Cultural Travel and
Special Interest Tours in Latin America

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.

Contact: ecuador@access.net.ec, www.latinoschools.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

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

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

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

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

Magda Von Der Heyde
Independent wine tours in Argentina and Chile.

Contact: info@magdawinetours.com, www.magdawinetours.com.

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 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