Journey from the Land of the Incas to the Galápagos archipelago, enjoying a 4-night cruise aboard a personal yacht. Delve deep into ancient cultures at Machu Picchu – the fabled lost city. Explore UNESCO-designated Spanish colonial cities and stand between two hemispheres at the Equatorial Line. Experience the best of the Galápagos archipelago, where an abundance of natural wildlife recalls Darwin’s theories in a pristine world that’s virtually unspoiled. You’ll encounter hidden wonders in Peru, the “Middle of the World” in Ecuador, and see ethereal wildlife on a cruise along Eden-like islands.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lima, Santa Cruz, Quito, Isabela
Lima, Santa Cruz, Quito, Isabela Island, Isla Santiago, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cuzco
Take a step into a world of pure nature in Patagonia, where crystal-clear waters meet mountainside glaciers. Feel the Latin-infused rhythms of Buenos Aires. Gaze upon awe-inspiring mountains, valleys and grasslands at Torres del Paine National Park. Enjoy a 4-night cruise through the fjords of Patagonia. Engage in a variety of nature hikes. Spend the day by the Pia Glacier. View a colony of Magellanic penguins. Connect with a local gaucho (cowboy) at an Argentine lamb roast. Find a haven of snowcapped Andes and ethereal fjords in the wilderness of Chile and Argentina.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Ship Cabin
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Puerto Natales, Ch
Buenos Aires, Puerto Natales, Chilean Fjords, Wulaia Bay, El Calafate, Torres del Paine National Park
From thrilling water journeys to ethereal jungle expeditions, discover what pura vida means to you when you explore the essence of Costa Rica. Encounter an emerald wonderland, where trees climb high and animals roam free. Immerse yourself in nature when you spend 2 nights at a remote resort in San Carlos and 3 nights in the region of Arenal National Park. Sample fresh cacao during a visit to a local plantation. Give back to preservation efforts at a sea turtle research station in Tortuguero National Park. Embark on a crocodile safari in the jungle and a bird-watching cruise in the rainforest. Stand suspended over the rainforest floor as you journey across a network of hanging bridges. Hike the lava fields of Arenal Volcano or soar over jungle canopies on a zip line. It’s time to experience a world of nature.
Rainforest and jungle visits
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Lodge, Resort, Hotel
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Playa Herradura, Tortu
San Jose, Playa Herradura, Tortuguero National Park, San Carlos, Arenal
Peru is a land of mysteries, legends and ancient cultures. Your journey starts in the country’s capital, Lima. Known as the “City of Kings,” this melting pot of culture will captivate you from the first moment. Admire the colorful architecture, visit the San Francisco Monastery and wander through the bohemian district of Barranco. From there, head to Iquitos, the largest city in the Amazon rainforest. Delight in the exotic fruits and flavorful cuisine.
Once you take to the waters of the Amazon rainforest, you’ll explore the vibrant wildlife and lush greenery alongside your naturalist guide. Stargaze on the “Enchanted Lake” with nothing but a clear sky above you. Journey to the merging point of the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers where the Amazon River begins.
A mesmerizing exploration of land and sea, this adventure will delight all of your senses.
Note: The cruise itinerary will vary depending on water levels.
River cruiseHoneymoon
Tour Type
Cruise Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin
Age Range
2-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Lima, Iquitos, San Juan De Yanay
Lima, Iquitos, San Juan De Yanayacu, Nauta, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
From a deep dive into Lima—the “City of Kings”—to the legendary Machu Picchu, this 16-day cruise/tour is an all-encompassing adventure into the marvels of Peru and the Amazon rainforest.
Journey into the Amazon Rainforest onboard the Aria Amazon, a five-star ship designed for your Peruvian adventure. Embark on river skiffs as you explore the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers. Admire the diverse flora and fauna in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
Discover the beauty of the heartland of the Inka Empire, known as the Sacred Valley. Of course, no trip to Peru could truly be complete without a trek to the world-famous Machu Picchu. A must-see, this spectacular piece of history has fascinated both historians and archaeologists alike.
With no shortage of awe-inspiring beauty, this trip is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.
Note: The cruise itinerary will vary depending on water levels.
River cruiseHoneymoon
Tour Type
Cruise Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin
Age Range
2-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Iq
Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Iquitos, San Juan De Yanayacu, Nauta, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
This was my 5th Contiki and it was another unforgettable experience. The trip manager () was excellent, a true expert in all things South American. My only constructive comment is linked to the number of days spent in Buenos Aires. The add ons and city were disappointing compared to the rest of the trip. I can't believe we spent so long there. I would have much rather spend more time in the Amazon or in Rio.
