Our South America Travel Specialists

We wanted to visit Buenos Aires and Uruguay for a week in June of this year. This is my second time using Zicasso. I had an excellent experience with them for a trip to Switzerland two years ago and wanted to give them another try. I was not disappointed.
I was offered two proposals from local travel experts in South America, both of which were promising. I made the choice because our Zicasso travel specialist was personally familiar with the places I wanted to visit, so he got the nod. I identified the places I wanted to visit and the kind of experiences I wanted to have, and he turned that around with a specific itinerary in a few days, after asking some qualifying questions about hotel, location, and traveling preferences.
For the Uruguay portion of the trip, he partnered with our travel specialist, our concierge for Uruguay and guide for Colonia del Sacramento, and travel through Montevideo.
Our guide for the tour of Buenos Aires was so knowledgeable that describing her that way is quite an understatement, given her mastery of the neighborhoods and their historic, cultural, residential, and shopping aspects. But even better, she had a talent for describing what real life in Buenos Aires was like historically and now.
Our hotel in fashionable Palermo was more than comfortable, with staff inviting us to share their sandwiches and pulling up chairs for the Argentina-Austria match being watched in the lobby. Very hospitable people, which we found everywhere, actually. We did a tango night with dinner and a show that left us speechless at a cabaret in Buenos Aires. We’ve never seen such grace, athleticism, and talent so up close. Bravo!
We reached Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay by ferry and were met there by our travel specialist for a tour (with our driver) of the colonial old city, where she explained how to tell which street or which building was built by the Portuguese or the Spanish during the contentious colonial period by looking at the stone arrangement and roof treatment. We had lunch and a lovely drive along the coast to Montevideo. Along the way, our travel specialist and our driver carefully explained how to avoid getting caught inadvertently by the prevalent speed cameras and be in compliance with local driving practices. Our hotel in Montevideo was our world-class HQ for touring the city, the beaches, and the wine country, before renting a car and driving to Punta del Este and surrounding areas.
From our hotel in Punta del Este, we could cross the road and walk along the beach for long distances. The dining staff greeted us like old friends after the first meal. The car always appeared immediately when we wanted it. The place is also rumored to throw one of the best New Year's parties in South America, but we weren’t there at the right time of year for that. Yet.
Our travel day home included a couple of hours' drive and rental car return (very easy), then boarding the ferry to Buenos Aires for a two-and-a-half-hour cruise. In Buenos Aires, we were delighted to meet up with our guide, who recommended that we spend our few hours until leaving for the airport at an excellent restaurant on the water, and then easily accommodated our need to buy some gifts for family back home. Along the way, he showed us how previous strangers can become good friends in a very small amount of time.
We saw and experienced everything we wanted to on this trip, and then some. It was well organized and scheduled, and the people were terrific. I would strongly recommend these people for traveling in South America. They really know their stuff.  

Our Galápagos journey was truly unforgettable and we are incredibly grateful to Zicasso’s travel company, who made every detail seamless from start to finish.
From Quito to the islands, everything was exceptionally well organized, with smooth transfers, excellent accommodations, knowledgeable guides, and a beautifully planned itinerary, which allowed us to experience the magic of each island in a unique way. Every day felt like stepping into a nature documentary.
Highlights included snorkeling alongside playful sea lions, witnessing the incredible wildlife of Genovesa and Española, seeing giant tortoises up close, and experiencing landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world. The balance of adventure, comfort, and personalized care made this trip extraordinary.
A special thank you to the guides and crew for their professionalism, warmth, and deep passion for the Galápagos. Their knowledge and attention to detail elevated the entire experience.
This was not just a vacation. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with awe, beauty, and memories we will cherish forever. We highly recommend this travel company to anyone dreaming of exploring the Galápagos Islands.

The trip was first class. The accommodations were very good and the guides and drivers were always on time, friendly, and very helpful. I found it very easy to get in touch with Zicasso’s tour operator if I had an issue or needed to change something. They were very accommodating and responsive.

Zicasso's travel specialist was such a pleasure to work with! She made my sister’s 40th birthday trip to the Galápagos seamless and hassle-free. All the guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and on time. Communication with her was prompt and thorough, and she even threw in little surprises for my sister. She paired us with another team member in the Galápagos, who surprised us with the most incredible beach picnic!
I highly recommend using this travel company for your next South American trip and look forward to planning with them again!

Everything was so well prepared! Zicasso's tour planners didn't miss a step. The itinerary was perfect. I only wish I had more time.

Our Zicasso travel agent and her team meticulously crafted an exceptional itinerary and excursion to commemorate my birthday. They delivered a thoughtful gift to our hotel room and arranged for souvenirs to be available in Cusco. The drivers and tour guides were all exceptional, providing us with a memorable experience.
We had the pleasure of spending a significant amount of time with our tour guide in Valle Sagrado and Cusco. His recommendations for restaurants and insights into local activities were invaluable during our free time.

Visiting Colombia with Zicasso’s tour operator exceeded my expectations from start to finish. The itinerary was thoughtfully designed, balancing Colombia's vibrant cities, rich history, incredible food, and stunning landscapes. Every transfer, tour, and activity was well organized, which allowed me to relax and focus on enjoying the trip.
What stood out most was the local expertise and responsiveness. Their recommendations felt authentic and helped me experience places and activities I likely would have missed on my own. The guides they selected were nice, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about sharing their country.

Our trip to Colombia was our third travel experience arranged via Zicasso. As was the case with our previous two trips, this one was managed nearly flawlessly from start to finish with the kind of attentive customer care we have become accustomed to with Zicasso and their partners.
The agent from our travel company went above and beyond in assisting us with all our planning, providing insights and recommendations only someone who has experienced Colombia fully can provide. She was very patient in helping us make adjustments to arrive at the perfect itinerary and then remaining in constant contact to ensure every minor detail was handled perfectly throughout our journey.
Our drivers and tour guides made sure we were greeted and escorted through each destination, from Medellín to Bogotá to Cartagena and our final destination on Isla Barú. While many friends expressed concern over our safety in Colombia, I can say we did not feel unsafe for a moment. The Colombia of today is no longer one riddled with crime and drugs, but rich in culture and charm.
We greatly enjoyed the thriving art scene of Comuna 13 and the nightlife of Medellín. Our hotel made us feel like we were in the middle of the rainforest, while just steps away from the bustle and excitement of the Poblado district. Our visit to a wonderful coffee plantation provided a full education on every step of the coffee-making process, from the berries on the tree all the way to a delicious cup, delivering a new appreciation for black coffee. I may only drink Colombian from now on.
Bogotá proved to be a modern city with an incredible food scene. Our agent arranged an amazing gastronomical tour for us one evening that catered to our dietary needs. We attended an amazing wedding on top of an old portside fort in Cartagena and enjoyed the charm of the old walled city before relaxing on a pristine beach off the coast, then heading home to tell everyone to hurry down to see all Colombia has to offer.
I can only say, Zicasso is the only way to plan your travel, whether alone or with a small group. For those considering Colombia, our in-country travel company carries my strongest endorsement.