Cultural Travel and
Special Interest Tours in Latin America
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Contact the program directors to confirm costs, dates, and other details. If you do not see the program or tour you want, check under Worldwide for programs located in several different regions.
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Experiential Leadership: Los Andes
We offer Semester programs, Intensive programs, and some Extraordinary Programs as This 5-week long program has been designed for students who are interested in developing and strengthening their leadership abilities within a theoretical and experiential frame and it will be carried out in two of the most important Argentinean cities: Córdoba and Mendoza
Cost: $3,300
Dates: 01/18/08-02/21/08
Contact: Viator Foundation, La Granja 3175 PB - Argentina, Córdoba, Co, X5009HDA, Argentina. Tel: 713-5745161
Email: lrosso@viator.org.ar
Website: www.viator.org.ar
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Experiencial Leadership: Santiago de Compostela
This 5-week long program has been designed for students who are interested in developing and strengthening their leadership abilities within a theoretical and experiential frame and it will be carried out in two of the most important spanish cities: Valencia and Santiago de Compostela
Cost: $4,300
Dates: July-August
Contact: Viator Foundation, La Granja 3175 PB - Argentina, Córdoba, Co, X5009HDA, Argentina. Tel: 713-5745161
Email: lrosso@viator.org.ar
Website: www.viator.org.ar
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Earth to City Ecuador
Volunteers do hands-on farming, fishing or wildlife activities typical of rural Ecuadorean communities. In the mountains, work side-by-side with community members to milk cows, make cheese, plant organic fruits & vegetables, harvest, fleece sheep, gather wild mushrooms, cook, teach English to locals, and more; In the jungle, make jewelry out of seeds, take notes on wildlife during jungle patrols, tour petroleum extracting facilities, take part in jungle activities under guidance of members of the Cofan indigenous community; On the coast, fish, chop plantains, pull up yuca, trap crabs, harvest coconuts, make raw chocolate out of cacao, and more...
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Dates: Every Monday through Friday, ongoing, year round. Minimum 5 days stay with option to extend as longer-term volunteer
Cost: $280-$330 for first 5 days, including food, lodging, bilingual English-Spanish guide, optional Spanish lessons, all transportation and hands-on activities; After that, about $6/day paid to family to cover electricity & water costs. Fees as longer-term volunteer may be waived if you have significant agricultural/wildlife experience.
Contact: Tien-Shun Lee, Founder & Community Coordinator, Earth to City; Mailing address: Earth to City, c/o EarthMatters, 177 Ludlow St., New York, NY 10002; 1-917-687-0997; tien.shun@gmail.com.
Website: www.earthtocity.org.
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South American Explorers Club
A non-profit organization that functions as mainly as an information network for South America, with clubhouses in Cusco, Lima, Buenos Aires and Quito. Since 1977, researchers, explorers, students and travelers from all over the world have used SAE clubhouses and online info as a base to network and plan activities. One thing we do is keep an extensive database of organizations looking for volunteers, plus reports from previous volunteers.
Planning to study Spanish? Raft the Amazon? Volunteer? Hike the Inca Trail? Kayak the Apurimac? Drive or bicycle around the continent? Look for birds? Learn about traditional music?
Whatever you want to do, South American Explorers can help with trip planning, member recommended guides and outfitters, discounts on lodging, schools, travel…and much more. We are not a travel agent or tour operator, rather we specialize in assisting independent travelers make the most of their experience without breaking the bank. We are a non profit organization that provides personal help backed up with over 30 years of experience. That´s how long we´ve been helping researchers, students, travelers and volunteers heading to South America. So have a look at our website and contact us to see what we can do to help you! Please also see details of our own volunteer and internship programs!
Cost: Membership costs $60 for one year. Discounts for students, volunteers, families, or if more than one person joins at a time.
Email: cuscoclub@saexplorers.org
Website: www.saexplorers.org
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Favorite Free Listing
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Academia Latinoamericana
Proud to be the friendliest Spanish school you have ever known. Family owned and operated. The program offers language study at 9 levels, for complete beginners through advanced. Experienced staff, native Ecuadorians. Carefully selected host families within walking distance of school. Exclusive "Cloud Forest and Galápagos" extension program, volunteer program. U.S. college credit available.
Adventure Life
Adventure Life is committed to providing quality small group tours that have a positive impact on the local culture and environment.
South & Central American Travel
Specializing extensively in South & Central America, Adventure Life has incomparable familiarity with any destination you select. Adventure Life work under strict self-imposed guidelines to ensure that each itinerary has a positive impact on the local culture, environment and economy staying one step ahead of other travel
companies.
