South America Small Group Tours
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10 best South America small group tours
Compiled by

MelissaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
- 10 Days Andes and Pacific Coast Small Group Tour for Gay Travelers
- 10 Days Andes Group Tour for Gay Travelers
- 7 Days Gay Small Group Trip Wellness Retreat
- Full Day Mindo Cloudforest - Shared Group
- Full Day Otavalo Indigenous Market - Shared Group
- Full Day Cotopaxi exploration on Horseback riding - Shared Group
- Hiking Fitz Roy & Torres del Paine National Park - GROUP TOUR
- Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/3N – Enjoy a Group Service Adventure
- Group Tour - Majestic Peaks of Patagonia
- Group Tour - Everything starts at the end of the World
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 18 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$3,489
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 18 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$3,670
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 18 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$3,785
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 18 to 75 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator People Travel and Experience From
- NZ$8,152
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/3N – Enjoy a Group Service Adventure
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“A very well organized tour. Timely stops for some history along the route was really good.”
Hari, traveled in December
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Patallacta, Runkuraqay Mountain, Sayacmarca, Winay Wayna, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range 8 to 60 year olds Operated in English, French, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Waman Adventures From
- NZ$1,613
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 18 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator People Travel and Experience From
- NZ$5,439
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 18 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator People Travel and Experience From
- NZ$7,217
Reviews of Small Group tours to South America
- 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Group Service
It was a unique experience! An unforgettable experience in every way, amazing places, beautiful, you meet beautiful people, our guide always looking after everyone and sharing with everyone the beauty of the places and the beauty of their culture. Thank you Inkayni for such a beautiful experience in the Salkantay route!
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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