Testimonials
"Our travels to Big Sur were taken to new heights with your tour. Thank you for guiding us to see more of the majestic side to Big Sur than we could have possibly imagined. Our hikes were breathtakingly gorgeous and yet off the beaten path. Even our lunch was another amazing adventure as we ate mouth watering fruits from the local markets and drank robust wine for nearby vineyards. Thank you for sharing you love and passion of Big Sur with us. We are forever grateful.We look forward to more tours with you in the future.
Laura & Samantha Martin, 2019 Big Sur weekend get- away
“The entire trip exceeded our expectations. Touching a baby whale was most memorable but this trip is more than just a singular event. It is a matrix of many valuable and authentic experiences. Everything went without a hitch. We stayed at 3 different places, engaged with a lot of different local people and learned about their life experiences.” Everything Aurora Adventures arranged for us went perfectly The people& guides were engaging, accessible and so accommodating.”
Cyndi Ransom, Paso Robles, Ca. 2019 Baja Whale & Cave Adventure
“I highly recommend taking a leap, and allowing Aurora Adventures and Dawn Feuerberg to be your guide on any one of their adventures. She was on top of every aspect of our tour, from arranging dinner reservations at the most amazing restaurants, to taking us to exciting local markets, where she knew many of the artisans. I never would have known about these places and peoples. But Dawn has known them for decades, and their mutual respect & affection is obvious to all.”
Deborah Ross Los Osos, California, 2018 Oaxaca Herbal Plant Tour
As a first time traveller with a lifelong travel bug, I can honestly say that coming to Oaxaca has been one of the funnest, most meaningful experiences of my life. I would recommend this trip to anybody.”
Jessica Briggs, 2012 Spanish Language & Cultural Tour Participant
This was more than a trip... where you see the sights and experience great food, meet great people… it was so much more than that... I brought home a renewed gratitude for all I have and all I have to offer... a beautiful journey!
Michelle Cobbs, Morro Bay, California, 2015 Sacred Roots Yoga & Cultural Tour Participant
My Family and I had such a wonderful experience in Oaxaca… I especially liked how Dawn knows places and people off the beaten path and the excursions reflected this knowledge. My kids are already asking when we will be back again.
Lisa Sweatt, Los Osos, California, 2013 Spanish Language & Cultural Tour Participant
Saying Yes to traveling with Dawn to Oaxaca has been one of the best choices that I have made and will last me a lifetime. It was a beautiful blend of culture, art and ceremony. Dawn exposed us to the most amazing, warm hearted and loving people that whole heartedly welcomed us into their homes and took the time to share their artistry and passion. The kindness of the people, the beauty of the land and the opportunity to experience a culture that has kept its traditional ways was a life altering experience I will never forget. Can't wait to return with Dawn next year!
Angela Bailey, Los Osos, California, 2015 Sacred Roots Yoga & Cultural Tour Participant
I was the senior woman (81 years Young) on this trip, and I signed up with some trepidation, but “not to worry.” For me, the trip was invigorating and very memorable. We interacted with the indigenous people during all the activities planned by our guide and mentor, Dawn, who clearly had our best interests and our safety as her constant priority. We were totally immersed in dancing, singing, yoga sessions, eating and learning. I will not forget that I was treated with love, kindness, consideration, and respect during the entire trip by Dawn, fellow lady-travelers, villagers, my niece and various merchants. Gracias!
Edie Juck, Pismo Beach, California, 2015 Sacred Roots Yoga & Cultural Tour Participant
This was one of the best family vacations we have ever been on. We didn’t know what to expect and it surpassed any travel experience that we have had thus far!... I highly recommend Aurora Adventures tours. The excursions were well organized. There was obvioulsy much effort and thought (by Dawn) to make the Oaxacan experience full! Muchas Gracias!
Joanne Levy, San Luis Obispo, California, 2012 Spanish Language & Cultural Tour Participant
Great experience form my first time leaving the country. While very organized, there is also ample time to do what you want in fertile and cater to yourself. There is an abundance in history and culture in both the excursion and personal interactions. Also a very safe city. Going with a group also adds support, and provides opportunity for great friendships. You will learn a lot about the people, the city, the country and maybe even yourself! Very fun time!
Alexa Lindhal, San Luis Obispo, California, 2013 Spanish Language & Cultural Tour Participant
We absolutely loved it! It is more than a program, it is a cross cultural exchange that provided us great memories that will last our lifetimes. Our Spanish language skills advanced significantly. But what we gained culturally in Oaxaca -- and the bond between us and our host family -- far outweighed the gain in our language skills. None of this would have been possible without our great guide, Dawn. She was simply marvelous, and shared with us her best experiences in Oaxaca. Her family became our family, too. We could honestly say that if we did the exact same trip all over again, we would enjoy it just as much.
