Central and South America by Private Jet

Journey across Central and South America—from the glacier-carved landscapes of Patagonia to the jungle-shrouded temples of Guatemala—experiencing the wonders of seven countries in the comfort of a private jet. Stand atop the ancient ruins of the Inca and the Maya; encounter the spray of Iguaçu Falls and the engineering marvels of the Panama Canal; and revel in the delights of vibrant cities such as Cartagena, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires—all in one extraordinary journey.

A team of National Geographic Experts will accompany this trip.

Wade Davis is an ethnographer, writer, photographer, and filmmaker whose work has taken him from the Amazon to Tibet, Africa to Australia, and Polynesia to the Arctic. An Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society from 2000 to 2013, he is currently a professor of anthropology and the BC Leadership Chair in Cultures and Ecosystems at Risk at the University of British Columbia. Wade holds degrees in anthropology and biology, and received his Ph.D. in ethnobotany— all from Harvard University. Primarily through the Harvard Botanical Museum, he spent over three years in the Amazon and Andes as a plant explorer, living among 15 indigenous groups in eight Latin American nations.

National Geographic Emerging Explorer Tamara Merino is a Colombian-born documentary photographer based in Chile who has covered human and sociocultural issues across Central and South America. Tamara’s work has appeared in National Geographic, the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the New Yorker, and Der Spiegel, among many other publications. Her National Geographic–sponsored “Underland” project investigates subterranean and cave dwelling communities around the world. Tamara is a fellow of the International Women’s Media Foundation and an honoree of the 2020 Magnum Foundation’s Inge Morath Award.

Archaeologist William (Bill) Saturno is a National Geographic Explorer specializing in early civilizations. He has received numerous grants from the Society to support his ongoing excavations of ancient Maya murals in Guatemala. His breakthrough discovery at San Bartolo of the oldest intact Maya murals yet found became the focus of the National Geographic magazine articles “The Sistine Chapel of the Early Maya” in December 2003 and “The Dawn of Maya Gods and Kings” in January 2006. Outside of Mesoamerica, Bill has conducted archaeological research in the American Southwest, Bolivia, Cambodia, and most recently on the North Coast of Peru.

FEBRUARY 22–MARCH 14, 2024

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Meet fellow travelers, staff, and experts at a reception at National Geographic headquarters, followed by a welcome dinner on the rooftop of our historic hotel, overlooking Washington’s monuments.

The Hay-Adams

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 AND 24

Our first flight by private jet brings us across the Caribbean Sea to the walled port city of Cartagena. On a walking tour, stroll atop the city ramparts and marvel at colorfully painted buildings with flower-draped balconies and vibrant art installations. Alternatively, sample rich brews on a coffee tour or visit the historic San Felipe de Barajas Castle, a massive Spanish fortress overlooking the city. Later, learn about the life and work of Colombian author and Nobel Laureate Gabriel García Márquez, or opt for a culinary experience.

Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa

SUNDAY, MONDAY, AND TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 26, AND 27

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to our hotel on Copacabana Beach. Spend two full days exploring this vibrant metropolis, where beaches, lush jungles, and towering granite mountains merge to create one of the most dramatic cityscapes on the planet. Stand at the foot of 98-foot-tall art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer, and ride a cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain to take in sweeping views. Visit Samba City, where local dance schools create elaborate floats and costumes for the annual Carnival celebration. Then stop in at the lab of a National Geographic grantee at Rio’s historic Botanical Garden, considered one of the top gardens in the world.

Belmond Copacabana Palace

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Spanning two countries and nearly two miles, Iguaçu Falls comprises 275 cascades set within the Atlantic Forest. Choose from a variety of ways to experience the falls on both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides, and venture into the surrounding forest—a biodiversity hotspot that’s home to around 20,000 species of plants as well as thousands of wildlife species. Witness the powerful cascades of the famed Devil’s Throat, or see some 150 bird species at the Parque das Aves.

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

THURSDAY, FRIDAY, AND SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, MARCH 1 AND 2

Fly to Punta Arenas, Chile and continue by charter flight to Puerto Natales, located outside Torres del Paine National Park. Enjoy two days to discover Patagonia’s spectacular, glacially sculpted landscapes—from soaring granite spires to turquoise lakes and sweeping grasslands. The park is home to an array of fascinating creatures, including eagles, condors, foxes, guanacos, and indigenous rheas. On hiking excursions, encounter Grey Lake and its incandescent ice, see the staggering Paine Massif, and hike through beech forests along the shores of Blue Lagoon.

