Explore the unique cultures and landscapes of Central & South America
This vast region encompasses a diverse array of peoples, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, making each country unique and special and offering inspirational experiences of all kinds.
We offer South America tours spanning the length of the continent and beyond, from vibrant Mexico and the warm Caribbean to the sub Antarctic waters of Patagonia’s Tierra del Fuego as well as the remote Falkland Islands.
Culture vultures will love the vibrant cities and towns with their historic colonial buildings, their rich heritage of art, dance and music, and the remarkable remains of ancient pre-colonial cultures, from the Mayans to the Incans.
Exciting traditional dishes will tempt the foodie as much as the gastronomic revolution which is flourishing from Rio to Lima and Buenos Aires to Mexico City.
Wildlife-lovers can choose from rainforest lodges and Amazon riverboats, safaris in Brazil’s famous Pantanal, and cruises around the Galapagos Islands. And if you love the outdoors then the fjords, glaciers, lakes and mountains of Patagonia provide the perfect backdrop to hiking or horse riding.
We understand that every traveller is different, so we tailor our South America tours to suit your requirements. You choose where and when you want to go, where you want to stay, and our experienced South America consultants will custom design an itinerary to suit your specific style, interests and budget.
South & Central America Itineraries
Things to do in South & Central America
Be inspired with treks to Machu Picchu, stays at Amazon eco-lodges, trips on Amazon riverboats and Galapagos cruises. Some of our favourite destinations include Easter Island, Iguazu Falls, Patagonia, Brazil and Mexico. This information provides a good starting point in planning your South America tour adventure.
Cusco & Machu Picchu
Take a classic tour of charming Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Explore the Urubamba Valley with its spectacular scenery, the picturesque market town of Pisac and the Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo. Visit beautifully preserved Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas”, with its imposing stone citadel, numerous temples, royal homes and agricultural terraces. For more information, please visit the Peru section of the website.
Inca Trail
Peru’s famous trekking routes are possibly the most spectacular in the Americas. They combine stunning mountain scenery, lush cloud forest, subtropical jungle, and of course, enchanting Inca ruins. The Machu Picchu Sanctuary is populated by over 250 species of orchid and diverse birdlife including hummingbirds and the Andean Condor. For more information, please visit the Peru section of the website.
Amazon Cruise
Glide down the Amazon viewing its unique wildlife, visiting local villages and exploring the flooded forests of the magnificent Pacaya Samiria National Reserve on foot, by motorised skiff or in river kayaks. Learn from expert guides before returning to your comfortable boat for pisco sours and fine Peruvian cuisine. For more information, please visit the Peru section of the website.
Bolivia Salt Flats
Visit Bolivia’s central highlands, home to the surreal Salar Uyuni, the world’s largest salt lake. Mostly devoid of life, this vast, flat landscape of blinding white salt and strange rock formations is incredibly photogenic. Explore the picturesque city of Potosi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cobbled streets and baroque colonial architecture. For more information, please visit the Bolivia section of the website.
Ecuador Eco-Lodges
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Amazon rainforest at a comfortable, low-impact eco-lodge set deep in the jungle. Take guided walks and canoe excursions or climb atop observation towers high in the tree canopy to observe the many birds, animals and insects that call this rich ecosystem home. For more information, please visit the Ecuador section of the website
Galapagos Islands
Explore the Galapagos Islands by small cruise ship. Formed by volcanic activity, the Galapagos are one of the most fascinating zoological, geological and botanical areas on earth. Walk amongst sea lions, frigate birds and iguanas, or kayak and snorkel with turtles and hundreds of tropical fish. For more information, please visit the Galapagos Islands section of the website.
Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places in the world, stretching from the highlands of the Andean Altiplano to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Whilst inhospitable to human life, its breathtaking salt flats, geysers, volcanoes, lagoons and vast expanses makes it a fantastic destination for landscape photography. For more information, please visit the Chile section of the website.
