South & Central America Holidays
south & central america
From the soaring volcanoes, jungle-fringed beaches and misty cloud forests of Costa Rica to the spectacular Mayan ruins of Guatemala and the world’s second largest barrier reef in Belize, Central America holidays offer something for everyone.
South America holidays boast an incredible range of diverse experiences. You could soon be exploring the magnificent Machu Picchu in Peru, discovering the iconic sights of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, gazing at the wonder of Iguazu Falls, discovering the steamy Amazon Rainforest or following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin with an unforgettable holiday to the Galápagos Islands.
Trailfinders offer a range of South & Central America holidays and our expert travel consultants are a mine of information about what to do here, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore with an expert guide on a private tour, join a social small group tour or combine several countries on one of our multi centre holidays - they are the perfect people to ask.
Talk to a South & Central America Holidays Expert
01 881 4983
Order your Central & South America brochure
Sorry no address found, click here to enter manually
TF's Bulletin
SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA HOLIDAY DEALS & SPECIAL OFFERS
Below is a selection of some of our best South & Central America special offers.
For more information on any of these deals, give us a call and speak to one of our expert consultants.
_960x960.jpg "Costa Rica Adventure")
HOW TO GET AROUND SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA
With so many fascinating historical sites and incredible landscapes to discover, South & Central America is the perfect destination to be explored with an expert guide on a private touring holiday or with like-minded travellers on a sociable guided group tour.
Our multi centre holidays are also very popular and offer inspiring combinations of destinations. We also have carefully created family holidays, full of exciting experiences.
Our multi centre holidays are also very popular and offer inspiring combinations of destinations. We also have carefully created family holidays, full of exciting experiences.
OUR HOLIDAYS TO SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA
Nobody offers more ways to explore both South & Central America than Trailfinders.
Here’s a snapshot of some of our most popular South America holidays & Central America holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.
Here’s a snapshot of some of our most popular South America holidays & Central America holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.
Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro
Argentina
Private Tour
12 days / 11 nights
12 days / 11 nights
Combining two iconic cities with one of South America’s greatest natural wonders, this is the perfect introduction to the wonderful destinations of Argentina and Brazil.
Classic Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Private Tour
13 days / 12 nights
13 days / 12 nights
Experience some of the highlights of this beautiful country on this classic journey. With diverse wildlife and spectacular scenery in abundance it will be an unforgettable trip.
The Best of Patagonia
Argentina
Private Tour
16 days / 15 nights
16 days / 15 nights
Showcasing the best of the spectacular and wild landscapes of Patagonia, this tour includes Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park and the huge Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina.
Absolute Peru
Peru
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
21 days / 20 nights
21 days / 20 nights
This in depth tour of Peru is fascinating and diverse and includes the Inca Trail, Nazca Lines and Amazon Rainforest.
Northern Ecuador & the Galapagos in Style
Ecuador
Private Tour
15 days / 14 nights
15 days / 14 nights
Explore the stunning scenery of northern Ecuador whilst staying in some of the country’s most luxurious properties before flying to the Galápagos Islands for an unforgettable adventure.
Classic South America - HAL
Chile
Cruise Holiday
21 days / 20 nights
21 days / 20 nights
Combine all the delights of South America on this superb holiday.
WHERE TO GO IN SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA
Each country in South & Central America boasts its own attractions and it’s no exaggeration to say each merits a holiday in its own right. Many countries would even take several holidays to truly discover all of the fascinating sights.
Click on the tiles below for more details on each South America holiday destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
Click on the tiles below for more details on each South America holiday destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
Peru
Peru was once the heart of the Inca Empire and today this wonderful destination is bursting with cultural, historical and natural treasures from the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu to the wild Amazon Rainforest.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a small but captivating country which is wonderfully rich in flora and fauna and boasts a vast amount of breathtakingly beautiful scenery.
Chile
Stretching over 2,500 miles and sandwiched between the Andes Mountains and Pacific Ocean, Chile is a land of extremes.
Argentina
Vibrant, colourful and incredibly diverse, Argentina bursts with life from the colourful streets of vibrant Buenos Aires to the remote wilderness of Patagonia.
_1500x1500.jpg?width=600 "Brazil")
Brazil
For scale, spectacle and sheer exuberance, few countries can hold a candle to Brazil.
Colombia
One of South America's best kept secrets, Colombia is a colourful, lush, musical, tropical, vibrant country surging to the top of the world’s must-visit lists.
