Cultural Tours to Central and South America
Culture abounds in Latin America, from ancient civilizations to living indigenous villages and the modern cultures of major cities.
On cultural themed trips you can explore the ruins of Mayan civilizations, visit indigenous villages in the Amazon basin, discover ancient civilizations throughout Peru, witness the living Chilote culture found on the Chiloé Archipelago in Chile, and experience the vibrant contemporary life in cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Cartagena, Lima, Buenos Aires.
Mayan civilizations are evidenced by the extensive list of ruins located throughout Central America from southern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula (Palenque, Chichen Itza, Tulum) to Guatemala (Tikal, Yaxha, Quirigua), Belize (Caracol, Xunantunich), Honduras (Copan).
Visit and interact with Garifuna people in small villages along the Caribbean coast of Honduras and Belize. The Garifuna have their own language, music and food. Along the Bay of Tela in Honduras you will find Garifuna communities, such as Miami, where you can spend the day with local families, learning their language and history.
In Panama you can stay with a local Kuna (or Guna) family on a private island.
Colombia’s rich historical past and modern present is evident throughout the country. The cities and cultural centers of Bogotá, Medellin, Cali and Cartagena are home to restaurants, dance clubs, theaters, museums; calendar events include film and music festivals, lively religious fiestas. Cartagena is the perfect combination of colonial history and modern Caribbean joie de vivre. Visit picturesque towns such as Villa de Leyva, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved colonial villages in South America. The old and historic center of Popayán is considered one of the most beautiful and best preserved in Colombia as well as in all of Latin America.
In Peru and Bolivia you will find pre-Colombian civilizations and modern-day Quechua and Aymara-speaking people. The Northern Kingdoms were home to the Moche Civilization and Chimú Empire. Important sites include Tucume, a vast Lambayeque-period archeological complex and Chan Chan, the capital city of the Chimú Empire. The Chachapoyas culture was centered at the fortress of Kuelap before being conquered by the Incas. The Inca Empire can be best appreciated in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Inca capital of Cusco and the citadel of Machu Picchu. Evidence of the pre-Colombian Tiwanaku Empire can be studied at the ruins of Tiwanaku in western Bolivia near the shores of Lake Titikaka.
The Chiloé Archipelago, isolated from the Chile mainland, has a unique architecture, language (Chilote), cuisine and folklore. Explore on a day trip or spend a few days while staying at a small hotel or seaside lodge.
In Brazil make time for a few days in Salvador, the capital of the State of Bahia and a center for Afro-Brazilian music and dance, religion, cuisine and local customs; all brought to Brazil from the West coast of Africa then mixed with Portuguese traditions and culture.
And, of course, contemporary life is a focal point in the cultural hubs of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro: restaurants, theaters, art galleries, markets, shopping, nightclubs, tango, samba, bossa nova…Carnival!
Curated Cultural Travel Experiences
Journey Between the Seas – M/V Discovery Panama Tour Package
A journey in the Discovery is a feast of intense, sensory experiences: the aroma of remote places, the texture of unknown things, the multicolor tapestry of nature, the accent of unheard languages, and the exquisite flavor of what has never before been tasted; that is the incomparable feeling of penetrating the secrets of other worlds, other lives.
Jungle, Highlands and Islands Ecuador & Galapagos Tour Package
This grand circuit of Ecuador includes Quito, the Amazon rainforest, the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’ and the Galapagos Islands. Begin your trip with a day or two exploring Quito and its environs. Our half-day city tour can be combined with the teleferico up the slopes of Pichincha Volcano or a visit to the Equator Monument. Other day trips include the Mindo Cloudforest, Cotopaxi National Park, Pasochoa Volcano.
Maya Magic & Mystery Guatemala Tour Package
Along with your private guides you will walk the streets of colonial Antigua, explore the villages of Lake Atitlan, visit the markets of Comalapa and Chichicastenango and tour the Mayan ruin sites of Iximche, Yaxha and Tikal. In addition to our recommended Antigua excursions you can tour the Antigua Valley on foot or mountain bike, visit local artisan workshops or climb the Pacaya Volcano.
Mexico And Guatemala Meso-American Civilizations Tour
Step into the heart of the ancient world on a journey through Mexico and Guatemala, where monumental ruins rise from the jungle and vibrant traditions echo the legacy of the great Meso-American civilizations. This itinerary blends discovery with comfort, weaving together archaeological wonders, rich cultural encounters, and handpicked boutique stays.
Nazca Lines and Paracas Overnight Peru Tour
First visit the Nazca Lines. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Scholars believe the Nazca Lines were created by the Nazca culture between 400 and 650 AD. The hundreds of individual figures range in complexity from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, fish, sharks, orcas, llamas, and lizards.
