Travelers on Adventure Life's "Bolivia Backroads and Oruro Festival" excursion venture to the expansive salt desert of Uyuni. Here, they ascend the Tunapa volcano for breathtaking vistas.
Rebooted Rewrite:
Here's a lowdown on some extraordinary journeys that you won't wanna miss out on. These travel excursions are part of our site's 2010 selection of 50 unforgettable trips, highlighting each provider's commitment to authenticity, immersion, sustainability, and rapport.
Argentina & Chile: To the End of the World
Sailing around Cape Horn has long been the stuff of maritime nightmares. Via Australis, Mare Australis, and the Stella Australis, with launches as early as this year, carry between 130 to 210 adventurers to this treacherous landmark with picture windows, cabins, and a selection of South American vinos. Setting sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, and arriving at Punta Arenas, Chile, you'll be treated to lectures from staff as you breeze past ice-blue glaciers and cruise through the Beagle Channel—a body of water famously explored by Charles Darwin en route to the Galápagos Islands. Plus, you'll encounter Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island, the largest colony in southern Patagonia. Cruceros Australis: "Ushuaia to Punta Arenas," 3 days, from $840.SMALL-SHIP CRUISE • VALUE
Venezuela: Andes Rush
Prepare your pulse for a heart-pumping ride among Venezuela's Andes. Packed with adrenaline and delicious arepas—Latin America's tastiest corncakes—this action-packed multisport excursion includes trekking along Andean switchbacks, biking through misty cloud forests, navigating Class 3 whitewater on rafts, and galloping horses in tropical grasslands teeming with over 300 bird species, howler monkeys, and elusive jaguars. BikeHike Adventures: "Viva Venezuela-Mountain Biking, Hiking, Rafting, and Horseback Riding," 9 days, from $2,099.ACTIVE • VALUE
Costa Rica: Natural Wonders
Travel back to the '70s when eco-tourism first took hold with Michael Kaye's visit to Costa Rica for the whitewater. Kaye's commitment to rigorous guide training, safety, and the environment led to a transformative impact on adventure travel in this small Central American country. Expect a hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a boat ride through dense rainforest creeks in Tortuguero, and a taste of the country's fame as an adventure destination. Costa Rica Expeditions: "Costa Rica Connoisseur," 9 days, from $2,008.ACTIVE • VALUE
Bolivia: Carnaval Magic
Bolivia's most spectacular festivals set the stage for this captivating journey. Join the party during the Carnaval de Oruro, Bolivia's colorful celebration, then partake in rituals that are still ingrained in everyday life. Bake bread in traditional ovens, haggle at the Tarabuco Market, and even don trademark ponchos, sandals, and headgear. Top it off with a climb up Tunupa volcano, standing tall at 16,500 feet. Adventure Life: "Bolivia Backroads and Oruro Festival," 13 days, $2,790.CULTURE • VALUE
Ecuador: Galápagos and Beyond
Ecuador's charms stretch far beyond Quito, the Amazon rainforest, the Galápagos Islands, and indigenous villages. Travel on the 30-passenger Manatee Explorer down the Napo River, a tributary of the mighty Amazon. Then, head up the Pan-American Highway to bargain at the Otavalo textile market. Once you've reached the Galápagos, settle into the Finch Bay Eco Hotel on Santa Cruz Island. Finish your trip in historic Quito, the first city ever named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Adventure Associates: "Family Encounters in the Middle of the World: Galápagos Islands, Amazon Rainforest and Quito City," 12 days, $2,588 ($1,942 for children).CULTURE • FAMILY • VALUE
Central America: Maya, Then and Now
Explore the ancient Maya trade route from Belize to Honduras while visiting communities of the Mopan, Q'eqchi', and Chorti Maya, with stops at lesser-known archaeological sites, as well as kayaking, snorkeling, cave-swimming, and hiking. Mesoamerican Ecotourism Alliance: "Jade Route of the Ancient Maya," 9 days, $2,850.CULTURE
Argentina & Brazil: South America On the Move
This offbeat road trip from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro showcases the adventures hidden between South America's two party capitals. Experience the breathtaking Iguazú Falls, mingle with wildlife in the Pantanal, and party with fellow youthful travelers off Brazil's Emerald Coast. Time your trip right, and you can even catch the start of Rio's legendary Carnival. Dragoman: "Buenos Aires, Iguazú, Pantanal, and Rio Adventure Overland," 19 days, $1,110.CULTURE • VALUE
Peru: Hikes and Bikes
Machu Picchu is the pièce de résistance of any Peruvian adventure, but preparation starts with a host of other thrilling activities. Bike the salt pans of Maras, raft the rushing Urubamba River, and kayak Lake Titicaca at 12,500 feet to Isla Taquile, with overnight stays in guesthouses run by local families. Aventouras: "Discover Peru," 10 days, $2,698.ACTIVE • CULTURE • VALUE
Insight
Over the years, a strong movement toward authenticity, immersion, sustainability, and connection has permeated the travel industry. Despite no definitive "top 50 travel tours" from 2010, influential companies like Intrepid Travel, Gondwana Ecotours, Jacada Travel, and EcoTreasures epitomize the qualities that would likely feature in such a list.
These companies ensure authentic and immersive experiences by partnering with local communities, supporting local economies, minimizing environmental impact, and fostering deep connections.
For an exceptional and responsible travel experience, seek companies with strong track records in sustainability, local empowerment, and cultural respect.
- Journeying to the end of the world, you can sail around Cape Horn with Via Australis, Mare Australis, or Stella Australis, encountering Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island while cruising through forests and glaciers in Argentina and Chile.
- In Venezuela's Andes, embark on an exhilarating multisport expedition filled with trekking, biking, rafting, and horseback riding, all while appreciating the diverse wildlife in cloud forests and grasslands.
- Delve into the birthplace of eco-tourism in Costa Rica, hiking through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and boats through dense rainforest creeks, tasting the country's famous adventure destinations.
- Immerse yourself in Bolivia's vibrant culture during the Carnaval de Oruro, participating in local rituals, baking bread, shopping at markets, and climbing Tunupa volcano.
- Explore Ecuador beyond Quito, Amazon rainforest, Galapagos Islands, and indigenous villages, travelling down the Napo River, visiting the Otavalo textile market, settling into the Finch Bay Eco Hotel on Santa Cruz Island, and ending your trip in historic Quito.
- Traverse the ancient Maya trade route from Belize to Honduras, visiting Mopan, Q'eqchi', and Chorti Maya communities, and exploring lesser-known archaeological sites, all while kayaking, snorkeling, cave-swimming, and hiking.