Ecuador
A small country which packs a big punch with with active volcanoes, indigenous tribes, colourful markets, colonial architecture, misty cloud forests and thick rainforest.
Galápagos Islands
Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin with an unforgettable holiday to the Galápagos Islands.
Bolivia
Less famous than its illustrious neighbours Bolivia is one of the hidden gems of South America, boasting a stark beauty and some of the best preserved colonial cities in the Americas.
Uruguay
Although dwarfed by its more famous neighbours in terms of size and profile, Uruguay has much to offer the traveller who is looking to experience South America beyond the obvious icons.
Panama
Panama may be most famous for the engineering wonder of the Panama Canal but there's far more to this tiny gem than man-made marvels alone.
Mexico
Mexico is a fascinating country with an ancient heritage and Latin flavour that is unique in the Caribbean.
Guatemala
Guatemala is steeped in Mayan traditions and home to some of the most spectacular ruins in the region.
Belize
The pretty little country of Belize is something of an anachronism with a British heritage and a distinctly Caribbean feel that sets it apart from its Latin American neighbours.
Guyana
The only English speaking country in South America – a Guyana holiday is a haven for adventure and discovering the fascinating melting pot of Caribbean and Amerindian culture of its people is an experience in itself.
OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA
We feature a great range of accommodation in South & Central America, with something to suit all budgets. Maybe you’re looking for a traditional hacienda in Colombia or a luxurious hotel overlooking Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro? Or perhaps it’s a cosy all-inclusive lodge in Patagonia or a family friendly villa in Costa Rica.
What you won’t find here are thousands of South & Central America hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
What you won’t find here are thousands of South & Central America hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel
Rio De Janeiro
This neoclassical landmark is undoubtedly Brazil’s most iconic hotel.
Tierra Patagonia
Torres Del Paine National Park
This beautiful luxury lodge is set on the edge of Lake Sarmiento, overlooking the towering peaks of Torres del Paine.
Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel
Machu Picchu
With an unrivalled location just steps away from the entrance of Machu Picchu, a stay here provides easy access to this majestic site.
Mashpi Lodge
Cloud Forest
This stunning 4 plus star lodge is located in a protected area of Andean cloud forest, just a few hours drive from Quito.
Nayara Gardens
Arenal
This romantic hotel is surrounded by forest and boasts amazing views of the Arenal Volcano.
Gran Melia Iguazu
Iguazu
This fantastic property has an unbeatable location within the Iguazú National Park.
WHAT TO DO IN SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA
As well as awe-inspiring sights, South & Central America is also home to unforgettable experiences. These provide an insight into the culture and a unique way to experience the areas natural splendour that sightseeing along simply can’t replace.
One day you might be dancing with the locals at a samba club in Brazil, the next getting drenched on a thrilling boat ride under Iguazu Falls. Experiences can be as adventurous as zip-lining through the jungle in Costa Rica or as refined as wine tasting on a Chilean vineyard.
Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your South & Central America holiday to life.
One day you might be dancing with the locals at a samba club in Brazil, the next getting drenched on a thrilling boat ride under Iguazu Falls. Experiences can be as adventurous as zip-lining through the jungle in Costa Rica or as refined as wine tasting on a Chilean vineyard.
Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your South & Central America holiday to life.
Day at an Estancia
9 hours
- Visit a traditional ranch
- See gaucho skills in action
- Traditional asado barbecue lunch
Santiago Wine Tour
5 hours
- Be whisked out of the city to a stunning vineyard
- Enjoy wine tasting & a delicious lunch
_1500x1500.jpg?width=600 "Cartagena Street Food Tour")
Cartagena Street Food Tour
2.5 hours
- Wander Cartagena's colourful cobbled streets on a culinary adventure
- Discover delicious, authentic street food
Sky Trek Zipline
4 hours
- Soar through the tree canopy on a series of exciting ziplines
- Take in awesome rainforest views
Cusco's Rooftop Kitchen Cooking Experience
4 hours
- Cook delicious Peruvian cuisine
- Fascinating guided tour of San Pedro market
- Fantastic rooftop views
Corcovado & Sugarloaf Mountain
8 hours
- Discover the city’s 2 most famous landmarks
- Enjoy panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA
The best time to visit South & Central America varies by region. Given the size of the continent, at any time of the year there are a variety of climates in action and many countries are truly year round destinations. See the graphs below for a brief overview or speak to one of our travel consultants for more information.
