Top Central & South America Day Trips

Active, outdoor-loving travelers will enjoy the chance to hike to the top of a volcano without getting lost. The logistics will be taken care of so all you have to do is hike. The ascent of Ilamatepec takes about two hours, and the descent another two. Be amazed by the views at the top, including of the green crater lagoon. Relax over a leisurely lunch at Lake Coatepeque.

Explore Belize’s coral reef the fun and eco-friendly way on this snorkeling tour of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve from Caye Caulker. Swim among stingrays, sea turtles, harmless nurse sharks, and even manatees with provided equipment, and enjoy a fresh lunch on board the boat. Guides capture memories of your adventures with underwater GoPro cameras, and you can feel good about your adventure knowing a portion of proceeds is donated to community projects.

With two sides and myriad sights to discover, knowing where to start your Iguazu sightseeing can be tough. This activity-packed tour of the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls includes rides on a boat, a truck, and a train through the subtropical rainforest—so you can admire the cascades from a variety of perspectives. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Puerto Iguazu are included for extra convenience.

Experience an unforgettable day trip from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina, featuring a guided boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, penguins, and more in their natural habitat. Explore the stunning Huacachina Desert Oasis at your own pace, then enjoy an exhilarating dune buggy ride and sandboarding adventure, capped off with a breathtaking desert sunset. Travel in comfort with air-conditioned buses and bilingual guides, with optional local cuisine like ceviche and pisco sours to complete your journey.

Swap the colorful streets of Cartagena for the crystal-clear waters of the Rosario Islands on this full-day island-hopping excursion that includes lunch. Stop at several must-see destinations and tailor your experience based on your style. Tour options include a party tour for adults only, a family-friendly excursion with snorkeling, and a VIP option on a more premium boat and exclusive destinations that also includes snorkeling. All island tour options provide access to beach beds and parasols.

If you only have a day to spare, you can explore the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park on this full-day guided tour from Puerto Natales. Skip the hassle of arranging transport and get picked up directly from your hotel. Enjoy panoramic views across the park, beautiful lakes, and the distinctive granite peaks that give the park its name.

Combine three adventurous activities in a single tour: a hike to Arental Volcano, visit to the Hanging Bridges, and exploration of La Fortuna Waterfall. This full-day tour from La Fortuna, perfect for nature lovers, includes hiking and swimming amidst Costa Rica's beautiful natural scenery. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.

The Volcano Combo Tour is an experience you won’t find anywhere else, a full day that brings together Costa Rica’s adventure, culture, and volcanic wonders in one unforgettable journey. Start your adventure with ziplining across the rainforest canopy, crossing hanging bridges, and sliding down a thrilling waterslide carved through the jungle. Then, enjoy a touch of tradition with a vibrant cultural show, and take in the breathtaking landscapes on a horseback ride through scenic trails. Recharge with a delicious buffet lunch offering options for every taste, before heading to the relaxing side of the volcano. Here, you’ll discover a beautiful waterfall, detox in a natural volcanic rock sauna, cover yourself in a healing volcanic mud bath, and soak in the soothing thermal hot springs. What makes this tour truly unique is the perfect balance it offers; the adrenaline of adventure, the richness of culture, and the serenity of volcanic wellness, all in one incredible day.

Explore the cave of the crystal sepulcher on a full-day tour to Actun Tunichil Muknal from San Ignacio, and discover a spiritual site that was sacred to the ancient Maya. Learn about the traditions and rites that took place in the cave system and visit the crystallized remains of an ancient ceremonial victim as you hike deep into the cave with a professional guide. Swim through a spring-fed pool, and follow tunnels, passageways and yawning chambers lined with stalactites, stalagmites, ancient ceramics and stoneware.

Make the most of your time in Panama City on a tour that combines 3 experiences in one excursion. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, sloths, and more on a motorboat ride through the Panama Canal. Walk through the jungle and hang from the vines like Tarzan. You'll also get to sample traditional snacks, including empanadas and fresh pineapple. The tour operates in all weather conditions, with ponchos provided if it rains.

Costa Rica’s inland capital is far from the coast but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a day on a white-sand tropical island from San Jose. This full-day guided tour to Tortuga Island simplifies your travel to this Pacific coast island, eliminating the need to stay overnight. After getting there in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, spend several hours at leisure on the beach swimming, snorkeling, and looking out for dolphins.

