Top Central & South America Archaeology Tours

Explore the mystic allure of the Pachacamac Archeological Complex on a small-group half-day tour from Lima. The excursion begins with a leisurely visit to the Site Museum and Archaeological Sanctuary of Pachacamac, which brings illuminating context to Pachacamac itself as you explore the temples and well-preserved ruins. Throughout the experience, you’ll enjoy engaging commentary that takes you beyond the typical tourist guidebook.

Venture into the lush Andean highlands and discover Peru’s Sacred Valley on this full-day tour from Cusco. With a small group, visit top sites—Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo—to explore Inca ruins and ancient settlements. Enjoy a Peruvian buffet lunch in Urubamba and learn about the rich history and culture of Peru throughout the day.

Step back in time to the powerful peak of the ancient Mayan civilization with this guided 3-hour tour of the Xunantunich ruins. Let your imagination run wild as you explore the temples, plazas, and royal palaces of the famed archaeological site by foot. From the top of the imposing El Castillo pyramid, take in panoramic views of the surrounding Belize River Valley and the ancient city below. Round-trip transport from your San Ignacio hotel is included.

Skip the confusion of navigating remote ruins on your own. Visit the Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve with ease on a guided tour from San Ignacio. Begin your journey by crossing the Mopan River on a traditional hand-cranked ferry—an experience in itself—before ascending to the hilltop ruins. Climb to the top for sweeping views that reach into neighboring Guatemala, and let your guide bring the ancient Mayan civilization to life with expert insights and stories.

Tikal National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that harbors hundreds of years of history, but exploring it alone can mean you miss crucial context. This hassle-free tour from Flores not only includes convenient round-trip transfers that save you from making your own way there, but also comes with a guide who can illuminate the Maya ruins. Note that admission tickets aren't included.

xplore Cusco without the pressure of planning your own sightseeing itinerary with this group tour. Enjoy a comprehensive experience that covers Cusco's historic highlights, including the main square, the Temple of Coricancha, the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and an alpaca sanctuary. Well-suited for travelers looking for a streamlined way of taking in the local sights in under a day.

Visit the top five attractions in Peru’s Sacred Valley on a small-group tour from Cusco. All-inclusive transportation enables you to comfortably see the best of the Inka empire in a single day. The thorough itinerary takes you to Ollantaytambo, Moray, Chinchero, Pisac, and the Salinas de Maras salt mines. Along the way, enjoy lunch and a visit to a craft workshop in the colonial city of Chinchero.

Experience a unique experience exploring the best of Trujillo on an unforgettable cultural tour! Discover the imposing Huaca de la Luna and contemplate the majesty of Huaca del Sol, living testimonies of the ancient Mochic civilization. Stroll through the historic Plaza de Armas and marvel at Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It ends in the charming beach resort of Huanchaco, home to the traditional totora horses. With an official English guide, tickets included and convenient transportation, this tour offers a complete immersion in the history, archaeology and landscapes of northern Peru. Duration: 4 to 5 hours Groups: 1 to 32 people Book now and discover the essence of Trujillo in one day!

With its enigmatic stone heads and spectacular scenery, Easter Island is a wonderland for history and nature buffs—but getting around on your own can be challenging. This small-group tour whisks you between six of the island’s most captivating sights (including Ahu Akahanga, Anakena Beach, and Ahu Tongariki), saving you the stress of navigating rugged roads.

See why the historic center of Salvador de Bahia was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status on a private walking tour that showcases the highlights of the area. Go where cars can’t and focus on the rich details of the architecture as you explore on foot and delve deeper into local culture and history than you would by reading the guidebook.

It’s a myth that you can only see the Nazca Lines from the air—this land-based sightseeing tour proves that the ancient geoglyphs look just as good when seen during a hike. This excursion helps you beat the crowds by taking you to lesser-known viewpoints and lookout towers, so you can soak up the ancient majesty of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Easter Island is a bucket-list destination for many travelers, but in order to visit its archaeological sites you must go with a guide. This tour devotes two days to showcasing the island’s top archaeological sites, wrapping up with an early-morning visit on Ahu Tongariki on the final day to take in views of the rising sun.

Visit the ancient Mayan site of Altun Ha with this tour from Belize City. Your driver/guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you out to the ancient archaeological site, where you'll visit the on-site museum and explore the ruins as you learn about ancient Mayan culture.

Make the most of your time, and discover many of the top sights in Cusco with ease, on this half-day guided city tour. Visit the Plaza de Armas, the temple of the sun god at Qoricancha, the massive rocks at Sacsayhuaman, the ceremonial complex at Q’enqo, and the archaeological sites at Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.

Ingapirca is the most important archaeological site in Ecuador and a unique example of two cultures in one site. Enjoy the beautiful stone architecture at the site and learn about its Cañari and Inca inhabitants. A short walk reveals a rock formation that resembles an Incan profile and, on Sundays, a local market is visited as well.

Explore the ancient Mayan ruins at Lamanai—and leave the navigation and logistics to someone else—on this day-trip from Belize City that includes a scenic boat ride. Following hotel or port pickup, head to New River for a jungle boat ride to spot monkeys, crocodiles, birds, and more. Next, enjoy a buffet lunch of Belizean classics. Finally, follow your guide through the jungle and into the intricate Lamanai temples.

Visiting the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu from Cusco typically requires juggling multiple transportation bookings. This small-group tour removes the hassle. Depart by train from Ollantaytambo to reach the base of the mountain, then head up to the UNESCO World Heritage Site for a guided tour and free time to explore the Inca ruins.

Take an intimate look at Cusco’s colonial and Incan legacy during this 4-hour private guided history tour. Marvel at the Spanish architecture and art inside the city’s main cathedral, and check out the ‘Qoricancha,’ a one-time Inca temple that’s now a monastery. You’ll also visit the Inca sites of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay.

Visit the incredible ancient city of Tikal without having to rent a car on this day trip from San Ignacio. Once a powerful city center during the Mayan period, today Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws scores of visitors each year. Your professional guide takes you across the border into Tikal National Park in Guatemala and leads you on a fascinating tour of the archaeological complex.

Pre-dating even the Incas, the UNESCO–listed archaeological site of Tiwanaku shines a light on an ancient civilization lost in time—but visiting independently means missing the site's historic significance. On this tour, begin with pickup at your La Paz hotel and explore with your guide. Gain valuable insight into the meaning behind relics like the Gate of the Sun, the Kalasasaya Temple, and the Puma Punku complex.

This tour will allow you to experience the best of the Sacred Valley in a single day, from the living culture in Chinchero to the stunning architecture and landscapes in Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo. It's important to note that it's a packed day, so be prepared to walk around and absorb all the history and beauty this region has to offer. The tour is ideal for travelers who want to spend the night in Ollantaytambo or who have a train trip to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy your trip!

Step into the ancient world of the Maya on a shared day tour to Tikal departing from San Ignacio, Belize. Travel through the jungle, cross the border with ease, and explore one of Central America’s most impressive archaeological sites with a knowledgeable local guide. Wander along forest trails as you spot wildlife, stand beneath towering temples, and learn the stories behind Tikal’s powerful rulers and ceremonial plazas. This well-organized tour combines history, nature, and adventure, all at a relaxed pace that’s enjoyable for all ages.

See the sunrise and enjoy exploring Tikal without the crowds on this early-morning small-group guided tour from Flores (admission not included). After arriving in the pre-dawn hours, you’ll climb a pyramid temple for sunrise and watch as the jungle comes to life around you. See coatimundi, howler monkeys, and tropical birds as you continue your explorations of the ancient Mayan city, learning the stories and secrets from your local guide as you go.