Travel to South America is booming, and it’s easy to see why. In 2024, the region’s leisure tourism spending hit over $740 USD billion, and is forecasted to grow even more in the coming years. Air travel access is improving quickly and ecotourism is thriving, with more and more travellers heading there for authentic cultural and incredible nature-based experiences.
From the awe-inspiring heights of Machu Picchu to Peru’s mysterious Nazca lines to the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands, this is a continent really worth exploring. As traveller interest grows, Senior Discovery Tours has created unforgettable trips, with new itineraries added regularly.
Here’s a quick taste of two of South America’s most remarkable destinations:
Ecuador
This fascinating country has grown dramatically in popularity, with Wanderlust magazine recognizing it as their “2025 Destination of the Year” – open to welcoming travellers from around the world, with excellent service, culture, gastronomy, and biodiversity.
Quito, Ecuador’s capital, sits high in the Andes at 2,850 m above sea level. It’s the world’s second-highest capital city and the first city ever declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its remarkably preserved colonial centre. Visitors can wander cobblestone streets lined with baroque churches and plazas, shop at vibrant local markets, and admire sweeping views from El Panecillo or the TelefériQo cable car. Plus, the city sits just a short drive from the equator line, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
Home to the iconic Galápagos Islands, Ecuador is also renowned for its unique natural wonders. This bucket-list destination offers a unique chance to have rare encounters with wildlife: walk among giant tortoises, watch marine iguanas bask on lava rocks, snorkel with tropical fish, and marvel at seabirds diving over untouched beaches.
Peru
Lima, Peru’s bustling capital, is a city rich in history, culture, and delicious cuisine converge. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial-era architecture, grand plazas, and ornate churches that reflect centuries of Spanish influence. It’s also a culinary hotspot, famed for its innovative fusion cuisine, fresh seafood, and world-class restaurants.
Machu Picchu, Peru’s iconic Incan citadel, is one of the world’s most breathtaking archaeological sites. Perched high in the Andes, it offers awe-inspiring views of green mountains and the Urubamba River winding far below. Explore the stone terraces, temples, and plazas that showcase the ingenuity of Incan engineering and architecture.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas, located in the Peruvian Andes near Cusco, is a unique place of fertile farmland, traditional villages, and Incan ruins. Wander through vibrant local markets, learn about centuries-old weaving and farming traditions, and hike through breathtaking landscapes framed by towering mountains.
Ready to discover South America? Join Senior Discovery Tours on an upcoming adventure!
Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands
Wonders of Peru
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Call to book 1.800.268.3492 or visit SeniorDiscoveryTours.ca
CARP Members: Book your spot on any tours booked in 2025 and receive $100 off per person, per booking. The discount must be applied at time of booking, is not valid on existing bookings, is not combinable with any other offer, and has no cash value.
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