Top Central & South America Outdoor Activities - page 9

Chocolate lovers flock to this incredible tour from La Fortuna that includes the sweetest rainforest experience and unearths the hidden secretes of local chocolate production. Visit a farm where cocoa is grown, processed and produced. This hands-on experience lets travelers eat as much chocolate as they want while learning about history, culture and traditions of this popular Costa Rican sweet.

With so many worthy day trip destinations outside Santiago, it can be daunting to pick just one. With this full-day tour you don’t have to. Visit two coastal cities, UNESCO-listed Valparaiso and Viña del Mar with plenty of time for wine tasting in Casablanca Valley and sea lion spotting along Reñaca Beach.

Check out the wildlife in the Manuel Antonio National Park on this small yet intimate tour. Your certified guide will take you through the park, pointing out animals you can see more clearly with your provided spotting scope. You can also take a beach break and go for a swim at the end, too.

Explore central Bogotá on this half-day sightseeing bike tour. Visit the city’s historical center, known as La Candelaria, plus a traditional fruit market and coffee factory. Along the way, pass by landmarks such as the Plaza de Toros and the Museo Nacional and see street art murals. Plus, stop in the Parque Nacional to sample traditional Colombian street foods.

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.

Get a taste for Peru’s high-alpine scenery and ancient Inca customs during this full-day hike to Lake Humantay from Cusco. Ascend to this scenic body of water located at 13,779 feet (4,200 meters), learning about its sacred place in Inca mythology during your climb. An included buffet lunch back at base camp is an added bonus.

Exploring Medellin by bike means access to hidden back roads, quiet parks, and viewpoints, but local knowledge is essential for finding a safe and fun route through the city. Join a local guide for a Medellin bike tour that includes colorful neighborhoods, stops for drinks and snacks, and plenty of photo breaks along the way.

Set sail and take in views of the Costa Rican coastline on this sunset tour. On board a catamaran, you’ll have the chance to spot local sealife such as whales, dolphins, turtles, rays, and seabirds. The tour also includes time to swim and snorkel or simply relax on the boat, plus a hearty lunch of BBQ chicken, black beans, and fresh fruit, and an open bar featuring premium drinks. On the sail back to Playas del Coco, you’ll catch sight of the sunset from the water.

Set sail on the big blue Pacific with this deluxe catamaran cruise from Tamarindo. Sunbathe on the spacious deck and stop to swim and snorkel in the warm tropical waters. Enjoy lunch freshly prepared onboard by an attentive crew, and stay hydrated with unlimited drinks from an open bar. Cruise back into port just as the sun is setting for a memorable end to another day in paradise.

Explore the jungle at night when the temperature drops and nocturnal animals make their appearances. On this nighttime jungle walk, you’re picked up from Quepos or Manuel Antonio and taken to a protected jungle area nearby. Spend about 1.5 hours taking an easy hike through the jungle at night, when it’s filled with the sounds of insects and frogs, and nocturnal snakes, insects, tree frogs, and mammals come out.

Explore the jungle at night, when the temperatures drop and nocturnal wildlife comes alive. Your guide team is a biologist “Bug Lady” and an animal “spotter extraordinaire” armed with spotting scopes and echo bat detectors. Search for unique animals and insects while learning about their history and lore: learn to harvest silk from giant spiders, how toxic toads were used in mind-control studies, and why the US military enlisted cockroaches in the Vietnam War.

Venture out onto the Caribbean aboard a fun pirate ship excursion from Cartagena. Set sail just before the golden hour and take in the sights along the coast including the San Sebastian Fort, the towering Virgen del Carmen statue, and the Santa Cruz Fort. Sip on beverages from the bar and watch the sun dip below the horizon for the perfect end to your day on this 2-hour cruise.

Navigate Class III-IV rapids under the guidance of an expert during this white-water rafting course down the Pacuare River from San Jose. Paddle your way through one of Costa Rica's most picturesque river gorges, looking out for native wildlife between rapid runs, on an exciting day trip ideal for thrill seekers. Hotel pickup and drop-off, equipment, and lunch are all included, so you can focus on the thrills.

Discover hidden waterfalls and jungle trails around the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano on this affordable guided hike from Liberia. Remove the guesswork and see the area’s best-kept secrets with a local guide who knows the way through rain forest, canyons, and rivers. The moderate hike reaches a stunning waterfall and natural swimming pool where you can go for a refreshing swim.

Ideal for travelers interested in a day in the rainforest packed with activities, this experience includes a safari and seven adventure park sports. Start with a drive into the rainforest on a 4WD vehicle, exploring the adventure park’s protected land. Afterward, head to the adventure course for rappelling, ziplining, tree climbing, “monkey drops,” and more. Finish the day with a *comida tipica*—a typical Costa Rican meal.

Discover the history of the ancient Mayans on a full-day tour to the Altun Ha archaeological site from Belize City. Learn about the significance of this ceremonial site before you head to a cave in the Belizean rainforest. Go cave tubing along the Caves Branch River to explore another ancient ceremonial location of the Mayans. Hotel pickup is now included for added convenience.

Explore Tamarindo’s beaches and dry forest on an off-road ATV tour with river crossings and stunning tropical scenery. Learn to maneuver your vehicle, then follow your guide along a rugged circuit. Take in the sights and sounds of the Costa Rican forest and watch for birds and monkeys as you steer beneath coastal trees. Upgrade your tour to include other activities such as snorkeling, driving a UTV, ziplining, or even exploring other areas by ATV.

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.

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.

Discover the best that Quito has to offer as you embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. Alongside a private guide, take in the views of Quito from the teleferico cable car and take a guided walking tour of the Old Town. Then, visit the 'Middle of the World' monument to learn more about the effects of the equator line.

Get up close to Costa Rican wildlife on this morning safari float along a river beneath imposing Volcan Arenal. Be prepared to get wet as you’ll be in an inflatable vessel, close to the water. Look out for animals including sloths, snakes, and a variety of birds. Take a short hike to an organic farm, where you’ll collect your lunch ingredients.

Satisfy your appetite for adrenaline on a full-day tubing and zipline adventure from Belize City. Designed for travelers craving thrills, this experience takes you through a cave network replete with stalactites and stalagmites, and over the lush canopy of the rainforest. Float on underground rivers in a tube, conquer seven vertiginous ziplines, and enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off.

Immerse yourself in one of Costa Rica’s notable rainforests with this private tour. Hike around the foothills of an active volcano, swim underneath a waterfall, and take the pressure off your feet in hot springs. No need to worry about training at the gym before going on this excursion; choose between two versions of the tour that vary in physical intensity. Perfect for guests who like to balance an active vacation with exploring the local area.

Discover Ambergris Caye’s wildlife and coral reefs on this sailing and snorkeling tour to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Watch for the sea turtles, eels and fish that thrive within the protected area as well as stingrays and nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley, watch them feed on fresh sardines, then enjoy tropical breezes on deck as you return to San Pedro Town.