Visit Machu Picchu from Cusco, without the stress of organizing hotel, train, and bus transport, plus timed entry into the site on your own. This private guided tour offers a seamless way to visit the ancient Inca citadel in one day, and includes a dedicated guide to take you around the ruins and explain their significance.

Discover Costa Rica's enchanting Pacific rain forest from the air and water on this combo shore excursion from Puntarenas. Walk through the treetops on a series of hanging bridges at a private biological reserve, and then cruise down the Tarcoles River, home to a famous community of crocodiles. In between the eco adventures, enjoy time to shop and snack at a quaint replica of a Spanish colonial settlement.

Enjoy an afternoon and evening on the water from Tamarindo on a well-equipped catamaran cruise. Set sail from Tamarindo in the early afternoon, timed so you catch the sunset later on. Sit back and admire the views of the Guanacaste coast or get active using the included kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel equipment. Includes lunch—with vegetarian options—and an open bar.

This Humantay Lake Full-Day Tour from Cusco is a great pick for travelers who want to see the lake but only have a day to spare. This full-day tour takes you to the lake through the Soraypampa Trek, which is a circular route that runs about 2.7 miles (4.3 kilometers). A guide knows the best spots to stop at to see wildlife and teaches you about the scared mountains surrounding the area, too.

Take a break from Panama City and head to the Caribbean coast of Panama, to the beautiful San Blas Islands. Traveling by boat, check out a shipwreck and natural swimming pool, and enjoy the tropical scenery and atmosphere. Your tour includes activities—kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and more—and round-trip road and boat transport, with hotel pickup and drop-off. Refuel with a tasty included lunch, too, such as fresh fish and rice.

Visit Guatavita Lagoon and the majestic Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira in just one day—without the expense of private taxis—on this group tour from Bogotá. Meet your driver at your hotel and head out to the lagoon to learn about ancient history and beliefs. Then, visit Zipaquira to descend into its masterpiece Salt Cathedral, full of sculptures and illuminated chambers, before returning to your departure point.

Embark on a full-day adventure to discover Costa Rica's natural wonders–Rio Celeste, Llanos de Cortes waterfalls, and a sloth sanctuary. Begin by swimming and relaxing at the Llanos de Cortes Waterfall in Bagaces, then hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park to witness the mesmerizing Rio Celeste Waterfall. Conclude your immersive experience with a visit to an organic farm and sloth and frog sanctuary, observing diverse wildlife and tropical flora.

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.

Step into the magical heart of Costa Rica and experience the dream every nature lover has imagined since childhood ✨ "Spend one unforgettable day discovering the very best of Costa Rica with local people who have called this rainforest home their entire lives." Explore a breathtaking rainforest where sloths rest peacefully among the trees, tropical wildlife surrounds you, and hidden waterfalls flow through untouched jungle landscapes. Feel completely immersed in the beauty and peaceful spirit of Costa Rica while discovering wildlife in its natural habitat. Along the way, awaken your senses with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the rich flavor of authentic handmade chocolate crafted from local traditions. Explore with a 100% local, family-owned company and guides who were born and raised in Guanacaste. Their knowledge of the volcano, wildlife and local culture brings every stop to life. Watch wild sloths living freely in their natural rainforest habitat.

Experience Colombia’s beautiful Rosario Island on this full-day excursion to an exclusive beach club. After catching a speedboat from La Bodeguita Pier in Cartagena, head to Bora Bora Beach Club and enjoy a complimentary beach bed. Savor a delicious lunch—vegetarian, chicken and fish are available—and kick back by the water. Paddleboards, kayaks, and a masseuse are available for an extra charge.

See more of Peru’s Sacred Valley in a single day without managing transportation, timing, or crowded sightseeing stops yourself. This small-group tour takes a less conventional route through Maras, Moray, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo to help avoid peak visitor traffic and create a more relaxed experience. Included hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and lunch make exploring the region easy and efficient.

Escape Panama City on the newest and largest catamaran for a day of boating, swimming and dancing. During this 6-hour tour, you will swim on a beautiful virgin bay, visit the beach and the Island Village. Onboard the catamaran, enjoy sundecks, shaded areas, music, animation, morning snacks, lunch, and an open bar. This 6-hour tour is the perfect choice to avoid the afternoon tropical weather and have enough time for night plans.