Viator: The Tripadvisor-backed hub for tours and activities
If you are staring at a blank itinerary or feeling overwhelmed by the logistics of planning a trip, you are not alone. For those looking to figure out what to see, do, or how to handle the costs, Viator serves as a central search and booking engine for thousands of activities, excursions, and guided tours across the globe.
Founded in 1995 and acquired by Tripadvisor in 2014, the site helps you pin down specific experiences through a platform that hosts more than 395,000 activities and experiences in more than 2500 destinations worldwide.
Activities for every travel style
The core of the Viator model is a network of numerous local operators. This structure allows the company, headquartered in San Francisco, to offer a wide range of activities. You will find everything from standard guided sightseeing to high-intensity adventures, as well as niche experiences like workshops, culinary tours, safaris, and ATV excursions.
Real traveler feedback as a guide
You can filter options based on your preferences and budget. If you are on the fence about a specific tour, Viator hosts more than 1 million authentic traveler reviews and recommendations, which help provide a clearer picture of an experience before you commit. This feedback is particularly useful for narrowing down choices.
If you run into logistical snags, Viator provides a multilingual customer service team available 24/7 to assist with any issues that may arise during your booking or trip.
The general consensus
Viator generally maintains a positive reputation with users who appreciate the site's ease of use, the sheer volume of available activities, the integrated review system, and the customer support. Other features that travelers find useful include free cancellation options, flexible payment options, and the ability to book in advance. Keep in mind that there are occasional drawbacks, such as prices that may be higher than booking directly with a local operator, as well as isolated reports of cancellation or refund complications. Consider these factors when finalizing your plans.
I booked 2 activities in Puerto Rico.
The first, a visit to the Gozalandia Waterfall (free public access, but you had to know that) and a drop-off at Crash Boat Beach, cost about 300 euros!!!!!!!
The second activity was the Beast zipline at Toro Verde Adventure Park in Puerto Rico, about the same price for 3 people. My son weighs 43 kg. I filled out their form, but when we arrived, they told me it was not possible because the minimum is 100 pounds. LOL. No blocks on the site and no refund, a total rip-off.