Get off the beaten track on this two-week family holiday in Costa Rica, exploring all the best highlights and hidden secrets. Starting in subtropical San Jose, you'll explore Tortuguero National Park – home to 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammals and the nesting ground of the green turtle. Spend some time in biodiverse Sarapiqui and maybe take on a few fun, active adventures with the kids. Stay in La Fortuna under the mighty gaze of Arenal Volcano and soak in your onsite hot springs before heading to the cloud forest in Monteverde. Learn how to cook authentic local Costa Rican food in Dominical with three generations of locals and then take a day trip to the popular Manuel Antonio National Park. After a huge adventure full of natural wonders and wildlife, meet the Indigenous community along the Terraba River and learn about their matriarchal society before ending it all back in San Jose.
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Dominical, Manuel Anto
San Jose, Dominical, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Monteverde
Calling all nature lovers, solo travellers and young adventurers! Spend a week in Costa Rica beginning in San Jose – the thriving urban centre with colourful markets, vibrant nightlife and spontaneous art fairs. Explore Monteverde’s Cloud Forest at your own pace, keeping your eye out for sloths and the elusive quetzal bird. Head to La Fortuna, shadowed by the immense Arenal Volcano, and enjoy free time to chase waterfalls and soak away your worries in the natural thermal hot springs. Explore Cahuita National Park with a hike and a swim, then enjoy some beach time on the Caribbean coast in Puerto Viejo. If you're lucky, spot sloths, hummingbirds, iguanas, monkeys, toucans, coatimundis, quetzals and racoons, then take a cooking class to learn the local cuisine. With a local leader with insider knowledge and a likeminded group of travellers – what better way to dive into Costa Rica?
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
For expeditioners who prefer to focus their energy on adventures in Antarctica, flying over the Drake Passage in both directions is the ideal way to reach the Great White Continent. In the safe hands of experienced pilots, your pulse will quicken as you glimpse the first icebergs in the Southern Ocean, where your vessel awaits, ready to take you on an exhilarating adventure.
Venturing below the Antarctic Circle is about more than just earning bragging rights, it is the chance to enter a different world more rarely seen, it feels more isolated and colder than further north, with great swathes of pack-ice and dreamlike icebergs.
Celebrate the crossing of the Antarctic Circle - at latitude 66° 33&39 South
Visit some of Antarctica's historic huts - enjoy visits to scientific research stations
Get up-close - with humpback and minke whales
Enjoy the freedom of Antarctica - being in the vast, ice-sculpted Antarctic wilderness
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin, Hut
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Antarctic
Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, King George Island
A true adventure to the world's most remote wilderness. This 13-day Antarctica Classic in Depth expedition focuses on the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, home to some of the planet's most impressive wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Throughout the voyage, the team of lecturers and guides will share their knowledge of the region's remarkable natural history.
Incredible scenery - witness the raw beauty of the White Continent
Enjoy a variety of whales - sail with orca, minke and humpback whales
See large penguin colonies - Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort, Ship Cabin
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, Dr
Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands
From Montevideo to the depths of Antarctica - challenge, desolation, unlimited wonder. It's not difficult to grasp what attracted the great explorers to Antarctica. Get a personal appreciation for the struggle to tame the bottom of the world on this 22-day adventure to the land that entranced Shackleton and countless others since. What better year to travel, than the centenary year of Shackleton's epic journey! After time visiting Montevideo, you'll set sail to explore the Falkland Islands, encounter abandoned whaling stations on South Georgia Island and pay your respects at Shackleton's grave. Elsewhere, you'll catch up with penguins - king, chinstrap and gentoo varieties - and learn all about them through daily lectures, get close to whales and cavorting seals from a Zodiac boat and keep your eyes peeled for towering icebergs and massive glaciers. Prepare to be astonished.
An epic Antarctic adventure - in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton
View large colonies of iconic king penguins - on South Georgia
Variety of penguins - stand amid magellanic, macaroni and rockhopper penguins in the Falkland Islands
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ushuaia, Montevideo, South Georg
Ushuaia, Montevideo, South Georgia, South Shetland Islands, Drake Passage, Falkland Islands
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
From the heights of the volcanoes to the unexplored waters of Galapagos, this tour is a must for the lovers of the great outdoors. Whether you are snorkeling with sea lions & rays, or chilling with the giant Galapagos tortoise, this adventure is epic!
Beach
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Guayaquil, San Cristobal
Quito, Guayaquil, San Cristobal Island, Tena, Banos, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz
See the Andes and then some on this incredible Inca extravaganza. Conquer the Lares Valley Trek and the Inca Trail (plus Machu Picchu) in 6 jaw-droppingly splendid days. Visit some of the most isolated communities in Latin America. Absorb yourself in a world of ancient cities, glacial lakes, waterfalls and mountain views. Plus ancient hot springs. And LOTS of llamas.
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
Spectacular climbing expedition in Cordillera Real with ascents of Pequeno Alpamayo (5370m/17,618ft), Huayna Potosi (6088m/19,973ft) & Illimani (6438m/21,122ft). This is the complete climbing trip to Bolivia. The towering white peaks of the Cordillera Real provide a majestic backdrop above the vast Bolivian altiplano. This is a spectacular alpine region ideally suited to anyone who is looking to undertake a series of classic mountaineering ascents in one of the world's finest alpine locations. To ensure sound acclimatisation we spend time in La Paz and the ‘Island of the Sun’ on Lake Titicaca before heading to the snow capped Cordillera Real, where we undertake 2 days of instruction with our experienced guides to prepare for the ascents. An excellent level of fitness is necessary to help ensure your summit ambitions as we undertake a series of progressively more challenging peaks, culminating with Illimani, a moderately technical peak recognised as one of the classic climbs of South America. You will complete this expedition with enhanced mountaineering skills and the knowledge acquired through undertaking the various challenges that these interesting peaks offer.
Climbing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Tent, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
La Paz, Huayna Potosi Base Camp
La Paz, Huayna Potosi Base Camp, Illimani, Isla Del Sol, Copacabana, Condoriri, Pequeno Alpamayo
Climb Mount San Valentin (4058m) on this fully supported expedition on the Northern Patagonia Icefield. A truly epic climb in one of the world's most spectacular alpine environments.. World Expeditions are excited to announce an expedition to Mount San Valentin (4058m) - the highest peak in Patagonia. The location of San Valentin in the middle of the impressive Northern Patagonian Ice Field makes it a tremendous climb in one of the world's most remote and spectacular alpine environments. San Valentin is a serious expedition, with the likelihood of extreme weather, heavy loads to be carried and sled pulling required to access high camp. This expedition is for the highly motivated mountaineer, experienced with cold weather conditions, looking to make a summit attempt on this highly sought after mountain in a truly special alpine wilderness.
Climbing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Lodge, Tent
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Patagonia, Balmaceda, Terra Luna
Patagonia, Balmaceda, Terra Luna, Campo Italiano, Raton Camp, Terrace Camp, Mount San Valentin