When asking yourself about something to do near me in Berkeley with a group of friends or family, consider
Vaya Adventures
Why Vaya Adventures is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Vaya Adventures is a premier travel company specializing in fully personalized, tailor-made travel experiences to diverse destinations including South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Polar regions such as Antarctica. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, the company offers highly customized and intimate journeys that cater to the unique interests and preferences of each traveler. Their dedicated team of destination specialists brings deep local knowledge and hands-on expertise, ensuring a seamless travel experience from start to finish. Highlights of Vaya Adventures include their ability to craft detailed itineraries for iconic and off-the-beaten-path locales alike, superior accommodations, and access to expert local guides. They utilize an easy-to-use mobile portal that puts all trip details at the traveler’s fingertips, facilitating convenience and ease during the journey. With a company size ranging from 11 to 50 employees and revenue between $1 million and $5 million, Vaya Adventures balances a boutique feel with professional scale. This attention to detail and commitment to exceptional service creates an ideal meeting place for friends or groups seeking immersive, unique travel adventures worldwide.
Here's what people think of Vaya Adventures
As of recent, Vaya Adventures holds a 4.9-star rating based on 69 reviews.
Reviews for Vaya Adventures overwhelmingly praise the company’s attention to detail, personalized service, and deep destination expertise. Clients consistently highlight the excellent planning process with destination specialists who take the time to understand individual preferences, resulting in highly tailored and satisfying trips. Positive points include superb accommodations, knowledgeable local guides, and the convenience of a mobile portal that organizes every aspect of the trip for travelers. Many reviewers mention repeat trips with Vaya Adventures, testifying to their trust in the company to deliver high-quality travel experiences to places like the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, and Chile. Negative feedback is minimal but includes comments on payment policies requiring full payment within a tight window prior to travel, which some customers found restrictive. Overall, the reviews reflect a very high level of customer satisfaction with the company’s professionalism, responsiveness, and the unforgettable experiences they create. Vaya Adventures is seen as a premium provider that is worth the investment for travelers seeking expertly crafted, immersive adventures.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Shari and Don Schumacher
Best trip EVER or equal to our S. Africa trip! Liz at Vaya, did an excellent job detailing a three week adventure for 4 to Santiago, Patagonia and Buenos Aries. Excellent accommodations - not over the top but lovey and unique, our guides, drivers and all excursions were perfect. I will call upon Vaya next time we travel.
Jin Williams
Our first trip to South America was unforgettable. We are very pleased that we chose Peru. The guide that was assigned to us first 5 days in Cusco and all tours including Machu Picchu were fabulous. Wilfredo was always on time, very involved in all aspects of each tour, explaining the culture the history and whatever we did, he was always sharing stories and giving us an in-depth explanation which helped us learn so much about Peru in a short amount of time. The visit to the Amazon was amazing. We stayed on the DELFIN I for three nights and four days, it was an incredible experience. Only if I could have had a camera attached to me at all times videoing... that would be amazing. THAT COULD BE A FUTURE IDEA TO GIVE EVERYONE A BIRDS EYE VIEW OF YOUR SERVICES ;) THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the upgrades, the champagne on our Anniversary evening, the special cake while onboard the Delfin I. We will be sharing this trip for years to come and hope to visit again. A HUGE thank you to Emily! Without her amazing help, we couldn't have experienced this first trip to Peru like we did.... Thank you all on the Vaya Team!!!
John Batug
We were thrilled with the trip to South Africa and Mozambique. It exceeded our expectations on multiple fronts. We’ve never been to Africa before and Dervla did an incredible job of walking us through this journey and helping to craft a trip that fit our wishes exceptionally well. This is the second trip we’ve had with Vaya travel and we’re thrilled with that consistently high-quality service provided. Dervla was so fun, professional, thoughtful, detailed and effective. She was accessible when needed and had great suggestions based on our input. Look forward to going back to Africa and having Dervla craft us another gem. Each of the four places we stayed were remarkable in their own way. So thankful for the high-quality recommendations.