Go Green
Adventure Life and the Rainforest Alliance (www.rainforestalliance.org) have established a partnership to promote tourism operations that are part of the Rainforest Alliance’s Best Management Practices in Sustainable Tourism Program. The Rainforest Alliance provides tourism entrepreneurs and community-based businesses in Latin America with the tools and training they need to become more environmentally and socially sound, and to gain access to and be more competitive in the marketplace, while contributing to the conservation of the local culture and nature.
Galapagos Tours & Treks
Adventure Life is also an active member of the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (www.IGTOA.org/funding), and together we have created an important way for the travel industry and travelers like you to help support Galapagos conservation. We believe that the travel industry and those who visit the Galapagos
Islands must meet the great challenge of preserving this priceless world heritage.
Contact: Adventure Life, 1655 S 3rd St. W, Suite 1, Missoula, MT 59801, USA. Tel. 800-344-6118 / International 406-541-2677. Fax: 406-541-2676.
Email: brian.morgan@adventurelife.com
Website: www.adventure-life.com or www.ALVoyages.com
ALIORE
Salsa and Caribbean dances in the Dominican Republic
Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Reggaeton... in an authentic atmosphere!
Contact: asso-aliore@hotmail.fr, www.aliore.org
Baja Expeditions
Eco-Adventures in Baja, Mexico
Whale Shark Diving Quest and Research Project
Dive with a purpose! Enjoy diving the best sites in the Sea of Cortez while you participate in a once-in-a-lifetime research project. With a spotter-plane to help locate the whale sharks, you'll observe and assist visiting guide and researcher Dení Ramírez during each encounter. As with all our Live-Aboard Diving programs, you'll visit dive sites that are out of reach for day boats, where you can explore underwater worlds few others get to see.
SEE Turtle Monitoring Expeditions
You'll actively participate in projects with Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, a leader in Baja's turtle conservation efforts. Projects include monitoring endangered sea turtles and providing training and alternative income sources to local fishermen.
Digital Photography Workshop and Wildlife Voyage
Enhance your photography and digital workflow skills on this 5-day workshop led by instructor Neil Ever Osborne, a passionate conservation photographer who documents species at risk and environments in peril around the world.
Family Learning Adventure on the Don Jose
This new family-friendly program on the Don Jose combines fun, adventure and learning. Our experienced naturalist guide will lead hikes, kayak and snorkeling excursions and other environmental awareness activities sure to please all ages. Plus, certified divers can enjoy some great dive sites in the Sea of Cortez, while non-divers (ages 8 and up) can learn the necessary skills to safely try scuba diving.
Mexican Camp Cooking and Spanish Language Instruction
You'll enjoy all the activities included on our standard Espiritu Santo Sea Kayaking Camp program—plus, practice conversational Spanish and camp cooking with experts who make learning fun during this new Special Interest trip.
Yoga, Massage & Sea Kayaking Retreat
The combination of daily yoga practice, meditation, massage and spending time in nature will reawaken your senses and reconnect you with the Earth in this new program. Rejuvenating outdoor yoga and massage sessions will help you reap the true benefits of these practices in nature. Plus, you'll kayak, hike and snorkel to explore both the scenic and the spiritual sides of Espiritu Santo Island.
Baja Expeditions Educational Explorations
We are going one step farther to customize your educational exploration in Baja, the perfect place to explore an ecosystem far removed from any text book or overcrowded national park. If you are a science teacher looking for a hands-on field study trip of a lifetime for your students, a group of retirees looking to learn about the natural history of Baja, or a group of friends and family full of outdoor enthusiasts, we will design the perfect trip for you. The opportunities to connect science with our adventures are
endless and our naturalist guides will facilitate any combination of activities to fulfill the needs of the group’s learning objectives.
Contact: Educational Programs Coordinator, 2625 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA, 92109, USA. Tel. 1800-843-6967, 858-581-3311. Website: www.bajaex.com.
Beyond Touring - BELIZE Eco Tours & Programs
Best of Belize Eco Tour
Swim, explore, climb, see exotic birds, relax, snorkel, dive, and truly help others less fortunate. This 8-day affordable high end eco tour covers the highlights of Belize, 1) Maya ruins, 2) tropical forests, 3) World Heritage Site barrier reef, and 4) cave tubing & exploring. Also included: Meaningful cross-cultural experience that truly 'gives back' to Indian Church Village, in northern Belize.
