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Our Itineraries

Hiking in South America hiking
Biking in South America biking
Sea Kayaking in South America sea kayaking
Whitewater rafting in South America rafting
South American wildlife wildlife

Our 14-day Jaguar adventure tour is our most adventurous trip packed with hiking, biking, backpacking, jungle hikes, a village home stay and plenty of multi-activity options. It also includes hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and can be shortened to 7 or 10 days if you have limited time. Our 11-day Tucan adventure tour is designed to explore the little-known areas of Ecuador while cycling, hiking, caving, river tubing and reverse canyoning. This multi-activity adventure tour in Ecuador will take you well off the beaten track, and you'll love the hikes, bike rides, river rafting, caving, and all the other things we'll do! Our 10 day Tortuga is a multi activity tour around the Galapagos Islands. It’s packed with lots of sea kayaking, snorkeling/diving, hiking and cycling as we sail from island to island checking out the Galapagos wildlife as we go. Our 11 day Iguana and Quetzal are off the beaten track hiking, biking and sea kayaking trips in Costa Rica. We'll explore this amazing country from the highlands to the tropical coast - hiking, paddling, and cycling in typical ACTIVE style. Our 11 day Condor explores Chilean Patagonia with multi hiking in Torres Del Paine National Park, Sea kayaking in the Chilean lake district, and a spectacular hike on Osorno Volcano. Our 11 day Capybara adventure tour is a fantastic way to see Peru as a family. Packed with adventure for both young and not so young - we'll see wildlife in the Amazon rainforest, visit Machu Picchu, explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas and sea kayak on Lake Titicaca.

We have clients from all around the world so we stick with one currency (US dollars) in order to keep things simple. Click here to bring up a window that will give you an approximate cost of our trips in your local currency.


iguana Hiking in Costa RicaBiking in Costa RicaSea Kayaking in Costa RicaWhitewater rafting in Costa RicaJungle wildlife in Costa Rica 11 days : costa rica US$2099
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The Iguana is our 11 day multi-activity trip around Costa Rica. This great country packs quite a punch when it comes to sheer beauty and great outdoor activities! We fill our days hiking, paddling, cycling and snorkeling our way around some of the most off-the-beaten-track parts of this friendly Central American country.

We start with an amazing day’s rafting on the mighty Pacuare River down to the Carribean lowlands, hike around the constantly erupting Arenal Volcano, and cycle on the fringes of a beautiful lake at its base. We’ll continue with a hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest and a visit to a local coffee plantation before we make our way down to the Pacific coast. We'll hike through Cabo Blanco National Park, snorkel with sea turtles, and paddle a sea kayak to idyllic Tortuga Island before returning to San Jose, Costa Rica's cosmopolitan capital city.

Exotic wildlife in the jungles of Costa Rica
Complete itinerary

" My husband and I loved the Iguana trip! The fauna and flora are abundant - wild yet approachable - and magnificent to photograph. Ticos are genuinely some of the nicest people we've met in our travels. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this culturally and geographically diverse country."

Whitney Olsen (OR, USA), March 2006

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Iguana: 11 days San Jose to San Jose
Sun: Arrive San Jose
Mon: Raft the Pacuare River
Tues: Hike Cerro Chato Volcano, Catarata La Fortuna, Baldi Hot Springs
Wed: Cycle around Lake Arenal, Monteverde
Thurs: Hike Monteverde Cloudforest, free afternoon
Fri: Explore Coyote beach and relax in a hammock!
Sat: Coastal hike to sea turtle rescue project
Sun: Hike Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
Mon: Sea kayaking and snorkel Tortuga Island
Tues: Hike Curu National Reserve, return to San Jose
Wed: San Jose, depart

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Route map for the Iguana outdoor adventure travel trip
tortuga Hiking in the Galapagos IslandsBiking in the Galapagos IslandsViewing wildlife in the Galapagos Islands 10 days : galapagos islands US$2499
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The Tortuga is a fantastic way to see the Galapagos Islands. In typical ACTIVE style, we'll snorkel, dive, hike and cycle the Galapagos, cruising between the multitude of stunning islands in our boat "Christine".

We start with a short flight to San Cristobal Island to snorkel with seals and tame reef sharks in crystal clear water and hike up an island volcano with the second largest crater in the world. We get up close to some of the most intriguing and fearless wildlife on the planet, with visits to tortoise breeding grounds and sea lion colonies, and share our beach time with friendly iguanas. We explore amazing lava tunnels, cycle to the local townships and visit the fascinating Charles Darwin Research Station.

Blue-Footed Boobies - Galapagos Islands wildlife
Complete itinerary

"Wonderful experience - the scenery, the animals, the nature, and the culture: WOW! Nice, small, intimate adventure."