The Singular Patagonia

SUNDAY, MONDAY, AND TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 4, AND 5

Fly to Buenos Aires and transfer to our hotel in the stylish Recoleta district. On a walking tour the next morning, visit Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of Argentine First Lady Eva “Evita” Perón and many of the country’s political and cultural icons. Stroll across the Plaza de Mayo, and see the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace where Eva Perón addressed adoring crowds from her balcony. Explore the whimsical La Boca neighborhood and Puerto Madero, known for its creative use of repurposed warehouses and docks. Take a tango lesson or an art-themed bike tour, step behind the scenes at the Colón Theater, or visit a silversmith’s workshop. On our final day here, head outside the city to a family-owned estancia, or traditional ranch, and get immersed in the culture of Argentina’s gauchos.

Alvear Palace Hotel

WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, AND FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 7, AND 8

Arrive in Lima and set out by local air on one of three excursions. Fly to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco (11,200 feet), and meet with National Geographic Explorer and master Andean weaver Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez. Then ride a privately chartered train through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Inca, arriving at the base of Machu Picchu (8,000 feet). Explore the iconic citadel, excavated with support from the National Geographic Society.

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas

Alternative: Take a local flight to Lake Titicaca (12,500 feet). From our superb lakefront hotel, cruise to the floating Uros Islands, made entirely of reeds, and visit Taquile Island. Hike or bike between the quaint villages of the altiplano, or go birding with an expert.

Titilaka Lodge; Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel

Alternative: Travel by local flight to the Amazon rainforest and settle in to a stunning jungle lodge on the banks of the Madre de Dios River. Explore by foot and dugout canoe with naturalists, seeking out caimans, river otters, monkeys, macaws, and much more. Take a canopy walk and go on a nocturnal tour of the forest.

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica; Belmond Miraflores Park

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, MARCH 9 AND 10

Land in Panama City and transfer to the Biomuseo, Frank Gehry’s only architectural work in Latin America. Browse exhibitions on Panama’s biodiversity and sit down to a private dinner in the extraordinary atrium. At the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center the next day, search for a kaleidoscope of tropical birds, as well as sloths, coatis, and more. Then cruise a portion of the Panama Canal on a private boat or venture into the rainforest to visit an indigenous Embera village.

Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo

MONDAY, TUESDAY, AND WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 12, AND 13

Fly by private jet to Flores, the gateway to Tikal—one of the largest cities in the Classic Maya world. Delve into the world of the ancient Maya as you explore this ceremonial center and its towering pyramid temples. Then fly to Guatemala City and transfer to Antigua. Enjoy two full days to get to know this beautiful city ringed by volcanic peaks. Take a walking tour of the colonial center, and choose to visit a coffee farm, hike up Pacaya Volcano, or try Guatemalan recipes during a cooking class. Gather for a special farewell dinner on our final evening.

Porta Hotel Antigua

THURSDAY, MARCH 14

Following breakfast, fly to Miami and connect with your commercial flight home.

DATE: February 22–March 14, 2024

COST: $87,995

Price is per person, double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Transportation by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost. Airfare to Washington, D.C. and return from Miami, Florida is not included in the expedition cost. For your protection and peace of mind, all payments are protected by a surety bond. This trip will be operated by National Geographic Expeditions on flights operated by Icelandair. Visit natgeoexpeditions.com/CentralSouthAMT&C to view the Terms and Conditions and Operator-Participant contract for this trip. Central and South America by Private Jet will be operated on a Boeing 757 customized for 75 guest travelers in two-by-two VIP-style seats. Visit our website or call for details.

Please note: A U.S. Department of State travel advisory for Guatemala is currently in effect (travel.state.gov). We expect to operate this trip as planned, but will continue to closely monitor events in the region and will alter the itinerary if necessary.

The National Geographic Society funds research, conservation, and exploration, including a biosphere in Patagonia established by marine biologist Pablo Borboroglu to protect Magellanic penguins; Rosamira Guillen’s efforts to protect the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin in Colombia; and the mapping of ancient Maya sites by Guatemalan archaeologist Francisco Estrada-Belli.

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