Easter Island
Easter Island is the most isolated place on earth, lying some 3,000 km off the coast of Chile. It is both beautiful and mysterious, with volcanic craters, lava formations, white sand beaches and of course, the gigantic and enigmatic stone statues known as ‘moai’. Explore iconic sites such as Ahu Tongariki with its 15 massive moai, or the Rano Kau volcano and Orongo, centre of a Bird Man cult. For details, please visit the Chile section of the website.
Iguazu Falls
Over 70m high with 275 cascades, the Iguazu Falls are amongst the world’s most spectacular waterfalls. The semi-circular falls form the Argentina/Brazil border, with two-thirds of it flowing on the Argentine side. Its most iconic view – that of the panoramic Devil’s Throat – however, is best enjoyed from Brazil. For details, please visit the Brazil or Argentina section of the website.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a vast area of soaring mountains, crystalline lakes and massive glaciers that spans both Chile and Argentina. It is a region of natural wonders, from the stunning Lakes District near Bariloche to the vast ice fields and the granite towers of Torres del Paine and Mount Fitz Roy further south. Activity options include hikes, vehicle excursions and cruises. For details, please visit the Patagonia section of the website.
The Pantanal
Search for the most powerful predator in the Americas – the jaguar – at a remote wildlife camp known only to a handful of renowned wildlife photographers and nature aficionados. The Jaguar Research Centre is a semi-permanent tented camp in a 270,000 acre reserve that teems with exotic animals such as capybara, caiman and macaw. For more information, please visit the Brazil section of the website.
Mexican Contrasts
Experience Mexico’s fascinating history in the states of Chiapas and Yucatan.Visit some of the country’s finest Mayan archaeological sites, the 16th century towns of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Merida, both a showcase of classical Spanish architecture, and nearby traditional villages, home to descendants of the ancient Maya people. For more information, please visit the Mexico section of the website.
Highlights of Cuba
Enjoy eclectic Havana with its incredible architectural heritage, lively social scene and mid-century ambiance. Its hidden gems include charming Cienfuegos and historic Trinidad, the stunning natural attractions of the Topes de Collantes Nature Park and the resting place of the famous revolutionary, Che Guevara, at Santa Clara. For more information, please visit the Cuba section of the website.
Costa Rica
Positioned between two continents, Costa Rica is home to more species of wildlife than any other place on earth: Scarlet Macaws, sea turtles, colourful fish, butterflies, monkeys and sloths just to name a few. Active volcanoes tower above impenetrable jungle and the pristine seas are perfect for snorkelling and diving. For more information, please visit the Costa Rica section of the website.
What Clients Say
“When in May 2013 I decided to go trekking with a friend in Peru and Patagonia I consulted a number of travel agencies and found Natural Focus to be the best… From the start to the finish this was one of the most awesome trips I have ever been on. I couldn’t fault anything and I couldn’t rate Natural FocusS any higher…”
“Andrea and I had a perfect visit to South America. The organisation was all “to plan”, enjoyable and memorable. We were amazed at what we saw. We were safe at all times. The travel arrangements were very good and the accommodation excellent. We want to go back sometime. Thank you very much…”
“It was always a dream of mine to go to Machu Picchu. When my friend organised this trek through Natural Focus I had no idea how wonderful this experience would be. From when we were picked up from the airport to when we arrived at Machu Picchu our guides were so friendly and helpful that it made climbing all those steps…”
“Natural Focus organized an amazing ‘bucket list’ South American experience for us over 3 weeks. After an incredible experience in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, with a friendly knowledgeable guide staying in extra-ordinary hotels, we spent eight days on a luxurious small boat with friendly staff and guides touring the…”
“From Chile to Peru, Argentina and Brazil what I can say, wonderful! I have already given my friends the Natural Focus information. We were very, very impressed at how well all four tours were synchronized… there was always a guide to meet us with transport, no standing around not knowing what to do or where to go. The included tours…”