On Friday, June 25th, my colleague Maureen Hutchinson and I hosted our third tweet chat, discussing our Virtuoso partners. Maureen and I like to shout out about the terrific experiences we can offer our clients, and focus on travel experiences you cannot google.
On Friday, we were fortunate to have Carla Magri and Ana Maria Varela of Explora Lodge in Chile participate in our chat with us. My colleague Maureen just had the opportunity to visit Explora Lodge this past year, and her enthusiasm for the pristine nature holiday, with active experiences, is contagious. The pictures are pretty amazing too!
Explora Lodges have three properties in Patagonia, Atacama & Easter Island.
What follows is a transcript of our chat. Enjoy! And let me know if you’d like to go check it out in person!
Sheila Gallant-Halloran
613-837-0699
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SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
join us! June 25th, 2pm EST w #Explora #Vastchat and @moe_adventure – learn about explora lodges and chile – adventure travel!
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
Tweet chat starting at 2pm EST with Explora. Don’t miss out on learning about this great lodge in Chile. @AMAVarela @sheila_gh @Chiletravel
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
Follow the #Explora tweet chat #Vastchat. Find out about this incredible lodge in Chile.
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
Welcome to another #Vastchat with @sheila_gh & myself. Our special guest today is #Exploratravel. Stay tuned for to learn more about them.
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
Hello and welcome! Can’t wait to learn all about Explora. RT @exploratravel: @sheila_gh @moe_adventure Hi Sheila!
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
RT @amavarela: @moe_adventure @sheila_gh @chiletravel @exploratravel looking forward to it!!
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
woo hoo RT @moe_adventure: Welcome to another #Vastchat with @sheila_gh & myself. Our special guest today is #Exploratravel.
explora @exploratravel 25 Jun @sheila_gh @moe_adventure Hi Sheila!
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
pleasure to “meet” you RT @exploratravel: @sheila_gh @moe_adventure Hi Sheila! #vastchat
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
Q1: What locations in Chile can you find an Explora lodge? #vastchat
explora @exploratravel 25 Jun Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Atacama, the driest desert on Earth & Easter Island or Rapa Nui, the land of moai #Vastchat
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
A1: 3 locations for Explora’s lodges in Patagonia, Atacama & Easter Island. Wow! #vaschat @AMAvarela @exploratravel
Ana Maria Varela @AMAVarela25 Jun
The view from explora Patagonia, Torres del Paine Nat’l Park, Chile a paradise for trekkers @moe_adventure
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
so exciting to have a @Virtuoso partner with us today. VAST=Virtuoso active specialty travel RT @exploratravel: @moe_adventure #vastchat
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
fab locales chile w @exploratravel Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Atacama, driest desert Earth & Easter Island or Rapa Nui #vastchat
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
Q2: How long are the stays at an Explora lodge? #vastchat @exploratravel
explora @exploratravel 25 Jun Minimum 4 nights in Patagonia and 3 in Atacama & Rapa Nui are needed to fully comprehend what the explora experience is about #Vastchat
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
RT @AMAVarela RT @moe_adventure: We are here with @ExploraTravel learning abt their incredible lodges. Join us in the convo #vastchat
Ana Maria Varela @AMAVarela25 Jun
The view from explora Patagonia, Torres del Paine Nat’l Park, Chile a paradise for trekkers @moe_adventure pic.twitter.com/0br4xzqGtW
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
Q3: What is included at Explora? #vastchat
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
Q3What is included in a stay at @exploratravel? #vastchat
explora @exploratravel 25 Jun Minimum 4 nights in Patagonia and 3 in Atacama & Rapa Nui are needed to fully comprehend what the explora experience is about #Vastchat
explora @exploratravel 25 Jun @sheila_gh Transportation, accommodation, 3 meals a day, open bar, daily explorations with bilingual guides and access to spa #Vastchat
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
RT @AMAVarela RT @moe_adventure: We are here with @ExploraTravel learning abt their incredible lodges. Join us in the convo #vastchat
Ana Maria Varela @AMAVarela25 Jun
@moe_adventure Maureen remember this view? at @exploratravel pic.twitter.com/62VsjAzefo
explora @exploratravel 25 Jun @moe_adventure We’re so glad you enjoyed your stay at #exploraPatagonia!
