South America Small Group Tours
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10 best South America small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
- Atacama desert and Uyuni salt flat - Group Adventure - Bolivia Chile and Argentina
- 10 Days Andes and Pacific Coast Small Group Tour for Gay Travelers
- 10 Days Andes Group Tour for Gay Travelers
- Hiking Fitz Roy & Torres del Paine National Park - GROUP TOUR
- 10/09 Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Tambopata National Reserve Jungle (Small Group)
- 8/7 Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Cusco, Machu Picchu (Small Group Tours)
- 7 Days Gay Small Group Trip Wellness Retreat
- Group Tour - Everything starts at the end of the World
- 04 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Small Group Service
- Group Tour - Majestic Peaks of Patagonia
Experience South America's wonders in intimate groups of 4-6 travelers, sharing 4WD adventures across Uyuni and Atacama. Smaller groups enjoy flexibility with local guides, while groups of 5+ benefit from a dedicated Argentine tour leader. Share accommodations at Campo Base Hostel and create connections with fellow adventurers.
Duration 10 days Destinations Argentina, Chile, Bolivia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 11 Group Type Group Operator People Travel and Experience From
- NZ$2,746
South American expedition with 8-12 travelers creates meaningful cultural exchanges at Otavalo Market and Ingapirca ruins. The intimate setting allows for personalized attention during horseback riding at Cotopaxi and authentic experiences in traditional Andean communities.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Cuenca, Guayaquil Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$3,732
A small-group South American adventure led by LGBT+ guides offers personalized attention at Cotopaxi National Park horseback rides and Peguche Waterfall visits. Authentic moments unfold at Otavalo Market and Chimborazo Volcano.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Cuenca Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$3,925
Hiking Fitz Roy & Torres del Paine National Park - GROUP TOUR
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The group was what made this trip unique. I can only recommend that we should all do a group trip for once in our lives.”
Christian, traveled in November
A group of 13 travelers shares sunrise views of Fitz Roy, camps together at Full Camp Base, and visits Perito Moreno Glacier as a team. The close-knit size allows for dedicated guiding through Torres del Paine's French Valley and Lake Grey trails.
Duration 13 days Destinations El Calafate, El Chalten, Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine National Park Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator People Travel and Experience From $8,719
8% Off- NZ$8,021You save $697
Groups of 8-15 visitors receive personal attention during Cusco city tours, with up-close encounters at Tambopata Reserve's Amazon wildlife and detailed exploration of Machu Picchu's archaeological mysteries.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lima, Tambopata National Reserve, Puerto Maldonado, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator ILE Tours From
8% Off- NZ$3,855
8/7 Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Cusco, Machu Picchu (Small Group Tours)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“this tour was one of the best that I took in years, we got an inolvidable trip.”
Joseph, traveled in March
Small groups receive focused attention at Machu Picchu and Nazca Lines. Bilingual guides lead cultural encounters in Sacred Valley towns including Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Travelers share Andean buffet lunches and wildlife viewing at Ballestas Islands.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lima, Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Nazca, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator ILE Tours From
8% Off- NZ$3,653
LGBTIQ+ groups, typically 38 years old, connect at Ecuador's Polylepis Lodge and Ibarra's spa facilities. Personal attention highlights Cotopaxi National Park adventures and Baños waterfall visits, with dedicated LGBT+ guides throughout.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, El Angel Ecological Reserve, Ibarra, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
8% Off- NZ$4,049
South America's southern tip beckons groups of 6+ companions, offering personalized attention during activities. Small numbers enhance experiences like kayaking the Magellan Strait and hiking Torres del Paine, with shared accommodations at venues like Hostel El Refugio fostering connections.
Duration 13 days Destinations Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine, El Calafate, El Chalten Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator People Travel and Experience From $7,719
8% Off- NZ$7,101You save $618
04 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Small Group Service
55 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was perfect from beginning to end. The cuisine was superior to that which we had in various Cusco places.”
