Top Central & South America Nature Walks - page 3

The Road of the Seven Lakes is one of Argentina’s most memorable road trips, but unless you rent your own car, the only way to see it all in one day is to take a tour. On this full-day tour from Bariloche, soak up the scenery as you pass all seven of the famous lakes, plus enjoy stops in Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you have the chance to spot the resplendent quetzal. Meet up with your guide on this small-group excursion and head through this tropical cloud forest, looking out for the multitudes of wildlife that inhabit the area using a provided spotting scope. The tour is offered in English and Spanish to accommodate more travelers.

Visit one of Peru's most popular places without the crowds on this well-planned day tour. Instead of visiting Rainbow Mountain in the morning, like other groups, visit in the afternoon after the crowds have left. With a small group, enjoy unobstructed views and learn about the landscape from your guide.

See a different side of Costa Rica’s nature-rich ecosystem on a night walk of the Monteverde Wildlife Refuge. You’ll hike at a relaxed pace to increase your chance of spotting nocturnal creatures such as tarantulas, sloths, scorpions, snakes, armadillos, and more—none of which you’d be likely to see if exploring in the daylight.

Most hikes to Torres del Paine are at least a few days but this 1-day hike covers the base of the mountains without missing out on stunning views. Join a small group and hike through the Ascensio Valley, through forests and past glaciers, to take in the beautiful views of the famous peaks. This tour is offered year-round, even in winter when crampons are provided to trek across ice and snow.

Take in the beauty of the majestic Rio Celeste in Alajuela province, the canton of Guatuso, inside of the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Your guide will take all the hassle out of the day, allowing you to enjoy a walk along the trails, observe the Celeste River Waterfall, and enjoy the commentary along the way. Breakfast and lunch are also included.

Get out of San Jose on a day tour to the Arenal Volcano region, where you’ll get a glimpse of Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity and natural beauty. Travel through scenic farmland and villages to reach the volcano. Stop at a coffee plantation, waterfall, and look out for wildlife en route. In the shadow of the volcano, soak in natural hot springs for a refreshing experience, before returning to San Jose.

Climb one of South America's active volcanoes in this adventure. You'll be safe and comfortable throughout the experience in the company of an expert guide, with more than a decade of climbing experience, who makes sure every customer reaches the summit. Safety equipment is available, including boots, cold-weather clothes, a helmet, and a gas mask. Note: in case of high volcanic activity the itinerary changes to an extended trek toward an ancient glacier.

Swap the bustle of Argentina's capital for the idyllic Tigre Delta on this small-group tour from Buenos Aires, including hotel transfers. Set out on a sightseeing cruise around the Tigre Delta, one of the largest natural deltas in the world, before wandering a riverside walk beside the Luján River. Spend time exploring the lively market town of Tigre, with snacks and refreshments included along the way.

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.

Get into the cloud forest of Monteverde with this guided morning walk. For 2-3 hours, you will explore the flora, fauna, and history of the area. This isn’t a trekking tour, rather an exploration of the nature of the area. Your guide will be an expert naturalist, and bilingual, so you will have the opportunity to learn in depth about the cloud forest.

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.

Casco Viejo, Panama City’s old town area, is a must-visit and you’ll get so much more out of sightseeing with a guide. Hear the stories behind the beautiful facades of the centuries-old churches, town houses, and government buildings on a walking tour. The neighborhood is also full of fashionable restaurants, and your guide will be able to share their recommendations.

Totumo Mud Volcano is a one-of-a-kind attraction home to mineral-infused mud that’s reputed to have healing properties. Avoid the hassle of public transport and the expense of taxis on a stress-free trip to the volcano, which includes snacks and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off. You’ll have ample time to soak in the mud bath and, opt for massage if you'd like.

Escape the crowds and discover a quieter, equally stunning alternative to Vinicunca on this full day Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour. With a short and scenic 40 minute hike, this experience is ideal for travelers of all ages looking for natural beauty without the intensity of a long trek. Enjoy round trip transportation from Cusco, a hearty Andean breakfast, and a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. Along the way, explore three colorful rainbow mountains, take in panoramic views of the Andes, visit the otherworldly Stone Forest, and learn about the region’s geology and culture from your professional bilingual guide.

Dust off your cowboy boots for a day on an authentic estancia (ranch) and see Argentina’s legendary gauchos (cowboys) demonstrate their unique horsemanship and wrangling skills. This small-group full-day tour takes you to San Antonio de Areco, where you can saddle up for a horseback ride, enjoy a traditional folklore show and tuck into a typical Argentinian barbeque (included).

Escape the city for a tour of the Tigre River Delta, including hotel pick-up and drop-off. Enjoy a cruise around the canals and islands of the idyllic Tigre Delta. During the tour, you'll also see the fruit market and the cathedral, and try some hand-made empanadas.

Perfect for those with a short time in Argentina, this private guided tour transports you from Buenos Aires to Iguazú National Park, where you can explore the falls from the Argentinian side, in a single day. This captivating experience also includes airfare and national park admission fees for a stress-free outing. Plus, your guide tells you all about the falls and its history, too.

Even if you have limited time, you can still see the best of Torres del Paine without having to hike long distances. This full-day tour from Puerto Natales takes you to several of the park's most important sites, including the Lago Sarmiento, Laguna Amarga, and Lago Noderhold viewpoints and Milodon Cave. You'll also enjoy a short hike on the Grey Glacier.

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.

Venture into the wild Argentinian pampas and experience 'gaucho' (cowboy) life on a traditional 'estancia' (ranch) on this full-day tour from Buenos Aires, including lunch. Saddle up for a horseback ride and visit the country town of San Antonio de Areco, enjoy a folklore show and tuck into a barbecue lunch, while the gauchos entertain you with tales of estancia life.

Even though Rainbow Mountain isn't close to Cusco, it's still possible to visit in just one day on this guided tour. The day trip takes you to the spectacular summit of Rainbow Mountain with a guide leading the way so you don't get lost. Enhance the challenging trek with commentary and insights from your guide.

Design your own perfect day in La Fortuna on a customizable combo tour. Cross the rainforest canopy on hanging bridges, swim beneath La Fortuna Waterfall, hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, and soak in geothermal hot springs. Take your pick of activities or do them all for a full day of fun and relaxation. Optional lunch add-ons provide a taste of authentic Costa Rican cuisine. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included from added convenience.

From La Fortuna, you'll meet at Tifakara Lodge then walk through a frog sanctuary with red-eyed frogs, and look for all the other species of amphibians and more as you make your way through the jungle at night with your guide. This will take a little over an hour. You'll see lots of surprises along the way.