For some people it's about connecting with locals and experiencing how they live and the foods that they eat. Others seek out the accomplishment from finishing a challenging trek and embracing that feeling that the world is so big and we are so small. Some are motivated by making positive change, encountering nature in its natural habitat, or standing at the edge of the earth just to say they did.
South America delivers all of the above with authentic travel experiences that blend majestic landscapes, wildlife, culture, and rich history for trips that are nothing short of INSPIRING!
Peru's appeal lies in the sheer beauty of its various landscapes, the abundance of its wildlife, and the strong and colourful character of the people.
Peru is peppered with Incan sites, but none so famous as the lost city of Machu Picchu. For many travelers to Peru, a visit to the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu is the whole purpose of their trip. With its awe-inspiring location, it is the best-known and most spectacular archaeological site on the continent. Despite being swamped by tourists from June to September, it still retains an air of grandeur and mystery.
South America's archaeological capital and oldest continuously inhabited city, Cuzco is now an important link in the region's travel network. Its legacy as the hub of the Incan empire is readily apparent: Quechua-speaking Incan descendants crowd the centuries-old stone-walled city streets.
Spread across an incredible 500 sq km (193 sq mi) of arid, rock-strewn land, the Nazca Lines remain one of the world's great archaeological mysteries. Eight hundred straight lines, geometric figures and some spectacular animal and plant drawings, the lines are almost imperceptible at ground level; only viewed from above do they form their striking vision.
Peru has been blessed with natural gifts as well: a huge chunk of Amazon rainforest falls within Parque Nacional Manu. This vast national park in the Amazon Basin covers almost 20,000 sq km (12,427 sq mi) and is one of the best places in South America to see a stunning variety of tropical wildlife. Progressive in its emphasis on preservation, Unesco declared Manu a Biosphere Reserve in 1977 and a World Natural Heritage Site in 1987.
The unique Islas Flotantes (floating islands) of the Uros people are Lake Titicaca's top tourist attraction. Although their popularity has led to massive over-commercialization, there is still nothing quite like them anywhere else in the world. The biggest island has several buildings, including a school, post office and an overabundance of souvenir shops.
Ecuador is a small country filled with natural diversity and is the perfect spot for any nature lover - from volcanoes to tropical cloud forests to exotic animals. Ecuador has four distinct regions: the Jungle (or "Selva Amazonica"), the Coast, the Andes and the Galapagos Islands. Made famous by Charles Darwin, the Galapagos Islands is an archipelago known for its exotic animals. Catch a glimpse of a giant Galapagos tortoise, an albatross, a marine iguana or a blue-footed boobie to name a few.
Fun Facts about Galapagos Islands:
Discovered in 1535 by the Bishop of Panama, Fray Thomas
Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands in September 1835 and spent 5 weeks there before coming up with his theory of evolution
They are located on the Equator, about 900 km west of mainland Ecuadorian coast
They are comprised of 13 large islands, 6 small islands, 42 islets and a number of small rocks and pinnacles
Total surface area of the Islands is 8,000 km2
There are more than 60 volcanoes that have erupted in the last 200 years
The Galapagos penguin is the only tropical penguin in the world
One of the largest countries in the world, Brazil certainly has plenty to see-the Amazon and Iguazu falls come to mind-but more than anything it's the Brazilian passion for life, epitomised in Rio's Carnival celebrations, that will make you fall in love and want to return again.
Did you know?
Brazil is the world's fifth biggest country. It covers an area much larger than Western Europe, and is slightly bigger than the United States excluding Alaska.
Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in South America.+ It is estimated that Brazil contains greater biodiversity than any other country on Earth. The rivers of the Amazon region, for example, are home to more than 1,500 different species of fish.
The annual carnival in Salvador, capital of the state of Bahia, is the world's biggest street party, attracting around 2 million people (including an average of 800,000 Brazilian and foreign tourists). The music is provided by mobile sound systems (trios elétricos) and over a hundred parade groups (blocos).
The city of Rio de Janeiro throws a New Year's Eve party that is probably the biggest – and arguably the most spectacular – in the world. Around two million people, all of them dressed at least partly in white (a popular tradition adopted from Afro-Brazilian religion), congregate on the huge crescent-shaped expanse of Copacabana beach to watch a midnight firework display.
Rio also gets into the record books with its Christmas festivities: the city's 82-metre high artificial Christmas tree (a conical metal framework covered in lights), which floats in the middle of Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon near Ipanema beach, is the biggest of its kind in the world.
Featured Tours:
Peru Panorama
14 nights $2,999 All departures are guaranteed
Departs Mondays and Saturdays, January-December 2012
(plus Fridays from June-September 2012)
You'll be Inspired: Immerse yourself in local culture with a homestay on Lake Titicaca where you'll be hosted by locals in a small, remote village. Now that's off the beaten path!
Peru, Land of the Incas, combines a rich pre-Columbian historical and archaeological past, woven with enduring indigenous cultures and mesmerizing landscapes. Take tens of thousands of steps on the Inca trail before you are left in absolute awe by the ultimate Lost City of Machu Picchu. Encounter the passion of living culture in the handiwork of the Women's Weaving Co-op, a G Adventures and Planeterra initiative to give back to the local Quechua community. Listen to the singing jungle of the Amazon, canoe around the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, and explore ancient history in the Sacred Valley - Peru's natural treasures and mysteries await you.
