Best Tours in Central and South America 2015
From Traveler Magazine's 2015 Tours of a Lifetime
Argentina: Click and Sip
Andean foothills studded with vineyards and colorful rock formations: Argentina’s northwest corner is a shutterbug’s dream. Bone up on photo skills—lighting, framing—with local photographer Ossian Lindholm. Along the way, sample wines made with the area’s Torrontes grapes. Ciclismo Classico: “Argentina Vision and Vine,” 9 days; $5,300; www.ciclismoclassico.com
Peru: High on the Andes
Stops at World Heritage sites Machu Picchu and Cusco pair with a pilgrimage to Quyllur Rit’i, a festival filled with music, trance dancing, and “spirits” in bear costumes. Aspiring Adventures: “Quyllur Rit’i Trip,” 14 days; $3,675; www.aspiringadventures.com
Belize: Diving to Make a Difference
Plunge into Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, a World Heritage site of exceptional biodiversity near Ambergris Caye, to monitor its population of invasive lionfish with a U.K.-based conservation group. Participants dive to collect data (advanced diving certification required), study lionfish by dissecting them, and learn all about reef ecology. Blue Ventures Expeditions: “Lionfish Dive,” 7 or 16 days; $943, $2,122; www.blueventures.org
Costa Rica: Teach While Touring
This teaching gig can span two weeks or 24. Lend a hand with lessons at a local school while brushing up on your español and living the pura vida near Manuel Antonio National Park, a preserve along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Global Vision International: “Volunteer With Children in Costa Rica,” 14 days; $1,790; www.gviusa.com
Colombia: Town and Country
Experience the remarkable variety of this nation’s natural landscapes while mountain biking from the high Andes to the tropics, stopping in such cultural gems as the colonial town of Barichara and an organic coffee hacienda near Bucaramanga. Colombia Adventure: “Bogotá to Santander Biking Adventure,” 6 days; $3,000; www.colombia-adventure.com
Brazil: Shore Thing
The overlooked northeast side of Brazil has it all, from the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, a World Heritage site, to colonial architecture in the city of São Luís de Maranhão. Includes a two-day trek in lagoon-filled Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Adventure Life: “Undiscovered Brazil,” 13 days; $3,275; www.adventure-life.com
- Nat Geo Expeditions
Ecuador: Naturally Inclined
Single out birdcalls and spot monkeys and tropical frogs as local guides lead you in kayaks through Yasuni National Park, believed to be the most biodiverse place on Earth. Tofino Expeditions: “Amazon Kayaking Trip,” 9 days; $4,390; www.tofino.com
Contributing editor Margaret Loftus has reported and written “Tours of a Lifetime” for the past nine years.
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