Educational Student Program - Maya Archaeology, Tropical Forest Ecology, & Marine Biology
Fun, educational focus everyday, one Leader/Organizer Free of Charge with 10 paying students. Research station & eco lodges utilized, ancient Maya ruins (behind-the-scenes at Lamanai), lectures, field excursions (howler monkey data collection), and much more. Also included: Meaningful cross-cultural experience that truly 'gives back' to Indian Church Village, in northern Belize.
Belize Birding Eco Tour
As you may be aware there are over 540 species of birds that call Belize home, including toucans, cotingas, and motmots. This 8-day program includes multiple areas & multiple habitats, including Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Tikal National Park, and Ambergris Caye (San Pedro). Top guides, scopes, check lists, trip reports and more! Also included: Meaningful cross-cultural experience that truly 'gives back' to Indian Church Village, in northern Belize.
Belize Island Eco Tour
Whether your after the beach, snorkeling, diving or relaxing this trip is suited for you. Aside from numerous activites on the island you will also spend time at the ancient Maya site of Lamanai, which includes ruins, birds, howler monkeys, & a river safari to get there. Also included: Meaningful cross-cultural experience that truly 'gives back' to Indian Church Village, in northern Belize.
Ancient Maya Ruins of Belize - Eco Tour
This 8-day trip focuses on behind-the-scences of one of Belize's premiere archaeological sites, Lamanai, it also offers 4 other sites (Xunantunich, Tikal, Cahal Pech & Pook's Hill), provides hands-on artifact workshop, spotlight safari, howler monkeys, birds and much more. Also included: Meaningful cross-cultural experience that truly 'gives back' to Indian Church Village, in northern Belize.
Contact: laura@beyondtouring.com, www.beyondtouring.com
Birding tours in Guatemala, Cayaya Birding
Cayaya Birding supports with its tours various conservation programs in rural communities in Guatemala.
Contact: info@cayaya-birding.com, www.cayaya-birding.com.
Brazil Beleza
Guided Cultural Tour of Bahia
An intimate 8-day guided tour in Bahia, Brazil for the discerning traveler who wants to get more insight into the local culture, more time to savor the surroundings, more tips so you can explore on your own. The tour consists of a unique blend of relaxation in a naturally beautiful setting, exploration of a region rich in history, discovery of the local culture, and awakening of the senses.
Contact: info@brazilbeleza.com, www.brazilbeleza.com
Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires
Teresita cooking classes in Buenos Aires are designed to offer food lovers a unique gastronomic experience exploring Argentine and Latin American cuisine, sampling local ingredients and learning Teresita's recipe secrets, with emphasis in Latin American food preparation and wine paring. Whether you are a kitchen novice or an experienced cook, you will find our cooking classes in Buenos Aires to be fun and very useful in your every day life.
Contact: www.try2cook.com
Cooltural Immersion
Peru Cultural Travel Agency, Travel guide & Tourist information
Cooltural travel agent in South America. Discover Latin America with our travel packages. Fun and adventure in Cusco, Peru. Peru travel guide, adventure and cultural tours. Cheap trips accross South America.
Contact: info@coolturaltravel.com, www.coolturaltravel.com
Culture Explorers
Immersive Brazil
Participate in the living culture of Brazil as part of this immersive small group journey. We'll explore the traditions, meet local friends & support important positive impact projects through our visits. Each departure coincides with an important local festival or celebration.
Immersive Guatemala
Participate in the living culture of Guatemala as part of this immersive small group journey. We'll explore the traditions, meet local friends & support important positive impact projects through our visits. Each departure coincides with an important local festival or celebration.
Immersive Mexico
Participate in the living culture of Mexico as part of this immersive small group journey. We'll explore the traditions, meet local friends & support important positive impact projects through our visits. Each departure coincides with an important local festival or celebration.
Immersive Peru
Participate in the living culture of Peru as part of this immersive small group journey. We'll explore the traditions, meet local friends & support important positive impact projects through our visits. Each departure coincides with an important local festival or celebration.
Contact: info@culturexplorers.com, www.culturexplorers.com
Ecology Project International
Costa Rica Sea Turtle Ecology Program (STEP)
This tropical hotspot and travel destination contains an amazing 5% of the worlds biodiversity. Costa Ricas Caribbean coast where Ecology Project Internationals program site is located is the fourth most important nesting beach worldwide for Leatherback sea turtles, a critically endangered species. Through our Sea Turtle Ecology Program, youth from Costa Rica and around the world work in partnership with the Pacuare Nature Reserve to conserve and protect these sea turtles from extinction.
