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South American Tours
South American Tours
SAT NEWS - Sustainable Travel
November 2025
    

Dear Travel Partner, 
 
We are excited to celebrate a major milestone on our sustainability journey: all SAT offices have officially been awarded the Travelife Partner Status! 💚

This recognition represents far more than compliance — it reflects our ongoing commitment to meaningful, responsible travel that respects the environment, embraces local cultures and communities, and values the people we work with.

With this in mind, we are delighted to present our refreshed SAT Sustainable Samples 2026, aligned with our principles of sustainable tourism. 
 
If you would like more details on any of our SAT Sample Itineraries across the different travel segments, we are always happy to assist.

Let’s continue shaping sustainable journeys across South America together.
   
All the best,
Your SAT Team ðŸ¦‹
   
Also check out our Website, LinkedInFacebook & Instagram
SAT Sustainable Samples - At A Glance
Extended stays for deeper immersion and slow travel
Land-based travel by bus or alternative transport instead of domestic flights whenever possible
Carefully selected eco-friendly, locally owned accommodation
A balanced mix of iconic highlights and authentic off-the-beaten-path experiences
Immersive nature activities in pristine environments
Meaningful encounters and community-based tourism initiatives
Strong commitment to responsible, respectful and conscious travel
All tours are fully carbon compensated by SAT
SAT ARGENTINA
Buenos Aires l Mendoza l Córdoba l Estancia Los Potreros l Iguazú
(20 Days)
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, explore the city’s elegant neighbourhoods, leafy parks and historic districts by bike. In the evening, the Argentine Culinary Experience will introduce you to empanadas, Argentinian steak, alfajores and mate, followed by an authentic tango night at a traditional milonga with expert insights into the history and codes of tango. Leaving the capital, the route passes through San Isidro and Tigre, with a visit to DARAVI, a circular economy social enterprise where women transform industrial waste into handcrafted goods. Next, enjoy a scenic boat ride through the lush Tigre Delta, ending at Puerto Madero with stunning skyline views of Buenos Aires. The journey continues into the pampas, the heart of gaucho culture. In San Antonio de Areco, local guides will introduce you to artisans and silversmiths, as well as the APROPDIS community project — supported by SAT — where people with disabilities produce traditional gaucho shoes called alpargatas. A bus ride then takes you to Mendoza, for visits to organic and biodynamic wineries in Luján de Cuyo. An encounter with one of the region's eleven Huarpe communities provides an insight into their native culture and ancestral traditions, and is complemented by a short walk through the Lavalle desert dunes. In Córdoba, admire the blend of colonial architecture and contemporary art, including well-preserved 17th-century Jesuit heritage sites, before arriving at the family-run Estancia Los Potreros. During your 3-night stay, explore the countryside on foot or horseback, learn about rural traditions and gaucho culture, or simply enjoy life at a slower pace in this pristine setting. The adventure concludes at Pristine Camp Iguazú, a luxury sustainable tented camp within the Puerto Bemberg Natural Reserve. Here, guests can immerse themselves in Guaraní culture by visiting a native community, exploring jungle trails on foot or by e-bike, taking peaceful boat tours and visiting the magnificent Iguazú Falls. Regional cooking classes and evenings around the fire pit enhance the jungle experience, culminating in a dinner at Yabuticaba Mercadito de la Selva, a restaurant and market committed to using locally sourced, ecological ingredients. Embark on a journey through Argentina, where sustainability and authenticity shape every meaningful encounter.
