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Central & South America Trips and Packages

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Central & South America Trips and Packages

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South America Hiking Adventure Tours

Savor the richness of this land with every one of your senses as you explore Central and South America and get to know it's incredible cultures.

Some destinations need a long list of adjectives to do them justice. Latin America is one of them. Vibrant, lush, teeming, eye-popping, invigorating, mouthwatering, rugged, serene, mystical, majestic, and enchanting come to mind.

From the mystique of Machu Picchu to the primeval flora, fauna and sea life of Costa Rica, you can savor the richness of this land with every one of your senses on our wide variety of multi-sport adventures. We’re sure you’ll come home with a long list of adjectives of your own. But first you have to start with a verb: Go!

Hear from our Happy Guests
4.85/5 Rating | 6,500+ Reviews

What guests are saying about their Central and South America Trips

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Costa Rica Guanacaste Adventure - April 2024

Costa Rica Guanacaste Active Adventure

"We truly appreciated the constant care and attention to detail provided by our Guide (Roy) and Chauffeur (Jose)! Roy is a fountain of knowledge and Jose is an excellent driver, along with a great sense of humor!

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"We truly appreciated the constant care and attention to detail provided by our Guide (Roy)… read more

"We truly appreciated the constant care and attention to detail provided by our Guide (Roy) and Chauffeur (Jose)! Roy is a fountain of knowledge and Jose is an excellent driver, along with a great sense of humor! read less

5 Stars (14 reviews)

M Maureen | April 2024

Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure - March 2024

Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure

"This holiday was one of the best experiences we've ever had. Costa Rica is a special place, and made even better by having a very knowledgeable and experienced guide called Sterling. As well as keeping us on track with all of the activities, he was always on the lookout for all of the beautiful wildlife that Costa Rica has to offer. We loved all of the activities that included Ziplines, Rappelling and Kayaking. We'd recommend this trip to anyone who's looking for an adventure into the rainforest and like a more active holiday.

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"This holiday was one of the best experiences we've ever had. Costa Rica is a… read more

"This holiday was one of the best experiences we've ever had. Costa Rica is a special place, and made even better by having a very knowledgeable and experienced guide called Sterling. As well as keeping us on track with all of the activities, he was always on the lookout for all of the beautiful wildlife that Costa Rica has to offer. We loved all of the activities that included Ziplines, Rappelling and Kayaking. We'd recommend this trip to anyone who's looking for an adventure into the rainforest and like a more active holiday. read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

M Mark Withycombe, | March 2024

Costa Rica Guanacaste Adventure - March 2024

Fun Adventure

"This was my first group tour so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was a little sus, actually, and was uncertain how things would go. Those concerns were quickly dismissed once I met our guide, Roy, and driver, George. They found excellent hotels, activity vendors, restaurants, led informative and exciting hikes, and put together an overall awesome itinerary. Each day was filled with adventure, fun and local food. I have to admit the trip exceeded my expectations and I'm considering exploring the east coast of Costa Rica now that I've experienced the west coast.

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"This was my first group tour so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was… read more

"This was my first group tour so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was a little sus, actually, and was uncertain how things would go. Those concerns were quickly dismissed once I met our guide, Roy, and driver, George. They found excellent hotels, activity vendors, restaurants, led informative and exciting hikes, and put together an overall awesome itinerary. Each day was filled with adventure, fun and local food. I have to admit the trip exceeded my expectations and I'm considering exploring the east coast of Costa Rica now that I've experienced the west coast. read less

5 Stars (14 reviews)

S Steven | March 2024

Costa Rica Guanacaste Adventure - March 2024

Pura Vida - Costa Rica

"This is my second trip with Austin / Active Adventures and it won't be my last! Costa Rica, Guanacaste trip was amazing. The activities were well planned and ran smoothly. The nature was beautiful and everything I hoped it would be. But the best part was our guide Roy and our driver Jorge! They 100% made my trip the best it could be. I am a single traveler and I always felt safe, taken care of and very much entertained and educated! I definitely recommend the Guanacaste, CR trip and if you are lucky to get Roy and Jorge, you are guaranteed to LOVE IT!

