If you did not manage to reserve permits for the Inca Trail, we highly recommend the Salkantay as an alternative. Apart from the classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is without a doubt one of the most beautiful treks in the Andes. National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine listed it as one of the 25 best treks in the world. The trek is currently open to everyone and there are no limitations on spaces and permits.
The Salkantay Trek will take you through unique and varying landscapes with the scenery nothing short of breathtaking! Photographers will experience sheer ecstasy as we walk along ancient and solitary footpaths: from picturesque grassy highlands to flourishing cloud forests, where luxuriant tropical rainforests meet colossal snow-capped mountains. The Salkantay Trek is off-the-beaten path and authentic. You will be spirited away into a world of phenomenal beauty and abundance of nature, with sacred solitude and hours of deliciously quiet contemplation.
Since the ancient Incan times, the spectacular glacier-capped peak of Mount Salkantay has been considered as sacred and the protector of the local people and their crops. The name Salkantay or Salcantay is a Quechua word meaning invincible, wild or savage. Thus, Salkantay is often called "Savage Mountain". Salkantay (Nevado Salkantay), or Sallqantay in Quechua, is the highest peak of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, which forms part of the Andes Mountain Range, rising to 6271 meters above sea level (20,574 ft). Salkantay is located less than 50 miles from the city of Cusco.
We are looking forward to taking you on a great hike.
Trekking and HikingMountains
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Tent, Hostel
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english, peruvian
Destinations
Salkantay, Cusco, Machu Picchu
Salkantay, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Colcapampa, La Playa, Aguas Calientes
Welcome to the Classic Inca Trail, the most famous and most spectacular hiking route in South America! This ancient 45-kilometer trail follows the footsteps of the Inca pilgrims to the gates of the sacred city of Machu Picchu, one of the new 7 Wonders of the World
Our exciting itinerary offers 4 days of trekking along the original Inca pathways, passing an array of Inca ruins along the way.
The trail is located high in the Peruvian Andes climbing gradually from the valley floor (2,700 m/8,856 ft) to the most spectacular mountain passes (as high as 4,215 m/13,825 ft). At every turn, the surrounding scenery will take your breath away!
Hiking the 4-day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a strenuous and awe-inspiring adventure. We will push ourselves to our physical limits, resting each night under the stunning Andean night sky.
On our final day, as the mist lifts to reveal the emerald peaks and terraced ruins of the mystical ancient city you’ll be rewarded for your efforts.
Action Peru Treks invites you to awaken your senses through this once in a lifetime experience trekking to Machu Picchu. If the 4-day trek is a bit too much for you, consider the Short Inca Trail hike instead.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Our party of four loved our itinerary, guide and boat. The days were filled with excursions, snorkeling and great food and lectures. We highly recommend the Solaris C excursion!
WildlifeBird watching
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Guayaquil, San Cristobal
Quito, Guayaquil, San Cristobal Island, Espanola Island, Floreana Island, Bartolome Island
If you’re looking for a Central American thrill, take on an eight-day active adventure through one of the world's greenest countries. Dive into Costa Rica’s wilderness and cascade down the rapids of Pacuare River in a raft, hike misty jungle trails in the Monteverde Cloud Forest and cycle along the coastline of Puerto Viejo. With plenty of free time to customise your adventure depending on your interests, you might opt to surf the Caribbean waves in palm-fringed beach towns or go stand up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal. Costa Rica is the perfect place for wildlife lovers (how many sloths can you spot?), active adventurers and those seeking a natural paradise.
Active and outdoorAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Travel to Peru and discover its fascinating history, from the depths of the Amazon to the heights of the Andes and on to the unique islands of Lake Titicaca. Experience diverse ecology, geology, cultures and witness daily Peruvian life. Uncover the mystery of Peru's culture and history on this unforgettable journey that is sure to leave you enthralled and wanting more.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Lodge, Eco Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Puno, Puerto Maldon
Lima, Cusco, Puno, Puerto Maldonado, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
This was my first Contiki trip & I'm not sure that any holiday will ever be the same! I had the most amazing time in Costa Rica with the best group of people. From chill beach days to zip lining over the rainforest we did such a variety of things but still had plenty of free time (in Monteverde we used our free time to go & do the highest bungee in Central America!). Our trip manager & driver were incredible & really made the trip unforgettable with crazy knowledge of the local areas & wildlife. Pura Vida!