Jon, traveled in February
The Inca Trail welcomes intimate groups of 2-8, offering personalized attention at sites like Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca. Small group size ensures quality time at each archaeological site and comfortable camping with premium tent setups for two people each.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Patallacta, Runkuraqay Mountain, Sayacmarca, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type Group Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
8% Off- NZ$1,496
Groups of 6-18 travelers venture across South America's southern frontier. Bilingual guides facilitate glacier viewings and personalized hiking experiences. Accommodations include social hostels like Entre Vientos or private rooms at Hotel Francis Drake, with included meals fostering connections.
Duration 10 days Destinations Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine, El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chalten Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator People Travel and Experience From
8% Off- NZ$5,818
Reviews of Small Group tours to South America
- 02 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
The tour was AMAZING! Just the right amount of hiking and sight-seeing. The hotels and surrounding town was nice as well. The tour was very well-organized. Our tour guide Ali Gutierrez was very friendly, accomodating, and knowledgeable of all the sights as well as surrounding nature.
- 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Group Service
A month ago, I did the Salkantay 5 Days Tour. My girlfriend and I were hiking during the pandemic on our own all-around Peru, but when we arrived in Cusco, my girlfriend gave me the surprise of having booked with Inkayni. The Salkantay trek, the visit to the Humantay Lagoon, the carefully designed campsites, the snow-capped mountains, the Cusco jungle and MACHU PICCHU; all together made this experience one of the greatest adventures of my life. Also, the impeccable service of our guide Freddy and the whole team that accompanied us, made us feel safe and at the same time fascinated by Peru and its spectacular beauty. Thank you Inkayni family, traveling with you was definitely the best decision!
Amazing! High excitement! I felt safe in all of the activities and my teenage boys had a blast. I cannot imagine a better, more knowledgeable guide than Wilbert. We were not prepared to have to carry all we needed, but they made simple and very affordable arrangements so our luggage ended where we would.
04 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
What our customers ask about South America Small Group Tours
What is the best way to experience the Galapagos Islands in a small group?
Small ship tours with 8-12 travelers provide close-up wildlife encounters in the Galapagos. The smaller numbers allow better access to naturalist guides and entry to less-visited islands like Floreana and Isabela. The daily schedule includes snorkeling at Las Tintoreras hiking Sierra Negra Volcano and exploring by kayak. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Having just 10 people in our group meant we could get closer to the wildlife and have more time to ask our guide questions."
What type of accommodation is provided on small group tours in South America?
Accommodations range from city hotels to distinctive local properties. In Lima guests stay at upscale hotels like Casa Andina Premium Miraflores while the Uyuni Salt Flats feature unique options such as the Luna Salada Hotel built from salt blocks. Lake Titicaca offers homestays with local families. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "the variety of accommodation really enhanced our experience - from luxury hotels in Buenos Aires to charming lodges in Patagonia."
What kind of cultural experiences are possible with small group tours?
These tours facilitate direct cultural connections through activities like sharing meals with families in Lake Titicaca and visiting indigenous communities in Colombia's Coffee Region. Groups can explore the Ccaccaccollo Community women's weaving co-op in Peru's Sacred Valley or join cooking classes in local homes. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Our small group was welcomed into a local family's home in Salento for a traditional coffee tasting - something that wouldn't have been possible with a large group."
How does dining work on small group tours in South America?
Tour packages include hotel breakfasts and select group dinners at local restaurants. Meals range from traditional Argentine asado in Buenos Aires to fresh ceviche in Lima and family-style dining in the Sacred Valley. The limited group size allows access to smaller authentic restaurants. According to one TourRadar traveler: "Being a small group meant we could eat at authentic local places and our guide could help us navigate menus and local specialties."
What kind of transportation is used on small group tours in South America?
Transportation combines private minibuses comfortable 4x4s for remote areas like the Uyuni Salt Flats and scenic rail journeys such as the Vistadome to Machu Picchu. Domestic flights connect major cities like Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. As a TourRadar traveler noted: "Our private minibus meant we could easily stop for photos and take scenic routes that bigger buses couldn't access."
How does accommodation differ on small group tours versus large group tours?
Small group tours select boutique hotels and unique properties that larger tours cannot access. Examples include the intimate Ibis Hotel in Cartagena and the historic Maytaq Wasin Boutique Hotel in Cusco. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The accommodations were perfectly chosen - we got to stay in characteristic hotels like the Floresta Hotel in Baños which really added to the local experience."
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