South America Small Group Tours
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10 best South America small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
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- Full Day Mindo Cloudforest - Shared Group
- Full Day Otavalo Indigenous Market - Shared Group
- Full Day Cotopaxi exploration on Horseback riding - Shared Group
- 03 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu - Group service
- 02 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
- Hiking Fitz Roy & Torres del Paine National Park - GROUP TOUR
- Group Tour - Everything starts at the end of the World
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
- NZ$3,959
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$3,649
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$3,838
Mindo's hummingbird sanctuary comes alive in small groups, with shared zipline thrills and chocolate factory visits. Bilingual guides provide dedicated attention throughout the cloud forest adventure.
Duration 1 day Destinations Quito, Mindo Valley Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$215
Bilingual guides lead cultural immersions across South America. The intimate format provides quality time at Otavalo market and Cuicocha Lagoon, while maintaining flexibility for photo stops and local interactions.
Duration 1 day Destinations Quito, Otavalo Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$138
Full Day Cotopaxi exploration on Horseback riding - Shared Group
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Amazing experience in Cotopaxi! The wonderful time.”
Aissatou, traveled in August
This South American highland adventure welcomes travelers aged 12+. Guests share the thrill of horseback riding at 3,900 meters, while guides share intimate insights about Cotopaxi's ecosystem and geological history.
Duration 1 day Destinations Quito, Cotopaxi National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$267
03 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu - Group service
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The activities were all great and very well organised along with the travel between the different locations.”
Olukayode, traveled in April
Groups under 8 receive dedicated guidance through South American highlights, from Abra Málaga's mountain biking to Machu Picchu exploration. Larger groups get an extra guide, maximizing safety during adventure activities and cultural immersion.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Abra Malaga Mountain, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
- NZ$1,031
02 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tour was AMAZING! The hotels and surrounding town was nice as well.”
Anon, traveled in July
South America's most iconic trail awaits groups of 8-12 adventurers. Small numbers ensure intimate experiences at Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu, with extra guide for larger groups maintaining quality interaction at each archaeological site.
Duration 2 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 9 Group Type Group Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
- NZ$964
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
- NZ$8,525
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
- NZ$7,548
Reviews of Small Group tours to South America
- 04 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Small Group Service
Our group consisted of 7 people, people of all ages, a couple in their 30's, another couple who were in their 50's and my friends and me in our 20's. We all hiked the Inca Trail without any problems thanks to our team of porters, cooker and especially our guide Erwin, a beautiful person who was always encouraging and attentive to our needs at all times. Actually, the whole Inkayni team was very friendly, they made sure we were ok when we had problems and kept us very informed. Food was delicious and the porters did a commendable job setting up camp for us each night, they are admirable people who take it upon themselves to give you a once in a lifetime experience.
Amazing experience in Cotopaxi! Another huge thank you to Rafael for the wonderful time!
Full Day Cotopaxi exploration on Horseback riding - Shared Group
- 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!
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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