Guest Testimonials
Some testimonials from guests that have travelled with Miraviva recently.
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Estancia los Potreros was a dream. We loved every minute; our only regret is we wished we had booked a longer stay. The host Kevin was warm, friendly and professional. We felt folded into a family as soon as we arrived. Every detail of our stay was attended to thoughtfully by each and every member of the staff. It was the best horseback riding experience I have ever had. We rode different horses every day and saw different areas of the estancia as well. We have varying riding abilities but were able to ride together safely. Kevin planned nightly entertainment that included an authentic asado, a cooking class, and local singers. It was magical. Thank you for recommending. We hope to return sometime in the future. Thank you for the hats! A nice surprise and we all wore them on our rides.
A family visit to Argentina in December 2019
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We were a group of 10 friends, and visited Machu Picchu, Iguaçu Falls and Patagonia (the principal locations, plus other cities where our flight arrangements took us through) over the course of 15 days in October 2019.
Marc and Simon of Miraviva worked with us for over a year in the planning and execution of the trip, from flight arrangements within South America, to hotel selections, to local logistics/guide arrangements, all the way down to restaurant selections.
The value of the advice we received from Marc and Simon was great, as evidenced by the smooth experience over the course of our trip, across 8 cities/towns, 9 hotels, multiple regional/domestic flights/transfers, and multiple local guides.
We had a great time in South America, and look forward to visiting again at the next available opportunity. We also look forward to working with Marc and Simon again.
Group of 10 guests visited Peru, Brazil, Argentina and Chile October 2019 -
“We had the most amazing time, everything worked to perfection, the hotels were all fantastic – to the extent I’m not even sure which was my favourite, they were all great in different ways.”
Visted Ecuador & Peru, May 2018
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“For an opinionated traveler, Miraviva not only designed and executed a flawless trip, but left my husband and I with only good things to say. Marc and his team listened to what we were looking for and translated it into an incredible 2 week stay in Brazil that hit all the right notes. We were grateful for their insight and direction which came from first hand knowledge of the hotels, restaurants, guides and especially, hidden nooks and crannies, that made the trip so wonderful, unexpected and special. So much of it felt like being let in on a secret. We were able to relax, switch off and simply enjoy. Thank you.”
Visited Brazil, May-June 2017 -
“Marc, Simon and the team exceeded our expectations at every stage of our vacation, and our expectations were very high indeed! Everything, from the choice of hotels, tours, guides and restaurants, was memorable, with special mention to Sol y Luna in Peru’s Sacred Valley and its wonderful garden, and the delights of The Origin while cruising the Galapagos. A bespoke tour of the highest quality and care.”
Visited Peru & Ecuador, March-April 2017 -
“Miraviva organised for us a three week holiday to Patagonia and the Atacama. The preparations were thoroughly discussed with us and carefully organised, down to an app which contained our itinerary, maps and travel information, hints on currency and customs, tipping and a section for our own photographs and diaries. Every hotel was brilliantly chosen, every transfer passed off perfectly, every phase of the holiday was well timed and had its own rhythm.
Marc and Simon know their stuff and are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and love of South America. Our holiday couldn’t have been easier, better organised, more fun or better value.”
Visited Argentina & Chile, March 2017
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“In 2014 we had a fabulous experience of travelling with Miraviva to Argentina – a trip that our nine year old still recounts, in particular the night-time horse ride with the moonlight, a gaucho with a knife, and an armadillo! So in 2017 my wife planned a trip to Brazil; two locations only this time – a beach posada (Butterfly House) and an inland farmstead (Ibitipoca). Met on arrival at Butterfly House with a delicious local fruit cocktail, the deep sounds of the western Atlantic, and the friendliness of the local workers who ran the posada set the theme of our few days there. Utter relaxation: swimming for hours in the gorgeous sea or the pool (spoilt for choice); reading in hammocks; exploring the area with the locals, who were wonderful with our children, both on foot and by boat; and enjoying quite unbelievably delicious food from the region.
Having just settled into feeling we could be here for a month we were off again to the interior, this time to Ibitipoca. The farmhouse is simply stunning in its setting and classical design, intimate and grand in every corner. Yoga and massage for grown ups, wonderful walks and horse riding, and even a touch of football or piano practice in the main house for the children, with the whole family enjoying the Jacuzzi under the stars kept us all completely hooked on the beauty and warmth of this region. Food, in the company of the Toucan was quite simply the best we have had anywhere: grown on site, absolutely exquisite and in plenty!
