At Southern Explorations we’ve had a lot of time to reflect and take stock of the beautiful Latin American places, people, and adventures we’ve connected travelers with for nearly two decades. While we are at home, we’re still working hard planning new and exciting journeys and ensuring that those of you who have trips scheduled are able to take them when the time is right. Our motto...
The Amazon rainforest and river has long been a fascinating, mysterious destination for travelers, scientists and dreamers alike. Spanning more than 2.1 million acres and spilling over the borders of several South American countries, it is the largest tropical rainforest in the world. These books and movies about the Amazon will help you learn more about the unique beauty of the jungle and its people. When you...
If you’ve ever taken a trip to Colombia, you would have picked-up on the country’s cycling pedigree. It’s impossible to miss all those cyclists along the roadside pushing up to the high passes in the Andes. But to many, Colombia’s cycling culture is coming as a bit of a surprise in the wake of Egan Bernal’s Tour de France win; a first in Colombia’s history....
We know our guests have certain expectations when they travel with us. They expect they’re going to get our South America and Central America expertise, they expect they’re going to get outstanding value, and they expect they’re going to get the best guides. They expect it because we promise to deliver it to them every time. The same could be said of South America’s festivals. When you...
You may recall last fall when talk of Chile as the destination for 2018 was all over the place. From being named South America's Leading Adventure Destination for a third consecutive year at the World Travel Awards to Lonely Planet identifying the destination as the number one country you need to visit in 2018 as part of their ‘Best in Travel 2018’ list, Chile was everywhere. The anticipation...
Southern Explorations has made Colombia an even more exciting place to visit. We have announced new tours to this South American country, plus revamped existing tours to make them even better. Travelers can now delve into the culture and architecture of Colombia's most popular cities; mountain bike, raft, and ride horses through amazing scenery; and savor some of the most famous coffee in the world.New Colombia...
We absolutely love to hear from travelers new to Southern Explorations, excited to chat with our team of South America and Central America travel experts, custom-building their ideal South America trip experience. But there’s also something to be said for how much joy it brings our team to welcome back Southern Explorations guests for your second, third, fourth, fifth trips, and beyond with us. When we...
Are you looking to challenge yourself, push the limits, and get your adrenaline up while exploring Latin America? Then you’re in luck. Our team of travel experts came together to create a list of some of the most thrilling and boundary-pushing experiences and attractions in all of South America. White Water Rafting - The Futaleufú River, Chile The name Futaleufú is an indigenous Mapuche...
We’re always looking to take our guests below the surface of every destination we visit throughout Latin America, showing you a side of the cities, villages, jungles, mountains, and more that many travelers regrettably miss and one of the most enthralling ways to experience Southern Explorations’ destinations like Ecuador, Brazil, Panama, and Colombia is to literally look below the surface by doing...
Trip Advisor is one of the best-known and trusted travel resources worldwide, and every year they turn to millions of travelers to vote on the best of the best for the Travelers’ Choice Awards. We weren’t surprised to see many of our favorite Latin American destinations grab the spotlight for must-see landmarks, destinations, beaches, restaurants, and destinations on the rise in the 2016 Award...
Learn to tango on the streets of Buenos Aires, follow your stomach through Lima’s booming culinary scene, or watch the world’s best athletes live from the stands during the Olympics in Rio. Our team of travel experts have scoured the continent and picked the top five festivals you have to get to this summer - from sport enthusiasts to foodies, Latin America has a little something for everyone. 1)...
Colombia's Sophisticated CitiesSpectacular centuries-old Bogota has museums galore, including what is considered Latin America’s most important gold museum. It is also home to the Fernando Botero Museum, an homage to Colombia’s most famous contemporary artist, containing over 200 of his works. Called the city of eternal spring for its mild climate, Medellin contains 30 universities and is considered...
National Parks GaloreColombia has established over fifty national parks and protected areas, giving visitors an array of well-preserved habitats to explore. Trips into the national parks are best taken as guided tours since much territory has yet to be explored by anybody. Many of Colombia’s wildlife species are most easily spotted in its national parks. Visitors can even find luxury accommodations in some....
What Is A Multisport Adventure Trip?
As the name implies, multisport itineraries are active and most days are spent on one or more excursions that require at least moderate exertion. They usually involve a combination of different activities rather than focusing on just one. For many outings, guides transport passengers from their hotel to a trailhead or put-in at a river for a whitewater rafting trip. On others,...
SOUTHERN EXPLORATIONS 10 YEARS OLD AND GROWING!2015 marks Southern Explorations’ 10th year in business. What started as a two-person operation in a garage has grown into a company with destination coordinators in several countries, customers from throughout the world and awards from the national travel media for our authentic trips and sustainability values. Southern Explorations has become one of the leaders...
As visitors on Colombia tours to the country’s coffee regions will learn, what coffee grows where is determined by the environmental conditions that exist in the country’s three mountain ranges and the Santa Marta peak where coffee is cultivated. Certain areas of Colombia are conducive to shade-growing methods.
Of the many Arabica coffees, mostly Typica and Bourbon heirloom varietals are grown in Colombia. Typicas...
Reading about and preparing for your adventure is half the fun. For more book suggestions go to Colombia
It was always about the struggle for a better life, a cause lost in the corruption of how both factions financed their efforts—the illegal drug trade. The conflict began in the mid-sixties after President Guillermo Valencia declared a “state of siege,” legalizing the arrest of just about anyone who threatened order. In response, several guerilla political groups organized, aimed at ridding the...
What’s in my Coffee?Is it balanced? Is it bright? What is its body like? How flavorful will it be? Answering these questions depends in part on how long ago the beans were roasted and how they were harvested and processed. Like drinking fine wine or eating dark chocolate, there is just a lot to learn. Knowing what you don’t know comes in handy before you travel to Colombia so you can make the most of...