Photo credit: EBBA E-Bike Buenos Aires (1), APROPDIS (2); Los Potreros (4), Pristine Camp Iguazú (5)
Contact SAT Argentina
SAT BRAZIL
Rio de Janeiro l Paraty l Tiradentes l Ouro Preto
(14 Days)
Photo credit: Paraty Tours (5)
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, where golden beaches meet rainforest-covered mountains. Explore the city by bike, taking in its iconic beaches and the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Visit the Botanical Garden, a green sanctuary preserving over 6,000 tropical species. Wander through the artistic hillside Santa Teresa district, ending at the colourful Selarón Steps. Lunch at Reffetorio Gastromotiva showcases how gastronomy can drive social transformation by reducing food waste and empowering vulnerable communities — an initiative supported by SAT. Along the waterfront, the Olympic Boulevard reflects Rio’s sustainable urban vision and culminates in the Museum of Tomorrow. Here, visitors can imagine eco-conscious cities of the future, and enjoy Amazonian cuisine at Casa do Saulo, a restaurant focused on the responsible use of regional resources. Continue into the Tijuca Forest, the world’s largest urban rainforest, visiting the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain, before taking an easy hike through the Atlantic Forest canopy to enjoy the panoramic views from Pedra Bonita. A sunrise visit to the Sugarloaf offers exclusive, crowd-free access to sweeping city views, followed by a gourmet breakfast accompanied by live saxophone music on top of the mountain. The cable car is operated sustainably by a B Corp Certified and COâ‚‚ neutral company, making this must-see attraction one of the city's best practices in terms of social and environmental sustainability. From Rio, travel to the UNESCO-listed town of Paraty on Brazil's Costa Verde. Explore the colonial centre on foot while meeting local artists and enjoy a coastal schooner cruise, operated by local residents, through turquoise bays and island landscapes. Learn about the history of the descendants of enslaved Africans during a visit to the Quilombola Community of Campinho da Independência, where you can connect with Afro-Brazilian ancestral traditions and support community-based tourism. The region also offers a range of soft adventure activities, such as cycling, horse riding in the forest and kayaking through the mangroves of Saco do Mamanguá, which provide a truly immersive nature experience. Continue to the heritage towns of Tiradentes and São João del Rei, linked by a traditional steam train journey through the scenic landscape of Minas Gerais. Then travel on to Congonhas, home to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, and Ouro Preto, where baroque architecture from the country's golden age, artisan workshops, and Minas Gerais' culinary traditions deepen travellers' connection to Brazil's cultural roots. Finish with a final scenic stop in Petrópolis, the 'Imperial City', before returning to Rio. This sustainable program celebrates both Brazil’s natural and cultural patrimony.
Contact SAT Brazil
SAT CHILE
Santiago l Valparaíso l Santa Cruz l Santiago l Púcon l Puerto Varas l Puerto Montt
(17 Days)
This itinerary starts in Santiago, where travellers explore the capital on a food and culture walking tour, meeting local vendors, tasting regional flavours, and learning about the city’s history. In the nearby Casablanca Valley, a visit to the Veramonte vineyard showcases organic viticulture, before continuing to colourful Valparaíso and the iconic home of Pablo Neruda in Isla Negra. Observe Chile’s rich coastal ecosystems on Colchagua Island, where sea otters, seabirds and occasionally penguins can be spotted. Then reach Santa Cruz, the heart of the Colchagua wine region. Here, visitors are introduced to sustainable winemaking practices that are rooted in biodiversity and soil preservation. A full-day Colchagua Glacier Adventure takes you deep into the Andes with accredited guides hiking across millennia-old ice formations and exploring crystalline ice caverns — an unforgettable encounter with Central Chile’s high mountain landscapes. Back in Santiago, take the public bus to Pucón, the gateway to lakes, forests, and volcanic terrain. Over the next 3 days, immerse yourself in the Curarrehue community, where Mapuche and rural families share their living culture. Learn about ancestral weaving, foraging, traditional games and local cuisine sourced from community orchards, as well as the profound connection between the Mapuche worldview and nature. Visits to the Trapial and Carilafken lagoons, walks in Villarrica National Park, organic meals, and interactions with artisans, farmers, and the community's leader offer a deeply authentic insight into indigenous life in La Araucanía. Continue south by public bus to Puerto Varas to explore the Petrohué Waterfalls, Todos Los Santos Lake and Peulla. A full-day excursion to Chiloé Island reveals wooden churches, stilted houses, fishing villages and markets, celebrating an island culture shaped by tradition and community resilience. The journey ends in Puerto Montt, for your homebound flight via Santiago. This itinerary highlights Chile’s extraordinary landscapes—from vineyards and the sea to mountains and lakes—and the people who protect them, offering meaningful encounters and responsible nature experiences.