Baja & the Sea of Cortez Island Ecology Program and Whale Ecology Program
The Sea of Cortez hosts 39% of the worlds marine mammal species and was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. From John Steinbeck to Aldo Leopold, Baja California Sur has captured the worlds imagination and become a unique travel destination. Through our Island and Whale Ecology Programs, Ecology Project International students from Mexico and around the world work in partnership with local institutions to conserve Baja California Surs desert and marine environments.
Galapagos Islands Ecology Program
One of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites, the spectacular Galápagos Islands host a unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. Through our Galápagos Islands Ecology Program, Ecology Project International students from the Galápagos and around the world work in partnership with the Galápagos National Park and local institutions to conserve the archipelago. Students travel to several locations on three different islands, studying and experiencing this magical place.
Contact: info@ecologyproject.org, www.ecologyproject.org
El Paraiso Spanish School
Learn Spanish and Dive in Costa Rica
Improve your Spanish skills (beginner to advanced) trough immersion classes and learn to dive.
Learn Spanish and Surf in Costa Rica
Learn Spanish and take surf lessons in the beautiful Manuel Antonio.
Contact: info@elparaisoschool.com, www.elparaisoschool.com
Ela Brasil Tours
Volunteer Vacations and Cultural Tours in Brazil
Travelers can choose from a couple of volunteer options - The River Otter Program and The Humpback Whale Research. While getting closely involved in the program travelers also get a chance to visit local towns on their free time.
Contact: ela@elabrasil.com; www.elabrasil.com.
Estudio La Aurora
Printmaking, Painting & Drawing Classes in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Estudio La Aurora offers basic and experimental courses in printmaking, etching, painting and drawing and is especially equipped for etching on metal and on various materials. Master teacher, Gerardo Ruiz, welcomes artists at all levels to take classes in his studio and learn a wide range of techniques and use a variety of materials.
Contact: gerardoruizart@gmail.com, www.gerardoruizart.com
Ferrari's Surf Resort
Come Enjoy Dreamlike Beaches, Waves & Wildlife in Costa Rica. The Playa Grande-Tamarindo area on the pacific has world class eco-tourism, surfing and other adventure opportunities. Unlimited Tours, Activities & Nitelife are available.
Contact: info@ferrarissurfresort.com, costaricasurfadventure.com
Guitar Vacation Retreats
A one-week guitar intensive in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, designed for adults of all ages, using the music of Mexico as the basis for instruction. The program is designed for students of all levels of ability and experience. Our mission is to give students the tools they need to play music with other people, as well as to immerse students in the culture and music of southern Mexico.
Contact: info@guitar-vacation-retreats.com, www.guitar-vacation-retreats.com
Ibike Tours / International Bicycle Fund
Ibike Ecuador Exploration
Small group, immersion, bicycle tours, designed to get you out of the box, enrich your life and introduce you to the rich diversity of the people, their culture and the environment of the area. IBF programs are designed to provide participants an opportunity to learn more about the world at a person-to-person level not usually available to tourist. Itineraries highlight the cultural, historical, economic and physical diversity of the area. Throughout the program there are discussions on history, indigenous culture, gender rights and roles, music, language, religion, geology, botany and ecology, great people to meet and scenic beauty to die for.
Ibike Guyana Many People, Many Waters
Gain a better understanding of the rich ecology, culture, history, politics, social institutions, sustainable development projects and beauty of Guyana.
Contact: ibike@ibike.org, www.ibike.org/ibike
International Cultural Adventures
A Cultural Immersion Experience in Peru
This is a unique opportunity for a group (or an individual) to customize their own experience in the southern Andes of Peru, from Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, to Machu Picchu. Activities in your Amazing Andes Adventure can include any of the following elements: home stays, Spanish language training, cultural seminars, volunteer community service, exploration of ancient Incan ruins, trekking on the Inca Trail into Machu Picchu, ceramics and weaving demonstrations, village visits and much more. Gain deeper insights into local cultures, serve communities in need, explore your own special interests, enjoy rugged outdoor adventures, or combine them all in one enriching journey – it’s up to you!
Contact: info@ICAdventures.com; www.ICAdventures.com
Magda Von Der Heyde
Independent wine tours in Argentina and Chile.
Mar de Jade Ocean-front Center, Chacala, Nayarit
Celebrating our 20th year as a center for responsible tourism, we are located in the fishing village of Chacala, Mexico on its beautiful beach north of Puerto Vallarta. For 15-years, our volunteer/study program has been offering opportunities to guests to learn Spanish and put it to use in rural community volunteer projects, including a medical clinic, an after school program for children, a community kitchen and garden project, ESL classes, and house construction. Guests gain insight into local culture through volunteering. Surrounded by lush jungle with the warm, clear Pacific at our door, they enjoy swimming, surfing, hiking, horseback riding, snorkeling, kayaking, whale-watching, and other excursions. Our calendar of retreats include yoga, meditation among others as well as our teen summer camp.