JAN
29
9h
11cm
FEB
28
9h
10cm
MAR
26
7h
12cm
APR
22
7h
10cm
MAY
19
5h
8cm
JUN
15
4h
6cm
JUL
15
5h
6cm
AUG
17
6h
7cm
SEP
19
6h
7cm
OCT
22
7h
11cm
NOV
25
8h
10cm
DEC
28
8h
9cm
JAN
26
11h
0cm
FEB
25
10h
0cm
MAR
23
9h
0cm
APR
19
7h
2cm
MAY
16
4h
4cm
JUN
13
4h
9cm
JUL
13
4h
9cm
AUG
14
5h
7cm
SEP
16
6h
3cm
OCT
20
7h
2cm
NOV
23
9h
1cm
DEC
25
10h
0cm
JAN
31
4h
27cm
FEB
31
3h
29cm
MAR
31
3h
32cm
APR
31
4h
31cm
MAY
31
5h
24cm
JUN
31
6h
11cm
JUL
32
7h
9cm
AUG
33
7h
6cm
SEP
33
5h
8cm
OCT
33
6h
12cm
NOV
32
5h
18cm
DEC
32
4h
22cm
JAN
30
6h
20cm
FEB
30
7h
19cm
MAR
29
6h
18cm
APR
27
6h
15cm
MAY
26
6h
11cm
JUN
25
6h
7cm
JUL
24
6h
7cm
AUG
25
6h
8cm
SEP
25
5h
10cm
OCT
26
5h
13cm
NOV
27
5h
16cm
DEC
28
5h
21cm
JAN
23
7h
1cm
FEB
24
7h
1cm
MAR
25
7h
1cm
APR
25
7h
6cm
MAY
25
7h
26cm
JUN
25
7h
30cm
JUL
24
6h
21cm
AUG
24
6h
28cm
SEP
24
6h
37cm
OCT
24
6h
34cm
NOV
24
6h
16cm
DEC
23
6h
4cm
JAN
13
5h
13cm
FEB
13
5h
10cm
MAR
13
5h
8cm
APR
13
6h
3cm
MAY
13
8h
2cm
JUN
12
8h
0cm
JUL
12
8h
1cm
AUG
13
8h
1cm
SEP
14
7h
3cm
OCT
15
6h
4cm
NOV
15
6h
5cm
DEC
14
6h
10cm
JAN
28
8h
18cm
FEB
30
8h
15cm
MAR
30
8h
17cm
APR
30
8h
16cm
MAY
28
7h
8cm
JUN
27
6h
11cm
JUL
25
6h
12cm
AUG
24
6h
8cm
SEP
24
6h
9cm
OCT
24
6h
7cm
NOV
25
7h
7cm
DEC
26
7h
13cm
JAN
21
5h
12cm
FEB
20
5h
14cm
MAR
20
4h
16cm
MAY
20
5h
13cm
JUN
20
5h
6cm
JUL
20
6h
3cm
AUG
21
6h
4cm
SEP
21
5h
8cm
OCT
20
5h
13cm
NOV
20
5h
13cm
DEC
21
5h
11cm
APR
20
4h
17cm
JAN
26
6h
0cm
FEB
27
7h
0cm
MAR
26
7h
0cm
APR
25
7h
0cm
MAY
22
5h
0cm
JUN
20
2h
0cm
JUL
19
1h
0cm
AUG
18
1h
0cm
SEP
19
2h
0cm
OCT
20
3h
0cm
NOV
22
4h
0cm
DEC
24
5h
0cm
South & Central America Top Tips From Our Travel Experts
Tom Bonavia
Head to beautiful Patagonia. Fly to El Calafate and visit the spectacular Perito Moreno glacier; towering above the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino the colours are simply mesmerising, as is watching huge chunks of the glacier fracture off and crash into the water below. Take a boat trip and cruise along the glacier wall to get a close-up view of nature in action.
Tales from the Trail
Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team
Work for Trailfinders
homeBook a Travel Centre Appointment
screen_shareBook a Virtual Appointment
Speak to a Travel Expert
We believe booking online is no substitute for one-on-one service. Between them our expert travel consultants have travelled to over 96% of the world's countries. As a result the service and advice they offer is second to none.
Your travel plans on the go
- View your up-to-date travel plans
- Book online & manage your account
- Flight details including baggage & seating
- Update your contact information
- Check visa & travel health requirements
- Access to E-Vouchers
- Trip Hub
Watch ViewTrail in Action
Additional Features in the App:
- 365/24/7 emergency contact quick links
- Location related features
- Offline access to your travel plans
ie.destination.south-and-central-america