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Adventure Across South and Central America
Get ready for a wild, epic journey through South and Central America. Discover the raw beauty and unique experiences these diverse regions offer with these top adventure travel trips:
South America
Patagonia, Chile
Ride through stunning landscapes on horseback reminiscent of a cowboy's dream in Torres del Paine National Park. Connect with local gauchos, share a drink of mate around a campfire, and learn the art of saddling a horse (Chile Nativo: "The Last Frontier," 14 days; from $5,595; www.chilenativo.travel).
Bolivia and Chile: Across the Altiplano
Journey from the colonial city of Potosí through the extraordinary Salar de Uyuni-the world's largest and highest altitude salt flat-to the oasis of San Pedro in Chile's Atacama Desert. Embrace the minimalist-chic simplicity of rehabbed shipping containers (Explora: "Travesías From Uyuni," 8 days; $5,080; www.explora.com)
Central America
Guatemala: Be There Now
Embark on a unique mindfulness journey, seamlessly blending travel and meditation, with quiet moments on Antigua rooftops, and exploration of the ancient Maya sites. Join local shamanic rituals for a truly spiritual experience (Journeys International: "Mindfully Engaging Guatemala," 7 days; $2,450; www.journeys.travel)
Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands Adventure
Uncover the wonders of Peru and Ecuador with this comprehensive adventure. From hiking Sacsayhuaman Fortress, cycling Sacred Valley, and exploring the bustling Pisac market, to delving into the diverse wildlife of the Galapagos Islands (Varies in length; best time: June to September).
Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras: Ready, Set, Action
Experience the heart of Central America with a packed itinerary full of adventure, from ash-boarding down Nicaragua's Cerro Negro volcano, releasing baby turtles in El Cuco, to kayaking among mangrove forests in Punta Izopo National Park (KE Adventure Travel: "From the Pacific to the Caribbean," 14 days; $2,465; www.keadventure.com)
Explore more of these extraordinary destinations like the Atacama Desert, Pantanal, Ecuador, and Peru for a mix of culture, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty. For customized luxury trips, consider services like Jacada Travel, offering bespoke experiences tailored to individual preferences across Latin America.
Contributing editor Margaret Loftus has reported and written "Tours of a Lifetime" for the past eight years.
Embark on an adventure-travel trip in Patagonia, Chile, where you can ride through strikingly beautiful landscapes on horseback, connect with local gauchos, and learn the art of saddling a horse.
For a cultural journey, venture to Guatemala and partake in a unique mindfulness experience that blends travel and meditation, allowing you to immerse yourself in the country's rich history and spiritual practices.
Experience the thrill of crossing the Altiplano, starting in the colonial city of Potosí, traversing the Salar de Uyuni, and ending in Chile's Atacama Desert. Indulge in minimalist-chic accommodation while journeying through this extraordinary region.
Embark on a comprehensive adventure-travel experience, exploring the wonders of Peru and Ecuador, including the ancient sites of Machu Picchu and the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. This thrilling journey offers a mix of culture, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty.