Nicaragua with Travel Alive
Volunteer, Language, & Cultural Studies Program
Work hand-in hand with the remarkable people of Ocotal, Nicaragua and with other international volunteers. Study Spanish at the Segovian Spanish School in Ocotal, Nicaragua, in the morning and use your classroom experience later in the day. This program balances language acquisition with application through community service work and is popular with volunteers and groups staying for two weeks or more.
Self-directed Volunteer Project & Language Immersion Program
An opportunity for students, researchers, teachers, or volunteers to develop, propose, and implement a long-term project in partnership with Ocotal, Nicaragua community members. This program balances language acquisition with application through "on the job" experience and is perfect for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate projects and for those who bring advanced skills to offer.
Contact: info@travelalive.com, www.travelalive.com
Outward Bound Wilderness
Caribbean Winter Semester
This amazing 65-day semester includes tall ship and open-boat sailing, sea kayaking, hiking, surfing, rock climbing, snorkeling, service projects and solo, all in the warm, sunny Caribbean. It's the semester of a lifetime!
Contact: info@outwardbound.org, www.outwardboundwilderness.org
Parallel 41 Patagonia
Offering specialized ecotourism programs through the Argentine and Chilean Patagonia for individuals, families and small groups. Stay in unique lodgings surrounded by nature with access to wildlife observation, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities. Spend time with field specialists and researchers that study local flora and fauna of Patagonia. Enjoy an authentic cultural experience. Eco-programs for all ages and interests.
Contact: info@parallel41.com; 1-858-764-1896; www.parallel41.com.
Proyecto Asis Spanish Institute
Spanish language courses in Costa Rica in an ecological reserve rain forest, near volcano Arenal, in small groups.
Contact: info@institutoasis.com, www.institutoasis.com.
Quetzaltrekkers
Eco-Friendly Adventure Trekking in Guatemala
Quetzaltrekkers is Guatemala´s only all volunteer managed, non-profit trekking/hiking organization. Quetzaltrekkers offers multi-day adventure treks and one day excursions in the highlands of western Guatemala to an international clientele of outdoor enthusiasts. We follow locally sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices. Volunteer guides are always needed.
Contact: Quetzaltrekkers, Casa Argentina, 12 Diagonal, 8-37, Zona 1, Quetzaltenango; 011-502- 7765-5895; info@quetzaltrekkers.com, www.quetzaltrekkers.com.
Rancho Leona
Explore, Experience, Learn in Costa Rica
Learn Spanish, volunteer and study Costa Rican culture at a beautiful relaxed lodge setting on the Sarapiqui river.
Contact: feslick@sbcglobal.net, www.rancholeona.com.
Run the World LLC
Run and Explore a New Culture Abroad!
Run the World LLC offers running and culture vacations to South America. Luxury hotels, beautiful majestic places, expert guides. Our active vacations are perfect for couples, singles, friends, families and running club groups
Contact: world_runs@yahoo.com, www.runningvacation.com
School of the World
Spanish, Surfing, Art and Digital Photography in Costa Rica
The School of the World is a traveler's education school located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the town of Playa Jaco. Costa Rica's beautiful countryside, friendly native Spanish speaking people, and stunning beaches form the perfect backdrop for studying Spanish, surfing, art, and digital photography.
Contact: info@schooloftheworld.org, www.schooloftheworld.org
Soultime Travel
Individual and Custom Travels in Latin America
Soultime Travel is specialized in providing responsible, tailor-made holidays in Latin America for Cuba, Peru, Bolivia & Argentina. Contact us with your requirements so that we can design a trip specifically to your needs and wishes.
We differ from luxury tour operators as we are based in Latin America and travel regularly to our destinations with clients, and therefore we have the direct expertise of all possibilities and personal relationships with local agents that allow us to provide the detail and flexibility essential in the creation of an unique travel experiences.
Contact: www.soultime-travel.com
Yarok Green Tours
Ecotour in Costa Rica
Total immersion ecotours in Costa Rica for families, groups and students interested in exploring the nature and wildlife of Costa Rica.
Contact: info@yarokgreentours.com, www.yarokgreentours.com
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Travel Abroad 
Cultural Travel and Special Interest Tours 