Includes: Local transportation, accommodation, tour leader, local guides (with cook and porters if one chooses to hike the Inca Trail - trekking permit also included), some meals and some activities - contact us for full details.
CDN$, per person. Land only. Other dates available, prices may vary, please contact us for details.
Quest of the Gods
13 nights $3,249 All departures are guaranteed
Departs select Tuesdays and Fridays, January-May 2012. Departs all Tuesdays and Fridays, June 5th-December 2012
You'll be Inspired: Staying in a rainforest lodge, you'll enjoy excursions in the Amazon Jungle to spot wildlife in their lush, natural habitat.
Framed by mighty peaks, there are moments in the Andes when you realize that you're not just sightseeing—you're connecting with a time long past. Embrace traditional and contemporary cultures in Cuzco before marvelling at incredible mountain vistas and exploring ancient history at the Lost City of Machu Picchu. From spotting macaws in the jungle and caymans on the riverbanks to witnessing the charm and passion of the communities on Lake Titicaca, Peru promises to be an experience you will never forget.
Includes: Arrival transfer, local transportation, accommodation, tour leader, local guides (with cook and porters if one chooses to hike the Inca Trail - trekking permit also included), breakfast daily starting on Day 2, some additional meals and some activities - contact us for full details.
CDN$, per person. Land only. Other dates available, prices may vary, please contact us for details.
Voyage Galapagos
9 nights $3,499 All departures are guaranteed
Departs select Saturdays, January-May 2012. Departs all Saturdays, June-December 2012. *Various departures available until January 2014.
You'll be Inspired: Experience Darwin's inspiration first-hand while snorkelling, swimming, and playing alongside some of the world's most unique wildlife.
Follow in Charles Darwin's footsteps and embrace some of the world's most spectacular natural diversity. Cruise the incredible Galapagos Islands and see for yourself how Darwin's revolutionary theory is still playing out. You'll snorkel with sea lions before relaxing with a cold drink on the yacht and sailing into the sunset. From the blue-footed boobies and green sea turtles, to wobbling sea lions and distinguished penguins, you will never get closer to wildlife than you will here.
Includes: Local transportation, accommodation, local naturalist guide while in the islands, local G Adventures representative in Quito, all meals while on-board the yacht, some additional meals and some activities - contact us for full details.
CDN$, per person. Land only. Other dates available, prices may vary, please contact us for details. Additional $US 110 to be paid in destination for Transit Control Card and National Park Fee.
Inland and Amazon
15 nights $1,399 All departures are guaranteed
Departs select Saturdays, January-December 2012
You'll be Inspired: A journey of contrasts; from canoeing through the jungle to the hectic pace of the cities and markets, culture and wildlife await.
As you straddle the equator at the Middle of the World, it occurs to you that being in two places at once is pretty invigorating. From the heights of the Andes to the heat of the Amazon rainforest, experience an incredible land of contrasts on this journey through Ecuador. Jungles are alive with exotic orchids, birds, bugs and amazing animals, while charming colonial cities are vibrant with colourful local markets. A trip to Ecuador is more about attitude than its latitude. Your stay with a local Quichua family will be an extraordinary cultural experience you'll never forget. This is more than just a tour—it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Includes: Local transportation, accommodation, tour leader, local guides, some meals and some activities - contact us for full details.
CDN$, per person. Land only. Other dates available, prices may vary, please contact us for details.
End of the Earth
14 nights $3,249 All departures are guaranteed
Departs most Mondays and Saturdays, January-March, November and December 2012. *Various departures available until April 2013.
You'll be Inspired: Prepare to be awed as you stand at the edge of the earth and experience one of the world's most pristine wilderness settings.
Spacious skies, enormous glaciers, thundering waterfalls, bold and flavourful wines—Argentina does everything big. Come see for yourself on this thrilling adventure through Patagonia, nature at its wildest and most untamed. Gazing upon the towering, steeple-like peaks of the Cordillera del Paine for the first time, you'd swear they were lifted straight from a Lord of the Rings movie. But these massive rock formations are very real. The Torres del Paine National Park's rugged mountain ranges, forests that play host to soaring condors and the Perito Moreno Glacier are just a few of the supersized wonders that offer truly unimaginable and stunning views. Prepare to be awed.
Includes: Local transportation, accommodation, tour leader, local guides, some meals and some activities - contact us for full details.
CDN$, per person. Land only. Other dates available, prices may vary, please contact us for details.
Iguassu and Beyond
8 nights $1,749
Departs select Mondays and Saturdays, January-December 2012
You'll be Inspired: Encounter the thundering Iguassu falls, world-famous beaches, and the lively culture and hospitality of Brazil all in one trip.
Life is a constant celebration in Brazil. For the nature lover who also wants to explore the nightlife of the urban jungle and have plenty of time on the beach, this adventure offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and cosmopolitan culture. Travel from the tango palaces of Buenos Aires to the samba pulse of Rio de Janeiro and discover spectacular wilderness in between. Encounter thundering Iguassu Falls, then continue to the coast and soak in the sun on Ilha Grande's beaches and beautiful colonial culture in Paraty. Embrace an exciting Latin American mix that celebrates everything from culture and cuisine to samba and sunshine.
Includes: Local transportation, accommodation, tour leader, local guides, visit to Iguassu Falls - contact us for full details.
CDN$, per person. Land only. Other dates available, prices may vary, please contact us for details.
