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Central & South America Adventure Tours

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South America Hiking Adventure Tours v3

From Peru's Ancient Incan Empire and Patagonia's dramatic landscapes to the dreamy Galapagos, get ready for a Central & South America adventure tour like no other!

Central & South America is one of the most diverse of all the world's continents, and we reckon the best way to explore its many landscapes is to join a Central & South America adventure tour. Witness some of the earliest evidence of human society in Peru, as well as mind-boggling engineering at sites like Machu Picchu. Journey deep into Patagonia's pristine national parks, explore Costa Rica's lush rainforests and white sand beaches, and discover the rich and flourishing wild flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands. With small groups and experienced guides, you'll explore off-the-beaten-path and embrace the local way of life along the way. These are some of the most diverse and authentic Central & South American adventure tours you'll find.

South America Hiking Adventure Tours

Hike, bike and kayak in Central & South America's most iconic landscapes, at your own pace

Here at Active Adventures we understand the need for variety, and in such a huge place it would be impossible to cover all of the ground in one trip - so we've created a bunch which all appeal to different interests. Our trips travel through Costa Rica, Peru, Patagonia, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands - we believe you should be able to enjoy the destination that appeals to you most, without having to rush to the next spot.

Hear from our Happy Guests
4.85/5 Rating | 6,500+ Reviews

What Our Guests Say About Our Trips

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Patagonia Hiking Adventure

Robert P

"Our trip with Active Adventures was outstanding. Our guide was amazing and the views were stunning

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Our trip with Active Adventures was outstanding. Our guide was amazing and the views were…

"Our trip with Active Adventures was outstanding. Our guide was amazing and the views were stunning read less

4.7 Stars (1139 reviews)

R | November 9600

Patagonia Hiking Adventure

David W

"From the first moment, we felt in good hands. We were fortunate with other group members being friendly as well. We had agonised over challenging vs comfort and we’re so glad we chose challenging for the immersion. Yes we had to share but our group was with us. Bonus. It was bonding

read more

From the first moment, we felt in good hands. We were fortunate with other group…

"From the first moment, we felt in good hands. We were fortunate with other group members being friendly as well. We had agonised over challenging vs comfort and we’re so glad we chose challenging for the immersion. Yes we had to share but our group was with us. Bonus. It was bonding read less

4.7 Stars (1139 reviews)

D | January 1970

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

Dennis T

"I went on this trip to see Machu Picchu and ended up being amazed by The Sacred Valley, the people (Incas) of the Andes and our Guide Salvador. Our guide brought the people and the land to life!

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I went on this trip to see Machu Picchu and ended up being amazed by…

"I went on this trip to see Machu Picchu and ended up being amazed by The Sacred Valley, the people (Incas) of the Andes and our Guide Salvador. Our guide brought the people and the land to life! read less

4.7 Stars (112 reviews)

D | January 1970

Patagonia Hiking Adventure

Bart W

"For those considering if booking with Active is worth it... Well, in short, yes. They absolutely handle the logistics during the trip and handle them well. The booked transfer services, lodging, and guides were excellent and worth the cost. My particular trip was to Patagonia. Doing privately would / could have been challenging and potentially frustrating. There are a lot of complexities in Patagonia and the Active team absolutely handled that very well.

read more

For those considering if booking with Active is worth it... Well, in short, yes. …

"For those considering if booking with Active is worth it... Well, in short, yes. They absolutely handle the logistics during the trip and handle them well. The booked transfer services, lodging, and guides were excellent and worth the cost. My particular trip was to Patagonia. Doing privately would / could have been challenging and potentially frustrating. There are a lot of complexities in Patagonia and the Active team absolutely handled that very well. read less

4.7 Stars (1139 reviews)

B | January 1970

Patagonia Hiking Adventure

Janet P

"Incredible experience visiting the wonderful National parks of Patagonia in both Chile and Argentina. Spectacular scenery, great leaders and a lovely group of people. Perfect

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Incredible experience visiting the wonderful National parks of Patagonia in both Chile and Argentina. Spectacular…

"Incredible experience visiting the wonderful National parks of Patagonia in both Chile and Argentina. Spectacular scenery, great leaders and a lovely group of people. Perfect read less

4.7 Stars (1139 reviews)

J | January 1970

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

Donna T

"There were so many wonderful things so see. We loved every day of this trip. Our Peru guide, Salvador, was outstanding, and so very kind. It was great to see Peru through his eyes! Our Galapagos guide Pablo was also very knowledgeable.