Nicaragua Colonial Heritage & Romance
Discover the heart of Central America on a romantic and historic journey through Nicaragua. This specially curated itinerary blends the rich, colonial heritage of Granada with the serene natural beauty of the Pacific coast, offering a perfect escape for couples seeking both adventure and relaxation. Prepare to immerse yourselves in a world of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.
Nicaragua Highlights
After your first night in Managua you will transfer to Leon for an overnight stay in the original and historic capital of Nicaragua. Spend the night at one of the charming colonial hotels. On the following morning you will go on a guided tour of this historical city: you will visit the main churches and the Cathedral, galleries and colonial houses, and take the optional tower climb for an amazing view of the city and volcanoes.
Northern Peru – Nature & Culture Tour to Kuelap and Cajamarca
This journey through Northern Peru combines the dramatic natural landscapes of the Andes with the legacy of ancient civilizations that predate the Incas. From the misty cloud forests surrounding Chachapoyas to the monumental fortress of Kuelap, travelers follow the trail of the enigmatic Chachapoya people—“the Warriors of the Clouds”—whose ruins still cling to mountain ridges above deep valleys.
Panama Canal Expansion Tour
Since the SS Ancon made the first ocean-to-ocean transit through the Panama Canal on August 15, 1914 more than a million vessels have transited through the waterway bringing commerce, cultures and people from all corners of the world closer together.
Panama Discovery Tour
Journey to a land where ancient history collides with modern marvels, and breathtaking natural beauty unfolds at every turn. This is Panama, a country of staggering contrasts, where you can stand in awe of a 21st-century engineering feat one day and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of an indigenous community the next.
Panama Family Adventure Tour
Take a boat trip on the Panama Canal led by an expert naturalist guide, a dugout canoe trip to an Embera Indian village in Chagres National Park, kayaking on the Chagres River and hiking the La Chunga Trail, a canopy zipline tour in the highland cloudforest of Chiriqui Province, a boat trip through the mangroves of Bastimentos National Park to Salt Creek, snorkeling, beach time at Boca del Drago.
Peru Active Adventure Tour Package
If you prefer an active pace and wish to experience Peru through thrilling adventures, this trip may be just what you are looking for. Join us for a 10-day excursion packed with excitement and exploration on which you will be immersed in thousands of years of this country’s culture.
Peru and Galapagos Cruise Tour Package
Explore the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Galapagos Islands during this unforgettable 13-day adventure. This trip combines many of our exciting opportunities into one expansive experience.
Peru Discovery Tour: Rainforest to Ruins
On this amazing and complete Peruvian tour, we take you to every one of our favorite destinations within the country. From Lima you will fly to Cusco and transfer to the Sacred Valley. From here, you will not only acclimate to the high altitude, but you will also experience the mystifying beauty that is the Inca region.
The Best of El Salvador and Nicaragua
This itinerary traces a vivid arc across two countries, pairing the volcanic drama, artisan highlands, and coastal biodiversity of El Salvador with the colonial cities, crater lakes, and Pacific beaches of Nicaragua. The journey begins in San Salvador, where the country’s cultural heritage and geological force sit side by side.
The Birds & Nature of Northern Peru Custom Tour
Northern Peru is one of South America’s last great frontiers for birding. Stretching from the steamy lowlands of the Amazon fringe to the cloud-wrapped ridges of the Andes, it harbors a dazzling concentration of ecosystems and endemic species.
Scan this QR code to visit this page with your mobile device:
Panama Discovery Tour
Journey to a land where ancient history collides with modern marvels, and breathtaking natural beauty unfolds at every turn. This is Panama, a country of staggering contrasts, where you can stand in awe of a 21st-century engineering feat one day and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of an indigenous community the next.
Antigua & Tikal Guatemala Tour Package
Start in the colonial town of Antigua. A suggested Fair Trade Coffee tour will introduce you the small independent coffee growers and the local families who own and operate them. Along with a local guide you will learn all about the complete process. Other optional tours from Antigua include a private walking tour of the city, hiking or mountain biking through the Antigua Valley, visits to the workshops of local artisans.
Jaguar Safari – Baiazinha Lodge & Araras Eco Lodge
The Pantanal is a wonderland of landscapes and biodiversity - the reason that makes the Pantanal South America's main sanctuary of wildlife. The Paraguay river, that borders in many moments points of granite mountains, represents the source of the plate river basin.
Brazil Adventure Tour – Rio, Iguacu Falls and the Amazon Rainforest
Experience the beating heart of Brazil on an unforgettable journey that combines the vibrant energy of its most iconic city with the breathtaking beauty of its natural wonders. This adventure begins in Rio de Janeiro, a city where urban excitement meets stunning landscapes. Over four days, you’ll explore Rio’s legendary landmarks, from the majestic Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain to the panoramic views from Sugarloaf Mountain.
