South America is the land of diverse landscapes, breathtaking wildlife, timeless cultural sites and electric festivals. Year after year, scores of happy travellers visit Machu Picchu, the Amazon jungle, Rio’s Carnival party, the Tikal ruins, and Antarctica. But what if you could visit these dream destinations AND experience something extraordinary while you’re there? Did you know that it’s possible for you to dance in the Carnival parade, sleep in a hanging bedroom in Peru, kayak in Antarctica, and climb the Tikal ruins at sunset? Enjoy the ultimate in South America travel with these truly epic add-on experiences. They’re off-the-wall and totally unforgettable, making for a different kind of experience in South America! Sleep in a Hanging Bedroom You can’t go to Peru without seeing Machu Picchu, and whether you hike to it or take the train, it is a remarkable site that should not be missed. But have you ever wanted to go beyond the typical Machu Picchu tour? Spend the night sleeping in an exclusive transparent luxury capsule that hangs from the top of a mountain in the Sacred Valley of Peru, and take in the magic of this mystical land from a bird's eye point of view. The transparent "rooms", or hanging pods, are fitted with a shared bathroom, bed linen, towels, and a balcony. One night at this unique place will forever be unforgettable.
Camp at Amazon Salt Licks When exploring the Peruvian Amazon, take a day trip or an overnight camping trip to one of the world’s largest macaw salt licks. What is a salt lick, you ask? It is a large natural salt deposit in a small cliff within the jungle that sees Amazon macaws and parrots of all species and colour combinations, visit for a daily salt breakfast. Watch the clay wall go from a dull brown to a rainbow of colourful feathers - it’s truly a sight to behold. Camp near the salt lick and explore jungle trails with a naturalist guide. This tour is highly recommended!
Dance in Rio’s Carnival Parade The world’s biggest party takes over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s sexiest city, each year, with unforgettable pomp and circumstance. Samba schools from across Brazil spend an entire year preparing and rehearsing for the legendary week of dance, music, costumes, and partying. At the end of Carnival, one samba school comes out on top as the ultimate winner of the seven day competitive event. Witnessing the spectacle from the stands is how everyone else does it, but why not go a bit deeper and learn about the people and preparations that go into creating this epic event? You can attend a rehearsal at one of the samba schools before the official event! If you’re really adventurous and want to truly be part of the parade and not just a witness, then we can arrange for you to dance in the parade with one of the schools. Get outfitted in celebratory costume and dance in of one of the world’s greatest street celebrations. You’ll even get to keep the costume!
Camp and Kayak in Antarctica Penguins, glaciers, seals, penguins, the Drake Passage, Cape Horn, more penguins, the Falklands, South Georgia, bird life and research stations are all part of a trip to Antarctica. Oh, did I mention penguins? In case an Antarctica cruise wasn’t spectacular enough, take your journey to the next level by kayaking in Antarctica. On your own or with a friend, explore one of the world’s last true frontiers in a two-person kayak. You can even camp overnight! Follow in the footsteps of epic explorers and camp on the iced continent during the summer months. Sleep in a tent or rest your head outdoors, beneath the stars. The visual splendour and quiet calm of the raw natural elements here is sure to stir your soul. Combine your Antarctica camping experience with an Argentina tour and see some of the highlights of South America.
Climb Tikal at Sunset The Tikal ruins in Guatemala are among the world's travel wonders. It is considered one of the most spiritually powerful spots on earth, and features one of the most impressive Mayan ruins in the world. It is accessible from Guatemala City, Antigua, and the small country of Belize - by air or land. Arrive at the UNESCO-protected site at sunset and climb to the top of one of the temples, as howler monkeys scream through the trees. Behold the architectural legacy of a powerful Mayan civilization that shaped the history of Central America as we know it today. Watch the sun colour the horizon, and take in incredible views of the jungle from above. It's truly inspiring!
Let us help you plan some of these extraordinary experiences in Central and South America. Please visit our website at www.goway.com.
By Don Forster
Born in Australia and raised in Canada and Papua New Guinea, Don took his first solo trip to Bali – aged just 13. Since then, Don’s travels have taken him to every continent. He’s been a backpacker in Asia, Europe and Egypt, an overland adventurer in East and Southern Africa, and an overland driver in South and Central America. He is especially fond of Peru, Patagonia and Namibia, though his longest adventure to date has been a London to Kathmandu run via the Middle East.
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