The Best Places to Embrace South American Culture
Love nothing more than a dose of Latin American culture when traveling abroad? These Culture Trip small-group adventures lift the lid on South America’s many fascinating cultures.
There are few places as geographically, linguistically or culturally diverse as South America, a continent with 12 countries, which speak a staggering 450 languages among them. From yawning salt flats to the Amazon rainforest, there are many adventures to be had and customs to discover. Book onto one of these trips to get fast-tracked to the heart of it all.
Rio de Janeiro, for famous sights, street art and samba culture
Nowhere embodies the South American spirit quite like Brazil, and it’s most famous city, Rio. From samba dancers shaking their hips to street artists expressing themselves on every corner, this city is ball of energy in city form. Our trip to Brazil, which starts in the equally culturally rich Sao Paulo, spends four days in Rio. We’ll learn more about samba history on a Carnaval experience, explore the rejuvenated Olympic Boulevard and learn how to spend time at the beach like a Brazilian – we’re talking volleyball, caipirinhas and secret sunset spots.
From US$2099
Next available from 8th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Sao Paulo, Brazil
ENDS AT
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia, for life in the slow lane
Colombia also boasts a dazzling Caribbean coastline, where beach lovers head for adventure sports, jungle trekking and the odd cocktail or two. This tour packs in just as much relaxation as South American history and culture, with time for swimming and snorkelling in the coral reefs on the Rosario Islands, and an afternoon kicking back on the beach in Rio Don Diego. You’ll be off the lounger before boredom sets in though, with activities including canoeing through the mangroves of La Boquilla, wildlife spotting in Tayrona National Park and a visit to San Basilio de Palenque, the first free African town in the Americas.
From US$1711
Next available from 9th Dec 2023
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
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
The Ecuadorian Andes, for horse riding and local art
It may be one of the smallest countries in the continent, but Ecuador offers vast swathes of Amazonian rainforest, soaring mountains and volcanoes, and more than its fair share of South American culture. In just eight days, you’ll journey to its heart, standing with one foot in each hemisphere, riding horses with the Ecuadorian highlanders and visiting the studio of a Tiguan artist who paints life in the high Andes. Before you leave, a guided hike will teach you how natural essential oils are used for medicine and aromatherapy, before you swap highlights at a final farewell dinner with your travel group.
From US$1459
Next available from 9th Dec 2023
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
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Machu Picchu, Peru, for archeological wonders
Step back in time and see one of the seven wonders of the world when you visit Machu Picchu. Discover the history of Incan civilisation at this set of 15th-century ruins, high in the Andes. But this nine-day Peru trip offers much more than just a visit to the country’s most famous site – you’ll also join a Peruvian cooking class in Cusco, explore archeological ruins in the Sacred Valley and learn all about the tasty picanterías (traditional luncg restaurants) of Arequipa.
From US$1824
Next available from 1st Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cusco, Peru
ENDS AT
Arequipa, Peru
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Maja Proescholdt and Gethin Morgan contributed additional reporting to this article.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
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.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
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!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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