Max L
Best organized trip I've ever taken! It was flawless. From pickup at airport to drop off. Exceeded expectations. 5 stars all the way! Dervla Pinto was very professional, organized and an expert on travel in Tanzania. Dervla spent a lot of time with us to put our trip together and found a super guide who is French speaking which made the trip that much more enjoyable for us. She ensured that all the resorts knew that my wife and I were on our honeymoon and we got special treatment throughout our trip from every resort. Flawless execution of the trip. Many thanks Dervla! My wife and I did a 10-day Safari for our honeymoon in Tanzania that covered the Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. Jafari was our guide from start to finish and we loved our experience. He is an amazing guide. Friendly, warm smile, calm demeanor, very patient (at our request, we stopped a lot to take thousands of pictures…), very experienced (over a decade being a professional guide in the region), knowledgeable (knows all the wildlife and where to spot them), kept us informed and safe at all times and is fluent in English and French. He is also a fantastic photographer and helped us with the settings on our cameras. We plan on returning to do another safari, this time with our kids and we’ll most certainly book with Jafari. THANK YOU JAFARI for the most amazing memories that will last a life time!
Thomas Quill
Our trip to Patagonia was fantastic ... everything went very smoothly from the second we arrived in Puerto Natales until we left El Calafate. Patagonia Camp was exceptional. The superior yurt (yurt #13) was fantastic, and the unobstructed view of Lago Toro was indescribable. The staff at PC was incredible - I would recommend PC to anyone. It was beyond comfortable! The hiking guides were outstanding - we had 3 different guides at Patagonia Camp. They were all very good - different personalities, which added to the flavor of our trip. All were knowledgeable and accommodating, and they were ‘alert’ to the hiking abilities of the group members they were guiding. The guide in El Chalten (Pablo) was superb! It was a long hike (15 miles, 9.5 hours), but he got to know our abilities very quickly. He knew when to 'push' us, and he knew when to take break. He was incredibly knowledgeable, and we had great dialogue all day long - he brought the incredible vistas even more to life (if that was even possible given the sheer beauty of what we saw/experienced) – imparting his knowledge really made the hike incredible. I would recommend Pablo to anyone! Our land transport drivers were excellent - arrived on time, very accommodating to stop at scenic overlooks and for necessary breaks. Gabrielle at Vaya was fantastic ... she worked with us on the itinerary and provided us with a tremendous amount of information – we felt very prepared when we arrived in South America. I thought she went above and beyond having a 30-45 minute conference call with our party pre-departure. She had excellent recommendations for us, and we took her up on several recommendations, particularly in El Chalten. She brought things to life before we even arrived, and what she described was very accurate. I will recommend Vaya to others traveling to Patagonia, and I know we will eventually return, and we will call on Vaya to help us arrange the journey! Thank you for being so knowledgeable and professional - we could tell you love what you do!!!
How to reach Vaya Adventures
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Why rally at Vaya Adventures with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a memorable group adventure calls for a destination that is not only exciting but also offers comfort, diverse activities, and seamless planning. Vaya Adventures stands out as an exceptional choice because it combines expertly curated travel experiences with top-notch service and support that ensures every detail is handled, allowing your group to focus wholly on creating lasting memories. Rated an outstanding 4.9 from nearly 70 reviews, Vaya Adventures has carved a reputation for delivering extraordinary trips characterized by cultural immersion, environmental responsibility, and personalized attention. The company’s expertise in organizing tours across breathtaking destinations such as Patagonia, the Galápagos Islands, Machu Picchu, and Iguazu Falls makes it ideal for groups seeking exploration coupled with luxury and safety.
Moreover, Vaya Adventures takes pride in being very accommodating and communicative, ensuring that whether your group prefers active adventures or relaxed cultural experiences, their preferences are met with precision and care. This makes rallying with friends not only enjoyable but effortless, as every aspect from lodging to transport and excursions comes together flawlessly. The company’s strong ethical stance on sustainable tourism enriches your trip by fostering meaningful connections with local communities, which adds depth and authenticity to your group experience. With Vaya Adventures, your meetup is more than a getaway—it’s a shared journey into some of the world’s most spectacular and lesser-explored corners, fostering bonds and stories that will resonate long after the trip ends.
What activities can your group enjoy at Vaya Adventures?
Vaya Adventures offers a wide range of activities tailored to diverse interests and group dynamics. For nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, the company’s tours include immersive safaris in Africa, where guided excursions provide close encounters with majestic animals in their natural habitats. Their leadership role in the International Galápagos Tour Operators Association exemplifies their dedication to eco-conscious travel, offering unique opportunities to explore the Galápagos Islands’ extraordinary biodiversity responsibly. These adventures provide both education and excitement, enriching the group’s understanding of delicate ecosystems while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
In South America, Vaya Adventures specializes in trips to iconic natural landmarks such as Iguazu Falls and Patagonia. Visitors can hike through dramatic landscapes, engage in birdwatching, and explore pristine wilderness areas with knowledgeable guides who bring local history and natural science to life. For cultural immersion, the company excels in designing private guided tours of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley in Peru, allowing groups to experience ancient Incan sites with personalized itineraries that blend archaeological insight with comfortable accommodations. Beyond sightseeing, guests can enjoy local culinary experiences, such as picnic lunches featuring authentic dishes crafted by local chefs, thus deepening their connection to the culture and cuisine of the region.
