The Andes are the longest chain of mountains in South America, stretching 4,500 miles parallel to the west coast. Starting in Ecuador in the north, they run through Peru, Bolivia and Chile to Argentina in the south. Spanning such a great latitude, the nature of the landscape varies enormously from lush rain forest in the north to much drier and barren conditions in the south. On a holiday to the Andes you’ll see some of the world’s highest peaks, with over 50 of them soaring to over 6,100 metres. For fantastic walking holidays and trekking trips to the Andes, book an adventure with Roaming Our Way Travel & Adventure Company and Exodus Travel and we’ll show you the way.
Voyage through ethereal deserts, up the cloud-kissed Andes Mountains, to mysterious ancient lost cities and deep into the Amazon jungle on an odyssey back through time. Once home to the great sun-worshiping Inca civilization and best known for the lost mountaintop kingdom of Machu Picchu this South American country is a cornucopia of adventure. Peru travels are extraordinary, however it’s the local Peruvian and Quechan people you’ll meet on the journey that turn your vacation into a true once in a lifetime adventure. Enjoy Amazon safaris with naturalists, trek with mountaineering experts, meet Incan weavers and artisans, receive a blessing from a traditional shaman and connect with local people who will smile and welcome you with open arms.
An epicenter for history aficionados and adrenaline pumping adventures on the iconic Inca Trail and beyond on alternative Andean treks such as Salkantay, or Moonstone. With activities such as world class hikes, river rafting, biking, ziplining, wildlife safaris, boat cruises, hot springs, cooking classes, culinary feasts, mind blowing museums, a Peru trip is sure to set your soul on fire and leave you wanting more!
Darwin found inspiration for his groundbreaking book ‘The Origin of Species’ in the Galapagos Islands. On this isolated tropical archipelago, almost 1000km off mainland Ecuador, he discovered wildlife present nowhere else on Earth; today, Galapagos Islands tours will still astonish nature and wildlife lovers. The volcanic islands are considered to be a living laboratory by scientists and represent one of the most pristine yet fragile areas in the world. This enchanting environment is characterised by stark lava fields, cactus forests, volcanic craters, mangrove lagoons and turquoise waters.
Without a doubt, the highlight of Galapagos Islands tours is the incredible wildlife. With very few external predators and limited human interference, the species that inhabit the Galapagos have always shown a near-fearless attitude to man. Close encounters are assured and we may find ourselves stepping over snoozing Sea lions and iguanas or watching up close the courting rituals of Blue-footed boobies, albatross or frigatebirds. A mask and snorkel will reveal an exciting underworld – turtles, sharks, rays and colorful reef fish are abundant and Sea lions love to come and play!
Exodus offer a wide range of adventure and activity Chile tours. Chile and Easter Island are an exploration of the ‘thin’ country at the southern end of the world is one of the great rewards for the adventure traveler. Patagoniais a heady cocktail of lakes, peaks, deserts, glaciers and no shortage of wildlife. It is a feast of wild places and astonishing scenery tailor made for walking. The biggest icons are the lakelands, dominated by the great Pucon volcano, the Atacama desert (the driest in the world), the vineyards, Torres del Paine, Tierra del Fuego and the marine life of the south Pacific Ocean. The magnificent mountains are bordered by windswept grasslands, with millions of sheep tended by a few intrepid gauchos who live under the spine of the continent – the imperious Andes. Photogenic, breathtaking and a true wilderness, Chile holidays seldom disappoint.
Landlocked Bolivia is a quintessential South American country both in terms of the immensity of its landscapes and its strong indigenous culture. Although little-known, Amboró National Park boasts almost unparalleled bio-diversity and the charming, albeit rustic, gateway town of Samaipata also gives access to the nearby Pre-Columbian UNESCO site of El Fuerte. Nowhere else on Earth can you find salt flats of comparable scale to Salar de Uyuni; a comprehensive three-day 4WD adventure reveals its multi-colored lagoons, cacti islands and spouting geysers. In stark contrast to these natural wonders are the vibrant cities of Sucre, Potosi and La Paz whose heritage was shaped by both the Incas and the Spanish Conquistadors. Finally, wind down with a night in an eco-lodge on the Isla del Sol overlooking the deep, tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca - fringed by snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real.
Situated in dense, tropical rain forest in a national park, the irrepressible Iguazu Falls is one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. The power of the 3km-long chain of waterfalls, the result of volcanic flow, creates an unforgettable mist and sound that will leave you feeling humbled and in awe. Sitting on the border of Brazil and Argentina, these astounding waterfalls can be viewed from either side.
The Argentine side is home to some three-quarters of the cascades as well as a walkway that takes you right overhead the thundering Garganta del Diablo – meaning Devil’s Throat – the highest of the falls. Spend time observing the incredible jungle flora and fauna here on one of the several trails, and see if you can spot toucans, butterflies, coatis and monkeys along the way.
No holiday to Argentina is complete without visiting the country’s vibrant cosmopolitan capital. Buenos Aires trips are a popular part of many of our holidays in the region, and there is nowhere better to experience a fusion of Latin passion and European architecture than here.
Culture lovers can surround themselves with the late Argentinian First Lady Eva Perón’s jewels and dresses at Museo Evita; or head to the dramatic Recoleta Cemetery, which holds the tombs of the city’s rich, famous and most powerful families. Ditch the big, gaudy tango shows for the neighborhood ‘milongas’ and witness real, pulsating, edge-of-your-seat tango. And from the street-food vendors selling succulent empanadas to the freshly caught seafood at the marina, gourmet travelers will find much to tempt their taste buds on Buenos Aires tours.
Scale the dizzying heights of the Andes, the longest chain of mountains running down the spine of South America that stretch 4,500 miles through five countries. On the Argentinian-side lagoons, mountains and glaciers lie waiting for intrepid explorers. Whether it’s trekking up to Cerro Fitz Roy Base Camp or pausing for thought at the Laguna de los Tres glacial lake, the Argentinian Andes are a mountaineers dream.
But it’s not just all about the highs. Visit the mighty Lanin Volcano or cycle through windy alpine towns in the beautiful Argentinian Lake District. Wherever you go in this southern region you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere so raw, rugged and dreamlike.
If you’ve come to see Colombia for a taste of the old times, put this one on your list. The Old Town of the city of Cartagena is a magnificent Walled City located on the country’s Caribbean Coast. Back in the day, Old Cartagena was one of Colonial Spain’s important ports. With massive stone fortresses guarding its 11 kilometer-long wall, once you set foot inside this city, you’ll understand why the Spanish wanted to protect it so heavily. The Old Town is something out of a children’s book, with narrow, winding streets leading to main squares lined with old churches, monasteries and mansions. These beautiful, multi-colored buildings are a photographer’s dream. Spend some time getting lost in this maze-like city and snapping a few selfies on the way.