Embrace independent travel across South America with over 550 solo-friendly tours spanning the continent. Perfect for meeting like-minded travelers while maintaining your independence, rated by more than 2,400 confident solo explorers.
I just left this on google reviews: This tour exceeded all expectations! Our guide went above and beyond to ensure we had as many adventures as possible, making every moment truly special. The small group size (just five of us) made the experience even better—we felt comfortable, well taken care of, and able to personalize our trip.
Some of the highlights included exploring Monteverde’s stunning cloud forest, a wildlife river cruise where we spotted incredible species, and relaxing on the white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio alongside iguanas and capuchin monkeys. We also enjoyed zip-lining, hanging bridges, and a visit to a sloth reserve. My personal favorite was horseback riding on the beach—an optional activity I did on my own, but one I highly recommend. The photos from this trip are absolutely amazing!
Even the nighttime walk, which wasn’t my favorite activity, turned into a hilarious and memorable experience. I laughed so much that it ended up being fun, even though we didn’t see much (except in the parking lot!).
Overall, this trip was an incredible mix of adventure, nature, and fun. If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to experience Costa Rica, this is it. Highly recommend! If you’re lucky enough to get Diago as a guide, you will have an experience you’ll never forget. Diago deserves a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review direct to explore worldwide!! He went way above and beyond. He took us to amazing restaurants and was our personal photographer. I’ll never forget this trip! I went solo and met the group there and I felt safe with our guide and group. Well done explore worldwide. Where can I go next….
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This was a busy but amazing trip. Matchu pichu was out of this world.
Galapagos was wonderful, so much wildlife and great memories made with our group.
Definitely should have packed less so could buy more.
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This was the trip of a lifetime for me. We met our guide Luis on arrival at the hotel in San Jose and were welcomed by name. Every day was different and special. Luis was impressively knowledgeable about all aspects of the trip. Travel, wildlife, agriculture, social structures, the economy. He asked about our interests and made sure we were all accommodated. We experienced several completely different areas of Costa Rica with different climates and environments. We had a variety of optional activities which were all fun. Our driver, Danny was brilliant; we always felt safe. The group was great too.
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
If you are reading this you have already seen the brochure description and want to know if it is all true. The trip does cover a huge variety of ground both in miles, climate and altitude so yes you really do need everything from hat and gloves to sun block! I think packing for this trip was possibly the most challenging. Most of the walking wasn't challenging but on a couple of longer ones there are options to opt out or cut short so no pressure there. Not much relaxation but some free time to shop and have the occasional cocktail, lots of travel. You will see spectacular scenery, meet interesting and knowledgeable people, seal lions having a nap in the street, iguanas a plenty. If you have a special bird interest check the nesting season to give you the best chance. We saw Frigate birds displaying to females but not the season for blue foots. The sea was warm enough but keep moving. The estimated cost of food was fairly accurate but food and drink can vary a lot. There are posh eateries with expensive cocktails, but also well priced, no frills food with a bottle of beer. ATMs relatively easy to find in a number of locations. Wifi connection was good. Hope this helps, go ahead and book!
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Thoroughly enjoy the trip. The itinerary was well thought out. Plenty of time to allow for acclimatisation before the final highlight - the Inca Trail. Special shout out to Darwin our tour leader who goes extra mile to ensure we enjoy our trip. He is very keen to share his knowledge and love about Peru.
Active and outdoorRafting
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
An excellent way to explore Central America on two wheels—what a ride! I loved every segment of the tour. Just a heads-up: you’ll need more than basic cycling skills… and a truckload of grit. Some of the dirt roads, especially the downhills, are the kind that make you suddenly remember every loved one you’ve ever had. Definitely not for the faint-hearted.
About the hotels: a few of the one-night stays were… let’s say “character-building.” The stop in Turrialba in particular did not meet even basic standards. Explore, you can do better—please save future cyclists from that experience.
