Top Central & South America Nature and Wildlife Tours - page 4

Swap the bustle of Rio de Janeiro for the tropical beauty of Arraial do Cabo, known by locals as the Brazilian Caribbean, on a full-day tour that takes care of transfers, activities, meals, and guides so you don’t have to. Letting someone else drive allows you to sit back and soak up the scenery, while stops to swim in crystal-clear waters increase your chances of spotting wildlife.

Revel in the vibrant color and culture of Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar on a full-day tour of the coastal cities from Santiago. Travel through Chile’s spectacular countryside, stopping in the picturesque Casablanca Valley to taste Chilean wine, and then arrive in the verdant city of Viña del Mar. Admire the gorgeous beach and revitalize with a delicious seaside lunch (at your own expense), and then take a tour of Valparaiso’s kaleidoscopic sprawl of houses and hills. Capture photographs of street art and hear of the city’s interesting history before returning to Santiago by luxury coach.

Known for its dramatic landscape at the foothills of the Andes, Puerto Montt is best explored outside the city limits. Visit three of the area's top attractions on this shore excursion from the port, including a stop at Petrohue Waterfall, the German city of Frutillar, and the City of Roses, all while taking in incredible views of the surrounding lakes, mountains, and volcano. This tour includes all entrance fees and transportation.

Just outside the crowded beaches of Tamarindo, Las Baulas National Park offers an often-overlooked natural getaway. This tour takes you through the park’s vast network of mangrove forests on a relaxing boat trip. As you float down the river, your guide points out wildlife like howler monkeys, crocodiles, and tropical birds that you might not see on your own.

Swap the bustle of Medellin for the lush mountains and floating islands of Guatapé on a day trip that takes care of transportation so that you don't have to worry about driving. Admire the scenery from two perspectives as you climb to the top of Piedra del Peñol and take a boat ride around the reservoir.

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.

Hiking in the Costa Rican rainforest can be a dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Book this La Fortuna Sloths, Coffee, and Chocolate Experience and go with a guide who will keep you safe and well informed. Set out through the rainforest to spot sloth and other wildlife before stopping at a chocolate and coffee farm for tastings.

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.

Explore and swim under the Rio Celeste and Llanos de Cortés waterfalls, without the pressure of getting there on your own, with this group activity package. Enjoy a seamless experience that covers your itinerary, optional transportation, park fees, and lunch, meaning you can relax and immerse yourself in the day's activities. Along with the waterfalls, hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park and visit a sloth sanctuary.

Immerse yourself in the mountainous splendor of the Andes on an exhilarating full-day excursion to In Situ Vineyard from Santiago. With a professional guide, travel through spectacular scenery to one of the most beautiful lagoons in the Andes Mountains; capture photographs of the water’s iridescent turquoise surface and listen to poignant legends of Incan royalty. Ascend to the vertiginous altitude of Hotel Portillo ski resort; and absorb the verdant beauty of the vineyard before pleasuring your palate with wine samples.

See Antigua from above on this half-day mountain adventure. You’ll visit three scenic mountaintops for panoramic views of the colonial city, lush valleys, and nearby volcanoes. From El Cerro de la Cruz—Antigua’s most famous lookout point—to Hobbitenango, a Lord of the Rings–themed eco-park, you’ll explore a whimsical forest, play games, and scenic viewpoints before catching the sunset over the mountains. On the way back down, there’s an optional stop for food and drinks at a local restaurant on the side of the mountain.

Observe Costa Rica's bountiful wildlife from the hanging bridges of Mistico Park in Arenal. Trek along ground-level forest trails and suspended walkways in this private, family-owned nature reserve that’s home to a vast array of birdlife, monkeys, reptiles, and tropical plants. Learn about the area’s rich biodiversity from a naturalist guide as you explore different levels of the rainforest, from floor to canopy, and enjoy commanding views of Arenal Volcano.

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.

Take advantage of some of northern Costa Rica’s best white-water rafting on this full-day, guided tour with traditional lunch included. Paddle through the rainforest and over the rapids of the Balsa River stopping along to swim and rest in nature. After your adventure is done enjoy a Costa Rican style lunch at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a private tour of Guatape from Medellin. Tour the colorful streets of this colonial town and climb the Rock of Peñol for stunning views of the surrounding area. Cross the reservoir on a boat tour and listen to commentary that delves deep into the history of the area. This tour includes breakfast, lunch, travel insurance, and transport.

Enjoy a thrilling yet gentle day of white-water rafting down class II and III rapids on the Balsa River. This active adventure includes transfers from La Fortuna, equipment, instruction, a safety briefing, and ends with a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. Feel the thrill as you bounce and glide 6 miles (10 kilometers) down the river flanked by lush the jungle filled with monkeys, tropical birds, and sloths.

Immerse yourself in 'gaucho' cowboy life on a traditional 'estancia' ranch, without the pressure of planning your own itinerary, on this full-day group tour from Buenos Aires. Visit San Antonio de Areco, and explore its highlights before settling into a ranch for horseback riding, a cultural gaucho show, and a traditional meal. Well-suited for travelers wanting to see this side of Argentina but with the benefits a package experience offers.

Marvel over the mighty Iguazu Falls on this full-day tour of the Argentinean side, including round-trip transport from Puerto Iguazu. Follow three equally thrilling walking circuits, look out over the thundering Devil's Throat, feel the powerful spray of the water during a boat ride into the falls, and go off-road during a jungle truck ride. Entrance fees not included. Upgrade to travel in a small group.

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.

Explore Costa Rica's rainforests whilst getting a dose of adrenaline during this group activity package. Enjoy a comphrensive experience that includes logistics, lunch, and activities, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the day. Go ziplining and river tubing, and unwind in natural hot springs and volcanic mud baths afterwards.

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.

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.

Visit both sides of the Iguazu Falls, one of the Natural Wonders of the World, on this full-day group tour. Cross the border to Argentina and get up close to the mighty waters in the “Devil’s Throat” as well as the upper and lower circuits. Then head back to the Brazilian side, which is more untamed and features more wildlife such as friendly quatis and tropical birds.

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).