Why Travel With Us

What Is The Southern Explorations Difference?

Superior Quality

Our collection of multiday trips and adventure cruises are handpicked for their superior quality. Our team keeps a finger on the Latin American travel pulse to ensure we consistently meet the elevated standards that earned us the honor of being named one of National Geographic's Best Adventure Companies on Earth

Unbeatable Expertise

Our Latin America roots run deep. We’ve spent years cultivating relationships with the best local guides, drivers, accommodation providers, boat captains and catamaran crews. Every member of our team travels throughout Latin America annually in order to certify the experiences and activities we offer maintain the highest level of quality.


Explore Latin America Your Way

We offer two flexible ways to travel. Join one of our group adventures and cruises, or choose a private departure just for you and your family or friends. If you can’t find the perfect trip, then simply speak to one of our travel specialists who will help build a tailor-made experience based on your interests and schedule. 


Accomplished Guides

Our team of knowledgeable and congenial guides, with priceless insights into the true nature of their homelands, add immeasurably to the enjoyment of your trip. We hire local guides who are licensed and/or certified in accordance with local government regulations. All are fluent in English and Spanish, and many also speak the indigenous language of the region.


Unparalleled Support

Safety is always our top priority. We take great pride in our impeccable safety record and our emergency action plan. While travelling, you’ll be given an emergency line that can reach us 24/7. Additionally, our guides are connected to outside services 24 hours a day, in some locations by satellite phone, to provide assistance if necessary.


Exceptional Accommodations

If we offer a hotel, lodge, hacienda, refugio or cruise then it means our team has visited and inspected it to ensure it meets our rigorous standards for location, service, safety, sustainability, cleanliness and comfort. You can also choose from our amazing selection of three- to five-star accommodations to further customize your trip to meet your specific needs.   


Our Commitment To Sustainability

We provide support to leading organizations dedicated to the conservation of the ecosystems in which we operate. Among the organizations we support are:

  • Galapagos Conservancy, a non-profit dedicated to advance and support the conservation of the unique biodiversity and ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands.
  • Adventure Travel Trade Association, a global network supporting sustainable adventure travel markets worldwide.
  • Travelers Against Plastic (TAP), an outreach initiative which aims to educate global travelers about the harmful impacts of using disposable plastics and therefore encourage them to travel prepared. 
  • Sustainable Travel International, a non-profit conservation and development organization helping communites and companies maximize the benefits of tourism and minimize potential negative impacts.


We believe sustainability also applies to economic and social well-being, in addition to natural environments, we ensure our tours directly benefit the people who live in the places we travel. We employ local guides, porters and logistical members of our staff, patronize locally owned and operated hotels, lodges and restaurants, and support local non-profits and community organizations.


We recognize that tourism is a large generator of carbon emissions so we offer each traveler the opportunity to offset the carbon produced on their trip. You can learn more about our carbon offset program HERE or you can give us a call (1.877.784.5400) to chat with a travel coordinator.