Now, about our tour leader, Mike. After ~15 tours across ~20 countries, I’ve finally had a tour led by a real pro athlete. And wow—what a difference. Mike’s professionalism, enthusiasm, ocean-level patience, and that trademark toothy smile made even the toughest (undualating😄）climbs feel manageable. He set the bar so high that my future tours may need oxygen just to reach it.
Absolutely recommended. And if you’re lucky enough to get Mike, prepare to have your expectations ruined—in the best possible way.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The Contrasts of Colombia holiday with Explore certainly lives up to its name.
From the moment you arrive in Bogotá to the end point in Cartagena you will experience the very best that Colombia offers - and it doesn’t hold back! The colours, people, art, sights, sounds, smells, music and food are vibrant! This is a tour like no other I have been on. Truly memorable for the right reasons.
Led by Andreas, an outstanding tour director and our wonderful group we had an amazing trip from start to finish. Andreas kept us on track, sorted any issues quickly and efficiently and with complete ease. He was truly remarkable, an expert in his field. His love of the country is as infectious as his smile and sense of humour. We all learned so much about ourselves, Colombia and each other. And at the end of the day, that’s what we look for in these types of trips, right? Something that stretches our senses and minds.
Highlights for me were Bogotá, where you get rooted in the country’s history and its rich, historical past and many challenges from which it is thankfully rebuilding; to the beauty of the Andes, drinking ‘the best coffee’ at the Hacienda de Roble; completing a pilgrimage to Mount Monserrat; stunned into silence at the engineering and the beauty of the salt cathedral; danced the salsa in Villa de Leyva; went on rickshaw rides, discovered wine, cocktails and cable cars; Played the explosive game of Tejo, hung onto oir *****’s jeep in Salento, where we climbed the foothills of the Cocora valley witnessing the flight of the magnificent Condor; to discovering the real Medellín (and how to pronounce it!) and much much more including a swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean at Cartagena.
From cities, to mountains I only dreamed about to the coast. All remarkable in its own unique way. Beautiful Colombia!
Andreas was joined by local guides and drivers who were experts in their local area so could give you their own take and continue to build on your knowledge. If you wanted something or anything everyone went the extra mile to sort!
The accommodation was great, really authentic and comfortable and clean. Food is very authentic so don’t expect burger and fries or fried chicken in breadcrumbs! This is the food of Colombia! Personally I like that but if you don’t like coffee you might like to bring your own tea bags. Don’t trust the water and use the guidance that is given in the notes. Weather was good for us so February was a great time to travel. Hot on the coast but a steady temperature inland. Very pleasant! When it rains, an umbrella or poncho is best.
Some of the travel days are long and food service can be slower than the UK (as it’s freshly cooked) so you need to be flexible especially when travelling with a large group e.g using the toilets, being on time, ordering ahead etc. but our group was amazing and we all looked after each other, swapped seats etc. everyone was very kind and friendly. Mucking in is best as you spend a lot of time together.
So if you are considering this holiday, I would say “I would do it all again in a heartbeat”. Colombia is beautiful and trying to rebuild its reputation with innovative makers, artists, musicians and tourism.
There is much to see and admire and I’m proud to be an ambassador and glad to have been. I have come back a better person and with some great friendships and memories. 10/10!! Just remember to ask for Andreas, the best leader!
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin, Gua
Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin, Guatapé, Paloquemao, Villa De Leyva, Barichara, Guane, Chicamocha National Park, Cocora Valley
Great trip. Full on pace, would have to skip activities to slow down! A cultural and nature trip. Guatemala was my favourite country; the Mayan history and culture. The archeological site at Copan adds to the diversity of experiences on this trip. As well the more recent history of regime change in Nicaragua. The Spanish colonial architecture was highlighted at all destinations, quaint hotels. Nature’s beauty and wild life was showcased throughout. Overall, a diversity of experiences filled the two weeks!
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