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There were so many wonderful things so see. We loved every day of this trip.…

"There were so many wonderful things so see. We loved every day of this trip. Our Peru guide, Salvador, was outstanding, and so very kind. It was great to see Peru through his eyes! Our Galapagos guide Pablo was also very knowledgeable. read less

4.7 Stars (112 reviews)

D | January 1970

Patagonia Hiking Adventure

Alexa Z

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

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Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.7 Stars (1139 reviews)

A | January 1970

Northern Patagonia Adventure

Karen K

"The River and Lakes Regions of Northern Patagonia were stunningly beautiful amongst the backdrop of many snow-kissed volcanos. Hiking and experiences were completely different than the rugged Southern Patagonia regions, but equally beautiful.

read more

The River and Lakes Regions of Northern Patagonia were stunningly beautiful amongst the backdrop of…

"The River and Lakes Regions of Northern Patagonia were stunningly beautiful amongst the backdrop of many snow-kissed volcanos. Hiking and experiences were completely different than the rugged Southern Patagonia regions, but equally beautiful. read less

4.6 Stars (56 reviews)

K | November 0000

Patagonia Hiking Adventure

Kevin M

"Fantastic trip that is one for the books. It was filled with exciting worthwhile activities such as biking to the caves, sea kayaking in Lake Grey, glacier hiking (extra cost not included in package) and of course hiking. Trekking was challenging at times but the summits with the views were well worth it. This was my second trekking trip with Active Adventures and once again the trip leader (Zac) and guides (Andrea, Camilla and Lucy) were top-notch. Excellent interpersonal skills (where does Active Adventures find these people?!!!) and knowledge of the local flora and fauna and areas. They quickly brought a diverse group of people together into a cohesive unit. A lot of laughs and mutual support.

Food was very good with a mix of nice restaurants and refugio dinners. Accommodations in the hotels and refugioes were as billed - clean and comfortable..

Shout out to Big Foot outfitters at Lake Grey. Their staff led the sea kayaking and glacier hiking. Friendly, professional guides with updated equipment. I'm so glad I splurged on the extra cost for the glacier hiking. It was an experience of a lifetime and worth every penny.

read more

Fantastic trip that is one for the books. It was filled with exciting worthwhile…

"Fantastic trip that is one for the books. It was filled with exciting worthwhile activities such as biking to the caves, sea kayaking in Lake Grey, glacier hiking (extra cost not included in package) and of course hiking. Trekking was challenging at times but the summits with the views were well worth it. This was my second trekking trip with Active Adventures and once again the trip leader (Zac) and guides (Andrea, Camilla and Lucy) were top-notch. Excellent interpersonal skills (where does Active Adventures find these people?!!!) and knowledge of the local flora and fauna and areas. They quickly brought a diverse group of people together into a cohesive unit. A lot of laughs and mutual support.

Food was very good with a mix of nice restaurants and refugio dinners. Accommodations in the hotels and refugioes were as billed - clean and comfortable..

Shout out to Big Foot outfitters at Lake Grey. Their staff led the sea kayaking and glacier hiking. Friendly, professional guides with updated equipment. I'm so glad I splurged on the extra cost for the glacier hiking. It was an experience of a lifetime and worth every penny. read less

4.7 Stars (1139 reviews)

K | November 0000

Patagonia Hiking Adventure

Moira F

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

read more

Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.7 Stars (1139 reviews)

M | November 0000

Patagonia Hiking Adventure

Francoise guillo, M

"Amazing adventure lead by an amazing team to the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. Thank you!

read more

Amazing adventure lead by an amazing team to the most beautiful scenery I have ever…

"Amazing adventure lead by an amazing team to the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. Thank you! read less

4.7 Stars (1139 reviews)

F | November 0000

Northern Patagonia Adventure

Shearon R

"Recently home from this fantastic adventure, my 3rd with Active. Northern Patagonia is just spectacular in scenery and activity. Wonderful hikes, two kayak days, lots of time spent traveling multi-modal transportation seeing much variety in landscapes. Could not have asked for any better than our wonderful guide, Mayra!!
Lodgings were good and interesting, food always great and plentiful, and to be sure we had good wine in both Argentina and Chile. Fun fun group, lots of laughter!