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"This is my second trip with Austin / Active Adventures and it won't be my… read more

"This is my second trip with Austin / Active Adventures and it won't be my last! Costa Rica, Guanacaste trip was amazing. The activities were well planned and ran smoothly. The nature was beautiful and everything I hoped it would be. But the best part was our guide Roy and our driver Jorge! They 100% made my trip the best it could be. I am a single traveler and I always felt safe, taken care of and very much entertained and educated! I definitely recommend the Guanacaste, CR trip and if you are lucky to get Roy and Jorge, you are guaranteed to LOVE IT! read less

5 Stars (14 reviews)

J Jeannine | March 2024

Patagonia Hiking Adventure - March 2024

Patagonia Adventures

"Wonderful experience exploring Patagonia - outstanding guide (CEM), spectacular scenery and great food.

CEM went out of his way to ensure we were well taken care of throughout the trip. Highly recommend any trip with him. He was the best guide! Our group named him "Guide of the Year" to our farewell dinner.

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"Wonderful experience exploring Patagonia - outstanding guide (CEM), spectacular scenery and great food.

CEM went… read more

"Wonderful experience exploring Patagonia - outstanding guide (CEM), spectacular scenery and great food.

CEM went out of his way to ensure we were well taken care of throughout the trip. Highly recommend any trip with him. He was the best guide! Our group named him "Guide of the Year" to our farewell dinner. read less

5 Stars (377 reviews)

M Michelle | March 2024

Patagonia Hiking Adventure - March 2024

Liz

"The Patagonia adventure was epic. Our guide, CEM, was an experienced professional who cared about each of us.

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"The Patagonia adventure was epic. Our guide, CEM, was an experienced professional who cared about… read more

"The Patagonia adventure was epic. Our guide, CEM, was an experienced professional who cared about each of us. read less

4 Stars (377 reviews)

M Mary | March 2024

Patagonia Hiking Adventure - March 2024

Stickney Family Trip to Patagonia

"It was the most beautiful and adventurous trip we have taken as a family. Calving glacier, 3 Pumas, Condors, gorgeous scenery....and a whole lot of family time together. Our guides Gustavo and Nico were excellent and made the trip the success that it was.

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"It was the most beautiful and adventurous trip we have taken as a family. Calving… read more

"It was the most beautiful and adventurous trip we have taken as a family. Calving glacier, 3 Pumas, Condors, gorgeous scenery....and a whole lot of family time together. Our guides Gustavo and Nico were excellent and made the trip the success that it was. read less

5 Stars (377 reviews)

K Kathleen | March 2024

Classic Machu Picchu Adventure - March 2024

Great Trip

"My husband and I had a wonderful time on the Classic Macchu Pichu trip. The itinerary was well thought out. We learned so much about Inca (and pre-Inca) life leading up to seeing Macchu Pichu. There were also hikes to see the beautiful countryside. The food was excellent. Our guide Wilson was very knowledgeable and fun while being concerned about our well being.

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"My husband and I had a wonderful time on the Classic Macchu Pichu trip. … read more

"My husband and I had a wonderful time on the Classic Macchu Pichu trip. The itinerary was well thought out. We learned so much about Inca (and pre-Inca) life leading up to seeing Macchu Pichu. There were also hikes to see the beautiful countryside. The food was excellent. Our guide Wilson was very knowledgeable and fun while being concerned about our well being. read less

5 Stars (1 reviews)

F Frank | March 2024

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure - March 2024

Exceeded Expectations

"Every step of this adventure was amazing! Pepo and Paolo, our guides, made the logistics of the trip seamless, but more importantly, their knowledge, experience and pride in their Islands and its people gave us a real understanding of the marvel that is the Galapagos. The trip could not have been better and we will look for other opportunities to travel with Active Adventures.

