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Get the Ultimate Central & South America Adventure Guide

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Epic adventures, made simple: Your essential guide for Central and South America

Trusted by 15,000+ travelers since 1996, Active Adventures has designed the very best travel experiences in the most iconic, awe-inspiring locations. Whether you’re hiking to Machu Picchu, exploring the Galápagos Islands, soaking up the wild beauty of Patagonia’s peaks, discovering rainforest trails in Costa Rica, or experiencing beach life in Mexico, this is travel that connects you to the heart and soul of a place to make it a truly unique experience.

Our small group, fully guided adventures make your dreams of exploring Central and South America doable. Just pack your spirit for adventure — we’ll take care of the rest. 

What’s inside the guide? 

- Eleven feature-packed itineraries ranging from 6-14 days 

- Choose from Patagonia, Galápagos Islands, Peru, Costa Rica, and Mexico

- The best time to visit each destination 

Get the Ultimate Central & South America Guide

One of the most beautiful, peaceful and amazing places in the entire world. Nature is definitely at its best here!

James | Patagonia Hiking Adventure

Just returned from an incredible trip to the Galápagos. From the very beginning, the trip was well organized.

Elizabeth | Ultimate Galápagos Islands Adventure

We were thrilled to complete the LaresTrail and view Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. Breathtaking. Well done Active Adventures for a memorable trek.

Jeanne | Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure

Fantastic local guides, a roomy van with a great driver to get between places, and amazing local food with beautiful fresh fruit and vegetables at every meal.

Jacqui | Ultimate Costa Rica Adventure

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Browse Central and South America Trips

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure

4.7/5

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure

  • 10 days
  • Level 2
  • fromUSD 6,899/pp including taxes and fees

Get a fresh perspective of life on the Galápagos Islands as you land-hop from island to island, filling your days with hiking, biking, cruising, snorkeling, and swimming. Relax each night on land and get to know the local way of life.

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Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

4.7/5

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

  • 13 days
  • Level 2
  • fromUSD 9,699/pp including taxes and fees

This South American adventure-of-a-lifetime combines hiking, biking, kayaking, snorkeling, and rich cultural experiences. Explore Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu, then meet the dynamic wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos Islands—up close and unforgettable.

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Patagonia Hiking Adventure

4.7/5

Patagonia Hiking Adventure

  • 14 days
  • Level 3
  • fromUSD 7,699/pp including taxes and fees

You won't believe the jaw-dropping scenery in Chile and Argentina as you hike, bike, and cruise through Patagonia. Find out why everyone raves about the W Trek, and take your own enviable photos of Monte Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre on this 14-day adventure.

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Northern Patagonia Adventure

4.6/5

Northern Patagonia Adventure

  • 14 days
  • Level 3
  • fromUSD 7,999/pp including taxes and fees

You'll fall in love with the relaxed Patagonian culture and picture-perfect landscapes of Chile and Argentina. Hike a handful of national parks, kayak across fjords, stay in comfortable accommodations, and enjoy delicious local cuisine.

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Classic Machu Picchu Adventure

5/5

Classic Machu Picchu Adventure

  • 6 days
  • Level 2
  • fromUSD 5,099/pp including taxes and fees

Starting in Cusco, you'll cycle into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, hike the Huchuy Qosqo Trail, visit Pisac market, and spend a full morning exploring the famous citadel of Machu Picchu, including a chance to hike to the Sun Gate. Your local guides will be with you every step of way sharing their insights and knowlege, to make this a truly life-changing adventure.

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Classic Galapagos Islands Adventure

4.6/5

Classic Galapagos Islands Adventure

  • 7 days
  • Level 2
  • fromUSD 4,799/pp including taxes and fees

Explore the best of the Galápagos Islands on this seven-day island-hopping adventure. Snorkel Kicker Rock, cycle San Cristobal, hike volcanic landscapes, see incredible wildlife, kayak pristine waters, and get to know local life as you relax on land each night.

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Hike, Bike and Kayak in Central and South America’s Most Iconic Landscapes

Our Central & South America adventures are crafted to get you moving in the heart of nature. You might find yourself hiking through Patagonia’s dramatic peaks, pedaling scenic Andean valleys, snorkeling with marine life in the Galápagos, or exploring rainforest trails in Costa Rica.

Each day is filled with immersive activities that connect you deeply to the landscapes, with time to soak it all in rather than rush from one highlight to the next.

Central & South America Trip Highlights

The Difference is in the Details

What makes these adventures truly special is the way they’re experienced. With small groups and expert local guides, every trip feels like traveling with friends who know the way. 

You’ll be supported, cared for, and free to explore at your pace. We handle the details, from logistics to meals, so all you need to bring is your curiosity and a sense of adventure. We’ll take care of the rest.

Choose from 6-14 day itineraries that bring each destination vividly to life...

- Your dream trip, made simple — we take care of every detail so you can simply enjoy the journey.

- Guided by locals, connected by stories — see each place through the eyes of those who call it home.

- Immersive adventures — activities that bring you closer to the natural world.

- Your adventure, your pace — flexible options to match your style.

- Small groups, big heart — travel with a close-knit feel and plenty of connection.

Get the Ultimate Central & South America Guide

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Active Hearts Foundation
Adventure Travel
Alps Ocean
DOC Approved
NAT GEO
NATO GEO 2015
Safety Audit Certified
Qualmark Gold
Queenstown Business Awards
Supergold
Sustainable Tourism
Tourism Industry Member
Travellers Choice Awards 2019
Travellers Choice Awards 2020
Sustainable Tourism badge
Active Hearts Foundation
Adventure Travel
Alps Ocean
DOC Approved
NAT GEO
NATO GEO 2015
Safety Audit Certified
Qualmark Gold
Queenstown Business Awards
Supergold
Sustainable Tourism
Tourism Industry Member
Travellers Choice Awards 2019
Travellers Choice Awards 2020
Sustainable Tourism badge
Active Hearts Foundation
Adventure Travel
Alps Ocean
DOC Approved
NAT GEO
NATO GEO 2015
Safety Audit Certified
Qualmark Gold
Queenstown Business Awards
Supergold
Sustainable Tourism
Tourism Industry Member
Travellers Choice Awards 2019
Travellers Choice Awards 2020
Sustainable Tourism badge
Active Hearts Foundation
Adventure Travel
Alps Ocean
DOC Approved
NAT GEO
NATO GEO 2015
Safety Audit Certified
Qualmark Gold
Queenstown Business Awards
Supergold
Sustainable Tourism
Tourism Industry Member
Travellers Choice Awards 2019
Travellers Choice Awards 2020
Sustainable Tourism badge
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