Best South America Tours 2020

As 2019 draws to a close, we  in the Andean Trails office are looking forward to a New Year filled with exciting and wonderful South America tours and adventures for our clients and of course ourselves!

Kat is also returning in mid January after taking maternity leave. We have much to look forward to!

Andean Trails Team

Here are our top choices for your South American best tours 2020.

Kathy writes:

“My top picks are treks in the Andes near Cusco.

In 2019 I was in Peru over Easter – my favourite time of year as the countryside is so lush and green. I decided to take on the 4 day Inca Trail with my son and some friends and before that I wanted to have a look at the 7 day Choquequiaro trek.

Kathy in the mist at Choquequirao

Both are fabulous trek near to Cusco, in the heart of Peru’s Andes.

Cusco

They each feature Inca sites, good paths through varied mountain terrain, the most fabulous views of the Andes, rich vegetation and wildlife, orchids, humming birds, eagles and the Andean condor and for some (though not me unfortunately), the elusive Andean Spectacled bear.

Orchids on Choquequirao trail

The Inca Trail takes you straight into Machu Picchu while the Choquequirao trek is well off the beaten track, tougher and more remote. You visit Machu Picchu at the end of it.”

Machu Picchu

Tom says:

“Hotel-based Galapagos trips now rival traditional cruises for wildlife and adventure. They also add in beautiful white beaches, local culture and maximum flexibility, and often at cheaper prices than the yachts.

Kicker Rock

All the highlights are included during your three-island stay:

• Snorkelling with sea lions, turtles, sharks and rays
• Volcanoes, lava fields and tunnels
• Giant tortoises and iguanas plus blue-footed boobies and more

Spot Tom on this panga in Santa Cruz!

You can incorporate many of the iconic visitor sites near San Cristobal, Santa Cruz and Isabela. These include:

• Snorkels at Tuneles & Kicker Rock
• Hike up Sierra Negra volcano
• Charles Darwin Research Centre
• Española and its Albatrosses
• Isabela is perfect for a beach day to two, ideal downtime at the end of your travels

Albatrosses

The increasing popularity of hotel-based tours is testament to the variety of trips available – many not included on cruise itineraries – along with a marked improvement in hotel and dining standards.

You can choose from 2-5* hotels, flexible start dates and trip length, making it much easier to fit into your holiday schedule.

Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz

Seasickness is less of an issue with hotels. In the evenings you are free to explore these relaxing islands, sleeping in cosy hotels and waking refreshed for yet another adventure.”

Nazca Booby

Alan comments:

The lure of Patagonia, its magical landscapes and pristine beauty is my recommendation for 2020.

Horns of Paine

Our Patagonia Highlights Trekking holiday is a group escorted trip departing on Saturdays from El Calafate in Argentina from October through to March.

This 15 day trip includes Patagonia’s most iconic treks.

Argentina’s Glaciares National Park is where you will hike up to Laguna de Los Tres at the foot of Mount Fitzroy.

Laguna de Los Tres in the snow

You will also trek the legendary Cerro Torre Trail and, if the weather is right, have the most spectacular views on the Lomo de Pliegue Tumbado trek.

Cerro Torre

In Chile’s Torres del Paine National park you will hike the world renowned “W” trek which includes reaching the base of the Towers of Paine and making your way up the incredibly beautiful French Valley.

Alan at the base of the Towers of Paine

You will also get up close to the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier near El Calafate in Argentina.

Perito Moreno Glacier

The final stage is a drive across Tierra del Fuego Island to the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia. Here you will have the opportunity to sail on the famous Beagle Channel.

Beagle Channel

This will certainly be an adventure to remember. Andean Trails’ client Karen just returned from her holiday in November. Simply put, she said: “AMAZING time”.

Those looking for a little more pampering and a wide range of adventurous activities might consider an all inclusive package at the Hotel Las Torres.

Hotel Las Torres

All in all, Patagonia has much to offer the adventure seeker in 2020.”

Your 2020 South America Adventure

The above are just a handful of the options we can suggest for you for your South America adventure in 2020. Do get in touch with us and we can make that adventure dream a reality.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and best wishes for a South America adventure holiday packed 2020!