With its carefully planned excursions and flexible itineraries, Vaya Adventures ensures that groups can mix adventure, learning, relaxation, and social time. This balance makes it a perfect venue for meetups with friends or family who have varied interests but share a love of exploration.
Why is Vaya Adventures perfect for a group meetup?
Organizing a group meetup often means navigating complex logistics, ensuring everyone’s preferences are considered, and managing a balance between activity and downtime. Vaya Adventures excels in all these areas, making it an exemplary choice for groups. Their dedicated travel specialists take the time to understand each traveler’s style, crafting personalized plans that allow friends or family groups to enjoy a cohesive yet flexible itinerary. This attentiveness reduces stress for planners and guarantees that everyone feels included and well-catered to.
The company’s commitment to quality is evident in its accommodation choices and transportation arrangements. Groups stay in carefully selected hotels and resorts known for comfort, location, and service, occasionally receiving upgrades or special attention when opportunities arise. Transport logistics are handled smoothly to minimize wait times and maximize time spent enjoying the destination. The seamless coordination between guides, hotels, and activity providers means groups can truly relax and be present in the moment together.
Moreover, the variety of destinations and types of trips offered by Vaya Adventures suits groups looking for anything from luxurious scenic retreats to active hiking expeditions or cultural deep dives. Whether celebrating a reunion, planning a milestone event, or simply wanting a meaningful escape with friends and family, this company’s excellent track record and overwhelmingly positive feedback make it a reliable partner in creating unforgettable shared experiences.
How does Vaya Adventures ensure an exceptional service experience?
Vaya Adventures prides itself on delivering a level of service that not only meets but exceeds expectations. Feedback from travelers highlights the company’s outstanding communication, attention to detail, and personalized approach. From the initial planning stages, clients engage with specialists who listen attentively and respond promptly, tailoring each trip to group preferences and needs. This bespoke service fosters trust, allowing travelers to feel supported every step of the way.
On the ground, professional and knowledgeable guides enhance each excursion by providing insightful commentary, answering questions, and adapting tours to the group's pace and interests. The staff’s friendliness and expertise contribute significantly to the comfort and enjoyment of the experience. Many reviews mention how guides and trip planners go above and beyond, even offering special touches such as upgrades or personalized surprises that elevate the overall trip atmosphere.
The company’s emphasis on responsible tourism, support of local communities, and sustainable practices also resonates with contemporary travelers who value ethical travel choices. By booking with Vaya Adventures, groups not only enjoy a premium vacation but also contribute positively to the preservation of the destinations they visit.
What should you know about Vaya Adventures’ reputation and client feedback?
Vaya Adventures consistently receives high praise, reflected in its near-perfect rating of 4.9 from nearly 70 reviews. This outstanding reputation is built on years of providing reliable, engaging, and well-executed tours. Guests frequently commend the company’s professionalism, choice of accommodations, seamless logistics, and knowledgeable guides. Repeat customers and glowing testimonials underscore the company’s success in creating satisfying and memorable travel experiences.
Clients especially appreciate the customized nature of the itineraries, which reflect a deep understanding of traveler needs and preferences. The positive remarks about the company’s support from pre-trip planning through to post-trip follow-up demonstrate Vaya Adventures’ dedication to customer satisfaction. Even more, they often highlight how the trips balance adventure with comfort, excitement with relaxation, making it suitable for diverse groups—including families, friends, and solo travelers seeking social connections.
While some reviews note that certain remote locations may require heavier luggage planning or involve less on-site dining options, these considerations are clearly communicated, allowing travelers to prepare for a smooth experience.
In summary, Vaya Adventures’ remarkable client feedback and trusted status make it a compelling choice for those looking to rally with friends and enjoy a well-rounded, extraordinary group adventure.
By choosing Vaya Adventures for your next meetup, you ensure your group embarks on a journey that is luxurious yet adventurous, meticulously organized yet flexible, and culturally rich yet environmentally conscious. Whether marveling at the natural grandeur of Patagonia, exploring ancient ruins in Peru, or walking alongside wildlife in Africa, your time together will be filled with shared discoveries, laughter, and stories worth retelling for years to come.