South America & Central America festival tours
If the world’s continents were to attend a ball, we all know who’d rule the dance floor. From world-famous carnivals to fiestas in tiny mountain towns, Latin America knows how to let down its hair and kick up its heels. Reggaeton pumps out from speakers, rum flows freely and colour explodes whichever way you look. Grounded in Catholicism and Andean folklore, Latin festivals honour everything from Aztec Sun Gods to the spirits of the dead. Perhaps it’s this mix of pious faith and hedonism that is so compelling; whatever it is, it’s best not to overthink it. So grab a michelada, loosen those hips and get ready to fiesta with the best(a). Sitting out is not an option.
Our South America & Central America festival trips
South America & Central America festival highlights
Garifuna, Honduras
The Garifuna celebrations in Honduras are a mix of cultural and community-based festivities held on the anniversary of the arrival of Garifuna each April. There’s plenty of fun to be had and numerous things to do like taking part in traditional dances, enjoying local feasts, listening to local legends and stories, watching historical reenactments, and partying long into the night with your fellow travellers. Festival tips Temperatures are warm in Honduras in March so keep your hydration up throughout the day’s festivitiesMake sure to taste ‘guifiti’ – a local island drink comprised of root, herbs, and rum – but do so in moderation as it can be quite potentGet into the spirit of the festival by joining dances and talking to locals
Quema del Diablo, Guatemala
One of the more spookier celebrations to sink your teeth into, the Quema del Diablo is a way for Guametalans to leave the trials and tribulations (or evils) of the past year behind by building large paper mache effigies of the devil - and then setting those same effigies on fire. Held in December every year, this macabre but cultural festival is said to burn away sin and usher in a state of grace. Festival tips There are likely to be crowds everywhere so just be aware of your belongings when moving through the celebrations Snack on some Guatemalan food to keep your energy levels high (think deep-fried doughnuts and spiced eggnog) Stay a good distance away from the main bonfire as sparks and embers can travel on the wind
Rio Carnaval, Brazil
It’s probably the world’s most famous party, a sequined, feather-filled fiesta that pulses to a fiery Brazilian beat - Carnaval! Every February in the lead-up to Lent, Rio’s streets erupt with colourful floats, exposed flesh, thumping samba rhythms and up to two million revellers. The epicentre of festivities is, of course, the Sambadrome, but smaller street parades break out all over the city, swinging and sweltering in the Brazilian summer sun. Festival tipsGet in the swing with a funky dress-up outfitPrepare for the heat. Bring good quality sunscreen and lots of water Don’t be shy, mingle with the locals as much as you can Plan your return journey - you don't want to be stuck with no transportation back to your accommodation once the party is over
Festival de La Virgen de la Candelaria, Bolivia/Peru
Each February, deep in the folkloric heart of South America, a festival comes to (two) towns. Depending on which side of Lake Titicaca you’re on – Peru’s or Bolivia’s – the Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria can be different. In Peru, dancers and musicians are dressed in colourful costumes to make offerings to an Inca earth goddess. While, over in Bolivia, the Dark Virgin of the Lake takes centre stage with a focus on praying and partying. Take your pick. Festival tipsImmerse yourself in the processions - you'll get more out of the festival that way Join in the dancing (we promise no one's looking at you)Try and do a kind deed for others in the spirit of the celebrations
Semana Santa, Peru
Forget scavenging for chocolate eggs planted by some mysterious rabbit of the night; Peru is the place to see in some Easter celebrations. Running for ten days over… well, Easter… Semana Santa is the biggest festival on the country’s religious calendar and features processions dedicated to spiritual devotion, plenty of traditional feasts, and jubilant celebrations. Festival tipsPart of the procession of Our Lady of Sorrows includes ‘Sorrow Sharing’; a rather poetic name for ‘shooting people with pebbles from slingshots’. Be aware of this when you're moving through the procession/crowds.In the cities of Cusco, Ayacucho, Arequipa and downtown Lima, accommodation can book up fast. Make your reservation early if you’d like to stay local during the festivities.
Inti Raymi, Peru
These days, Inti Raymi (the Festival of the Sun) isn’t so much a celebration as a full-scale re-enactment of what once was. Initially organised to thank Inti - the Aztec Sun God - and invoke his return, this highly elaborate festival is purportedly the second biggest in South America with polished dance performances and grand processions, occurring on the 24th of June every year. No ifs, no buts. Festival tipsBook the accommodation for your trip well in advanceDo the same for seats to the festival as they are likely to sell out (unless you'd like to stand) Come prepared (bring water and sunscreen - the festival can last for 6 hours) Some streets will be closed so don't hop in a car to get to the festival
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Jessica · Traveled February 2024
My experience with the Rio Carnaval tour was absolutely amazing! From the vibrant atmosphere to the beautiful people I met along the way, it exceeded all my expectations. Aline, our tour guide, played a pivotal role in making this journey unforgettable.
Despite battling sickness for most of the tour, Aline's kindness and patience never wavered. Her caring demeanor and attention to detail ensured that I still got to experience all the tourist sights I had hoped to see. Aline's dedication to ensuring everyone's comfort and enjoyment truly sets her apart.
I wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone looking to immerse themselves in the magic of Rio Carnaval. And if you have the chance, do yourself a favor and request Aline as your guide – she's simply the best! Thank you, Aline, for making my Rio Carnaval experience one for the books!
Review submitted 04 Mar 2024
Dominique · Traveled February 2024
I highly recommend this tour especially for those experiencing this Brazilian holiday for the first time and if you don't speak Portuguese. The local guides provided context on the Blocos, the Sambadromo competitions and Rio as a whole that I wouldn't have gotten independently. Seeing Rio during this time of year is truly an experience that words and pictures cannot capture. Vicente was an awesome guide who further enhanced this experience for me.
Review submitted 26 Feb 2024
Sophie · Traveled February 2024
The carnaval experience in Rio was unmatched, our guide Lola was full of knowledge and pride for her home and it made the experience 100x better. I can’t wait to go back
Review submitted 17 Feb 2024
Martin · Traveled October 2023
Best way to see Mexico City during Day of the Dead celebrations. We felt part of it and saw the vibrant exciting way it takes place
Review submitted 04 Nov 2023
Tina · Traveled October 2023
Esteban was the best guide! And we had a fantastic group, so it was an excellent time. Highly recommend! However, we were sent to the wrong hotel in our pre trip communication from intrepid and the first hotel was nicer than the one we ended up at in the end. We were not the only ones, so that was a big oversight. Learned so much about the city and the holiday. I would have liked if the trip included the parade but I enjoyed all the activities we did.
Review submitted 04 Nov 2023