With its compact size, exotic environment, unspoiled beaches, romantic culture, and wild natural landscapes, Costa Rica is the perfect destination to explore by car on a self-drive trip. This is the perfect opportunity to explore on your own with just the right amount of planned activities and free time.
From San José to Manuel Antonio, drive and enjoy the most picturesque areas of the country. Visit the famous canals of Tortuguero and the beautiful beaches of the South Caribbean. Drive to the majestic Arenal Volcano, towering above the picturesque village of La Fortuna. Visit the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest and enjoy an included day pass of adventure activities to explore with. Finally, discover the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio and include a visit to the lush Manuel Antonio National Park, considered one of the most beautiful in the world thanks to the rich biodiversity of its jungle and sea coast.
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Arenal Volcano, Cahuita National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park
This is a very active, fast-paced trip with plenty of opportunities for long hikes, amazing scenery and fabulous flora and fauna. Some long journeys, as it is a vast area to cover, but well worth it. An absolutely fabulous experience.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Perito Moreno Glac
Buenos Aires, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chaltén, Mount Fitzroy, Puerto Iguazu, Iguazu Falls, Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego National Park, Punta Arenas, Torres del Paine National Park, Los Glaciares National Park
The most incredible trip travelling up the Amazon and its tributaries. So many incredible experiences from the river beaches of the Tapajos and buffalo farms of Marajó to soaking up local life from a hammock on the public boat to Santarém. That boat, though basic, really gave us the chance to travel the Amazon as locals do and the trip is all the better for it. Our three nights on the Rio ***** sleeping in hammocks was wonderful - the crew and our local guide Herman were exceptional. Finally our tour leaders Blanca and Vitor were brilliant - funny, engaged, full of local knowledge.l and made sure I didn’t fall in the Amazon getting on and off boats.
I upgraded to a slightly larger cabin. Accommodation excellent. Food and service excellent . Staff brilliant. You are fitted with correct boots and jacket when on board. I thought I would take large size jacket, in fact the small size was perfect fit, and you can take it home with you. I was told to take a hairdryer, but one was supplied in my cabin. The talks were informative, and kept you occupied during the four days total crossing the Drake passage. Two Zodiak trips a day. Evening entertainment was either music or films. Memorable trip.
This was an excellent trip in every way. The leader Alejandro was outstanding- very caring, helpful , informative and well-organised. Peru is a varied and interesting country and although Machu Picchu was spectacular there were many other highlights to our tour. The itinerary covered a lot of ground but it was not too rushed with a good mix of organised activities and some free time. The transport by bus and train was comfortable and the hotels were good and well-situated.
I did a very similar trip to this in March of this year and everything was just perfect. The company works with small and nice centric hotels which were just a great selection. The staff at each destination was very helpful and kind. Bariloche and Ushuaia were my favourite places in Argentina.
This was a fantastic trip that lived up fully to its billing, as we saw many spectacular and varied landscapes and we sampled many gorgeous wines. The guide Lucia was very knowledgeable and helpful throughout. My only observation is that it was a hard trip in terms of several very long days travelling of 8 or more hours - over 12 hours on one day - which meant we rarely had the chance to relax and/or enjoy the hotel facilities (e.g. pools in most hotels).
The Trip Notes highlighted this but even so, after more than a dozen Explore trips previously which we thought prepared us for a lot of time on the road , we were still surprised. Essentially the trip was 12 full days and we thought it could have been stretched to 14 to cover the same itinerary - maybe an extra day in Cafayate and in Cachi?
Why for example, did we travel from Mendoza to Aconcagua (a brilliant trip) but then back to Mendoza (3 hours each way) on one day, only to retrace our steps almost all the way back to Aconcagua on the next day, on the way to the next stop? This retracing of the same route wasted 6 hours, or almost a full day? Why did we not go from Aconcagua directly to the next stop, instead of back to Mendoza?
In summary, this is a great tour, but we recommend you review the itinerary and through better planning and some extra time make it a more relaxing tour spread over over one or two more days.
Explore the vibrant cities of Salta and Cafayate, traverse the diverse landscapes of the Puna region and delve into the cultural wonders of Quebrada de Humahuaca with our 10-day partially guided Northern Argentina and Chile Tour.
On this tour, you will have the chance to cross the majestic Andes and explore the arid expanse of the Atacama Desert in Chile, marvel at the famous multicolored hills, serene lagoons and surreal geological formations and discover the desert’s stark beauty and vast open spaces that offer a stark contrast to the lush valleys of Argentina.
Please see our itinerary for more details.
Embark on an unforgettable 9-day journey through Brazil’s most iconic destinations: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Iguazu Falls.
Start your adventure in São Paulo, Brazil's vibrant financial hub and cultural capital, where the bustling streets are alive with diverse culinary delights, world-class museums, and eclectic neighborhoods. Next, head to Rio de Janeiro, a dazzling coastal city renowned for its stunning beaches—Copacabana and Ipanema—the awe-inspiring 38-meter-high Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Hill, and the panoramic views from Sugar Loaf Mountain, accessible via thrilling cable car rides.
Your journey culminates at the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, a natural wonder straddling the border between Brazil and Argentina. Marvel at the sheer power and beauty of 275 individual waterfalls, with the tallest, the 80-meter Devil’s Throat, offering an unforgettable spectacle. Iguazu Falls is truly one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a must-visit on any South American itinerary. This tour promises a perfect blend of urban excitement, natural beauty, and cultural immersion, showcasing the very best of Brazil’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities.
Explore the wonders of the rainforest of South America with our 5-day fully guided Amazon Lodge Cuyabeno Reserve tour. Discover the Amazon rainforest, immerse in the culture of the indigenous community of Seoqueya, learn and prepare local dishes like “cassava”, and cool off in the calm waters of the lagoon while enjoying a spectacular sunset. The Cuyabeno Reserve is also home to many indigenous communities such as Sionas, Secoyas, Kichwa and Cofanes.
This tour offers the best experience for anyone looking for an Amazon adventure. From canoeing and hiking amidst the jungle’s landscape and encountering native wildlife such as jaguars, anacondas and alligators, manatees, monkeys and more in their natural habitat to admiring the exotic flora and fauna that reside within the Amazon – this tour will definitely leave you in awe.
Please see our itinerary for more details.
Spend a memorable time at the Galapagos Islands and let yourself be surprised by one of the World Nature Wonders. Live and breathe Galapagos! Visit the islands of Santa Cruz and Isabela, explore an uninhabited island, swim, snorkel, hike, and discover the magic of our beautiful archipelago. This all-inclusive travel itinerary will take you through the most incredible habitats in the Galapagos, from the awesome moon-like volcanic landscape of Sierra Negra Volcano to the home of the Giant Tortoises in the Highlands of Santa Cruz. You'll also have the chance to explore pristine beaches, encounter diverse wildlife, and immerse yourself in the unique ecosystems that make this archipelago a global treasure.