Eighteen days of next-level beaches, wild landscapes, and full-on freedom — this is Panama like you’ve never seen it. Start in Costa Rica and cruise into the often-overlooked magic of Panama, where every stop hits different. Catch the surfy vibes in Puerto Viejo, snorkel your heart out in Bocas del Toro, and hike cloud forest trails in lush Boquete. Sleep inside a volcanic crater in the town of Valle de Antón, dance the night away in Panama City, and unplug completely with three off-the-grid nights on the jaw-dropping San Blas Islands. Between waterfalls, reefs, Indigenous culture, and epic new friendships, this trip brings the kind of stories you’ll be telling for years.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hostel, Hotel, Hut
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Panama City, San Jose, Valle De
Panama City, San Jose, Valle De Antón, San Blas Islands, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Bocas Del Toro, Boquete
Ready to bounce from beach to jungle to crater town? This 13-day trip kicks off in Costa Rica and cruises into the wild beauty of Panama, where laid-back vibes meet epic adventure. Chill out on the Caribbean coast in Puerto Viejo, snorkel through starfish-studded waters in Bocas del Toro, and hike cloud forest trails to hidden waterfalls in Boquete. You’ll get up close with local culture, learn how chocolate is made from the source, and hang out in Valle de Antón — an actual town inside a volcanic crater. Wrap it up with a night out in Panama City, and you’ve got a Central American escape that’s anything but basic.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hostel, Hotel
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Panama City, San Jose, Valle De
Panama City, San Jose, Valle De Antón, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Bocas Del Toro, Boquete
I would definitely recommend this trip for those who are seeking adventure! Each day we say different cities and sites (Huacachina Desert, Nazca Lines, Arequipa, Puno/Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain), which are totally the experiences. The only downsides of the trip were the overnight bus due to its discomfort of trying to rest as well as the bumpy roads whenever I had to use the toilet on the bus. Also, make sure to bring enough medical supplements with you and buy enough coca supplements (mints, candies, leaves, tea) to adjust to the altitude or any higher elevations! I did get some headaches and dizziness, but that's kinda normal and to be expected.
I just returned from an incredible trip to Argentina and Brazil with Contiki, and I can’t recommend it enough! The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, from the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the stunning landscapes of Rio de Janeiro. Every activity was amazing, whether we were exploring the iconic landmarks or enjoying exhilarating adventures.
The food was a highlight, with delicious local dishes that truly showcased the culture. The blend of rich traditions and friendly locals made the experience even more special. I made some great friends along the way, and our tour guide was fantastic—knowledgeable, engaging, and always ready to ensure we had the best time possible.
Overall, this trip was an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, culture, and great company. If you’re looking for a memorable travel experience, I highly recommend traveling with Contiki!
City sightseeingLocal culture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu National Park
Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu National Park
The itinerary for Monkeys, Jungles, & Volcanoes was wonderful. Travels went at a good pace for most of the group. Accommodations were quite good, even at the more primitive hotel. Hot water for showers and flushing toilets. Stops along the way were very interesting and local business owners very friendly & helpful. Our guide, *Personal details removed by Feefo*, was the best and coach driver, *Personal details removed by Feefo* was also quite professional and efficient at navigating narrow roads. The major destinations (Arenal, Tortuguero, and *Personal details removed by Feefo*) were all quite beautiful with plenty of fascinating wildlife and lovely landscapes.