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"Every step of this adventure was amazing! Pepo and Paolo, our guides, made the logistics… read more

"Every step of this adventure was amazing! Pepo and Paolo, our guides, made the logistics of the trip seamless, but more importantly, their knowledge, experience and pride in their Islands and its people gave us a real understanding of the marvel that is the Galapagos. The trip could not have been better and we will look for other opportunities to travel with Active Adventures. read less

5 Stars (502 reviews)

M Mary Ellen | March 2024

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure - March 2024

Amazing adventure in the Galapagos

"The Ultimate Galapagos Adventure was an amazing trip, four islands, several snorkeling opportunities, beautiful beaches, hiking, biking, and kayaking for variety. The guides were very knowledgable and gave us plenty of information about the geology, ecology, and culture of the islands. Food was delicious, hotels right on the beach with amazing views. The small group experience meant that we had flexibility, everyone got along, and we all were ready to go on time, never had to wait for late comers.

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"The Ultimate Galapagos Adventure was an amazing trip, four islands, several snorkeling opportunities, beautiful beaches,… read more

"The Ultimate Galapagos Adventure was an amazing trip, four islands, several snorkeling opportunities, beautiful beaches, hiking, biking, and kayaking for variety. The guides were very knowledgable and gave us plenty of information about the geology, ecology, and culture of the islands. Food was delicious, hotels right on the beach with amazing views. The small group experience meant that we had flexibility, everyone got along, and we all were ready to go on time, never had to wait for late comers. read less

5 Stars (502 reviews)

M Margaret | March 2024

Patagonia Hiking Adventure - February 2024

Amazing adventure!

"The guides (Cem and Alejandro in particular) were amazing and the activities were awesome! I enjoyed that travel days also included activity, so we were always exploring. Going on the W trek was a highlight of my life!

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"The guides (Cem and Alejandro in particular) were amazing and the activities were awesome! I… read more

"The guides (Cem and Alejandro in particular) were amazing and the activities were awesome! I enjoyed that travel days also included activity, so we were always exploring. Going on the W trek was a highlight of my life! read less

4 Stars (377 reviews)

H Heidi | February 2024

Patagonia Hiking Adventure - February 2024

Miraculous Views

"I completely did not know what to expect and this just was incredibly amazing. I completely was lucky enough
to enjoy the most incredible guide, Gem. He was attentative, knowledgeable, funny, definitely an asset to the company.
My group was small 9 people including myself. Trip was a total of 2 weeks. I was brave enough to do the camping with 2 others. I do not regret that at all. What an experience!! I loved the refugios, speechless views, sunsets, sun rises, amazing Glaciers and of course experienced the winds!! The other 6 picked glamping, which had a great guide. We all met together again at the end of the "w Trek". The food along the way was perfect! Experienced local dinning, camping food, lunch boxes , lots of choices.
The rides through Chile and Argentina to get to our destinations was great. Got to see many animals, birds, plants on the way. Every little town we stayed in was phenomenal!!!
I already miss my guide and all the great people I have met along the way.
Will definitely do this again, but not without my guide Gem!!

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"I completely did not know what to expect and this just was incredibly amazing. I… read more

"I completely did not know what to expect and this just was incredibly amazing. I completely was lucky enough
to enjoy the most incredible guide, Gem. He was attentative, knowledgeable, funny, definitely an asset to the company.
My group was small 9 people including myself. Trip was a total of 2 weeks. I was brave enough to do the camping with 2 others. I do not regret that at all. What an experience!! I loved the refugios, speechless views, sunsets, sun rises, amazing Glaciers and of course experienced the winds!! The other 6 picked glamping, which had a great guide. We all met together again at the end of the "w Trek". The food along the way was perfect! Experienced local dinning, camping food, lunch boxes , lots of choices.
The rides through Chile and Argentina to get to our destinations was great. Got to see many animals, birds, plants on the way. Every little town we stayed in was phenomenal!!!
I already miss my guide and all the great people I have met along the way.
Will definitely do this again, but not without my guide Gem!! read less

5 Stars (377 reviews)

M Monica | February 2024

Patagonia Hiking Adventure - February 2024

Outstanding Patagonia adventure

"Our trip leader Gustavo, all our local guides, and Active made this a spectacular trip to Patagonia. Everything ran smoothly from start to finish, and the team did a great job accounting for a wide variety of interests and abilities to make sure the whole group had a wonderful time. Highly recommended.

