SWA Signature Adventures
Southwind (SWA) offers an exciting selection of iconic, first-class adventures in Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Argentina. Each Signature trip has been developed using our local expertise and vetted with continued enhancements over time to ensure beyond-the-ordinary activities by top SWA guides. We place an emphasis on authentic experiences that combine native cultures, natural history and outdoor activities such as walking and hiking. You can easily reserve these trips as shown, just choose your preferred travel dates and be on your way! If you wish, we can work together to customize any Signature trip or Southwind itinerary to your goals with as few as two travelers in your party. If you can encourage more family and friends to join, everyone will benefit with land cost savings.YOUR OWN GROUP YOUR STYLE
On a Southwind trip, travel privately in your own group (typically 2-12 travelers) with family members, friends, associates and traveling companions. Rather than being herded from site to site on a large group tour, a SWA Signature trip is just your party (if going to Galapagos, Amazon or Patagonia just the cruise portion is shared among a small group of other passengers). Our tours are ideal for inquisitive travelers, from all walks of life, who relish authentic, immersive and active experiences. We specialize in family travel (with kids 5 and older) and trips for couples or groups of friends. We practice conscientious, responsible travel with the aim of having you return home with a renewed sense of adventure and appreciation for Latin America’s diverse natural areas and local cultures.CHOOSING THE RIGHT ADVENTURE
Our Signature trips vary in level of difficulty. Each shows a rating on a scale from Grade I to Grade III. Contact a Southwind Travel Consultant to discuss how trips compare, weather conditions to expect, best time to travel and any aspect to decide which is right for you.
A classic tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu. To better understand the Incas and traditional Quechua culture, walk through engrossing ruins and stroll quiet village streets. On market day, join farmers in colorful attire and meet with master weavers to learn about their craft. Enjoy two nights at Machu Picchu.
Length: 9 Days/8 Nights
Season: April – DecemberLand Cost: from $5,150
Thousands of miles of roadways crisscrossed the Inca kingdom, connecting Amazon jungles and highland valleys to Cusco, the Inca capital. One 25-mile stretch connects the Sacred Valley to a number of Inca sites. Known as the Inca Trail, this stone-paved route leads through the Sun’s Gate to Machu Picchu.
Length: 10 Days/9 Nights
Season: April – DecemberLand Cost: from $5,400
A colorful family-oriented itinerary through Peru’s Sacred Valley, colonial city of Cusco, and magnificent Machu Picchu. Find experience-rich interactive fun for kids and fine dining and creature comforts for parents – all combined with active outdoor adventure and eye-opening cultural exchanges that everyone can share.
Length: 9 Days/8 Nights
Season: April – DecemberLand Cost: from $5,000
Torres del Paine Park is one of the world’s most stunning mountain destinations. This wonderful, soul-inspiring wilderness offers what many feel is South America’s best hiking experience. Towering above it all are the awe-inspiring spires whose near-vertical walls are world-renowned. Paine should be on every hiker’s list. Length: 10 Days/9 Nights
Season: November – MarchLand Cost: from $6,000
Chile and Argentina’s Lake District is one of the most arrestingly beautiful destinations in the world! Dazzling turquoise lakes are showcased in some of South America’s top national parks. On this first-class vacation, active days are complimented by comfortable nights at some of the area’s finest hotels and lodges. Length: 11 Days/10 Nights
Season: October – AprilLand Cost: from $7,400
Southern Argentina and Chile share an immense expanse known as Patagonia. Sculpted by massive glaciers, these Andes were transformed into the peaks and spires that are among the most arresting mountain destinations on earth. In addition to epic scenery and the gaucho culture, the region hosts plentiful wildlife.
Length: 12 Days/11 Nights
Season: October – MarchLand Cost: from $7,500
Brought to the world’s attention by Darwin’s famous 1835 visit, Galápagos is Ecuador’s largest national park. The volcanic islands’ unique environment provides the perfect setting for birds, plants and reptiles which are are not found anywhere else on earth! Travelers of all ages can get up-close with approachable wildlife.
Length: 10 Days/9 Nights
Season: Year-roundLand Cost: from $9,250
Ecuador’s central valley, a majestic region interspersed with centuries-old colonial farms or “haciendas”, features some of South America’s most beautiful countryside. Still working an array of patchwork fields, these haciendas have opened their doors to visitors wanting to be swept away to another time.
Length: 9 Days/8 Nights
Season: Year-roundLand Cost: from $4,900