read more

Recently home from this fantastic adventure, my 3rd with Active. Northern Patagonia is just…

"Recently home from this fantastic adventure, my 3rd with Active. Northern Patagonia is just spectacular in scenery and activity. Wonderful hikes, two kayak days, lots of time spent traveling multi-modal transportation seeing much variety in landscapes. Could not have asked for any better than our wonderful guide, Mayra!!
Lodgings were good and interesting, food always great and plentiful, and to be sure we had good wine in both Argentina and Chile. Fun fun group, lots of laughter! read less

4.6 Stars (56 reviews)

S | November 0000

Patagonia Hiking Adventure

Richard D

"Zach is a GOOD trip leader. Very attentive, easy going, the right mind set/attitude to be a
trip leader, organized, diligent in helping out. He's from Peru, when he mentioned that I asked him about alternative treks in Peru near Machu Pichu. He said He can give me information on that. I would go with him again.
The group was good. We all merged into one group, good talks, jokes, stories. It was a bummer to hear about Scott and Katheryn. Scott told good jokes. The weather was typical for Patagonia. The weather itself is part of the trek/trip down there. Accommodations in Punta Arenas, Natales, Calafata, El Chalten were good, almost to point of five star hotels. We ate well. Zach knew the places to go to for a good meal. The guides for the bike ride, the "W" trek, and El Chalten were good, fun to talk to, very helpful. The van drivers were good, no lead foots, the vans were clean and comfortable. Trip organization was good. The one small item that could be improved is a better notice that…

read more

Zach is a GOOD trip leader. Very attentive, easy going, the right mind set/attitude…

"Zach is a GOOD trip leader. Very attentive, easy going, the right mind set/attitude to be a
trip leader, organized, diligent in helping out. He's from Peru, when he mentioned that I asked him about alternative treks in Peru near Machu Pichu. He said He can give me information on that. I would go with him again.
The group was good. We all merged into one group, good talks, jokes, stories. It was a bummer to hear about Scott and Katheryn. Scott told good jokes. The weather was typical for Patagonia. The weather itself is part of the trek/trip down there. Accommodations in Punta Arenas, Natales, Calafata, El Chalten were good, almost to point of five star hotels. We ate well. Zach knew the places to go to for a good meal. The guides for the bike ride, the "W" trek, and El Chalten were good, fun to talk to, very helpful. The van drivers were good, no lead foots, the vans were clean and comfortable. Trip organization was good. The one small item that could be improved is a better notice that there will be a place where one can get laundry done. On the "W" trek I wished we had more time to get up to the Britanica viewpoint. We got as far as the France look out. IT was really windy that day but great sunshine. I know Zach has to keep the group moving to make the schedule. I felt I could have gone to Britanica with one of the other guides, either Andres or Camilia. We then would catch up with the group. The box lunches were bigger than I anticipated, the extra food/calories was appreciated. Breakfasts at the places we stayed were good. The boat rides were good. I wish when we at the Moreno Glacier we spent more time there. We only did an hour. I could have spent three/four hours there. I was a fast hiker, I know not all in the group could go my pace. I know the hike guides have to find the "right pace" to fit that group. On the first hike in Glaciares, Lucy, the local hike guide did a really slow pace and it was painful. I know one other trip member made a comment to Zach to hike at a faster pace. I wish we could have spent more time at to take in the views.
Overall a GOOD trip. I would tell others on this trek. I have already looked at your New Zealand trips, the hike one on the mountain bike one. I had a wild thought of doing both. Four weeks in New Zealand...sounds good to me. read less

4.7 Stars (1139 reviews)

R | November 0000

Northern Patagonia Adventure

Lori T

"We thoroughly enjoyed our Northern Patagonia trip. Endless beauty, perfect mix of hiking and kayaking, unique accommodations, fascinating flora and fauna, lovely lakes, plus yummy wine to sip at the end of the day! Everything lived up to the Active Adventure experience we have always enjoyed. Terrific trip...Highly recommend.

