Destinations

Where would you like to go?

Regional Information

Wilderness, People, Culture, History, Spirit.

Central and South America are regions that stir the imagination of travellers from around the world. From vast rainforests and towering mountains to vibrant cultures and ancient civilisations, the sheer diversity of landscapes and experiences makes this part of the world endlessly compelling. For the curious traveller it is a place that invites exploration and rewards those who return again and again.

It might be trekking through the cloud forests and Inca trails of Peru, spotting wildlife deep in the Amazon rainforest, sailing past glaciers in Patagonia, encountering colourful wildlife in Costa Rica, or exploring the extraordinary landscapes of the Atacama Desert. Along the way you discover remarkable cultures, welcoming communities and some of the most spectacular natural environments on Earth.

These lands carry a powerful sense of history and spirit. From ancient ruins hidden in jungle valleys to colonial towns alive with music, colour and tradition, Central and South America are places where past and present exist side by side. In rainforest, mountains and coastal wilderness, daily life unfolds to rhythms shaped by nature, culture and centuries of history.

Expert Summary

Laurenne Director of Pioneer Expeditions

"For the Pioneer team, these journeys are about far more than simply visiting a destination. They are about immersion, discovery and connection with landscapes and people whose stories run deep. For many of our travellers the experience leaves a lasting impression – a sense of adventure, perspective and wonder that stays long after the journey ends."

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Whatever you want from your trip, our team of experts are ready to help.

Trip Inspiration

Explore Africa

Everything was really great!

A wonderful trip

Great PNG Island Experience

10 Day Tour of Nicaragua

Costa Rica - tailor made off the beaten track

Komodo Kayaking Holiday

5!

Our trip to Mexico was really great thanks! Everything went smoothly and all the guides, hotel people, boat captains and camp staff (and food) were fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble and Cesar our guide with us through the trip did an amazing job organising everything. He just kept going all day with something for us to do all the time! Highlights were basically everything, but in terms of something that left an impression on me, going to Camp Cecil de la Sierra was a really relaxed, beautiful and atmospheric experience. You were very helpful booking everything efficiently and sorting out our queries before we set off. Thank you.

May 13, 2026 by Graham R
5!

We had a wonderful trip to Guatemala and Belize, thank you both for organising it for us. The hotels you selected were all very comfortable and we especially loved the traditional one in Antigua. The local guides were all excellent, so knowledgeable and friendly as were our drivers. We had a slight problem at Guatamala airport as our itinerary didn’t have information about either the carrier or time of the flight to Flores but a very helpful person at check in found our booking and all was well! The itinerary you planned was really interesting and exciting. We loved the visit to the Mayan ruins, kayaking on Atatlan lake, the volcano hike where we had pizza freshly cooked at the top of the mountain and the pontoon experience turned out to be amazing. We had an unexpected waterfall descent which was great fun and the highlight of the day was seeing a jaguar at close quarters swimming across the river in front of us . Even the guide who had spent the last 13 years in the area had never seen one before! John enjoyed the zip wire experience at the lake while I was able to enjoy the nature park it was set in with its walking trails; these included some exciting hanging bridges with incredible views. There was also a butterfly house and lovely gardens. We thought that the timing of this experience would have been better if it was on the day we arrived at the lake. We arrived by 1pm and had the whole afternoon free. It was really rushed to fit in the zip wire experience the morning we left because of catching our flight. It might also be worth mentioning that the volcano climb can be done on horseback. A lot of people were making use of these to take them up the trail so it could be an option for anyone unable to tackle the hike. I’m sending you some photos in a separate email. Again many thanks for all your planning which allowed two over 80 + year olds to have another adventure!!

Apr 14, 2026 by Rosemary and John Llewellin
5!

What a wonderful kayaking trip in a beautiful group of PNG islands. The trip was expertly run by local guide Javith, his wife and excellent cook, Lisa and skilled boatman/fisherman, Levi. I experienced a perfect blend of kayaking, snorkeling and cultural experiences in these islands inhabited by the friendliest people you could imagine. This is a pristine kayaking destination with healthy coral reefs, providing a stunning snorkeling experience. I highly recommend this trip!

Apr 9, 2026 by Sue Draheim
5!

