The Best Places to Visit in South and Central America in Summer
Planning a trip to South or Central America in the summer? Give tango dancing a whirl, trace ancient ruins and spot endemic wildlife on these small-group trips.
With rainforests, mountains, lakes, beaches and pulsating cities in abundance, South and Central America are worth visiting at any time of year – but there are advantages to visiting in summer. In the Galápagos Islands, the cooler, drier weather means wildlife is particularly abundant, while in Peru, summer is the prime window of opportunity for hiking on clear, sunny days. On these adventures – bookable with Culture Trip – you can travel to those destinations and many others in South and Central America, for a hassle-free summer vacation.
Costa Rica, for volcanic hot springs and laid-back surf towns
While the steamy, rainy tropical summers here may not be optimal for travel, we love Costa Rica in the off-peak summer months because you get to see the country’s natural splendour without the crowds, at it’s luscious, overgrown best. From sipping volcanic coffee and soaking in hot springs in the shadow of Arenal volcano, to spotting sloths and jumping in waterfalls on rainforest walks, our trip offers the full Costa Rica experience. We’ll even end up on the coastal surf town of Tamarindo, where you can take a yoga session or even try riding a few choppy Pacific waves.
From US$2199
Next available from 6th Apr 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
San Jose, Costa Rica
ENDS AT
Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
The Galápagos Islands, to spot endemic wildlife
Animals take centre stage on the Galápagos Islands – one of the most biodiverse destinations in the world – and your wildlife-spotting chances are maximized by visiting in the summer months. Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, whose theory of evolution was inspired by his findings on the islands, on this five-day adventure with Culture Trip. You can sleep in a safari-style tent among giant tortoises in El Chato nature reserve, snorkel with sea turtles at Kicker Rock and swim with sea lions at Punta Carola beach. If you head to the uninhabited island of South Plaza, you might be lucky enough to spot the Galápagos hybrid iguana while hiking through cactus forests – it’s the only place on earth where this species exists.
From US$2499
Next available from 13th Jan 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
ENDS AT
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Ecuador, for hiking, whitewater rafting and chocolate tasting
Sitting directly on the equator, Ecuador is a nation of glacier-capped volcanoes, majestic waterfalls and thick jungle. There aren’t distinct seasons through the year, but the climate varies significantly by altitude. Here you’ll see some of the most impressive architecture in South America – particularly in Quito, where this TRIPS by Culture Trip adventure begins. You’ll explore the capital’s major landmarks and attend an Ecuadorian cooking masterclass before hiking and horse riding in Cotopaxi National Park, which is dominated by the 5,897m (19,347ft) Cotopaxi volcano. Hike around the emerald green Quilotoa crater lake, cycle the Baños Waterfall Route and go whitewater rafting in the Amazon rainforest, before wrapping up your trip with a soak in hot springs in Papallacta.
From US$2199
Next available from 9th Mar 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Quito, Ecuador
ENDS AT
Quito, Ecuador
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Additional reporting by Gethin Morgan.
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