The whole trip proved to be a magical experience for all the family and we would recommend it to anyone.”
Visited Brazil, February 2017 -
“We contacted three different South American travel companies and chose Miraviva for many reasons; they replied promptly to our enquiry and listened to our needs and areas of interest, then once the itinerary had been agreed, we didn’t do a thing (apart from pay!) – it was all superbly organised on our behalf. The hotels recommended were perfect; on the smaller side, stylish, extremely comfortable and with excellent service. At each key transition point, we were met and delivered to our next destination – no fuss, no delays – like a hot knife through butter! When we re-visit South America again (which we will surely do), Miraviva will be our first port of call. Thank you.”
Visited Chile, Argentina & Brazil, Feb-March 2017
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“Thank you for another amazing trip!! Costa Rica was so so awesome! I loved every single part of the trip. Although everything was perfect, the Pacuare Lodge was by far my favorite. It is such a cool place!!”
Visited Costa Rica, January 2017 -
“Thank you Simon for your help in planning an extraordinary trip! Anna and I both had an amazing time.”
Honeymoon in Peru & Galapagos Islands, January 2017 -
“I can’t believe it is already a year since we had our fantastic holiday in NW Argentina – Salta and up to the Puna. Such an amazing area with wonderful scenery and so few other visitors! We were very impressed with Miraviva, from the careful planning of our itinerary, the well organised arrangements on the ground and the best possible accommodation all the way through the trip, and of course our guide the marvellous Mario who was a joy to travel with. It was definitely one of the most enjoyable trips we have had. We have provisionally pencilled in South America for 2019 and will contact you next year to discuss our plans.”
Visited Argentina, September-October 2016
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“My husband and I, along with our 18-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter, spent four amazing weeks on the trip of a lifetime in Peru & Ecuador, thanks to the excellent planning and meticulous care taken by Miraviva. Simon & Marc spent time understanding what we wanted, advising us on options and putting together an itinerary that made everyone happy, taking us to Lima, the Nazca Lines, Arequipa & the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco & the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Quito and the Galapagos. Every day was a memorable adventure, the accommodations and restaurants were exceptional and all of our guides were knowledgeable, friendly and reliable. All four of us felt incredibly well looked after from the moment we landed until the day we departed. We couldn’t recommend Miraviva more highly.”
Visited Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos, July - August 2016
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“My family and I went with Miraviva to the Galapagos and Ecuador this summer. I could not have been happier with the service we got from Simon and the team. They talked me through every step, from booking flights to planning activities – Simon even visited us at home to talk about what we might like to do on various days. The Galapagos Safari Camp, the boat we stayed on and the hotel in Quito were all lovely. As a result of all the planning, attention and knowhow we had a spectacular holiday and I would definitely recommend Miraviva.”
Visited Ecuador & Galapagos, August 2016 -
“When we picked Brazil for our honeymoon we knew it would be pushing our budget a little. In such a huge country with so much to see but so far to travel, we outlined to Miraviva what we had in mind. Not only did Miraviva pull every string possible in order to make it affordable for our budget, but when bad weather caused us to re-plan the honeymoon the day before our wedding, Miraviva took all the responsibility and delivered the holiday of a lifetime. We decided to trust Marc and the team completely in sending us to the Ibitipoca Reserve, which with very little publicity seemed to us to be a bit of a gamble, however we can honestly say it is the most sensational place either of us have ever been and we would never have found it without Marc and the Miraviva team! I cannot fault their service and choice of locations and guides, and would recommend them to anyone for a wonderful trip to Brazil, South America or anywhere in the world at all.”
Visited Brazil, July 2016 -
“Unbelievable. Hotel in Quito was perfect. I enjoyed high tea with my wife and went to Easter mass at one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen. Pikaia Lodge is perfect, as is the on a day off a day boat excursions. We’re never told no. Ever. My grateful thanks to you and your team.”
