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.

Spring Sale

Natural hot spring in the shadow of Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica

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$2403

Next available from 20th Jul 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

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Spring Sale

Woman walking in the middle of a wooden bridge in a waterfall in Devils Pailon, Ecuador

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$1869

Next available from 27th Jul 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

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Additional reporting by Gethin Morgan.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

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