Short on time in Buenos Aires? This Short Break Adventure is just the ticket. Join a local guide for an enlightening exploration of Argentina’s capital city before visiting the home of a resident for a homemade feast and genuine slice of local life. From ancient to modern, football to tango, street art to history – discover the true pulse of the city beyond the tourist trail.
Getaways and short breaks
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Uncover Peru’s best on this 15-day Premium journey through lush valleys, rich rainforests and Inca heartlands. Travel south from Lima to the charming city of Arequipa, see condors circling some of the deepest ravines in the world at Colca Canyon, and experience the wild heart of the Amazon Jungle. Consider trekking along the acclaimed Inca Trail, or relax on a scenic train ride, all to witness the magnificence of the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. With a local leader each step of the way joining you on orientation walks and filling you in on the histories of the land, you’ll get to peruse Peru the local way.
Chill out
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lima, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picch
Lima, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Lake Titicaca
Get up close to Iguazu Falls on this Short Break Adventure. Straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, the falls stretch almost 3 km, offering you plenty of viewpoints to witness their scale. Learn about this large waterfall from a local guide as you watch the water spill over. Iguazu is a Tupi-Guarani name meaning 'Great Waters', and when you see this mighty testament of nature, you’ll understand why!
Waterfalls
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Iguazu Falls National Park, Igua
Iguazu Falls National Park, Iguazu Falls, Iguazu Falls, Foz Do Iguacu
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
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
From the heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon Jungle, this nine-day trip will take you through diverse Ecuador. Walk through the Amazon Jungle with an Indigenous guide leading the way, hike in Cotopaxi National Park – home to one of the world’s largest active volcanos – and canoe to your river-side eco-lodge accommodation on the edge of the rainforest. Get a glimpse into everyday life during a homestay with a local family, where you’ll connect with them and participate in a Pachamanca food ceremony, perhaps also brushing up on your Espanol. There’s so much to see, do and learn in this South American paradise and you’ll take it all on with a local leader and likeminded travellers.
National parksLocal culture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Darwin was the most amazing trip leader. So knowledgeable and so supportive and helpful and always there. So lucky to have him to show us his wonderful country. Itinerary works so well. Absolutely A1
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
25% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
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
Embark on an immersive 13-day adventure cruise through the Galapagos Islands and experience the natural world, both on land and sea. Encounter diverse wildlife, from lumbering giant tortoises and sunbathing sea lions to scuttling crabs and blue-footed boobies. Wander through lava flow on Las Tintoreras, snorkel in the waters of protected cove Punta Carrion and stick your toes in the olivine-crystal sands of Punta Cormorant. This trip allows plenty of time to absorb the spoils of these unique, wildlife-rich islands, so you can cruise into another world while your naturalist guide sorts out the rest.
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 Santa Cruz, Baltra Island, Isla Isabela, Punta Cormorant, Santa Fe Island, South Plaza Island, Espanola Island, San Cristobal Island
Cruise the Galapagos and discover the native wildlife on this seven-day sailing adventure around the southern end of the archipelago. Meet giant tortoises that inhabit Isla San Cristobal, watch blue-footed boobies dance the booby two-step and wander the unfamiliar environment that characterises these far-flung islands. Every day you’ll wake up to a different view out the window from the comforts of the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz. Sail past the volcanic Punta Pitt, swim with sea lions at Bahia Gardner, and hike past prickly pear cacti on Isla Santa Fe. Prepare to head on the adventure of a lifetime and become a Galapagos explorer!
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, Baltra Island, Santa Fe I
Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Fe Island, Punta Suárez, San Cristobal Island
28% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Experience the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands as you drift across the Pacific Ocean on this 10-day sailing adventure. The beauty of these Ecuadorian isles is something to behold from aboard the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz and you’ll retrace the 180-year-old voyage of Charles Darwin by sea with a naturalist guide by your side. Witness the giant tortoises that call these lands home and go birdwatching for blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. Each day, a new view will greet you out your cabin window, with a new array or wildlife to see up above and down below (snorkel, anyone?).
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, Baltra Island, Isla Isabe
Quito, Baltra Island, Isla Isabela, Floreana Island, Isla Santa Cruz, Santa Fe Island, Punta Suárez, Isla Lobos
29% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Guide Types
Page 52 of 1,156 Trips in South America during October 2026 with 2,841 Reviews