more qualitative service indeed. My guiding service is dedicated to helping you enjoy your adventure travelling.
Please contact me at the email address listed below or contact me online if you have any questions or would like to discuss a possible trek in Nepal! I will look forward to hearing from you!
http://www.nepalguideinfo.com/Trekking-Guide-Nepal.php
http://www.hikehimalayas.com
Email-:[email protected]
Booking Mistake By Intrepid Agency Turns Into A Nightmare
i booked with what I thought was Intrepid (that was what was on the Internet ) but it turned out it was an agency working for Intrepid. The agency confirmed they were holding my booking but due to a 'human error' they did not actually hold it for me. I went ahead and independently booked hotels and airfares only to be told that I wasn't actually on the trip. The agency had made a 'human error' . I asked to deal with a manager in Melbourne at Intrepid's main office. I was told that I should have known that it was not Intrepid as it had been widely publicized. The Manager sent me an email. When I tried to get back to her there was no answers to my emails. That was because of another 'human error' wrong email address on the email and no staff in that day to answer emails. I then tried to phone. The phone was engaged and did not answer. Finally after calling back to the agency and waiting hours I got a call from the Manager telling me that 4 of the days there was no single supplement. By this time a number of the hotels had taken a deposit and I had paid an airfare with 3 different airlines. I had arranged care for the pets and cancelled my work. I was over a barrel.
Intrepid has recently restructured itself but it's not obvious to the traveller booking a trip. So beware of the agencies purporting to be Intrepid. They are full of 'Adventure Consultants' who are basically young staff with very little experience.
They make mistakes.
Also the Manager in Melbourne made it very clear that no one holds her to account. It was all my fault and my problem. She couldn't admit that it was a major stuff up and she was spoke about my age (64) as if it was a disability.
A very disappointing experience Intrepid.
Turkey Experience 15 Days Plus 2 Days Istanbul & Gallipoli
Gallipoli is a must for every Australian to experience, very moving and emotional. 15 day Turkey Experience starting in Istanbul was way beyond what my expectations were. the view from my hotel room in Istanbul looked over Aya Sofya I felt as if I could reach out and touch it. A home cooked meal in Goreme and an early morning balloon flight over amazing landscape. A cruse and lunch with swimming in the Mediterranean. A trip to the Archaeological site Ephesus which was mind blowing. A walking tour of The Grand Bazar, the Spice market and some lesser known sites & facts of Istanbul. with only 9 in the group we dined together each night our Guide was fantastic and gave us a choose of several restaurant to choose from. Our guides vast knowledge was pleasing, he also went out of his way and added extra options that were available when we had free time. I also choose not to do one of the hikes, he organised that I could spend the morning at the beach and meet the rest of the group at the end of the hike for lunch. I have just skimmed over the top I could go on and on and on WOW Turkey is an AMAZING country, the only draw back is the CARPET SELLERS. This was my first Intrepid experience and hopefully want be my last, I was with my sister & her partner and they were on there 6th trip wit Intrepid. I give the trip and my experience 5 stars and our guide 5 stars as well done Salih
Dear travelers,
Namaste and warm Greetings from Himalayan Country Nepal!!
My name is Sanjib Adhikari. As an independent trekking guide and tour operator in Nepal, I would like to welcome everyone in my motherland country, Nepal. With the keen interest in the adventure tourism, I have been involved in this field at a very young age. Pursuing my career in different capacities as porter, assistant guide, I have developed myself as an independent trekking guide and leadership in various outdoor activities. Licensed and fully certified from the Government of Nepal, we plan and guide for exploration and adventure throughout Nepal.
A little history:
I myself have been over expeditions to Mera peak, Island peak, Kalapathar, Gokyo peak, Tseryo RI and across many high passes in Nepal, Larkye Pass, Ampulapcha Pass, Chola pass, Renjula pass, Tashilapcha pass, Ganjala pass, Thorong La pass, Tilicho pass, (Mesokantola pass). Within the long span of an adventurous journey, I have extensive guiding experience on Mt. Kailash, Lhasa in Tibet also Ladak and Sikkim in India. Enrollment for 7 years long journey gives me courage to work out for an independent organized trekking agency.
Personalized service
I have guided many international groups especially from Europe, USA, Canada, Australia through the Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Mustang, Dolpo, Kanchanjunga, Makalu, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Helambu regions of Nepal thus have gained diversified experience and extensive knowledge on geography, religion, culture, local flora and fauna and on environmental issues in the areas where I personally organized the treks. We arrange all the customized packages on the basis of your interests and liking. Together with our highly friendly and experienced staffs as well your prior experience or interest, we can develop a personalized program of your interest..
Good food and comfortable accommodation
Trekking is the way of relating to the local community and practicing their life. One can enjoy an accommodation available according to the various regions. Accomodation varied from tea house in the local way and camping in the restricted and remote regions. For any kind of trekking, we make proper arrangement of hygienic food and safe and comfortable place to stay concerning the demand of our visitors. Along with that, we also make assure for maintaining your health condition with our full guidance.
Worry-free logistics and services
My first experience on many trekking routes has made me an expert on making unique trekking itineraries as per the tastes, interests and budget of the western clients. For those international trekkers who want to climb high mountain passes and peaks, I can also organize this challenging and rewarding adventure. We arrange all the necessary logistics necessities which include permit cards, pick up from the airport, national park fee, arrangement of porters and all other necessary requirements.
A Belief in environmental awareness and preservation
We have been organizing the trek in association with the local communities who are in true sense an ecologically aware. We are environmentally concerned with utilizing local resources which are beneficial for the local economy. As well as we sort out our own garbages and the waste disposal .Thus, making our trip fully environment friendly. Relating to the local ethnic communities and learning their unique way of living is also an important aspect of our trekking.
