With extreme ranges of ecosystems, staggering displays of biodiversity, and complex cultural and historical makeups, Central and South America present a host of travel experiences you can't find anywhere else on earth.

These two regions contain the most extensive variety of ecosystems, flora, and fauna on the planet. They also represent a wide diversity of cultures, full of thriving Indigenous communities and cities reflecting the European colonial influences of their pasts.

Keep reading to learn what unique environments, wildlife, and cultures you can experience on our tours to Costa Rica, Peru and the Galapagos, Patagonia, and Colombia below.

Arenal Volcano

Costa Rica’s Natural Heritage

It’s called a “living Eden” for good reason. Despite the country’s modest physical size – Costa Rica is smaller than the U.S. state of West Virginia – it is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. On our Costa Rica’s Natural Heritage small group tour, we experience environments ranging from rainforests, grasslands, wetlands, and dry forests to sandy coastlines, mountainous highlands, volcanic valleys, and coral reefs – along with many native wildlife species.

Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile

Patagonia Explorer & Patagonian Frontiers

Spanning parts of Chile and Argentina, Patagonia contains an immense diversity of natural scenery, flora, and fauna. On our Patagonia Explorer and Patagonian Frontiers small group tours, we witness some of the most rugged and remote land in the world: fjords, mountains, grasslands, glaciers, lakes, and rivers, all containing wildlife unique to the region. Join us on Patagonia Explorer for a land-based adventure, or take to the seas on Patagonian Frontiers, which includes a four-night cruise around the tip of South America.

Rosario Islands

Jewels of Colombia

Colombia’s diversity is centered around its indigenous cultures, Spanish colonial heritage, lush tropical settings, and delicious specialty foods and drinks. On our Jewels of Colombia tour, we travel from the capital city of Bogota to colorful Medellin to historic Cartagena, soaking in the warmth of the local people and enjoying some surprises along the way, including a Colombian rum, chocolate, and coffee tasting experience; an excursion to a Santa Elena flower farm; a Rosario Islands nature walk, canoe trip, and beach visit; and much more.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu to the Galapagos & Treasures of Peru

Our Machu Picchu to the Galapagos small group tour introduces us to Peru and Ecuador, two countries with extraordinary natural beauty, historic significance, and rich cultural heritage. The Inca sites and Indigenous villages we visit throughout the Sacred Valley – including, of course, the famed ruins of Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo – demonstrate the significance of Peru’s Indigenous peoples’ histories. Meanwhile, our four-night stay in the Galapagos highlights the diversity of wildlife species endemic to Ecuador’s archipelago: marine iguanas, Galapagos tortoises, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos sea lions, flightless cormorants, and over 1,500 more.

For a more focused exploration of Peru, consider our Treasures of Peru tour; which includes stays in colorful Lima, the mountain-clad Sacred Valley, historic Cuzco, and serene Lake Titicaca, as well as visits to various Inca sites, Indigenous villages, Spanish-colonial influenced towns, and much more.

For more information on each of these tours, including detailed day-by-day itineraries, click the tour names above. And when you’re ready to make your reservation, give us a call or submit an online reservation request. We’d be delighted to show you Central and South America!