Day Trips & Excursions in Central and South America

Support sustainable tourism with this eco-adventure to the Cinco Ceibas Rainforest Reserve and Adventure Park. On this full-day trip from San Jose, get an up-close peek at toucans, bats, red-eyed frogs and howler monkeys with a trek across an elevated jungle boardwalk. Create your own adventure with the choice of kayaking down the Rio Cuarto, horseback riding along a river trail or a exploring the reserve in an ox-pulled wagon. A locally sourced lunch, snacks and round-trip transport from San Jose are included.

Discover the natural wonders of the Salta province during this full-day sightseeing and wine tasting day trip from Salta. Trek south of Salta into the rivers, mountains and gorges of the Calchaquí Valley. Stop at the Devil's Throat rock formation to snap some photos before continuing on to the winemaking town of Cafayate. You'll tour a winery and taste some local wines before making the return trip to Salta.

Leave Santiago behind for a spectacular hiking tour through the Andes Mountains. Set out through Chile's Cajon del Maipo en route toward San Jose Volcano, a stratovolcano with a 2.5-mile wide caldera. Marvel at the surrounding mountain scenery dotted with glaciers and rivers as you walk, enjoying a leisurely pace while making your way to a secluded spot for lunch. Afterward, spend some relaxing time at a waterfall before completing your 2-hour round-trip trek.

Spend a full-day at the UNESCO listed Cajas National Park on a private day tour. Skip the confusion and irregular schedules of public transit with private hotel pickup and drop-off.  With a private guide by your side, all you have to do is enjoy the adventure. Your two hikes at different altitude levels offer spectacular views. Along the way, stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

Explore the old and new capitals of Guatemala on this full-day sightseeing adventure that combines both vehicle and walking tours of Guatemala City and Antigua. You'll see major highlights like the Civic Center, Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Market in Guatemala City, before heading to the World-Heritage listed city of Antigua. Wander the historic streets of this picturesque colonial town and stop at La Merced Church, Central Park and other highlights before enjoying a traditional lunch.

Witness the expansion of the Panama Canal during a visit to the Observation Center of the Canal Expansion in Colón. On this 8-hour tour from Panama City with a local guide, learn about the canal's expansion project, which will create a new traffic lane and double the canal's capacity. Stand on the covered observation platform for unobstructed views of the construction and Gatun Lake beyond. Visit the walking trails, the gift shop, the children's playground and have lunch at the onsite restaurant (own expense). Round-trip transportation from Panama City is included.

This guided tour from Bariloche combines the popular Short Circuit tour with a trip to Cerro Catedral, one of the largest ski resorts in the Southern Hemisphere. Complete the Short Circuit with a guide for a chance to see some of the area's stunning natural scenery, including Nahuel Huapi Lake, the Llao Llao Peninsula, and Lopez Bay, and then head to Cerro Catedral for amazing views, shopping, dining, and outdoor entertainment.

Immerse yourself in the natural splendor and spectacular scenery of Cajon del Maipo on a full-day tour from Santiago. Awaken your senses to the fragrant mountain air and dramatic landscape of the mountainous enclave while gaining insight into the fascinating flora and fauna with an insightful guide. Visit the traditional town of San Jose de Maipo to learn of the cultural customs of the region. Personalized attention from your guide is guaranteed on this small group tour, where numbers are limited to eight or twelve.

Get to know Cinco Ceibas National Reserve during this day tour from Puerto Viejo of Sarapiqui. Embark on a walk through the rain forest on an elevated boardwalk, learning about reforestation efforts from your guide. Choose to participate in a variety of activities, including an ox cart tour, horseback riding tour or kayaking. Round-trip transportation from Puerto Viejo of Sarapiqui hotels is included.

Be seduced by the bohemian spirit of Santiago on a full-day tour of the Chilean capital including a winery visit. Alongside your guide, you'll gain fascinating insight into the history of the city as you visit prominent landmarks like Santiago Cathedral, La Moneda Palace and Central Market. Absorb the charm of colorful neighborhood, Bellavista; admire the metropolitan grandeur of the financial district, 'Sanhattan', and visit a winery of your choice for a vineyard tour and tasting session. Winery choices include Undurruga, Concha y Toro or Santa Rita.  