Photo credit: Hotel Santa Cruz (1), Sernatur (2) 
Contact SAT Chile
SAT COLOMBIA
Bogota l Coffee Zone l Medellín l Santa Marta l Cartagena De Indias
(17 Days)
Photo credit: Taironaka Lodge (3-4); ProColombia (4)
The journey begins with a downtown bike tour of Bogotá, showcasing the city's colonial heart, vibrant street art and world-class museums. The tour takes advantage of the city's progressive car-free Sundays initiative on its main avenues. Nature lovers can explore the Chingaza National Park, a vital Andean páramo ecosystem which supplies most of the city’s drinking water. Guided hikes of different levels reveal high-altitude forests, glacial lakes, and endemic flora. Travel on to the UNESCO-listed Coffee Region, where traditional haciendas demonstrate responsible coffee production from seed to cup while cacao plantations invite visitors to craft organic chocolate and share lunch with local farmers. In Filandia, wander through the colourful streets and take part in hands-on workshops with local artisans who share their basketry traditions. Next, head north to Manizales, home to one of Colombia’s most comprehensive orchidariums, which preserves over 840 species of the national flower. In the picturesque towns of Jardín and Jericó, experience living heritage, from colonial architecture to leatherworking and local arts and crafts. Arriving in Medellín, the focus shifts to the city’s remarkable social transformation. In Comuna 13, innovative public transport and street art have revitalised a once marginalised neighbourhood, while a day in Moravia illustrates the power of community leadership — formerly a sprawling garbage dump, it is now a hub for art, culture, and social entrepreneurship. A short flight takes you to the Caribbean coast of Santa Marta and the Katanzama Indigenous Reservation, where the Arhuaco community shares ancestral knowledge and environmental stewardship guided by their spiritual leader, the Mamo. The journey then settles into the jungle at the Taironaka Eco Lodge, set on an ancient Tairona settlement near the Tayrona National Park. Guests stay in solar-powered cabins inspired by ancestral architecture. A small museum, rainforest trails, ancient terraces and river activities offer a peaceful immersion in nature, while cacao workshops, birdwatching and encounters with Kogui elders highlight the spiritual heritage and ecological significance of the Sierra Nevada. Finally, in Cartagena, a bike tour followed by a walking street food experience blends UNESCO-listed heritage with local flavours, while a 'restoration snorkelling' tour in the Corales del Rosario National Park allows travellers to support coral rehabilitation by helping monitor and maintain coral nurseries. This sustainable journey through Colombia celebrates nature, culture and resilient communities.
Contact SAT Colombia
SAT ECUADOR
Quito l Cloud forest l Otavalo l El Angel l Tumbabiro l Quito l Cotopaxi
(14 Days)
This journey begins in Quito, taking in a walk through the UNESCO-listed historic centre. Highlights include an immersive cacao workshop and a visit to the Casa del Agave museum, which showcase the preservation of ancestral agricultural traditions. Travelling on to the misty cloud forest, guests will have the chance to connect with the Yunguilla community. A shared lunch and hands-on activities offer genuine insights into their initiatives to restore native forests and produce organic goods. At the Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge and its private nature reserve, immerse yourself in a biodiversity hotspot while enjoying guided nature walks, hidden waterfalls, and birdwatching tours. In Otavalo and the nearby Andean villages, artisans open their workshops to share their centuries-old traditions of weaving, leatherworking, and musical craftsmanship. A short hike around Laguna Cuicocha reveals the unique vegetation surrounding this crater lake, at 3,000 m (9,842 ft) a.s.l. Further north, the distinctive landscape of El Ángel provides the setting for a stay at Polylepis Lodge, where conserving the rare frailejón and polylepis forests is central to the lodge’s mission. Highland hikes and lodge-led activities raise awareness of the fragility and importance of these unique ecosystems. In the El Chota Valley, experience the vibrant Afro-Ecuadorian culture through music, dance and gastronomy. Create your own artwork during a mask-making workshop led by local women. Next, visit an indigenous Kichwa family to learn about organic farming, medicinal plants, and Andean culinary traditions. Together with Claudia, the founder of the Kawsaymi cooking project, prepare and enjoy a traditional meal. The adventure concludes at the Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge, which offers breathtaking volcano views and the chance to reconnect with nature. Highlights include hiking in the nearby Cotopaxi National Park and visiting the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon before returning to Quito. This tour enables you to explore Ecuador in a responsible way, protecting its heritage while empowering its people.