Kelly Findley (Madison, USA), Feb 2006

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TORTUGA: 10 days
Wed: Arrive Quito
Thu: Cycle San Cristobal highlands
Fri: Snorkel or dive with seals and manta rays at Kicker Rock
Sat: Snorkel Floreana Island, visit pink flamingos
Sun: Hike Sierra Negra Volcano
Mon: Isabela Island sea life and coastal hike
Tue: Hike Santa Cruz highlands and Tortuga Bay, visit Giant Tortoises
Wed: Visit Charles Darwin Research Station, snorkel Santa Fe Island
Thu: Optional hike and return to Quito
Fri: Quito, depart for home

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condor Hiking in Chilean PatagoniaBiking in Chilean PatagoniaSea Kayaking in Chilean Patagonia 11 days : chilean patagonia US$2999
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The Condor is our 11-day multi-activity trip around Chilean Patagonia. This unique part of South America is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet, and we do it all in typical ACTIVE style. We take a multi day hiking trip into Torres del Paine National Park, cycle on the edge of a pristine lake at the foot of the Andes, and sea kayak on a breathtaking fjord in the Chilean Lake District. We'll take in some incredible views as we hike to the snowline of Osorno Volcano, cycle through stunning Andean mountain beech forests, and stand at the foot of massive glaciers in Tierra del Fuego.

Glacier calving into a lake in Chilean Patagonia
Complete itinerary

"It was an epic trip and thanks again for our Excellent Adventure!"

Vernon Brewer (Idaho, USA) Dec 2005

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CONDOR: 11 days Punta Arenas to Santiago
Sun: Arrive Punta Arenas, travel to Puerto Natales
Mon: Begin 'W' hike, Torres del Paine National Park
Tue: Hike to Los Cuernos, Torres del Paine National Park
Wed: Hike French valley in Torres del Paine National Park
Thu: Hike and scenic boat ride to Grey Glacier and return to Puerto Natales
Fri: Punta Arenas
Sat: Sea kayak the Straits of Magellan, head to Ensenada
Sun: Hike Osorno Volcano
Mon: Sea kayak Reloncavi Fjord
Tue: Cycling to Puerto Varas
Wed: Return to Santiago, depart for home

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jaguar Hiking in PeruBiking in PeruSea Kayaking in PeruJungle wildlife in Peru 14 days : peru US$2699
  10-day option US$2399
    7-day option US$1799
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The Jaguar is our most action-packed, multi-activity trip in Peru. It captures everything this beautiful country has to offer; from the towering peaks of the Andes down to the steamy depths of the Amazon Jungle, you'll have a blast in this land of geographical and cultural extremes! We start our trip in the heart of the Inca empire, explore fortresses and surrounding valleys, hike over stunning mountain passes to Machu Picchu, cycle into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, view Amazon wildlife up close, sea kayak across Lake Titicaca to stay with an indigenous family, and much more!

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
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"Active SA made my first trip to Peru a wonderful and unforgettable experience."

Gordon Beatty (Texas,USA), 2005

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JAGUAR: 14 days Cuzco to Lima
Sun: Meet in Cuzco, hike to Sacsayhuamán fortress
Mon: Cycle into Sacred Valley, visit Pisac market, hike Pisac Ruins
Tue: Start your Inca Trail
Wed: Classic / Lares Inca Trail
Thu: Classic / Lares Inca Trail
Fri: Explore Machu Picchu, climb Huayna Picchu mountain
Sat: Free day in Cuzco
Sun: Journey to the Amazon rainforest, wildlife hike
Mon: Wildlife hike, virgin jungle exploration
Tue: Cycle through Andean villages and beyond
Wed: Cycle La Raya Pass
Thu: Sea kayaking Lake Titicaca to Amantani Island, stay with local Quechua people!
Fri: Hike Taquile Island summit
Sat: Return to Lima, depart

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Route map for the Jaguar outdoor adventure trip
tucan Hiking in EcuadorBiking in EcuadorWhitewater rafting in EcuadorJungle wildlife in Ecuador 11 days : ecuador US$2499
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The Tucan is an extraordinary way to see Ecuador in a short period of time. It's packed with challenging and varied physical activity, wonderful meals, and the chance to meet the locals. We hike through virgin Amazon jungle, the mystical Bellavista cloud forest, and the fertile highlands surrounded by 'The Valley of Volcanoes'. We paddle the stunning Río Napo and climb up the waterfalls that feed this mighty river in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. We cycle down Cotapaxi, the world's highest active volcano, and through the lush, green Pastaza river canyon flowing down to the jungle. You'll visit a local rainforest community and try out the wealth of optional adrenaline activities in Baños - a beautiful little town at the foot of the immense Tungurahua Volcano and an outdoor adventure playground.

Cycling down Cotopaxi Volcano, Ecuador
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"This trip is for those who like exercise and adventure. You will see a country that is incredibly beautiful and interact with the people daily."

