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!
Set off on an extraordinary journey across three of South America’s most captivating countries — Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia — with this carefully curated small-group tour that blends exotic wildlife, ancient wonders, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Begin your adventure in Quito, Ecuador’s colonial capital nestled in the Andes, before heading to the legendary Galápagos Islands, a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Cruise between Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands, home to Giant Tortoises, Blue-Footed Boobies, marine iguanas, and the surreal Tintoreras Islets. Snorkel with sea lions, visit volcanic landscapes, and relax by the pink-hued Flamingo Lagoon. Enjoy seamless logistics and expert guides as you explore one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions. Next, fly to Lima, Peru’s capital, before soaring over the Andes to the ancient heart of the Inca Empire — Cusco. Discover Incan marvels, including the imposing Sacsayhuamán Fortress, and board a panoramic train through the Sacred Valley to reach the mystical Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Continue to Colombia, where you’ll be enchanted by the blend of history, nature, and coffee culture. Explore Bogotá, take in panoramic views from Monserrate Hill, and dive deep into the Coffee Triangle, where lush plantations and rich aromas await. End your tour in Cartagena, a UNESCO-listed Caribbean gem, with its cobblestone streets, colonial fortresses, and vibrant culture — a magical finale by the sea.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Cartagena, Sacred Valley
Quito, Cartagena, Sacred Valley, Armenia, Cusco, Lima, Bogota, Isla Santa Cruz, Isabela Island, Urubamba
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
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
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
There are many sides to South America, from the energy of the cities, the beauty of the lansdcapes and the spirit of its people. Discover it all on this trip that winds through the Inca heartlands and jungles of Peru, the enigmatic cities and natural wonders of Argentina and the dynamism of Brazil's vivacious Rio. See animals, meet locals, traverse trails and marvel at all the contrasts of this very special corner of the world.
AdventureWaterfalls
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Lodge, Eco Lodge, Home-stay
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Puno, Cusc
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Puno, Cusco, Inca Trail, Amazon Jungle, Mt Pisco, Buenos Aires, Ituzaingo, Foz Do Iguacu, Iguazu Falls, Nazca, Arequipa, Chivay, Lake Titicaca
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
On this 14-day guided tour trip, you will visit the highlights of both Ecuador and Peru. Experience the highlights of the City of Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, the Galapagos Islands: Santa Cruz, El Chato, Charles Darwin Station, Pinzon Island / Isabela Island, Tintoreras, and Cabo Rosa Tunnels.
In Peru, you will have the opportunity to get to know the highlights of the ancient Inca civilization. Explore the city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the mountain of colors, and Machu Picchu. Visit Inca structures, and learn about the historic Inca settlements and their history.
You will be accompanied by a guide, who will assist you with anything you need. We will also provide you with transportation, accommodation and some meals.
Trekking and HikingWildlife
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-80 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, Lima
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, Lima, Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz, Sacred Valley, Cotopaxi National Park, Mitad Del Mundo, Isla Isabela, Los Túneles
The trip was really good with lots of standout places and experiences. Our trip manager was brilliant. He was friendly and knowledgeable and made everything easy. Some of the accommodation wasn’t the best (poor showers, uncomfortable beds, no safety lock box, no elevator) but for the most part acceptable.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cusco, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Ai
Cusco, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Puerto Maldonado, Lima