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Pa
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Manuel Antonio
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Take an adventure in diverse South America on this 25-day trip from La Paz to Rio de Janeiro. See amazing natural wonders, walk the streets of busy cities and meet the charming locals with a leader by your side who knows all the best spots. Tour the city of Colonia del Sacramento, discover why Salta is nicknamed ‘La Linda’ (‘the beautiful’) and tick immersive Buenos Aires off your bucket list with your new group of friends. Witness the magic of the Iguazu Falls, journey through the untamed desert scenery of San Pedro de Atacama and see the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni salt flats. You’ll have plenty of free time to explore each location, and all the logistics are taken care of for you, so you can concentrate on making new connections and discovering new places.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rio de Janeiro, La Paz, Buenos A
Rio de Janeiro, La Paz, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Estancia, Iguazu Falls, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Uyuni, Salar De Uyuni, San Pedro De Atacama, Salta
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Experience the full spectrum of South America on this epic 39-day adventure – the perfect way to forge lifelong connections. Follow in the footsteps of ancient people on the Inca Trail in Peru, drive past volcanoes, lakes, llamas and flamingos in the Atacama Desert and marvel at the might of Iguazu Falls. Spend nights on an estancia (farm) in Uruguay and at a homestay on Lake Titicaca, sample Argentinian barbecue in Buenos Aires and roam through the Amazon jungle. With like-minded travel companions and a local leader providing recommendations at every stop, this’ll be a South American expedition like no other.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Home-stay, Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Cusco, Pun
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Cusco, Puno, Amantani, La Paz, Uyuni, Salar De Uyuni, San Pedro De Atacama, Amazon Jungle, Salta, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Estancia, Iguazu Falls, Paraty, Iguazu Falls, Ilha Grande, Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail
Embark on a South American escapade from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro on this 14-day adventure. Soak up the might of Argentina before crossing to the charming city of Colonia del Sacramento, then explore the lively Mercado del Puerto in Montevideo. Spend two nights getting to know the locals on an estancia (farm) in Uruguay, either chipping in with the chores or relaxing in the sun, then marvel at the majesty of Iguazu Falls. Finishing off in the paradise of Ilha Grande and the buzz of Rio de Janeiro, you’ll experience the many sides of South America.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Pa
Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Montevideo, Estancia, Iguazu Falls
18% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Calling all nature lovers, solo travellers and young adventurers! Spend a week in Costa Rica beginning in San Jose – the thriving urban centre with colourful markets, vibrant nightlife and spontaneous art fairs. Explore Monteverde’s Cloud Forest at your own pace, keeping your eye out for sloths and the elusive quetzal bird. Head to La Fortuna, shadowed by the immense Arenal Volcano, and enjoy free time to chase waterfalls and soak away your worries in the natural thermal hot springs. Explore Cahuita National Park with a hike and a swim, then enjoy some beach time on the Caribbean coast in Puerto Viejo. If you're lucky, spot sloths, hummingbirds, iguanas, monkeys, toucans, coatimundis, quetzals and racoons, then take a cooking class to learn the local cuisine. With a local leader with insider knowledge and a likeminded group of travellers – what better way to dive into Costa Rica?
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Immerse yourself in the Patagonian wilderness, on this six-day hiking trip in the Torres del Pain National Park of Chile. Coined one of the most beautiful and popular treks in the world, the W Trek traverses through rolling grasslands and mountainous peaks, alongside lakes, rivers and streams. You’ll stay at Refugios by night and walk the ever-changing landscape by day. Along the way, see jagged icebergs on Lake Grey, diverse flora and fauna (look out for Andean condors and grazing guanacos) and the famous Los Cuernos del Paine (The Horns of Blue) and Torres del Paine (Towers of Blue) distinctive to Patagonia. If you’re looking for a challenge, this multi-day trek is for you.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
See the Andes and then some on this incredible Inca extravaganza. Conquer the Lares Valley Trek and the Inca Trail (plus Machu Picchu) in 6 jaw-droppingly splendid days. Visit some of the most isolated communities in Latin America. Absorb yourself in a world of ancient cities, glacial lakes, waterfalls and mountain views. Plus ancient hot springs. And LOTS of llamas.
Initially before booking the trip I thought it was extremely overpriced.
However(our tour guide) was fantastic. He made the trip worth every penny and was extremely organised and knowledgeable. The locations were great, and the activities were really cool.
was a fantastic character, and became a friend by ensuring we all had fun. He looked after and catered for everyone’s needs and requirements, promoting safety above all else, and more than once went the extra mile to ensure we all had a great time (joining myself at CrossFit and his traditional dance moves were personal highlights).
I hope he gets the recognition he deserves, as I would love to book a similar trip with Contiki in future because of this great experience.
I would also recommend that you include huacachina in future - I went there on my own and it was one of the coolest experiences - maybe this could be added as an extra at the beginning of the trip.
Phones charged and playlists queued — this 27-day journey is a full-on adventure through Central and South America that’s packed with wild nature, laid-back beach towns, and buzzing cities. Start in Costa Rica with the surfy chill of Puerto Viejo before heading into Panama’s hidden gems — think island time in Bocas del Toro, misty hikes in Boquete, and the crater village of Valle de Antón. Then go fully off-grid on the San Blas Islands, where Indigenous communities run the show and turquoise water meets white sand. After that, it’s Colombia time. Wander Cartagena’s colourful old town, trek through jungle trails to waterfalls in Minca, kick back in Santa Marta, and finish strong in Medellín with mountaintop views and a nightlife scene to match. From slow travel moments to fast-paced fun, this one’s got it all.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hostel, Hotel, Hut
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Medellin, Valle De Ant
San Jose, Medellin, Valle De Antón, Panama City, San Blas Islands, Cartagena, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Minca, Palomino, Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta, Bocas Del Toro, Boquete