read more

We thoroughly enjoyed our Northern Patagonia trip. Endless beauty, perfect mix of hiking and kayaking,…

"We thoroughly enjoyed our Northern Patagonia trip. Endless beauty, perfect mix of hiking and kayaking, unique accommodations, fascinating flora and fauna, lovely lakes, plus yummy wine to sip at the end of the day! Everything lived up to the Active Adventure experience we have always enjoyed. Terrific trip...Highly recommend. read less

4.6 Stars (56 reviews)

L | November 0000

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure

Robert G

"We had the most spectacular time on this tour. The Galapagos and all it has to offer was amazing. It was made even better by our guide, Pablo. He was a wealth of information with a flair for the dramatic, which made the tour both educational as well as entertaining. Paulo, I’ll call him our support guide, made sure everything ran smoothly. All in all would highly recommend this tour.

read more

We had the most spectacular time on this tour. The Galapagos and all it has…

"We had the most spectacular time on this tour. The Galapagos and all it has to offer was amazing. It was made even better by our guide, Pablo. He was a wealth of information with a flair for the dramatic, which made the tour both educational as well as entertaining. Paulo, I’ll call him our support guide, made sure everything ran smoothly. All in all would highly recommend this tour. read less

4.7 Stars (1376 reviews)

R | January 1970

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure

Janelle G

"Fabulous trip, well organized with great variety of activities. Excellent guides! Great group of people to train with.

read more

Fabulous trip, well organized with great variety of activities. Excellent guides! Great group of…

"Fabulous trip, well organized with great variety of activities. Excellent guides! Great group of people to train with. read less

4.7 Stars (1376 reviews)

J | January 1970

ACT24 Price Promise October 2024 ACTIVE Generic Deal pod v02

Book Now With Our Price Promise

Our Price Promise is designed to give you complete confidence when booking your unforgettable adventure. Here's how it works...

  • Book your next adventure now (no need to wait for any Black Friday sales and risk missing out on your preferred departure date!)
  • If the price of your trip drops within 60 days of booking, we promise to honor the lower price and apply it to your trip

With our Price Promise you don't have to wait for future sales to get the best price.

So go for it - secure your preferred trip and departure date by booking your dream adventure now!

*Terms and conditions apply - see below

 

*Price Promise is available for bookings made on or after October 16, 2024. If the advertised price of your booked future trip decreases within 60 days of your original booking date, you can contact us to request the lower price be applied to your existing booking. You must contact us no later than 60 days from your original booking date and provide details of the available price/discount you wish to avail. The price of your trip can be changed only once and only if you contact us during the time at which the lower price is advertised/available. Price Promise cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions, or discounts. The company reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time in its sole discretion. Other restrictions may apply.  

 

Our Trips... from our Guests' Perspective

Central & South America Travel Blogs & Stories

Best Time to Visit Peru | Destinations, Climate, and Seasons

So, when is the best time to visit Peru?If you're considering traveling to Peru, the…

W Trek Patagonia – Everything You Need to Know

Calling Torres del Paine National Park a dramatic landscape is an understatement. It’s a hiker's…

Where to Travel in 2022: Top Adventure Trip for Each Month

So, you're ready to make 2022 a year of incredible adventures? Dust off the hiking…

Podcast: Kit Parks Interviews David and Tina About their Ecuador Adventure

Kit Parks from Active Travel Adventures interviews David and Tina about their 7-day Ecuador Volcano…

Podcast: Kit Parks Interviews Dave and Tina About their Galapagos Land and Sea Adventure

Kit Parks from Active Travel Adventures, Dave and Tina discuss their recent Galapagos Adventure. It's…

Adventure Travel to Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know

Photo by Kamchatka/Getty Images

With coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and…

Travelling to Ecuador and the Galapagos During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Notice anything different about this picture? Look closely - there's a small sign this photo…

Top 5 Open Destinations to Visit in 2022: Where Can Americans Travel?

The light at the end of the tunnel is finally here and keen travellers are…

The Best Time to visit the Galapagos Islands

If you’re heading to the Galapagos Islands, you probably can’t wait to get out your…

Podcast: Erin Chambers talks with Kit about her adventure to Patagonia

 

 

Why Travel With Us

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Experience adventure the way you want

You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace.