Visited Ecuador & Galapagos March-April 2016 -
“Miravira planned a 12 day trip that my husband and I took to Patagonia—and we can’t sing their praises highly enough. They listened with care to what we wanted, and pulled off every last detail with perfection and grace. Every imaginable touch was done just right. We stayed in three places—plus Santiago—and John and I agree that the first-place award goes to Vira Vira, a new hotel in the Chilean Lake District. The place is beautiful but it was the people and the care that especially endears that place to us. We’d return after a day of horseback riding, led by the man who trains the Chilean Olympic team, to find the fires had been going for three hours on a hot tub at the river’s curve. When my husband took a midnight stroll, someone magically appeared with a flashlight. We also adored Awasi, where again, the word service doesn’t begin to do justice to the miraculous levels of care we were given.
All in all, the trip was the experience of a lifetime, and we are grateful to Simon and the others for making it so perfect.”
Visited Patagonia, February 2016 -
“On so many occasions the trip redefined the expression ‘under promised and over delivered’. We were trying to decide what was the outstanding highlight but there are too many! However, the coffee region and Hacienda Bambusa, the Salt Cathedral and the Anakonda trip are right up there as is Casa Gangotena which was a fabulous ‘finale’ hotel and what a staggering place Quito is.”
Visited Colombia & Ecuador, December 2015
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“Marc and his dedicated team organised the most incredible Brazilian Christmas holiday for our family, memorable in every way. Their extreme attention to even the smallest detail meant we had fantastic guides, beautifully comfortable hotels, experiences and activities that were unrivalled, along with painless transfers. We saw many different aspects of this stunning country and started to miss it the instant we boarded our plane to fly home. Needless to say we hope to return very soon!”
Visited Brazil, December 2015 -
“I would not hesitate in recommending Miraviva if you are contemplating going to Ecuador. They put the most fantastic trip together for our family; I am quite certain it was the holiday of a lifetime. Their care and diligence in thinking about what was right for us was fantastic and the places we ended up visiting were all memorable. The problem now is that the children just want to know when we are going back!”
Visited Ecuador & Galapagos, July 2014 -
“Having just returned from Rio, Buenos Aires, Paraty and Iguacu we feel so very grateful to Miraviva for their attention to detail and thoughtful planning of our trip. We did not have one hitch, each guide was helpful and knowledgable and the ground service was excellent. We wholeheartedly are recommending Miraviva to all our friends. Many thanks for everything.”
Visited Brazil & Argentina, April 2014 -
“We wanted you to know that the trip you put together for us to Argentina was quite fantastic. We loved the contrast of Buenos Aires, Patagonia, the Ibera Wetlands and Iguacu and came home with a real sense of the beauty and diversity of this wonderful country. The itinerary was ideal for us as a family and the children loved the glaciers, boat trips, horse riding, wild animals and waterfalls. All of the guides were excellent and this was the first holiday we have taken where all the transfers were seamless! We will be in contact about our next trip soon!”
Visited Argentina, April 2014 -
“Tailored to perfection, we had a stress free, hugely enjoyable 17 day Patagonian holiday. Miraviva booked us the best rooms and hotels. They even fixed the weather. For those seeking a truly personalized holiday experience, Miraviva is second to none”
Visited Argentina & Chile, Feb-Mar 2014 -
“The two places recommended by Miraviva were first class and suited us ideally. We particularly enjoyed LaPostolle which was outstanding.”
Visited Argentina & Chile, December 2013 -
“The Miraviva experience is unparalleled, as Marc and the team offer a genuinely bespoke service. From the initial consultations, through to selecting options with Marc, and then final design and execution, the level of attention to our needs and quality of advice was deeply impressive. The combination of Marc’s own world class standards, his creativity and personal knowledge meant that the team not only created the holiday that we wanted, they created the holiday of our dreams. We now consider ourselves to be part of the Miraviva family.”
Visited Brazil, November 2013 -
“Miraviva listened to our requirements and, from their own knowledge, added significant further elements to match our interests. When weather conditions changed dramatically, they – and their Chilean/Argentinian representatives – reacted quickly and gave us a perfect alternative. Overall, a very high standard and a wonderful holiday. I have already recommended Miraviva to friends, who have been equally delighted.”
Visited Argentina & Chile, Oct-Nov 2013
To talk to us about your next adventure, give us a call or send us a message.