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"Our trip leader Gustavo, all our local guides, and Active made this a spectacular trip… read more

"Our trip leader Gustavo, all our local guides, and Active made this a spectacular trip to Patagonia. Everything ran smoothly from start to finish, and the team did a great job accounting for a wide variety of interests and abilities to make sure the whole group had a wonderful time. Highly recommended. read less

5 Stars (377 reviews)

B Brian | February 2024

Patagonia Hiking Adventure - February 2024

Trip of a lifetime!

"We had an excellent time on our Patagonia adventure. The trip was very well run, thanks to Gustavo, our trip leader and with the help of our two sets of local guides Christian and Ganzalo in Chile and Rosio and Sebastian in Argentina. The drivers were also friendly, courteous and made sure we reached our destinations safely and on time. The bike guide and the guide to the glacier were also full of information. We felt that even though this was primarily and active hiking trip, we came home with some appreciation for the culture and people of Patagonia as well. Our traveling companions also deserve credit for creating a fun and respectful atmosphere. We had an amazing trip. Gustavo did an excellent job making it seem easy to wrangle all of us and smooth out any issues that cropped up. We were all able to finish this trip tired, happy and grateful.

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"We had an excellent time on our Patagonia adventure. The trip was very well run,… read more

"We had an excellent time on our Patagonia adventure. The trip was very well run, thanks to Gustavo, our trip leader and with the help of our two sets of local guides Christian and Ganzalo in Chile and Rosio and Sebastian in Argentina. The drivers were also friendly, courteous and made sure we reached our destinations safely and on time. The bike guide and the guide to the glacier were also full of information. We felt that even though this was primarily and active hiking trip, we came home with some appreciation for the culture and people of Patagonia as well. Our traveling companions also deserve credit for creating a fun and respectful atmosphere. We had an amazing trip. Gustavo did an excellent job making it seem easy to wrangle all of us and smooth out any issues that cropped up. We were all able to finish this trip tired, happy and grateful. read less

5 Stars (377 reviews)

S Susan | February 2024

Patagonia Hiking Adventure - February 2024

Patagonia

"Our trip with Active Adventures was outstanding. Our guide was amazing and the views were stunning

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"Our trip with Active Adventures was outstanding. Our guide was amazing and the views were… read more

"Our trip with Active Adventures was outstanding. Our guide was amazing and the views were stunning read less

5 Stars (377 reviews)

R ROBERT | February 2024

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - February 2024

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

"Great experience! We had a wonderful trip. Both of our guides were terrific and really made it an awesome vacation for all of us!

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"Great experience! We had a wonderful trip. Both of our guides were terrific and really… read more

"Great experience! We had a wonderful trip. Both of our guides were terrific and really made it an awesome vacation for all of us! read less

5 Stars (66 reviews)

A Anna | February 2024

AUS 50 Off Kids Web Tile

Kids Save 50% on ALL Family Adventures

Half price for Kids* on ALL our specially ‘made for families’ adventure vacations! A family fun-filled adventure is 100% guaranteed, exploring North America’s epic national parks. View all family adventures here.  

Book now and create memories to last a lifetime out in the wild, together. 

50% off kids offer ends April 30, 11:59 PM (Pacific Daylight Time).  

*Terms & conditions apply – see below. 

 

*Offer valid for new bookings made through April 30, 2024 (11:59 pm US PDT) for trips departing no later than June 30, 2025. A 50% discount applies to the full advertised adult trip price – not the discounted child concession price. Offer valid for up to two children 12 years and under who must be sharing rooms with at least one adult. To secure the booking and discount, a 50% deposit is due at time of booking. Your 50% deposit is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. If you change or cancel your trip, you will forfeit your 50% deposit, and no refunds will apply. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers. Other restrictions may apply.  We highly recommend purchasing Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

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Secure Your Spot Now, Pay the Rest Later

As members of the Active Adventures family, Austin Adventures offers booking assurance that allows you to secure your spot with a deposit now and pay the rest later. Plus, if your plans change or you can’t travel, you can transfer your booking or request a refund on any additional funds paid (less deposit) up to 90 days (180 days for Africa and Himalayas trips) from your original trip start date.  

