We're developing a list of out-of-the-way accommodations or
outfits we've been particularly happy with during our travels.
They're not necessarily the most mainstream or well-known even among
adventure travelers, but we had great experiences and highly recommend
them:
- Art's Riverview Lodge, comfortable tree-houses and great food next to Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
- Copper Canyon Adventures, arranges independent, guided, or small-group trips to Mexico's Copper Canyon
- Daniella's Bungalows, a refreshing alternative to the larger tourist hotels in the Seychelles (Bel Ombre, Mahe Island)
- Kalypso Adventures, arranges nature and adventure travel in South India
- Khao Yai Garden Lodge, just outside Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
- Sakrisoy Rorbuer, restored fisherman's cabins in Reine, Lofoten Islands, Norway
Here are some more mainstream places that we still found
unusually enjoyable:
The lists are short, at least for now, in part because we've only
included things we consider extra-special. Also, we often travel
entirely by rented camper or charter sailboat:
- For campers, in North America we've had good experiences with Cruise America, and in
Australia & New Zealand with Maui Campervans.
- For sailboat charters, we've been happy with the two standards --
The Moorings and Sunsail -- and generally less happy
with smaller companies or independent charters, although our very
enjoyable charter of Cyrene out
of Phuket, Thailand was a notable exception.
Patagonia: Most travelers either go with an organized
"eco-travel" group or are on the hostel circuit. It's feasible to do
something in between: similar accommodations and activities to the
groups but independent travel and a fraction of the cost. We made all
our reservations by email through two in-country travel agents, both
of whom were responsive, helpful, reliable, and fairly priced:
- In Chile: Ventistur (Gonzalo Tejeda, ventistur@chileaustral.com)
- In Argentina: Representour (amigo@representour.com)
Peru: We arranged our independent Peru adventures online with
two agents and a hotel, all of which we recommend:
- Peru Treks & Adventure:
We did the Salkantay / Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a private 7-day
trek.
- Pantiacolla: We
did a custom 6-day trip combining a stay at the Panticolla Lodge
with the Yine Program.
- Hostal Rumi Punku:
Don't be fooled by the two stars. It's very comfortable, on a quiet
but well-located street, and the Cusco airport pickup is a plus.