Photo credit: Yunguilla (1), Polylepsis Lodge (3), Chilcabamba (5) 
Contact SAT Ecuador
SAT PERU
 Lima l Paracas l Nasca l Arequipa l Colca l Puno l Cusco l Sacred Valley l Aguas Calientes
(18 Days)
Photo credit: Kontiki Tours (4)
Begin your mindful journey in Lima and explore the capital’s colonial centre by bike. Continue by bus to Paracas and embark  on an eco-friendly boat excursion to the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands and the desert landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve. Meet a local fisherman to learn about traditional coastal livelihoods before travelling via Nazca to Arequipa by night bus. In  Peru’s 'white city', take a walking tour of colonial landmarks and sample exotic fruits and snacks at San Camilo market. The route then leads into the Colca Canyon, passing wild vicuñas, llamas and alpacas in the Aguada Blanca National Park, before reaching one of the world’s deepest gorges. Visit Sibayo, a traditional Andean village off the tourist trail, where ancestral traditions and a homemade community lunch offer an authentic taste of highland life. The next morning, admire the majestic Andean condors rising over the canyon. Then, follow the route through stunning highland scenery and small villages to Puno on Lake Titicaca. Visit the Uros Floating Islands and the community of Llachón and join local families for kayaking and cultural exchange. Take a scenic train ride to Cusco and explore the city's Inca foundations, colonial architecture and artistic San Blas district on a guided walk, meeting local artisans along the way. In the Sacred Valley, immerse yourself in community-led initiatives: Visit SAT's social project in Tambococha, where you will receive a warm welcome involving traditional music, coca tea, Cusqueñan snacks, and insights into century-old farming traditions and healing plants. Meet Rosita in her family home in Ollantaytambo to learn about life in the valley and join Ernestina in Pisaq for an empanada workshop using local superfoods and heritage techniques. Nearby, the community project Cuyo Chico preserves traditional clay bead-making techniques. Create your own piece during a hands-on pottery session. Take the panoramic train to Machu Picchu and spend the night at the eco-friendly Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes, the perfect base for exploring the famous Incan citadel and discovering the biodiversity of the surrounding cloud forest through guided nature walks and conservation activities. Back in Cusco, take a moment to reflect on your journey through the land of the Incas, where sustainability, culture, and community-led experiences converge.
Contact SAT Peru
SAT URUGUAY
Montevideo l Valentines l Valizas l La Pedrera l Punta Del Este l Colonia Del Sacramento
(14 Days)
The Uruguay round trip begins in Montevideo with an engaging, low-impact bike tour offering a fascinating way to explore the city's colonial plazas, markets, street art, historic landmarks, and scenic coastal promenades. Head into the rural heartland for an authentic stay at the Estancia Los Plátanos. Six generations have cared for this land, preserving the native ecosystems and gaucho culture. Days here unfold slowly, with guided walks, horse riding, wildlife observation and homemade meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients. On the Atlantic coast, the tranquil beach village of Valizas offers a sustainable excursion to Cabo Polonio, accessible only by authorised all-terrain vehicles. Its vast dunes, historic lighthouse, and one of the world's largest sea lion colonies reveal the raw beauty of this protected landscape. Encounters with local artisans highlight the region’s simple, eco-conscious way of life. Heading towards La Pedrera, the route passes through two protected natural areas — Palmares de la Coronilla and the unique Ombú Forest — before reaching Laguna de Rocha, a UNESCO-designated reserve boasting exceptional birdlife, including Chilean flamingos, as well as pristine coastal trails. In the hills near Punta del Este, the boutique winery Alto de la Ballena showcases sustainable viticulture in harmony with granite soils and native wildlife. A hilltop wine tasting offers sweeping views over the surrounding protected landscapes. The journey concludes in Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO-listed town with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and artisan workshops. A day trip to Fray Bentos reveals the industrial heritage of the former Liebig's Meat Company, now home to the Museum of the Industrial Revolution. Nearby, in Carmelo, take the opportunity to visit traditional wineries such as Irurtia and Cordano, which champion organic methods and generations-old winemaking traditions. From Colonia, return to Montevideo by bus, or take the ferry to Buenos Aires. Embrace slow, sustainable travel on this mindful journey across Uruguay's coast and countryside!
