Could older travellers enjoy adventure holidays in South America?

Older travellers could take pleasure in adventure holidays in South America, according to new evidence.

The evidence to suggest that older travellers are becoming more adventurous is growing and could point to an increasing number of over-50s heading off on South America adventure tours.

Whether enjoying a Rio carnival package or a trip that includes a trek on the Inca trail and a Machu Picchu tour, a generation of silver-haired travellers seem keener than ever to see the world.

New research from Bridge the World has highlighted that an increasing number of over-50s Brits are showing an interest in taking a gap year or extended break abroad.

However, while youngsters may be more willing to plod from town to town finding accommodation ad hoc, those in their 50s and upwards tend to want a solid plan of where they will stay and what they will see.

Gapyear.com general manager Tim Fenton said: "They tend to want a bit more certainty in advance about where they're going to sleep and what sights they can visit. But, otherwise, the spirit of adventure is very similar to the traditional under 24-year-old.

"Don't forget a 55-year-old is still more than ten years younger than Mick Jagger. Some are lucky enough to have retired with a lump sum and this is their big end-of-work present to themselves."

Meanwhile, Madventurer.com operations manager John Lawler added that older gap year travellers often seek a different outcome from their trip than their younger counterparts do.

While teenagers and those in their 20s tend to look to acquire skills during their trip, those in their 50s and 60s are often happy to put their existing knowledge and talents to good use, helping communities and gaining an understanding of local customs and culture in return.

"There's definitely more of a 50-plus market that is coming to us, and unlike students who are relatively unskilled and are looking for experience, these guys are actually looking at getting involved in the more technical work," he explained.