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Crafting award-winning trips for decades - the New Zealand way

We're proud of our New Zealand roots and you’ll love our professional and warm style of hosting. We’re always here to help with planning... even hiking boot recommendations!

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Every detail covered, to maximise your time

We've got everything covered – top-notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.

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Group travel for those who aren’t ‘group travelers’

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you'll get to know your fellow travelers and have the flexibility to go at your own pace.

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Explore hidden gems through our expert local guides

All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy an authentic local experience.

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Over 10,000 5-star reviews - that’s pretty solid

We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.

Our Local Guides

Central & South America Travel FAQs

Do you recommend buying travel insurance?

As an Active Adventures traveller, It’s essential you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of personal injury, medical expenses, trip cancellation for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Insurance page for more in-depth information and insurance provider options. It’s also important to check your insurance covers all the activities you’ll be partaking in, in case you’re travelling to altitude or looking at extreme sports.

What's included on your South America trips?

Accommodation

On your South America trip you'll stay in a variety of places depending on the destination and activities. In Peru you'll stay in nice hotels, tents while you're hiking (complete with porters to put them up for you, cook your meals and generally make sure it's the best camping experience ever!), jungle lodges and local homes on Amantani Island (a truly once in a lifetime experience). In Ecuador mainland you'll stay in hotels and jungle lodges, and on the Galapagos Islands you'll stay on dry land, meaning you're free to walk around each evening and get to know the residents of these famous isles. Down in Patagonia you'll lay your head each night in hotels, lodges and the famous 'refugios' in the National Parks. While these may sound basic they have incredible facilities (including electricity), the views are out of this world, they have restaurants and you'll meet an incredible array of people that have travelled from far and wide to visit the bottom of the world.

Transport

Your transport will be a mixture of bus, plane, boat, bike and your very own two feet on our trips in South America. You'll spend most time on a boat in the Galapagos Islands as you make your way from island to island during the day, and down in Peru you'll travel by boat in the Amazon to get to your lodge. We have domestic flights included in our Galapagos Islands and Peru trips to shorten our travel times and to ensure you have the best experience possible. All your transport is included from the start of your trip and we'll drop you at the airport at the end. The details are all listed in the trip specific itineraries.

Meals

All your meals are included as described in the itinerary except on your free days. We have found that people enjoy checking out what is on offer by themselves sometimes, so you can go and see what's out there! On every other day and especially after any long hikes, we've chosen places to eat that can cater for our hearty appetites, work well with our small groups (they know we are coming) and provide us with an authentic destination specific culinary experience. There are always options for you, so you can either be brave or choose something more familiar. On the hiking portion of our trips (such as on the Inca Trail) we work with an outstanding team of cooks who will amaze you with what they can produce on a campsite miles from the nearest town. You can be assured that on all our trips we will make sure you are very well fed.

Trip leaders

Our trips are all led by an experienced Trip Leader. Our Trip Leaders are very proud to work with Active Adventures and often lead our trips for many years, for which we are very lucky and very grateful as it means we're able to consistently offer a fantastic level of service. They work closely with our local specialist guides to provide you with a seamless, fun, exciting and memorable trip. They will happily share with you as much or as little as you want to know about the history, culture, social aspects and lifestyle of the country you are visiting. In the Galapagos Islands you will be accompanied by a specialist Nature Guide, qualified to provide you with plenty of information about the species that make their home on the islands.

How many people are there on each of your South America trips?

We generally take up to 14 people per trip, although this can vary, and all our trips have at least two of our guides to look after you (apart from the occasions we have a small group). We have found that our trips tend to attract a particular kind of person and many people have commented that the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip!

Do you charge a forced single supplement if I'm a solo traveller?

We welcome many solo travelers on our trips – in fact, we get so many solo travelers and they always say it’s a great way to travel alone, but not actually by themselves. You’ll have an incredible adventure sharing your experiences with other like-minded travelers, and the best part is we don't charge extra for solo travelers, providing you don’t mind sharing a room. However, for bookings within 90 days of your chosen departure, a forced single supplement will apply if there is no other guest of the same gender already booked to share with.

If you prefer not to share a room at all, you can upgrade to a single room, if one is available. If your trip uses refugios which can only accommodate guests on a multi-share basis, the upgrade cost will reflect this.