The Best Adventure Holidays in South and Central America
If there’s a place for adrenaline junkies, it’s South and Central America. Book your place on one of these Culture Trip adventures and let us give you an experience you won’t forget.
From white-water rafting through the jungle in Costa Rica and horse riding in the Ecuadorian Andes, to snorkelling with sharks in the Galápagos Islands and river tubing in Colombia, South and Central America are an adventure lover’s paradise. With tropical rainforests, snow-capped mountains, volcanic islands and pristine beaches, the landscapes are as diverse as they are spectacular. Tempted? Here’s our selection of the best adventure holidays from Culture Trip in South and Central America.
Jungle trekking, white water rafting and surfing in Costa Rica
If you’re looking to combine adrenaline-pumping activities with wildlife spotting, then look no further than Costa Rica. On this eight-day small group adventure, you’ll have the chance to spot capuchin monkeys and jaguars on a safari in the Arenal Volcano National Park, and sloths on a moonlit hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Bounce down the Balsa River on a white-water rafting adventure and go mountain biking through the jungle, before heading to the coast, where you can learn how to ride waves in trendy Tamarindo.
From US$2099
Next available from 1st Jan 1970
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
San Jose, Costa Rica
ENDS AT
Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
17
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Snorkelling with sea lions and sea turtles around the Galápagos Islands
Ever wanted to go snorkeling and scuba diving with sharks, sea lions and sea turtles? If so, then consider joining this five-day overland trip to the Galápagos Islands – an archipelago around 1,000km (621mi) off the coast of mainland Ecuador. Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin as you spot marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies on San Cristóbal, hike through rugged volcanic landscapes and cactus forests on a remote, uninhabited island, and safely observe white-tipped reef sharks while kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the Itabaca Channel. An optional excursion to Kicker Rock gives you the chance to experience one of the best snorkelling and scuba diving spots in the Galápagos.
From US$1869
Next available from 6th Jan 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
ENDS AT
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Kayaking, river tubing and jungle trekking on Colombia’s Caribbean coast
This eight-day South American adventure encompasses the highlights of Colombia’s dazzling Caribbean coast, starting in Cartagena and continuing east to the laid-back beach town of Palomino, framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. You’ll go kayaking through mangroves in La Boquilla, swim and snorkel off the coast of the idyllic Rosario Islands, and hike through the dense jungle and palm-fringed beaches of Tayrona National Park, with a chance to spot iguanas and howler monkeys as you go. Round off your trip by river tubing down the Río Don Diego and exploring the ancient archaeological sites of indigenous tribes in Tayronaka
From US$1711
Next available from 1st Jan 1970
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cartagena, Colombia
ENDS AT
Santa Marta, Colombia
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Horse riding, volcano hiking and cycling in Ecuador
Mainland Ecuador boasts some of South America’s most spectacular scenery, including glacier-capped volcanoes, enormous waterfalls and tropical rainforest. Horse riding in Cotopaxi National Park and hiking around the Laguna Limpiopungo while staying overnight in a traditional mountain hacienda are just two of the highlights of this eight-day adventure. Hiking around the rim of the emerald green Quilotoa crater lake, cycling the Baños Waterfall Route and white water rafting through the Amazon on the Jatunyacu River are exhilarating activities on the agenda. You’ll also have an opportunity to ride the Swing at the End of the World, which offers jaw-dropping views of the Tungurahua volcano and the sweeping valley below.
From US$1459
Next available from 1st Jan 1970
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Quito, Ecuador
ENDS AT
Quito, Ecuador
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Kayaking on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala
Central America has plenty to offer adventurous travelers. This five-day trip to Guatemala includes a hike up to the summit of Pacaya volcano, where you’re rewarded with pizza and marshmallows cooked over molten lava. Next, you’ll travel to Lake Atitlan, a volcanic crater lake that’s surrounded by traditional Mayan villages. You’ll hit the water on a kayak tour, paddling among the lush gardens that line the lakeshore. Adrenaline junkies won’t want to miss the optional activity of ziplining over the water, too.
From US$934
Next available from 1st Jan 1970
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Guatemala City, Guatemala
ENDS AT
Guatemala City, Guatemala
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Maja Proescholdt contributed additional reporting to this article.
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meet our Local Insider
Hanna
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2 years.
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It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
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I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
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