Top Central & South America Culture

Get a glimpse into local life in Rio de Janeiro during a favela tour that reveals a different side of the Marvelous City. In an intimate group limited to 12 travelers, you’ll explore two of the largest favelas in Rio, and benefit from the local insight of a guide as you learn more about living conditions in the city.

With its illuminated salt sculptures, the subterranean Zipaquira Salt Cathedral is one of the most interesting attractions in Colombia, but getting there from Bogotá can be time-consuming if you don’t have a car. This small-group tour makes getting there a breeze, with round-trip transfers from your hotel and plenty of free time to explore the cathedral and its surrounding town.

You’d usually have to choose between an educational walking tour and a culinary tasting experience, but on this half-day small-group tour of Quito, you’ll get to try both. Take in sights such as the Basilica del Voto Nacional and the Palacio Arzobispal while also stopping at nearby food joints for a taste of authentic local cuisine.

Discover the vibrant charm of Guatapé on this day trip from Medellín. Explore its colorful streets and climb the 740 steps of Piedra del Peñol for panoramic views of the lake-dotted landscape. Enjoy a scenic boat ride past Pablo Escobar’s Hacienda La Manuela, visit a historic church in Marinilla, and stroll through the picturesque town of Zócalos. Please note: departure times may be adjusted slightly during holidays and high seasons.

Lima's bohemian Barranco neighborhood has a thriving food scene, but, for visitors, it can be difficult to choose which venues to visit. Take the guesswork out of your trip on this small-group walking food tour that takes you to the area's best restaurants and shops to sample a plethora of Peruvian foods and drinks.

Ditch the guidebooks and learn about Cartagena's Afro-Colombian heritage at the source on this group tour of San Basilio de Palenque. Relax in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup as you drive to the UNESCO-listed village. Participate in traditional dancing and drumming, and learn about local history as you visit a museum, traditional medicine house, and more.

Step back more than 500 years and explore the rich — and often overlooked — history of African ancestry in Panama. This walking journey unfolds through two defining chapters: the colonial era, marked by the harsh realities of slavery and powerful acts of resistance, and the West Indian migrations — a period of labor, resilience, and cultural legacy that helped shape Panama’s identity. • Our walk begins in Casco Antiguo, moving beyond the former walls that once divided the elite from the working-class community of Santa Ana. • We continue along Central Avenue, a vibrant area filled with stories and local life. • Then we visit the Afro-Antillean Museum to explore the lives and contributions of West Indian migrants who helped build the nation. Optional: Lunch at San Felipe Neri Market for local comfort food and a refreshing natural juice. Book the Walking Experience + Lunch option. This experience invites you to discover the shadows and lights that shape Afro-Panamanian heritage.

Experience Belize City through its local flavors on a small-group food tour led by a knowledgeable guide. Sample traditional Belizean snacks and seasonal fruits, visit a rum factory and rum museum for tastings, then finish with a hot tamale lunch in a local park. It’s a flavorful introduction to Belizean culture beyond the city's main sights.

Get acquainted with the rich regal history of Lima on an educational sightseeing tour of the Peruvian capital. Alongside a knowledgeable guide, delve into the ambient tangle of Lima’s historical center; gaze at the fabulous façade of the Presidential Palace; descend to the eerie catacombs of San Francisco Monastery; and admire the ancient Dominicans Tower. A portion of your tour goes to an NGO that support social projects in the community.

Step onto the cobblestone streets of colonial Antigua on a walking tour that helps you get your bearings in the city's charming center. Stroll the streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and navigate between landmarks such as Ayuntamiento (City Hall Palace) and the Palace of the Captain’s General without worrying about getting lost. Plus, exploring on foot lets you stop more regularly for photos and questions than if you were traveling by vehicle.

Discover Lima's best side on this guided evening tour of the city. Dress up for cocktails at a trendy beachfront bar, enjoy gourmet dining at a restaurant inside of a 2,500-year-old archaeological complex, and finish up with a walking tour of the bohemian Barranco district en route to dessert. This tour includes all food, drinks, and transportation, ensuring a night to remember.