Capture the true essence of South America on an 18-day Premium adventure through Peru, Chile and Argentina. This journey showcases the continent’s diversity of natural beauty, historic wonder and world-class cuisine, passing by the Andes and the Amazon, Mendoza and the majestic Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and sultry Santiago, all the way to the Argentinian powerhouse of Buenos Aires. Gain an insight into ancient Inca culture and local communities, indulge in fine food and some of the region’s best wine, and get to the heart of each destination with expert local knowledge at every step.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Calling all wildlife lovers! On this immersive 17-day adventure cruise, you’ll be introduced to the endemic wildlife, beautiful landscapes and underwater treasures of the Galapagos Islands. Explore both the traveller’s favourites and the quieter parts of the archipelago, all with a passionate local naturalist on hand to guide you over pahoehoe lava and through marine iguana colonies. Snorkel in clear waters off the coast of Isla Espanola, paddle through a green turtle breeding grove on Isla Floreana, look out for mottled Galapagos hawks on Isla Fernandina and wander between sea lions lounging on beaches with red, black and white sand.
Sailing, yachting and motor boating
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Bartolome Island, Isla Sa
Quito, Bartolome Island, Isla Santiago, Isla Fernandina, Isla Isabela, Isla Santa Cruz, Puerto Ayora, Floreana Island, Espanola Island, San Cristobal Island, Santa Fe Island, Isla Genovesa, Rábida Island
I spent 13 days in Costa Rica and did a self-drive everywhere from Liberia to San Jose while hitting places such as Rincon, Arenal, Monteverde, Samara Beach, and Dominical to name a few and I was able to do pretty much everything I wanted to do in Costa Rica thanks to Alex's brilliant trip planning! On top of that, the hotels that were booked for me were all top notch and there were plenty of opportunities to have lunch and dinner no matter where I stayed. If you plan to stay in Costa Rica anytime soon, I highly recommend having Alex to plan your trip with you!
VolcanoesTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Accommodation
Eco Lodge, Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
12-65 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biologic
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Samara Beach, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Tenorio, Guanacaste, Bijagua, Rio Celeste, Monteverde, Playa Carrillo, Carrillo Beach, Liberia City
Take in the faded grandeur of this unique harbor town, nestled between the sea and the forested coastal mountain range. In 2003, Valparaiso, meaning “the valley of paradise”, was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.
In this carefully crafted private tour, we show you all the hidden nooks, backstreets and peculiarities of Valparaiso. Upon arrival we take a funicular (the oldest stems from 1883) up the hills and we have coffee in one of the many cozy restaurants. We explore the little backstreets with street-art and stroll through the bohemian labyrinth of colorful streets. Take your time to nose through the many artisan jewelry shops and galleries. From up in the hills you can to take in the colorful vistas of this avant-garde town and take unique pictures. After an exquisite lunch (not included in the price), we will either do a boat trip through the bay to meet the enormous sea lions that rest on buoys and shipwrecks, or we visit to Pablo Neruda’s house La Sebastiana followed by our return to Santiago. Let us know which option you prefer!
You will be picked up at 08.30 and returned by 19.00 max to your hotel (2 hour drive from Providencia).
Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Salta, Iguazú Falls
Departures: No. Just check departures for Train to the Clouds
Season: All the year. We suggest to take this tour from April to September.
Notes: We suggest to make bookings in advance. It`s the ideal tour to visit Argentina during autumn and winter season.
Destinations included in the package: Salta, Humahuaca Canyon, Train to the Clouds, Iguazu Falls, Mendoza and the wine country, the High Andes, Buenos Aires.
Departs from: Buenos Aires. If you don`t need services in Buenos Aires, we can start this trip in any of the others cities.
Specific Interest: No. Traditional Tourism
HIGHLIGHTS
- The City of Buenos Aires and magic of Tango (Buenos Aires)
- Mendoza and the wineries
- The High Andes and Aconcagua Mount
- Humahuaca Canyon
- Train to the Clouds
- Iguazu Falls
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Mend
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Mendoza, Salta, Puerto Iguazu
Ecuador is a country of surprising diversity. In such a compact area, it packs in the heights of the Andes to the flats of the Pacific coasts, and everything in between.
During this 9-day guided tour, go along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the Cotopaxi National Park and Cuicocha Lake. Stop in the indigenous markets to understand the Andean life.
Also, discover Quito, Ecuador's capital city, and its beautiful colonial architecture. Travel the Northern Sierra with its numerous lakes and artisan villages. The Central Sierra, also known as the Volcanoes Avenue, and its beautiful treasures, Inca ruins and natural landmarks, and last but not the least, the Guayaquil, named the Pearl of the Pacific.
Experience a complete change of scenery before reaching the coast where you can decide to extend your journey to the Galapagos, relax further on the white sand beaches, or even go to the rainforest.
City sightseeingWalking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
1-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Otaval
Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Riobamba