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There are few locations on earth that boast as many recognisable and visually stunning sites as South America – from the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, the Amazon jungle and the talcum-powder beaches of Ecuador.

There’s no getting away from the fact that the continent is vast, with every kind of landscape you can imagine. There are, for instance, rainforests and volcanoes, historic architecture and mighty rivers, not to mention magnificent mountains and lush islands.

Responsible small-group tour operator G Adventures has a range of tour options that can give you a unique experience in South America;

How does seven days from Quito living in an Amazonian village, embracing the culture of the Quicha people sound? Along the way you’ll experience a Shaman ceremony, travel to an animal rescue centre and encounter waterfalls on jungle walks. This is a unique opportunity to engage with a local tribe rarely encountered outside the region.

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Embrace your inner spirituality and festival goer with exclusive tickets to Inti Raymi, the biggest Andean festival in Peru. Celebrate with international travellers at the festival then follow up by hiking the iconic Inca trail to the lost city of Machu Picchu. This eight day trip will leave you with a ‘I can’t believe I did that’ feeling.

Discover Bolivia from the city of La Paz – the highest capital city in the world. You’ll transcend cultures and traverse the icon salt flats which are the largest in the world and a photographic playground. Travelling in a small group you’ll meet the locals as well as hiking, biking and rafting.

Everyone wants to be the first to discover the next ‘hot’ tourist destination and trekking the “Ciudad Perdida” at Teyuna will see you at the front of the pack. Travelling with an indigenous guide and traversing through jungles and streams – culminating a in G Adventures for Good-supported community lunch. It can be a long climb up through the clouds, but when you finally emerge on a stone terrace at the lower end of the city, it will feel like arriving on top of the sky.

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Fancy a trek in ancient Peru to see wildlife, history and beautiful scenery? Then G Adventures Amazon to Andes could be for you. With a commitment to ensuring the fair treatment of local porters, guides, cooks – you can experience some of South America’s iconic trails and contribute to sustainable tourism when eating at the Parwa Community Restaurant. The resident-run restaurant was kickstarted by G Adventures and has become a successful farm-to-table programme that boosts the small community.

If you’re looking for down time then this multi sport holiday starting in Mendoza is not for you! Cycle the wine country, before trekking towards Aconcagua and then white water rafting in Bariloche. It’s a trifecta of activity in one of the most breathtaking areas of South America – pack your activewear!

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Cruising used to be the only way to see the Galapagos island but now you can hop between islands and maximise your time with the amazing wildlife. Discover marine iguanas, snorkel incredible marine life-filled waters, kayak and birdwatch across three inhabited islands.

Source: stuff.co.nz