I had the most amazing time on my 10 day tour of Nicaragua. Pioneer created a perfect itinerary for me as a solo traveller, which allowed me to see all the highlights of the country and immerse myself in the culture. I visted the main cities of Leon and Granada, which involved lots of sightseeing, but I aso had the oportunity to make a piece of traditional Nicaraguan art with a local artist in Leon. I also did a home stay on Ometepe Island with a lovely Nicaraguan family, which allowed me to practise my Spanish and learn more about the local community/culture. I also stayed on the Corn Islands off the Caribean Coast of Nicaragua, which were pure paradise! Rafe and Teresa were both super helpful when orgnaising my trip and quick to respond to email queries and calls. I was disappointed at first that I wasn't on a group tour (as I was travelling alone)when I arrived in Granada, but my guides were all brilliant I didn't mind too much in the end. I found the gifts left for me in my first hotel room on the tour a nice personal touch, especially the Nicarguan rum, which went down a treat! Before I started this tour I'd been with another group on a yoga retreat in the jungle in the South Nicaraguan. I got ill there at the end of the week with a bad stomach. My tour guide when I arrived in Granada to start my trip was very helpful and went out of his way to take me to a Doctor. After the medication he prescribed I was right as rain again. Big thanks to all the team at Pioneer Expeditions for such a memorable trip!

Apr 9, 2026 by Corrie Doogan
5!

Having met Laurenne a few years ago and then planned this holiday with Rafe a year ahead for a group of six of us, we had time to look forward to it in the knowledge that we were going to enjoy our wildlife adventures, but what an under-estimation that proved to be! The sheer number and variety of bird species we found, the diversity of forests and coastal environments, the incredible scenery, and the friendliness of everyone we met – it all came together to give us an absolutely wonderful holiday. Our guide, Martin, really enhanced our travels, not only with his knowledge of the birds and his ability to find them, but also his enthusiasm for his country and other fauna and flora. He was a careful driver and very attentive of our needs, plus spot on with his ideas for extra activities, and very good company too! A huge thank you to Pioneer Expeditions and their local agents

Apr 9, 2026 by Marguerite and Mark
5!

We had the most incredible time on the 5 day Komodo Kayaking trip. Matias and the crew on the boat offered a 10/10 service, from tasty food to amazing local knowledge and all so friendly and helpful. Kayaking across beautiful ocean, snorkelling around pristine reefs with turtles, dolphins jumping infront of the boat, bats, Komodo dragons and camping on small islands - such an incredible adventure and we miss it so much! The Pioneer team were wonderful, and we couldn’t fault their organisation and guidance when planning the holiday.

Dec 19, 2025 by Megan

Trips You Can Trust

Why book with Pioneer Expeditions

Tailormade Trips

These are trips which are perfectly created, organised, and lead specifically for you. If you are considering one of our wildlife, multi-activity adventures, small group trips or family holiday adventures then we would be delighted to design a tailormade itinerary, to meet your interests, travel dates and accommodation requirements. Just get in touch!

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escorted small groups

We operate small group holidays for a maximum of 8-12 persons. As well as multi-activity trips we offer trekking trips, kayaking, rafting, wildlife, cycling and photography. These small group trips make ideal holidays for singles and couples, particularly for those wishing to visit Madagascar, the Galapagos islands, explore Borneo or kayak the Komodo Dragon islands, Indonesia.

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Specialist Adventures

We are delighted to offer a number of specialist trips, depending on your interests. We organise a number of specialist holidays such as family adventure holidays that can be designed to meet the requirements for children of certain ages. We also design unique and interesting luxury holidays and honeymoon trips as well trips for celebrating special events and anniversaries.

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Travel Stories & Guides

Latest Insights

Uncategorized

explore the world’s wild destinations in style

14.04.26

Africa

ape expectations

Whether you're in Madagascar, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica or Rwanda spotting an ape, monkey , gorilla etc is always one of the highlights of any nature trip.

08.04.26

Americas

very nearly the highlights of costa rica

Costa Rica is a nature lover's heaven. The eco-structure from it's Caribbean coasts and canals to its wild Pacific takes in cloud forest, rainforest and a stunning volcanic range running down the country's spine.

07.10.25

Asia-Pacific

3 great value kayaking exeriences

Luxury adventure travel is more than a vacation to Africa or visiting a sit such as the Taj Mahal —it’s a journey into the extraordinary, where the spirit of exploration meets the height of sophistication. Get out of your comfort zone with experiences whilst enjoying the ultimate comfort on your trip. Luxury Travel at its best.

07.10.25