Liberate your senses from Santiago's metropolitan bustle on a 9-hour tour of Cajon del Maipo and the El Yeso Dam (Embalse El Yeso) from Santiago. In a small group limited to nine, you'll travel into the Chilean Andes and visit natural highlights such as Cajon del Maipo, a narrow canyon through which the Maipo River flows, and El Yeso Dam (Embalse El Yeso), a turquoise body of water which reveals views of snow-capped peaks. WIne and cheese samples, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Immerse yourself in Colombia's world-famous coffee industry during this 6-hour private tour of Hacienda Coloma. Discover every stage of the coffee-making process, from growing to harvesting to roasting and brewing, finishing with a freshly-brewed taste of the hacienda's own beans. A Colombian lunch, plus a stop at the nursery gardens of San Miguel are also included.

Explore the rich culture, fascinating history and majestic scenery near Arequipa during this 14-hour day trip including Peru's incredible Colca Canyon. Drive into the depths of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, as you explore a series of agricultural villages and cultural sites that lie within the canyon, including Antahuilque and the Choquetico Tombs, and check out the Cruz del Condor lookout, where you can spot Andean Condors in flight. You'll also stop by La Calera Hot Springs for a soak in the therapeutic pools and visit the towering 15,570-foot (4800 meter) Patapampa viewpoint. Your Colca and Arequipa excursion also includes breakfast, hotel pickup and a guide.

Cajas National Park with its 200 glacial lakes and numerous hiking trails is easily one of the most beautiful places in Ecuador. With this tour, travelers with limited time in Cuenca can still spend a few hours exploring the Andean highlands with two guided hikes through two different forest ecosystems.

The stunning scenery surrounding Bariloche is one of the area's biggest appeals, and this tour lets you see its top natural attractions in just one day. Drive along the banks of Nahuel Huapi Lake, visit the traditional farms in Colonia Suiza, sail to the Quetrihue Peninsula, and more, stopping at numerous vista points along the way. This full-day tour includes all of the transportation and information you need for an insightful, hassle-free trip.

You don't need a full day to experience the beauty of Bariloche on this sightseeing tour of the Short Circuit. Along with a guide, head out from the city to stunning nearby landscapes including the San Pedro Peninsula, Nahuel Huapi Lake, and Myrtle Woods. Stop at vista points along the way to take full advantage of the views.

Experience both the cultural treasures and natural splendor of Medellin on a private full-day sightseeing tour of Medellin and Jardin. From your personal guide, you'll receive an interesting introduction to Medellin as you travel to important monuments such as Pueblito Paisa and Plaza Botero - a square replete with sculptures by revered Colombian artist, Fernando Botero. Then, cruise past verdant coffee plantations and see spectacular views of the Andes mountains before you arrive in Jardin, a charming city surrounded by greenery. Throughout this private tour, you'll receive personalized attention from your guide.

Make the most of your time in Medellín with a full-day tour of the city's iconic sights and local markets. Choose a flexible tour that can be customized to your needs for plenty of time to see the places that interest you most. Learn about local culture and cuisine, and get a glimpse of daily life in the 'City of Eternal Springtime.' Pause for lunch at a local restaurant, then browse market stalls that overflow with tropical fruits, traditional foods and handicrafts. Great overview of the city for first-time visitors.

Savor the world-famous coffee of Colombia, and learn about how it's grown and made, on this 6-hour day trip to an authentic coffee plantation outside Bogotá. Head to the town of Fusagasugá, site of the Hacienda Coloma Coffee Plantation, with your guide, where you'll get a first-hand look at the coffee-making process, sample the latest roasts and learn about the history of coffee. Your coffee tour also includes roundtrip transportation from your Bogotá hotel, lunch and all entrance fees.

Visit a lush primary rainforest with a full-day tour of Cinco Ceibas from San Jose, and experience one of Costa Rica's most remarkable landscapes. Meet an air-conditioned bus at your San Jose hotel, then watch for brilliant birds and blooming plants as you stroll a boardwalk through the heart of the jungle. Enjoy lunch at the reserve before spending an afternoon exploring; ride a horse along the forest's edge, paddle a kayak down the Rio Cuarto or take an educational tour of the property in a traditional oxcart.