Beach
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Home-stay
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Cusco, Jun
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Cusco, Jungle Lodge, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes
From the heights of the volcanoes to the unexplored waters of Galapagos, this tour is a must for the lovers of the great outdoors. Whether you are snorkeling with sea lions & rays, or chilling with the giant Galapagos tortoise, this adventure is epic!
Beach
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Guayaquil, San Cristobal
Quito, Guayaquil, San Cristobal Island, Tena, Banos, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz
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.
Adventure
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Home-stay
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, S
Lima, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Arequipa, Puno
This comprehensive 3 week tour is designed to reveal some of the secrets lying in South America. The tour begins in Lima; you then head south for an incredible Ballestas Islands boat trip where you will see exotic birds and sea mammals. You then travel inland to the desert and the palm trees and sand dunes of the Oasis of Huacachina where we make camp under the stars. You will then visit the mysterious Nazca lines whose true meaning is still up for debate. The tour then starts it's ascent into the Andes to the town of Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, the deepest in the world. The tour then takes us to Cuzco where we prepare for the unforgettable Inca Trail, after reaching Machu Picchu we head back to Cuzco for some relaxing time in this beautiful Andean city. We continue our journey to Lake Titicaca where we spend time learning of the traditions of the local Uros Indians, with free time to laze the day away on the shores of this deep blue lake. The tour makes it's final stop in La Paz, giving you free time to explore the Bolivian capital.
Mountains
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Guest House, Home-stay
Age Range
16-85 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lima, La Paz, Inca Trail, Machu
Lima, La Paz, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Puno, Copacabana, Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, Huacachina, Nazca Lines, Arequipa
Our tour Leader was brilliant. He was engaging , knowledgeable, Apporachable and very patient. Made the Trip super fun.
Itinerary was full on and packed. Would like Explore to consider adding Rainbow Mountain to the Itinerary rather than an option. Did the Trip with my daughter who really enjoyed herself. So there could be a future Explore traveller!!
Active and outdoorRafting
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Home-stay
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cusco, Lima, Machu Picchu, Arequ
Cusco, Lima, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, Chivay, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Sacred Valley
Arturo was a fantastic leader and guide. Knowledgable, helpful, caring, experienced and amusing. This was my 11th Explore holiday and Arturo is up there with the best guides. The porters and cooks are heroes - we were very happy to tip them generously. The itinerary was perfect, though no one should underestimate the challenge of around ten hours walking on day three. Cusco hotel staff were fine but the layout around a central atrium means the rooms are very noisy. The hotel near Machu Picchu was lovely but the staff were rude, unhelpful and disinterested. Overall I’d fully recommend this trip - but be sure to get into shape beforehand and consider your kit carefully.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Spectacular climbing expedition in Cordillera Real with ascents of Pequeno Alpamayo (5370m/17,618ft), Huayna Potosi (6088m/19,973ft) & Illimani (6438m/21,122ft). This is the complete climbing trip to Bolivia. The towering white peaks of the Cordillera Real provide a majestic backdrop above the vast Bolivian altiplano. This is a spectacular alpine region ideally suited to anyone who is looking to undertake a series of classic mountaineering ascents in one of the world's finest alpine locations. To ensure sound acclimatisation we spend time in La Paz and the ‘Island of the Sun’ on Lake Titicaca before heading to the snow capped Cordillera Real, where we undertake 2 days of instruction with our experienced guides to prepare for the ascents. An excellent level of fitness is necessary to help ensure your summit ambitions as we undertake a series of progressively more challenging peaks, culminating with Illimani, a moderately technical peak recognised as one of the classic climbs of South America. You will complete this expedition with enhanced mountaineering skills and the knowledge acquired through undertaking the various challenges that these interesting peaks offer.
Climbing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Tent, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
La Paz, Huayna Potosi Base Camp
La Paz, Huayna Potosi Base Camp, Illimani, Isla Del Sol, Copacabana, Condoriri, Pequeno Alpamayo
Climb Mount San Valentin (4058m) on this fully supported expedition on the Northern Patagonia Icefield. A truly epic climb in one of the world's most spectacular alpine environments.. World Expeditions are excited to announce an expedition to Mount San Valentin (4058m) - the highest peak in Patagonia. The location of San Valentin in the middle of the impressive Northern Patagonian Ice Field makes it a tremendous climb in one of the world's most remote and spectacular alpine environments. San Valentin is a serious expedition, with the likelihood of extreme weather, heavy loads to be carried and sled pulling required to access high camp. This expedition is for the highly motivated mountaineer, experienced with cold weather conditions, looking to make a summit attempt on this highly sought after mountain in a truly special alpine wilderness.
Climbing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Lodge, Tent
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Patagonia, Balmaceda, Terra Luna
Patagonia, Balmaceda, Terra Luna, Campo Italiano, Raton Camp, Terrace Camp, Mount San Valentin