Bill Morgan, San Luis Obispo, California, 2010 participant
Without hesitation I would recommend this program to any families showing interest. Wonderful "total" experience. The City of Oaxaca is very safe. I was VERY pleased to be living so close to the center of town. Doing so made all of our family's individual "outings" easy to organize/complete. Our favorite part of the trip were the different "cultural/regional" trips. The folkart available is amazing. Wish I had purchased more and thoroughly enjoy everything we did bring home! Dawn put so much of (her)self into the trip and how much (she) thoroughly enjoys sharing her connections in Oaxaca with everyone."
Carol Littlefield Halfman, San Luis Obispo, California, 2009 Participant
It is an adventure I’ll remember for the rest of my life. You can read testimonials for days, but until you pack your bags and experience a home-stay in Mexico for yourself, you won’t get it. From the culture, to the food and the wonderful people you meet along the way.
Anthony Araujo, San Luis Obispo, 2015 participant
Great program organized by Dawn’s personal connections with the locals. We could never have had this type of cultural experience if it wasn’t for Dawn and Viva Tours Abroad knowledge of the place.
Joseph Alexandre, San Luis Obispo, California, 2013 Spanish Language & Cultural Tour Participant
I highly recommend going on the Spanish Language and Cultural tour to Oaxaca with Aurora Adventures! This was truly an authentic and once in a lifetime cultural experience. I felt safe, had fun, and learned a lot! Thank you Dawn!
Kayli Moznigo, San Luis Obispo, California, 2012 Spanish Language & Cultural Tour
The (Spanish Language & Cultural Tour) was the perfect way for me to travel with my nine year old . The program exceeded my expectations. Spanish classes for both of us were fun and helpful...The excursions were planned with kids in mind, allowing the kids a true hands on experience. And the city of Oaxaca is a magical city, alive with parades, parties and amazing food.
Kelly Manderino, Arroyo Grande, Ca. 2010 participant
Our stay in Oaxaca has been a most amazing experience. We Learned much a bout local food, customs, and culture through our homestay family and the varied excursions. I loved the opportunity to dust off my old Spanish and work to improve my communication skills. Oaxaca is a beautiful, vibrant city. We’ve mad e many memories and friends during our stay. The trip was very easy and family-friendly thanks to the expertise and group organization provided by (Aurora Adventures)...
Maggie Browning, San Luiis Obispo Ca. 2010 participant
We had a most fabulous trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. The (Spanish Language & Cultural) program was well-organized and thoughtfully planned. We travelled as a family of four. Our home stay family was a good match for us with our two sons, Zachari (9) and Jacob (8).... The full immersion with the language and the Oaxacan culture was an enriching life experience. We considered this to be a chance of a life time trip. We highly recommend it to anyone who is learning Spanish at any level. We hope to return someday with Dawn and family.
Drs. Mark and Joann Levy, San Luis Obispo, 2012 participants
A tremendous introduction to wonderful Oaxaca. This is an amazing experience and worth every penny.
Kevin Taylor, san Luis Obispo, Ca. 2010 participant
I loved it all. I had a fantastic time in class, on excursions and just being in the city.
Tiffany Buckmann, Morro Bay, Ca. 2010 participant
The program exceeded my expectations, The excursions were diverse, entertaining, and very educational. Staying with our ( host) family gave us a taste of real life in Oaxaca.
Michelle Taylor, San Luis Obispo, Ca. 2010 participant
The ( The Family-friendly Spanish Language & Cultural)program ran in a flawless manner. Extremely organized. I knew exactly what to expect. Great job finding interesting excursions that appealed to adults and children.
Ilene Stallman, Shell Beach, Ca. 2010 participant
This tour was outstanding. The excursions were fun, informative and well organized. The school was superb, and I couldn’t have hoped for a better Mexican family. I appreciate how affordable this trip was. I appreciate all of the planing that went into making this such a successful experience. Oaxaca is an amazing city that I hope to return with family and friends.
Janet Gould, principal of Del Mar Elementary, Morro Bay, Ca. 2010 participant
The tour was seamless. We saw more than most tourists see in twice the time on their own.
Kristin Sullivan, San Luis Obispo, 2015 participant
I loved this program! I am so grateful for the experiences and the people I met, for the rich culture I was exposed to. I now have a very special place in my heart for Oaxaca! I came to Oaxaca on my own and I would not have known where to begin if it weren’t for Dawn. Without her tireless effort and organizational skills, I would not have had such a rich experience.
Kyle Wong, New York, 2015 participant