Assured safety and Financial Protection
From time to time I keep upgrading my skills and knowledge by taking refresher trainings on safety, sanitation, first–aid, emergency rescue, hygiene and cooking, safe accomodation. We follow all kinds of safety and precaution method .Though, we assure for making your trip fully secure and safe. We set out the itinerary budget in an economic way with an affordable accommodation and healthy food.
My clients have been very pleased with my professional guiding services, and you may read some of their comments on my website. We always strive in giving some more qualitative service indeed. My guiding service is dedicated to helping you enjoy your adventure travelling.
Please contact me at the email address listed below or contact me online if you have any questions or would like to discuss a possible trek in Nepal! I will look forward to hearing from you!
http://www.nepalguideinfo.com/Trekking-Guide-Nepal.php
http://www.hikehimalayas.com
Email-:[email protected]
Best Or Iran
i have just been on an intrepid tour of iran, and cannot speak highly enough of our tour guide and indeed the tour itself. he made the tour better by his attention to detail; fairness to all and general bonhomie: iran is great destination especially in the hands of intrepid:
How To Ruin A Holiday
My wife and I participated in an Adventure Travel trip for four days through Kakadu Natiional Park. The guide was excellent, the route well chosen, the guides cooking was first rate. The expensive trip was ruined by the clapped out vehicle in which we travelled. The noise in the passenger section was deafening, comparable to the noise in a World War II Dakota (I speak from experience). It was impossible to hear the guide even when his loudspeaker was on, and it was impossible to talk to any of the other members of the group. In addition, the suspension was woefully inadequate. Th vehicle wAs a positive bone cracker and teeth rattler.
Although we saw many wonderful things, travelling 1400 kilometres in such a vehicle was a most unpleasant experience.
Not Good Value For Money. Non-existent Customer Service
We did the Jakarta to Ubud tour this spring. We have done standard level G Adventures tours before for a comparable price as this one. We therefore did not expect some of the unsavoury hotels we stayed in. Some of the places eg Paragon in Jakarta and Serena in Bandung were well below an acceptable standard. However, Intrepid continues to use them despite very poor Tripadvisor reviews. The overall impression of the trip was that they are a penny-pinching company. There was air-con in the Ubud hotel but we were not allowed to use it unless we paid a substantial supplement as it was not included in the price. In one hotel, not one of the above but equally revolting, the rate stated in reception was £10 a night for a double room. Here, Intrepid did not even pay for our breakfast, we had to pay for our own.
The minibuses were old, without belts and we had 2 breakdowns. Had we had better vehicles we would not have had to spend 6-7 hrs a day travelling.Part of the trip was by local bus which took hours. By far the most sensible way was by train, which several of us opted for at an extra cost of £10 a head. This should have been included. The impression we came away with was maximum profit for them, maximum inconvenience for the customer. We have done many tours in the Far East. This was the least value for money of them all. We put our thoughts in writing when we returned. Absolutely no response.
Indifference Is Never A Good Thing/before-after Burma
I was excited about going to Burma and the small group was appealing. The packing list sent was for ALL of their trips and not Burma-specific. When I called, I was told yes, I needed a filtration system and bottle...$40.00+ later, I was the only one on the trip with one. There was no attempt to not waste plastic. If Intrepid is going to comment on Carbon impact, then they should hire trucks which don't spew exhaust. Yes, there were many there. Riding in a cattle truck, breathing the exhaust from our own vehicle was not good. I was also told I'd have to carry my bag and to pack light. I did but never had to carry my bag. I called once and e-mailed twice for a feedback form and still haven't seen it. I asked important questions via e-mail just before the trip and NEVER got a response. We were given optional days but not given enough information as to what those options were and we almost missed a reclining Buddha which was even bigger than the one in Thailand just because there was no information given about it. Tipping was another issue. A kitty was not collected at the first. We were even "invited" to tip the bus driver. Intrepid should pay their people better or realistically say how much will be needed for tipping so it is expected. I didn't bring enough money with me. The same thing happened to my room mate. I am not cheap but was unaware how many times we'd be "asked." The guide was nice, kind but indifferent and could have learned more about the questions we were asking.Rooms were what I expected and the group was great! The local guide was outstanding in Shan country. If we hadn't gone through the beautiful areas of Yangoon just before we left, I would have thought of it as a very dirty city in utter disrepair. This is just where we were staying. The "city tour" could have been in a different section of town or skipped.
I think you have missed the fact that Myanmar is just emerging from period great hardship. Its not tourist slick.
I hear the problems you had getting good advice from the tour operators...but having been in Myanmar recently myself I'd say chill a bit. Its all part of travelling in a newly opened and developing country.
Beautiful beautiful Myanmar.
Q&A
I am doing the European Explorer tour starting June 14 2014. I think it is new, have you heard much about it?
Accommodation is basic but I hope that it is not too basic.
We did java to Jakarta last march. The accommodation was either bordering on the unacceptable or was unacceptable. Don't expect much from Intrepid. They save money on accommodation. We complained about dirty beds, cockroaches etc when we returned. No reply from them. Europe should be a better standard but as a rule they won't spend even marginally more to get something more pleasant. Considering the money we paid and the cheapness of the accommodation in the east they should have been able to do much better. They also use pretty inferior minibuses in the east. I hope your experience is different . We will be going back to GAdventures next time
I am thinking of using Intrepid Travel for the first time for a trip to Borneo in October of this year. Any advice for which trip or about this company?
They cut costs . Poor accommodation. Try GAdventures