Get your bearings in the capital of Chile, without the stress of planning, on this small-group walking tour through Santiago. Follow your guide through the city’s historic center, passing landmarks such as the Church of San Francisco, the Santiago Stock Exchange, Plaza de Armas, and more, as your guide provides insight into the local history and culture.

Cotopaxi Volcano is the centerpiece of Cotopaxi National Park. At more than 19,000 feet (nearly 6,000 meters), its snowy peak dominates the landscape of the park. During this full-day tour from Quito, travelers experience the volcano from many vantage points. Explore a lagoon favored by water birds, learn more about the area at an interpretive center, and hike up the flanks of Cotopaxi Volcano to a recently-renovated climbers' refuge to experience this active volcano up close.

Get an in-depth insight in Bogotá's oldest and most eclectic district on this guided tour of La Candelaria. Your guide points out some of the most interesting street art as you walk to a chicha bar to learn about the local alcoholic beverage, then you head to a local market to taste of some of the nation’s unique fruits. Also visit cafés for insight into Colombian coffee and to the Plaza del Rosario and Plaza Simón Bolivar.

Taking a day trip to Guatape has become one of the top things to do in Colombia, but not all tours are made equal. This premium option promises a smaller group than typical bus tours and includes a ride around Guatape Dam on a luxury boat, so you can escape the crowds on land and admire the natural landscapes from the water.

Squeeze all of Buenos Aires’ most visited sights into one small-group city tour. Admire the Casa Rosada presidential palace on Plaza de Mayo and stroll down the grand Avenida de Mayo, then explore the cobblestone streets of historic San Telmo, the birthplace of the tango. Head to La Boca to snap photos of the brightly painted houses along Caminito, then explore the buzzing port of Puerto Madero and pay a visit to the impressive Recoleta Cemetery, home to Evita’s grave.

Embark on a captivating journey to the top sights of Zipaquira and Guatavita on a group tour from Bogota. This all-day adventure is perfect for travelers who want to maximize their limited vacation time and save money. Highlights include the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and the Guatavita Lagoon, to learn about its indigenous history. Finally, stroll around Guatavita town, and discover its ties to the Legend of El Dorado

Experience all the highlights of la Ruta de las Flores in one day on this full-day small-group trip from San Salvador. A great way to maximize your time in the Apaneca Mountains, this guided trip includes private transport so you don’t have to worry about expensive taxis or navigating the limited bus schedule. You’ll also squeeze in visits to all the best local sights including markets, churches, food festivals, street murals, and coffee plantations.

There’s a lot to see in Panama City but group sightseeing tours can leave you feeling rushed or uncomfortable in crowded vans. Simplify your sightseeing and get a personalized experience during this private half-day tour. Hit the city’s highlights, including the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Casco Viejo, the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal, the Amador Causeway, and more. Go at your own pace and get all your questions answered.

Discover Cartagena’s history and culture through the eyes of a local—who takes care of the logistics—on this walking tour. You’ll wend your way through the city’s historic center, with stops at Torre del Reloj, Portal de Los Dulces, Plaza de Bolivar, and Parque Centenario to learn about the city’s Spanish colonial, slave, and pirate history. Then you’ll explore the artistic enclave of Getsemani and the secrets of salsa.

Explore the trails of Manuel Antonio National Park on this guided tour. Observe numerous species of flora and fauna with a bilingual guide who shares information about the Costa Rican ecosystem and the area's historical, archaeological, and cultural environment. Enjoy time at one of the park’s beaches. A new early morning schedule offers a quieter visit when wildlife is more active.

Enjoy unrivaled views of Medellin during a private, half-day paragliding adventure that reveals the city and its natural surroundings from a completely new perspective. Opting for a private tour means you won't have to wait around for lots of people to take their turn—instead, you'll satisfy an appetite for adventure straightaway. Your guide also films your experience and you'll have the chance to purchase photos and videos afterwards.

Get your bearings in Bogota and visit the hilltop area of Monserrate (if option selected) without worrying about making a wrong turn when you go with your own private guide. After visiting Monserrate by cable car or funicular, head over to the Candelaria neighborhood to check out highlights such as the Botero Museum (closed Tuesdays) and the Gold Museum.