Top Hidden Gem Destinations In South America

Explore the rugged wilds of the Galápagos Islands, hike and horse-ride in Ecuador’s Cotopaxi National Park, or trek through the jungles of Colombia. Book your spot on one of these trips and South American adventure awaits.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a combination of both, South America brims with great destinations waiting to be explored. To fire your imagination, we’ve curated a selection of the best hidden gems featured in our immersive small-group adventures.

Cotopaxi volcano at dusk in Cotopaxi National Park

Ecuador’s Cotopaxi National Park, for hiking and horse riding

Dominated by the glacier-capped, 5,897m (19,347ft) Cotopaxi volcano, Cotopaxi National Park is only a two-hour drive south of Quito, but it could hardly feel more remote. Whether you’re up for the challenge of hiking to the summit or just following a gentler walking trail, such as the one around the Limpiopungo Lagoon, it makes an unforgettable addition to any Ecuador trip. You can visit and go horse riding as part of this eight-day adventure, which also includes a cooking class and walking tour in Quito, a bike ride along the Baños Waterfall Route, and an opportunity to go whitewater rafting in the Amazon rainforest.

From US$2089

Next available from 27th Jul 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Quito, Ecuador

ENDS AT

Quito, Ecuador

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

This is an updated version of an article originally by Euan Marshall. Additional reporting by Gethin Morgan.

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