From the wildlife paradise of the Amazon rainforest to the glistening glaciers of Chile, it’s no wonder South America is a favourite destination of travellers seeking peace of mind.
You might be surprised to learn that the vast majority of South American countries rank higher than the United States on the Global Peace Index, making most of the continent a perfectly safe choice for travellers. Why not discover South America’s safest countries and regions on a small-group trip led by locals? Read on to inspire your imagination ahead of your next adventure.
The Galápagos Islands, for wildlife and unspoilt nature galore
You’d be hard-pressed to find a safer location than a remote archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, around 1,000km (620mi) from mainland Ecuador. Crime is virtually non-existent on the Galápagos Islands, where the animal population far outweighs the number of people. As long as you respect local wildlife, most animals (and humans) are perfectly friendly. On this five-day cruise around the islands, you’ll meet giant tortoises, sleepy sea lions and the tiny Galápagos penguin. Accommodation includes a dreamy glamping site in the Santa Cruz highlands and a lovely hotel on San Cristóbal Island.
From US$1869
Next available from 6th Jan 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
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
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Ecuador, for horseback riding, cycling and whitewater rafting
Home to a stretch of the Andes mountains and part of the Amazon rainforest, not to mention a 2,000km (1,240mi) coastline, it’s no surprise that Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. Active volcanoes mean there’s always a chance of earthquakes and eruptions, but this is a rare occurrence, and there are plenty of procedures in place for when natural disasters loom. In fact, on this exclusive eight-day trip, you’ll travel right through the Avenue of Volcanoes and get to check out bottle-green crater lakes. Whitewater rafting in the Amazon, cycling the Baños Waterfall Route and horseback riding in Cotopaxi National Park also feature on the epic, action-packed itinerary.
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
Peru, for ancient ruins and foodie delights
As in most busy metropolitan areas, petty crime such as pickpocketing occurs in some Peruvian cities. Generally though, Peru is a diverse and welcoming country, and most travellers – whether solo or in groups – have only good experiences. On this small-group trip, you’ll see why people from all over the world are drawn to the country. Marvel at the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, explore the Sacred Valley and discover the sublime food scene of Arequipa. One thing to prepare for is altitude sickness – don’t push yourself too hard on those hikes.
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
Brazil, for dazzling cities and luscious green countryside
While Brazil might not have the best reputation when it comes to crime, don’t let that put you off visiting. Applying common sense while travelling – such as only using licensed taxis and keeping your valuables in your hotel – should leave you free to explore the natural wonders and sultry streets of this captivating country. The safest way to explore Brazil in on a small-group trip, so why not book your spot on our nine-day itinerary starting in spectacular Sao Paulo and ending on the golden beaches of Rio, with a soul-soothing escape on the coastal paradise of Paraty Bay sandwiched in between.
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
Additional reporting by Gethin Morgan.
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.
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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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