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Meet Your Central & South America Guides

Central & South America Blogs & Stories

FAQs About Central & South America

Do you recommend buying travel insurance?

As an Active Adventures traveller, It’s essential you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of personal injury, medical expenses, trip cancellation for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Insurance page for more in-depth information and insurance provider options. It’s also important to check your insurance covers all the activities you’ll be partaking in, in case you’re travelling to altitude or looking at extreme sports.

What's included on your South America trips?

Accommodation

On your South America trip you'll stay in a variety of places depending on the destination and activities. In Peru you'll stay in nice hotels, tents while you're hiking (complete with porters to put them up for you, cook your meals and generally make sure it's the best camping experience ever!), jungle lodges and local homes on Amantani Island (a truly once in a lifetime experience). In Ecuador mainland you'll stay in hotels and jungle lodges, and on the Galapagos Islands you'll stay on dry land, meaning you're free to walk around each evening and get to know the residents of these famous isles. Down in Patagonia you'll lay your head each night in hotels, lodges and the famous 'refugios' in the National Parks. While these may sound basic they have incredible facilities (including electricity), the views are out of this world, they have restaurants and you'll meet an incredible array of people that have travelled from far and wide to visit the bottom of the world.

Transport

Your transport will be a mixture of bus, plane, boat, bike and your very own two feet on our trips in South America. You'll spend most time on a boat in the Galapagos Islands as you make your way from island to island during the day, and down in Peru you'll travel by boat in the Amazon to get to your lodge. We have domestic flights included in our Galapagos Islands and Peru trips to shorten our travel times and to ensure you have the best experience possible. All your transport is included from the start of your trip and we'll drop you at the airport at the end. The details are all listed in the trip specific itineraries.

Meals

All your meals are included as described in the itinerary except on your free days. We have found that people enjoy checking out what is on offer by themselves sometimes, so you can go and see what's out there! On every other day and especially after any long hikes, we've chosen places to eat that can cater for our hearty appetites, work well with our small groups (they know we are coming) and provide us with an authentic destination specific culinary experience. There are always options for you, so you can either be brave or choose something more familiar. On the hiking portion of our trips (such as on the Inca Trail) we work with an outstanding team of cooks who will amaze you with what they can produce on a campsite miles from the nearest town. You can be assured that on all our trips we will make sure you are very well fed.

Trip leaders

Our trips are all led by an experienced Trip Leader. Our Trip Leaders are very proud to work with Active Adventures and often lead our trips for many years, for which we are very lucky and very grateful as it means we're able to consistently offer a fantastic level of service. They work closely with our local specialist guides to provide you with a seamless, fun, exciting and memorable trip. They will happily share with you as much or as little as you want to know about the history, culture, social aspects and lifestyle of the country you are visiting. In the Galapagos Islands you will be accompanied by a specialist Nature Guide, qualified to provide you with plenty of information about the species that make their home on the islands.

How many people are there on each of your South America trips?

We generally take up to 14 people per trip, although this can vary, and all our trips have at least two of our guides to look after you (apart from the occasions we have a small group). We have found that our trips tend to attract a particular kind of person and many people have commented that the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip!

Do you charge a forced single supplement if I'm a solo traveller?

We welcome many solo travelers on our trips – in fact, we get so many solo travelers and they always say it’s a great way to travel alone, but not actually by themselves. You’ll have an incredible adventure sharing your experiences with other like-minded travelers, and the best part is we don't charge extra for solo travelers, providing you don’t mind sharing a room. However, for bookings within 90 days of your chosen departure, a forced single supplement will apply if there is no other guest of the same gender already booked to share with.

If you prefer not to share a room at all, you can upgrade to a single room, if one is available. If your trip uses refugios which can only accommodate guests on a multi-share basis, the upgrade cost will reflect this.

Why Travel With Us

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Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.

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Award-winning guides lead the way

It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

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You’ll never need to sweat the details

When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!

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Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.

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Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.

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"Wow Moments” take your trip from enjoyable to extraordinary

For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.