G Adventures

Only found out about G adventures 3 years ago and have been on the Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe trip, Hidden Gems of China and have just returned from Belize and Tikal trip. We have thoroughly enjoyed our trips with good organisation and great CEO's who go above and beyond. On the last trip we went on the local 'chicken bus' which meant a few hours on a very uncomfortable as seat space was for Mayan sized people and felt unsafe as no seat belts and they took on too many passengers who were told to sit on the aisle floor, but have fed back on that. Accommodation varies in quality but always clean and you are only there to sleep. Guides on trips were very knowledgeable and in fact on guide showing us Mayan ruins also works as an archeologist there. If you are expecting a package holiday type type tour I feel that is not the company for you, it is to show you the history and culture of amazing places with the company giving back to communities in all sorts of ways. I have been reading reviews where people were complaining that only hotels and tours are included and activities are more expensive locally. If you read the itinerary of the tours they are very up front about what is included and the updated prices of optional activities (price dependent on country, China was cheap). I would rather go on their offered activities as you have no idea who you are dealing with if sort your own and unlikely to be covered by your holiday insurance. They are optional activities and you don't have to go and can go off on your own. Some reviews highlighted that tips were asked for upfront by the CEO. I would have tipped drivers, guides etc. anyway and found it so much easier that our CEO gave them tips from all of us. Again you could say you would rather tip each one yourself. People we have met on our tours are people who love travel, I have been to 42 countries which I thought was good and someone on my last trip had been to 93! Only back since 18th Feb and already looking at my pennies and G Adventures

Spirit of Shakleton Cruise. We are recently back from a 21 night cruise from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and The Falklands. The expedition leader and his team were exceptional - they all had deep knowledge of the location, wildlife and gave excellent lectures during days at sea. We were fortunate with the weather and wildlife but the ships hotel crew were brilliant. Even the crew band was excellent. We opted to camp on the Peninsula. The camping gear was high quality so we were nice and warm. The ship, the MV Expedition is an older type ship offering good levels of comfort but is slightly less luxurious than others - this is made up for by ships ability in bigger seas. So, a huge thank you to Matt Burnaby and his team.

Having used G adventure over the last eight years, I feel that they have now cut too many corners and sadly, I will not be using them again. The standard of accommodation of a classic trip that I’ve recently done was akin to a youth hostel and certainly not three star, Basic is one thing, but dirty is another. (Mayan Adventure) There were NO meals included whatsoever (Other than 2 charity meals) and fewer free activities included. The cost of the optional add on activities is now very expensive and even the airport transfer to the starting hotel is 40% more expensive than a normal taxi. Then when you add the “ Suggested tip of US$85 x2 for the 2 group leaders, As well as US$75 for general tips, I feel that G Adventure no longer offers a package that offers value for money.

The best trip I've ever done was to California with G Adventures. It was 15 days tour starting from and ending in Los Angeles. I visited so many places (LA, San Diego, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Death Valley, San Francisco, all the California seaside) in 2 weeks with amazing people starting from the local guide (Carson) and the bus driver. The 20 people group was awesome, made by people that came from all over the world. I really hope to travel again with G Adventures as soon as possible!

Great experience, brilliant guides and customer service. I'd definitely book with them again. G Adventures was recommended to us by a family member who had been to Machu Picchu a few years ago. For what is offered they are in the same price range as similar groups so we booked with them. The booking process was quite straightforward. Though there were many sections and a fair bit of prep, the website lays out all the things you need to get done and when you need them done by, and they are very helpful when you call or email them to sort this out. Our airline changed our flights a couple of times and each time, a phone call to G Adventures or use of the live chat feature on their website was all we needed to update our details once the deadline on the website for edits had passed. LATAM airline lost our luggage on the way to Peru which was a nightmare but G Adventures made it bearable, from the moment we were picked up at the airport to the moment we were dropped back off we were looked after well and they were very helpful. They didn't need to help us contact the airline and try to get our luggage but they did. Many thanks to Teresita in the office in Cusco who did before and during our hike, she also replied to my messages out of office hours which was very much appreciated. The tour itself is a difficult 4 day hike but the tent accommodation and excellent food made by the cooks with just a few pots and pans and fire was very impressive. A large team of porters carries the camping kit plus a bit of your own items to each camping site and sets it up for you. They put us to shame as they jogged past with over 20 kilos on their backs in trainers whilst we struggled up with trek boots and hiking poles! The guides Victor and Walter were very knowledgeable about the local area and the trail itself and gave a detailed history of the Inca people and the sites we visited on the way. 2 guides managed a group of 16 hikers very well and answered every question throughout the journey. They went out of their way to help me plan the perfect spot to propose to my fiancee and had my camera ready to snap the moment too. For anyone considering the Inca Trail hike, it is tough but achievable. I'm a chubby Brit with an office job but managed it with the slow group (or 'scenic squad' as we liked to call ourselves) and the views were certainly worth it. I would highly recommend this company for once-in-a-lifetime holidays. Before our next big adventure to another country I will definitely be taking a look at what G Adventures have to offer there.

G Adventures, I am extremely disappointed with my experience. I booked a trip on August 20 for a tour starting September 13 and paid in full, yet my booking was never confirmed. You claimed you “could not identify my money,” and I am still waiting for a refund weeks later with no confirmation or timeline. Your communication has been unacceptable—my emails remain unanswered, and when I contacted your online chat, one of your agents rudely told me that “chasing will not speed up the process.” You’ve held my money for over three weeks without resolution. This is not the level of professionalism or customer care I expected. Give me my money back and urgently improve your payment handling and communication. Travelers: don't pay in advance for this company as they are untrustworthy!

Thanks to Washington and Maria in Cusco, Peru. My experience of the 4 days/3 nights Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was outstanding. From the welfare of the porters to the knowledge and professionalism shown by our tour guides. The food was excellent as was the camp locations. I was very fortunate to be with a great group on my trek.

I have just arrived home from the most amazing trip to Egypt (boats and Bazars) with Gadventures and have already booked another trip with them for later in the year. First the trip was well organised with all the logistics fully planned, we just had to turn up and let our CEO (tour guide) lead the way! The hotels were all to a high or higher than expected standard, we had professional transfers and friendly drivers. Gadvventures is a very holistically minded company and gives back to communities all around the world, takes a stance on animal welfare and are conscious of the environment. I would recommend them to anyone looking to travel solo or with friends on a tour. Our CEO Hussein Mahmoud was exceptional. He made everyone feel safe and went above and beyond to support everyone’s welfare. Hussein has a vast amount of local knowledge and understanding of Ancient Egypt. Hussein is a huge credit to Gadventures and Egypt. I recommend both the Egypt tour and the company as a whole for their values. Thinking of booking with them, do it now.