Photo credit: Bike Tours Uruguay (1), Los Plátanos (2), Alto de la Ballena (4)
Contact SAT Uruguay
SAT BOLIVIA
Santa Cruz l Sucre l Potosí l Uyuni l La Paz l Lake Titicaca l Madidi National Park
(17 Days)
Photo credit: Chalalán Ecolodge (4)
This Bolivian itinerary begins in Santa Cruz, where you can visit local markets and artisan collectives. Nearby is Lomas de Arena, a protected park of vast sand dunes, savannahs and lagoons that are vital for the region's water supply. Explore the area's natural beauty and biodiversity with its hundreds of species of birds, reptiles and plants, and enjoy adventure activities such as sandboarding. Then, take a short flight to Sucre - Bolivia’s 'white city' - and visit colonial landmarks and the ASUR Textile Museum, which supports Quechua and Yampara weaving traditions. A visit to the Jatun Yampara community provides hands-on insights into the making of ancestral pottery, textiles and chicha, followed by a traditional lunch. Nearby, Cretaceous Park reveals thousands of fossilised dinosaur footprints. After a short bus ride to Potosí, discover the city’s colonial past at the Royal Mint (Casa de la Moneda) and meet a miner's family who share insights into daily life. The journey continues to the Uyuni Salt Flats, where a bike tour leads across shimmering landscapes to salt-harvesting cooperatives and to Incahuasi Island with its giant cacti before enjoying lunch in the middle of the Salar. A hike up Tunupa Volcano rewards explorers with sweeping views of colourful rock formations and the salt flats, while a sunset tour and stargazing reveals an exceptional night sky and Andean constellations. Take the night bus to La Paz and experience a unique walking tour. A local shoeshiner becomes your guide, sharing the rhythms, stories, and secrets of the city from his perspective. En route to the Moon Valley with its lunar landscapes and unique geological formations, join an outdoor cooking class and prepare typical Bolivian dishes. The following day is free for hiking in Palca Canyon or, for the more adventurous, cycling the famous Death Road. Finally, enjoy a day trip to Lake Titicaca on an eco-friendly catamaran, and experience a traditional blessing by a Kallawaya healer on sacred Sun Island. The journey concludes with a flight into the Amazon and a stay at Chalalán Ecolodge in the biodiverse Madidi National Park, accessible by boat from Rurrenabaque. The lodge is entirely owned by the Uchupiamonas community and runs on solar power, zero-waste principles and responsible forest management. Indigenous guides lead rainforest hikes, night walks and canoe excursions, while evenings feature storytelling and music honouring Uchupiamonas culture. The perfect end of a sustainable journey through Bolivia that unites Andean heritage and Indigenous-led conservation.
Contact SAT Peru for Bolivia
FLIGHT NEWS SOUTH AMERICA
New: Madrid - Recife
& Madrid - Fortaleza
Iberia, the Spanish flag carrier, is expanding its presence in Brazil with 2 new year-round services to Northeastern Brazil. Direct flights from Madrid to Recife will launch on 13 Dec 2025 with 3 weekly frequencies, followed by Fortaleza on 19 Jan 2026, also operated 3 times per week. Both routes will be served by the innovative Airbus A321XLR.
New: 
São Paulo – Córdoba
LATAM Brazil has launched a new nonstop service between São Paulo Guarulhos and Córdoba (Argentina) on 27 Oct 2025. The daily flights depart São Paulo (GRU) at 10:20, arriving in Córdoba (COR) at 13:30. The return flights leave COR at 15:05 and land back in GRU at 18:05. This convenient new route eliminates the need to transit via Buenos Aires.
New:
Santiago - Neuquén
LATAM Chile will resume its route between Santiago de Chile and Neuquén, Argentina on 29 Mar 2026, offering 4 weekly flights on Tue, Thu, Fri, and Sun. The service will be operated with an A320 aircraft seating 174 passengers. This renewed connection improves access to Argentina’s Patagonian lake district and the iconic Seven Lakes Route.
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South American Tours - Global Sales Office
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Mail: sales.italy@southamericantours.com
Imprint
South American Tours de Uruguay Agencia de Viajes S.A. | Ing. Carlos M. Maggiolo 438 Ap. 102 | 11300 Montevideo | Uruguay
Tel.: +59 82 71 19 211 | E-mail: info@southamericantours.com
Managing Director: Federico Büker | Registered Office: Montevideo | Local Court: Montevideo | Commercial Register: 31 (Ministry of Tourism) | VAT identification no.: 215224020014
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