January 2001 Summer Adventures Across South America
Make the most of January 2001 with over 1,900 incredible tours across South America. Peak season means perfect weather for outdoor activities, vibrant festivals, and unforgettable experiences, all rated by 4,100 summer travelers.
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.
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
Enjoy beautiful Costa Rica on this seven-day tour, including wonderful rainforests, volcanoes, cloud forest and natural trails combined with the incredible opportunity to see wildlife. You will fall in love with this tropical paradise.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
San Jose, Sarapiqui, Arenal Volc
San Jose, Sarapiqui, Arenal Volcano National Park, San Gerardo De Dota
Galapagos entirely lived up to expectations and more. Giant tortoises, blue footed boobies, iguanas, sea lions, turtles, amazingly colourful bird life, all breathtaking. Main land Ecuador was an unexpected delight though. Stunning scenery, smiling people, good quality hotels and food within a varied and interesting itinerary. Fabian, our guide was spot on, very knowledgeable and caring. A great trip.
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Enjoy the many highlights of Costa Rica on this 14-day itinerary, including wonderful rainforests, volcano, cloud forests and the exotic North Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Discover a country of great natural beauty, whether you are watching the Arenal volcano whilst bathing in hot springs, walking in the canopy of Monteverde's cloud forest, relaxing on the pristine jungle of Tortuguero or enjoying the warm waters of the Pacific Coast. This is the real nature lover's paradise.
Active and outdoorBeach
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Eco Lodge, Lodge
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
spanish, english
Destinations
San Jose, Tamarindo, Tortuguero
San Jose, Tamarindo, Tortuguero, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve
Uncover essential Costa Rica during this 13-day exotic adventure. Beginning and ending in the capital, San Jose, this tour offers you the chance to discover different aspects of this emblematic destination. Visit the most predominant natural areas of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano National Park, and the cloud forest of Monteverde. Spend precious time in mesmerising Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most famous beaches, indulging in the fun surf town atmosphere and getting closer to the inspiring local culture and adventurous spirit.
Active and outdoorBeach
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort, Eco Lodge, Lodge
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
San Jose, Alajuela, Tamarindo, T
San Jose, Alajuela, Tamarindo, Tortuguero, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve
There are a lot of surprisingly unexpected beautiful places and archeological sites in Peru. Our trip was in May and it was cold but all worth it!
Looking forward to another trip with Expat Explore! Thank you for the unforgettable experience
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
10-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lima, La Pa
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lima, La Paz, Arequipa, Puno, Urubamba, Sacred Valley
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.
The Peru and Bolivia trip was absolutely amazing! The Inca trail was a challenge but I am so glad I did it. The salt flats in Bolivia was beautiful this trip really had everything! Mountains, volcanoes, desert. Honestly the best Contiki I have been on. The included meals on the tour did not disappoint
I recommend every one to do it!
our trip manager was honestly the best!
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Santiago, Lima, Avaroa National
Santiago, Lima, Avaroa National Reserve, La Paz, Jungle Lodge, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes
