Top Central & South America Outdoor Activities - page 6

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 the majestic icy expanse of the Perito Moreno Glacier on this full-day tour from El Calafate. Enjoy views of the peaks of Los Glaciares National Park with a professional guide, and take an optional boat ride on Lago Argentino for an up-close perspective on the fantastic formation. You might even witness the glacier’s signature movement and cracking sounds from detaching icebergs.

There’s so much to see and do in Ecuador’s capital city of Quito, it’s hard to know where to start. Rest easy during this full-day tour knowing you’ll hit the best parts to make the most of your time. Start with panoramic views of the city from Pichincha Volcano, then head to the Middle of the World to straddle the equator. Return to the city’s colonial heart, then choose your own adventure.

See the natural beauty of the jungle after dark with this night tour to Rainmaker Park. Your naturalist guide will take you and your group into the jungle for a two- to two-and-a-half-hour journey, where you’ll get to learn about the local ecosystem, spot nocturnal animals, and enjoy a included dinner.

See some of the world’s most amazing glaciers on this full-day tour of Lake Argentino. View multiple glaciers from the ship including Upsala and Perito Moreno, as you cruise down the Iceberg Canal. Choose between classic or gourmet options with enhanced viewing platforms, and packages that include hassle-free round-trip transfers.

Costa Rica is one of the world’s best places to surf, so why not learn while you are visiting? Join a private guide at a secluded beach and learn the basics of surfing before taking to the water. With help from your instructor, you’re sure to be catching waves in no time! Enjoy a snack break of fresh pineapple to refresh before heading back into the water.

Part of what makes Costa Rica a destination for ecotourism is its extensive coastlines. Explore the waters off Guanacaste aboard the Blue Dolphin, a 40-foot catamaran that slices through the surf and offers a fully stocked bar, paddle boards and kayaks for your enjoyment. Breathe in the salt spray and keep a lookout for dolphins, turtles, whales, and spectacular coastal views.

Spend some time outdoors in the mountains that surround Medellin. Alongside a private guide, gear up for your quad adventure and hit various off-road trails during this fun adventure. Pass through small farms and open fields, then end your tour with a typical lunch at a local trout farm.

Escape the crowds on land and discover the underwater wonders of Caye Caulker on a snorkel tour that increases your chances of spotting stingrays and sharks. Explore Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark & Ray Alley with a guide who points out wildlife along the way. Plus, all tickets, transport, and refreshments are included, so there’s no planning required from you.

Take a short guided walk in the rain forest to look for sloths and experience Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife up close. Look for two- and three-toed sloths, a variety of birds, and other wildlife with the insights of a local guide who has a keen eye for spotting wildlife.

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).

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.

Discover the wonders of the Panama Canal and learn about its operation on this private tour. Delve into the fascinating history and operations of this engineering marvel at the Miraflores Visitor Center. Then, venture to Gatun Lake for a boat tour, where you'll witness ships navigating the canal's locks and encounter diverse wildlife amidst the lush rainforest of Soberania National Park.

Set sail for the Rosario Islands with this group catamaran expedition from Cartagena. You will be able to anchor at Isla Grande and Isla Bela, where you will have the opportunity to jump into the water to practice snorkeling. Lunch and refreshments will also be served at no additional charge.

Immerse yourself in the sun, sand, and surf of the Rosario Islands on a full-day speed boat group tour from Cartagena. The comprehensive, fun-filled itinerary takes you to the highlights of the Colombian archipelago, with each location offering different attractions and activities. Plus, lunch and snorkeling equipment are included for a seamless day at sea.

Explore the otherworldly beauty of the Valle de la Luna, without the stress of navigating rugged desert roads alone, on a tour from San Pedro de Atacama. Admire dramatic rock formations, towering dunes, and mineral-colored landscapes while visiting highlights including Las Tres Marías, Duna Mayor, and Piedra del Coyote. End the day with a spectacular Atacama sunset accompanied by drinks and snacks.

Heighten your chances of spotting some of Costa Rica’s rarest wildlife on a wildlife watching tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. Receive personalized attention in a small group, as you explore the biologically rich jungle and look out for animals such as sloths, monkeys, lizards, snakes, and much more. Hotel pickup is included for your convenience.

Explore Costa Rica’s Tarcoles River, home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations, on this guided boat tour. Along the way, learn about the area’s biodiversity and spot crocodiles, reptiles, and other local wildlife, including more than 50 bird species. Learn more about the river’s biodiversity through live commentary on board.

Travel to Torres del Paine in a rugged adventure truck, using an unpaved short cut to shave hours from your time in transit. That means more time in Torres del Paine National Park, where you’ll spend the morning hiking to viewpoints with spectacular perspectives on the mountain landscape. After a provided, picnic lunch, set out on a 2-hour hike to Lake Pehoé and Lake Nordenskjöld.

Travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans during this full-day tour of the Panama Canal. With your local guide, explore the canal by sea and on foot, viewing the ships passing through the locks and the variety of plant and animal life on the canal's shores. Explore Gatun Lake, home to howlers, capuchins, tamarins, and many more animals. Stop at the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center to get an overview of the canal's history through informative displays and exhibits. Explore San Lorenzo National Park and Fort San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a picnic lunch. All activities, entrance fees, lunch, and round-trip transportation from Panama City hotels are included.

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.

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 a wildlife sanctuary for the opportunity to see monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife native to the Honduran jungle but rare spot on the island of Roatan. Animal lovers can interact with sloths and have their photos taken with the adorable creatures. The adventure continues with an ATV tour that combines adrenaline and scenery, while learning about the surrounding culture and history from your guide.

Visit the top five attractions in Peru’s Sacred Valley on a small-group tour from Cusco. All-inclusive transportation enables you to comfortably see the best of the Inka empire in a single day. The thorough itinerary takes you to Ollantaytambo, Moray, Chinchero, Pisac, and the Salinas de Maras salt mines. Along the way, enjoy lunch and a visit to a craft workshop in the colonial city of Chinchero.