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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spend the day on a tropical island on this seamless full-day tour from Jaco to Tortuga Island. Board your boat and cruise across the Gulf of Nicoya, looking for dolphins along the way. On Tortuga Island, enjoy a snorkeling tour (conditions permitting) and free time to relax, sunbathe, engage in other watersports and activities such as kayaks and banana boats (extra expense).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Embark on a Island adventure filled with amazing snorkeling like no other on the island at the 2nd largest Coral Reef Barrier in the world, guest will get 1 hour and 20min to explore the radiant colour's of the coral reef and marine life , also visiting the animal sanctuary were you will see Sloths & Capuchin Monkeys, Colorful scarlet macaws, yellow head parrots and many other exotic animals in their natural habitat, including strolling along pristine white sandy beaches while sinking your toes in the powdery grains as you bask in the warm sun , enjoy the islands culture and indulge in its delectable island style cuisine . Roatan is known for its beautiful beaches and snorkeling in its crystal clear turquoise waters , adding to your fun day of activities you can enjoy your beach break on your own private beach during your visit to Brady's Cay Private Island .

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.

Check out the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, which can reach up to over 260ft (80m) high, on this full day trek, either guided or non-guided- your choice. You'll have a chance to walk along the glacier walkways, and get tons of photos from viewpoints along the way. This tour starts in Los Glaciares National park, which is about 50m (80km) from El Calafate.

For travelers who have never been to Banos, it can be difficult figuring out how to plan your time. Take the stress out of your trip with this Banos Full-Day Tour from Quito that plans your activities for you with entrance fees included. Visit the small town of Machachi, Cotopaxi National Park, La Casa del Arbol, and Devil's Cauldron waterfall all with a guide who knows the ins and outs of the area.

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.

Experience a mix of nature and local flavours on this 3-in-1 private tour. Escape the busy streets of Quito—hotel transfers are included for a seamless experience—and immerse yourself in nature during a visit to Mindo Cloud Forest. You can also visit a chocolate factory and coffee plantation to see how these products are made. Travel in comfort in a private vehicle throughout the day, skipping the hassle of organizing transportation.

Take to the slopes and experience Guatemala’s most-visited volcano in a new way on this fun-filled adventure day. A great way for thrill-seekers to combine volcano hiking with ATV driving and sightseeing, this group tour includes the chance to drive through lush forests and lava fields as well as exploring local villages around the Pacaya Volcano (you do not enter the national park).

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.