Embrace the magic of January 2001 with over 2,000 specially curated tours across South America. From snow-capped mountains to cozy cultural experiences, discover winter's unique charm through 4,000 traveler stories.
This tour operator organized a cultural, spiritual and community immersion for me, my husband, my adult daughter and her boyfriend for 16 days in late February/early March of 2023. It was the most exciting trip I’ve taken. This is saying a lot considering I have spent a lifetime of travel, both personal and professional, focusing on Latin America.
Everything ran smoothly, even with chaotic settings and complex logistics. A big part of this was by providing us with amazing guides, starting with Jahel Amaru, who met us at the La Paz airport to whisk us across the altiplano to Oruro for its truly spectacular Carnival. Jahel is knowledgeable, patient, down-to-earth, smart patient, funny, and an extremely enjoyable person to spend time with. She guided us through the hectic Oruro Carnaval during its culminating weekend - with boundless energy and contagious enthusiasm. We had the time of our lives cheering on the colorful characters as they paraded and danced thanks to Jahel knowing exactly where to go, when, and providing invaluable context.
Community tourism (where visitors are connected with everyday Bolivians to learn about their lives) - has started to blossom in Bolivia, and this company is one of its pioneers. We got to experience it in Potosi, where we had another excellent guide, Marlene Quispe. She took us through Cerro Rico mine, which was the world’s leading supplier of silver. Marlene has close ties to mining: her brothers, parents and even she has worked there. As we ventured deeper into the earth, we learned from her about the mining process and cooperatives involved with it. She also introduced us to one of the mine's “tios” (“uncles” who are believed to protect miners), to whom she made an offering as she explained his importance.
Marlene took us to the Quechua community of Phuto Phuto, one of several in the rural district Cabanias that welcomes visitors as part of its community tourism program. Families take turns showing visitors their homes and traditions, including cooking huts with steaming pots, whose contents you later share for lunch. Marlene and one of the family members we met then led us on a beautiful hike to a spot where they invited us to participate in a ritual offering to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). It was an incredible day I will always remember.
Another wonderful community tourism experience was in the majestic Cordillera Real (Central Andean range), where we appreciated both the nature and culture of the region by staying near the town of Tuni with the multi-generational Quispe family (not related to Marlene). Family members share with guests Aymara traditions like placing fishing nets, spinning yarn, making quinoa flour, and shearing alpaca fleece. Patriarch Jaime is a charismatic host and a certified mountain guide who along with his adult son Denys, also a certified mountain guide, have expertise leading visitors of different ages and abilities. We loved staying with them!
There are a few other places that stood out on our trip:
Hostal Las Olas in Copacabana on the shore of Lake Titicaca with gorgeous, artistic “cabins” and lovely views
Templo del Retiro Espiritual Cruz Andina (the Andean Cross Spiritual Retreat Center), in Tiwanaku steps from the ruins and owned by spiritual and cultural guide Rosse Mary Vargas Vilela. It’s filled with cats and crystals and offers delicious vegetarian meals. This is not a stop for everyone, but worth visiting or staying in if you are interested in mindfulness, ancient healing, and/or new age spirituality.
Local culture
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Home-stay
Age Range
1-75 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
La Paz, Potosi, Uyuni, Copacaban
La Paz, Potosi, Uyuni, Copacabana, Sucre, El Alto, Yumani, Villamar, Bolivia, Silolio Dykuma, Tomasamil
Experience the vibrant heartbeats of two of South America’s most iconic cities on the "Marvelous Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro" trip. Designed for experienced travelers who relish culture and discovery, this 9-day independent tour weaves together the rhythms, flavors, and panoramas of Argentina and Brazil.
Begin your cultural journey in Buenos Aires, wandering through dynamic neighborhoods like La Boca and San Telmo, famous for their tango, art, and colorful streets. Then, fly to Rio de Janeiro, where the city’s energy is matched only by its natural beauty—stroll the legendary Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, gaze out from Sugarloaf and Corcovado Mountains, and visit the awe-inspiring Christ the Redeemer statue, a modern wonder of the world.
The USP of this tour package is the seamless blend of self-guided flexibility and curated highlights, allowing you to explore at your own pace while enjoying comfortable accommodations and essential transfers. For travelers seeking a deep dive into Latin America’s most exhilarating cities, this trip offers a rich tapestry of historic sites, world-famous landscapes, and authentic local experiences.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Wine, gourmet cuisine, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Southern Andes await on this 14-day luxury food and wine tour through Argentina and Chile. Designed with both experienced travelers and seniors in mind, this guided journey blends sophisticated tastes with the natural wonders of Patagonia and the Lake Districts.
Start in Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America, where you’ll savor exquisite Argentine dinners paired with local wines and stroll through the city’s iconic milongas. From there, travel to Bariloche, renowned for its lakes and chocolate, and cross the majestic Andes into Chile, soaking in panoramic vistas of lakes, volcanoes, and snow-capped peaks.
Experience the authentic gaucho lifestyle in San Antonio de Areco, visiting traditional ateliers and historic pulperias in the heart of the pampas. Throughout the tour, you’ll indulge in curated wine tastings, gourmet meals, and cultural immersions designed to elevate your senses.
What makes this tour package truly unique is the seamless blend of luxury, local tradition, and natural beauty—offering guests a refined yet adventurous exploration of South America’s most celebrated regions.
Wine tasting tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Mendoza
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Mendoza, Andes Mountains, Puerto Varas, Patagonia, San Carlos de Bariloche, Puerto Montt, Uco Valley, San Antonio De Areco, Pulperias, Isla Negra
It's the first time I've done a National Geographic tour and the accommodation was at the next level compared to classic tours.
Lunch on the salt flats was awesome, table, chairs, food and wine. Followed by sparkling cider for tea with snacks....G never fails to surprise me by taking it up the next level.
Izzy helped me out with my on line check in, as well as a few others in the group. He is definitely deserving of being a primary CEO
Natural landmarks sightseeing
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
Excellent trip very insightful tour guides. We had some hiccups with the weather and flights. However, our guudes. made it as best as possible. I highly recommend this trip!
A short trip but a good way to experience the highlands of Ecuador.
Highlights are Cotopaxi mountain lodge and national park and Cuenca. Both beautiful places.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
I can't recommend this tour enough. Well organized, amazing experience. Hiking was beautiful and the porters and staff were so hard working, they carried everything, set-up camp for us every day/night and allowed guests to immerse in the magic of the Incan culture and natural beauty unencumbered. Also - the food, which was cooked fresh every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner was delicious, healthy and made with care.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