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
Q3: What can people expect from a stay at Explora? #vastchat
explora @exploratravel 25 Jun
@sheila_gh Transportation, accommodation, 3 meals a day, open bar, daily explorations with bilingual guides and access to spa #Vastchat
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
when was it again? @moe_adventure My stay in Patagonia was unforgettable @amavarela #vastchat
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
My stay was last fall in Patagonia @sheila_gh and I highly recommend it. #vastchat
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
awesome – what was best thing? RT @moe_adventure: My stay was last fall in Patagonia @sheila_gh and I highly recommend it. #vastchat
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
Everything. The food & lodge were incredible, the service was amazing, and the activities were great for all levels.#vastchat #exploratravel
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
RT @moe_adventure Everything. The food & lodge were incredible, the service was amazing, and the activities were great #vastchat
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
Q4: What type of activities can you find at Explora? #vastchat #exploratravel
explora @exploratravel 25 Jun @moe_adventure trekking, horseback riding, biking, fishing, snorkeling, boating, cultural activities and high mountain climbing #Vastchat
Ana Maria Varela @AMAVarela25 Jun
#vastchat images of explora Patagonia
Ana Maria Varela @AMAVarela25 Jun
Our horseback riding expeditions in pictures at explora #vastchat @exploratravel @moe_adventure pic.twitter.com/T8KB0aSoS8
Ana Maria Varela @AMAVarela25 Jun
@exploratravel @moe_adventure #vastchat pic.twitter.com/BSc7YwJOks
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
reminder – we are on the #vastchat talking to @explora and learning about chile – join in the conversation #vastchat
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
Q5: What type of horseback riding expeditions do you offer? Do you have to be an experienced rider? #vastchat #amavarela
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
Of course I remember that view @amavarela. Awesome!
explora @exploratravel 25 Jun For all kind of riders and we have lessons too. We also have HBR expeditions for experienced riders in Atacama & Patagonia #Vastchat
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
I loved meeting the gauchos in Patagonia. It was one of the highlights on my trip. #vastchat @exploratravel @amavarela #virtuoso
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
fab RT @exploratravel: @sheila_gh Transportation, accommodation, 3 meals a day, open bar, daily explorations with bilingual guides and…
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
Q6: Do you offer any #photography style expeditions for travelers? #vastchat @exploratravel
explora @exploratravel 25 Jun
Yes, in Atacama & Patagonia. They’re sponsored by Nikon and led by renowned photographer Katsu Tanaka, expert in South America #Vastchat
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
Any #photographers looking for a great photography expedition, #Exploratravel offers up some great ones. #vastchat
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
Q7: What can people expect from a stay at Explora? #vastchat #exploratravel @chiletravel
explora @exploratravel 25 Jun
@moe_adventure remote places of remarkable beauty, in depth exploration of the places and essential luxury; of the small things! #Vastchat
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
A7:That’s how I felt on my stay at Explora. Experiencing the beauty of the outdoors followed by a stay of #luxury. #vastchast #virtuoso
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
amazing RT @exploratravel @moe_adventure trekking, horseback riding, biking, fishing, snorkeling, boating, #vastchat
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
and also cultural activities and high mountain climbing ? holy moley – that’s a lot of activity #vastchat
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
would you say that people have to be super super fit to take all in? @exploratravel @moe_adventure #vastchat
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
hey there – reminder – we are on the #vastchat talking to @exploratravel and learning about chile – join in the conversation #vastchat
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
oh my – beautiful! RT @amavarela: @exploratravel @moe_adventure #vastchat pic.twitter.com/f0fQUjo2dB I wanna go! @Virtuoso
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
Q8: Do you have any promotions going on currently with Explora? #vastchat @amavarela @exploratravel
explora @exploratravel 25 Jun
Yes, our 20th Anniversary Benefit. When booking 4-nights programs, you get 1 for free before Oct 14, 2013 at any explora lodge #Vastchat
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
wow RT @amavarela: Looking to know more abt mystery of Moais? visit explora @exploratravel @moe_adventure #vastchat pic.twitter.com/hilUcjWYv5
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
A8: That’s a great promotion! 1 night free when booking 4-night programs before Oct 14th. #vastchat
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
fab RT @amavarela: @moe_adventure Maureen remember this view? at @exploratravel pic.twitter.com/MaCs41i1Bk
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
@exploratravel do you think most people have even heard of this type adventure holiday? @moe_adventure #vastchat
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
wow wow RT @amavarela: Our horseback riding expeditions in pictures explora #vastchat @exploratravel @moe_adventure pic.twitter.com/1ekkUQyFgX
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
Q9: What is Travesias? #vastchat @exploratravel
explora @exploratravel 25 Jun
Nomadic journeys that travel for days through stunning and little known places; Bolivian Altiplano, Calchaquí Valleys & El Chaltén #Vastchat
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
reminder – we are on the #vastchat talking to @explora and learning about chile – join in the conversation #vastchat
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
A9: More & more #travelers are looking for off-the-beaten path destinations. Explora does it so well in Chile. #vastchat @amavarela
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
@exploratravel we have to get the word out – just spectacular photos @moe_adventure @amavarela – natural beauty, active holidays @Virtuoso
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
now I wanna go!!! @exploratravel @moe_adventure best way to get to know South America! #vastchat
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
You would love Chile @sheila_gh #vastchat @Chiletravel
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
I’m a beginner horseback rider and the lesson was amazing. Can you imagine riding in that scenery? #vastchat @exploratravel
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
u don’t need 2b accomplished? @moe_adventure: I’m beginner horseb rider- lesson amazing. imagine riding in scenery #vastchat @exploratravel
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
oh my RT @amavarela: @moe_adventure #vastchat Atacama Desert AltipolanicLagoons pic.twitter.com/29Y53I7p0E
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
I think I already do! RT @moe_adventure: You would love Chile @sheila_gh #vastchat @chiletravel
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
@exploratravel gorgeous! no rainy season? #vastchat
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
the pictures are spectacular! RT @sheila_gh: wow wow RT @AMAVarela: Our horseback riding expeditions in pictures explora #vastchat…
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
Q10: When is the best time to visit an explora lodge? #vastchat @exploratravel @amavarela
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
A10: You can visit an #Explora lodge anytime of the year. This is great for #travelers! #vastchat
explora @exploratravel 25 Jun
@moe_adventure @sheila_gh @AMAVarela Atacama, Patagonia and Rapa Nui are year round destinations; that’s the best part! #Vastchat
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
Q11: What type of #traveler stays at Explora? #vastchat #virtuoso #exploratravel @amavarela
explora @exploratravel 25 Jun
Well-traveled people who like new and unique experiences and appreciate the beauty of these remote corners of the world! #Vastchat
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure 25 Jun
#Boomers, a must see destination for you #bucketlist with #exploratravel Explore Rapi Nui, Patagonia & Atacama. #vastchat
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
Thank you for participating #vastchat – if you want to know about future twitter travel talks, contact us.
Maureen Hutchison @moe_adventure25 Jun
A BIG thanks to our special guest @Exploratravel for joining us today & teaching us about Explora Lodges. #vastchat @amavarela
SheilaGallantHallora @sheila_gh25 Jun
thank you so much – have a new “must visit” spot (or 3) RT @exploratravel: @moe_adventure @AMAVarela @sheila_gh Great chatting #vastchat