Explore South America through expert eyes with over 1,700 professionally guided tours spanning the continent. Local insights, historical context, and hassle-free exploration await, rated by more than 3,300 guided tour enthusiasts.
We originally looked at booking the longer Costa Rica Family Adventure as we thought the Family Escape (at 7 nights) may be too much of a whirlwind. However, we liked the fact that there were less distances to travel (as the Family Escape does not include a visit to the Caribbean coast), and that there were more activities included, plus, on enquiry, we found out that on the dates we wished to travel the families booked onto this trip had children of similar ages to our own (16 and 12). We are so pleased we went for this option! From being met at the airport by our wonderful guide, Eduardo, and driver, Cesar, to being waved off as we boarded our transfer on the last day, we enjoyed every minute of our holiday!
Costa Rica is an incredible country and this trip gives you a sense of its diverstiy - from the volcanic landscape around Arenal, to the Cloud Forest at Monteverde, and the tropical beaches of Carillo. The mix of activities is great - from the high adrenaline rafting and zip wire course at Monteverde, to fascinating nature walks and wildlife spotting. The itinery is quite pacy - there are activities most days, however, you get at least 2 nights at each hotel (apart from in San Jose) so you do get chance to unpack a little and enjoy some downtime.
The hotels all offer something different: Los Lagos at La Fortuna is set in lush tropical gardens with its own resident crocodile and butterfly and insect houses. Plus, it has its own hot springs complete with water slides which our children loved. The Country Lodge at Monteverde is a little more basic, but charming, whilst the Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows are super stylish with spacious rooms and a stunning pool area.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
9-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Carrillo Beach
Simply the best trip I have ever been on. I did not want to come home! The leader made everything happen with no hitches - and encouragement for a slightly trepidatious snorkeller! As for the Galapagos - Wow! I think that that the trip, being landbased, allowed us to experience so much more, meet more locals and eat local food and just soak up the atmosphere - on the beaches or in the bar!!
WildlifeTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Guayaquil, Las Tintoreras
Quito, Guayaquil, Las Tintoreras, Tortuga Bay, Bartolome Island, San Cristobal Island, La Loberia, Floreana Island, Isabela Island, Sierra Negra
Guiliano was absolutely amazing. I couldn't have asked for anything more from the trip! There is some long drives as stated but the views and the stops you make are unreal!
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This is a physically demanding but very rewarding holiday which takes you to a beautiful part of the world.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
El Calafate, Torres del Paine Na
El Calafate, Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chalten, Buenos Aires, Torres Del Paine, Las Torres, Camp Los Cuernos, Camp Paine Grande, Los Glaciares National Park, Santiago
Amazing array of wildlife. Providing you don't mind roughing it a bit and don't mind getting bitten (a lot!), this is a fabulous holiday. Must have been good as I came home with over 2500 photos!
WildlifeBird watching
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Sol, our Tour Director went above and beyond to ensure that our tour was nothing less than spectacular. She worked hard to find great recommendations for places to eat, that fit with personal preferences she worked to learn.
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
An absolutely amazing trip that surpassed all expectations. The cabin was bigger than expected, the food great, the wildlife plentiful and close, the crew were friendly, organisation was superb and there was so much to do I didn't even get to read my book!
The trip is incredible. The scenery varies every day and you'll ride on all possible terrains: sand, rock, gravel, tarmac and every day offers a lot of fun. The landscape of the Moon Valley in Chile is surreal and the Tatio geyser excursion is a stunning experience. Chile and Argentina are lovely countries; the areas visited still haven't been reached by mass tourism and you barely see any other tourists while travelling.
ExplorerBicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort, Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Pedro De Atacama, Quilmes Ru
San Pedro De Atacama, Quilmes Ruins, Molinos, Salta, Moon Valley, Susques, Purmamarca, Tilcara, Cafayate