Ronald Rich (Michigan, USA), Dec 2005

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TUCAN: 11 days Quito to Quito
Sun: Hike Bellavista Cloud Forest
Mon: Hike to Peguche Waterfall, visit Otavalo Markets
Tue: Hike Cuicocha Lake and life on the ranch
Wed: Cycle Cotopaxi Volcano
Thu: Free day in Baños
Fri: Cycle the Rio Pastaza Valley, hike Pailon del Diablo Waterfall
Sat: Caving, river tubing and hike on the Upper Río Napo
Sun: Jungle hike and reverse canyoning
Mon: Hike to local Amazon community
Tue: Raft the Rio Napo
Wed: Return to Quito, depart for home

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Route map for the Tucan outdoor adventure trip
quetzal Hiking in Costa RicaBiking in Costa RicaSea Kayaking in Costa RicaWhitewater rafting in Costa RicaJungle wildlife in Costa Rica 11 days : costa rica US$2099
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While most of Costa Rica experiences heavy rain during the months we run the Quetzal, some areas are drier than during 'summer', and we’ve chosen the parts that are at their best at this time of year. On this trip we'll hike, bike and paddle into the heart of Costa Rica's exuberant green environment.

This is the only time of year you can sea kayak to Tortuguero National Park to see nesting sea turtles up close.  Paddling is also a real highlight on the Quetzal - increased rainfall high up in the mountains provides us with an exciting ride lower down the river! We'll hike around the constantly erupting Arenal Volcano, and cycle on the fringes of a beautiful lake at its base. We’ll hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest and visit a local coffee plantation before we make our way down to the Pacific coast, where we'll snorkel with tropical fish, and paddle a sea kayak to idyllic Tortuga Island, before returning to San Jose, Costa Rica's cosmopolitan capital city. The Quetzal is simply the best of Costa Rica!

Exotic wildlife in the jungles of Costa Rica
Complete itinerary

"I couldn't be any more pleased with Active South America. The fun, the challenge, the opportunity to try new activities, the exposure to cultures and foods and lifestyles......wow!!!!"

Larry Edwards (Grand Junction, CO), Feb 2007

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Iguana: 11 days San Jose to San Jose
Sun: Arrive San Jose
Mon: Raft the Pacuare River
Tues: Sea kayak Tortuguero, Mawamba Lodge
Wed: Cycle around Lake Arenal, Monteverde
Thurs: Hike Monteverde Cloudforest, free afternoon
Fri: Explore Coyote beach and relax in a hammock!
Sat: Coastal hike to sea turtle rescue project
Sun: Hike Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
Mon: Sea kayaking and snorkel Tortuga Island
Tues: Hike Curu National Reserve, return to San Jose
Wed: San Jose, depart

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Route map for the Quetzal outdoor adventure travel trip
capybara Hiking in EcuadorBiking in EcuadorWhitewater rafting in EcuadorJungle wildlife in Ecuador 11 days : peru Adult: US$2499
    Child: US$2299
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Peru is an incredible place to visit as a family, and we’ve showed the best parts of this amazing country to a lot of families over the years. We designed the Capybara family trip to explore the most highlights of Peru, meet the locals, and get into the great outdoors as a family. As well as taking care of the finer points of your trip and organizing great activities for the whole family, we make sure parents have the chance to have some down time while we look after the kids. Peru is a family-friendly place we know intimately, and we’ve taken great care in choosing the activities, accommodations and places we visit. The locally-run hotels we stay in are great for kids and parents, and the places we dine are suitable for all ages. In 11 days we venture into the Amazon rainforest to hike world renowned wildlife trails, visit the ancient lost city of Machu Picchu, sea kayak across Lake Titicaca, and stay with a local family on Amantani Island. We’ll see rural villages as they were hundreds of years ago, explore some of the most colorful markets in South America, bathe in hot springs, take an unforgettable scenic train ride, and hike the spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Capybara family trip is an awesome adventure for the whole family. To enjoy all the activities, children should be nine years of age or older, but with a little notice we can often cater to younger children.

South American wildlife - a Capybara!
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"This trip is for those who like exercise and adventure. You will see a country that is incredibly beautiful and interact with the people daily."

Ronald Rich (Michigan, USA), Dec 2005

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Capybara: 11 days Lima to Lima
Sun: Arive Lima
Mon: Journey to the Amazon rainforest, wildlife hike
Tue: Wildlife hike, jungle exploration
Wed: Free time in Cuzco
Thu: Hike to Las Salinas
Fri: Explore Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu
Sat: Explore Pisac Market, hike Pisac ruins, visit llama farm
Sun: Soak in hot springs, journey to Puno
Mon: Sea kayak Lake Titicaca, home stay with local Quechua people
Tue: Explore Taquile Island
Wed: Return to Lima, depart for home

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Route map for the Capybara Family outdoor adventure trip

Fine Print
We don't nickel and dime you. The price includes all your accommodations, transportation, guiding, bike and sea kayak rental, safety gear, and everything that might reasonably be expected to be included. Sometimes we give you a few options that cost a bit more, and those are noted in each itinerary. Almost all your meals are also included, except the occasional evening in one of the larger towns, where we've found our clients prefer to check out the wide range of restaurants available. You'll also need to add international airfare, of course, from wherever you are in the world to the start of your trip with us.

Custom Trips
If none of our scheduled outdoor adventure trips are exactly what you’re looking for, we run custom trips occasionally as well. If a custom trip is in our schedule, it is open to the public and you are welcome to join it. For example, we sometimes run a Family Trip over Christmas as well as during the Northern summer. We get quite a few adventurous honeymooners traveling with us and have even organized a few weddings on our trips! If you have a group of people, let us design a trip for you.

 

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