Adventure Tours & Trips in South America
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10 best Active South America tour packages
Compiled by
NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
- 6 Days Galápagos Exploration: Nature's Wonderland Adventure
- Full Argentina Adventure – Route 40 (20 Nights)
- North Argentina Adventure (16 Nights)
- Ecuador Adventure 14 Days Tour
- 35 days in South America: Perú, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile & Brazil or viceversa
- Quito & Galapagos Adventure Tour (7 Days)
- 5-Day Amazon Cuyabeno & Papallacta Adventure
- Tailor-Made Argentina Family Adventure, Daily Start and Private Car
- 5 Days Adventure Trip in Galapagos
- Manu Amazon Adventure 5D/4N
Los Tuneles' lava formations and Sierra Negra's volcanic landscapes set the stage for wildlife encounters. A 6-mile crater rim trek, penguin snorkeling at Tintoreras Islet, and tree planting in Santa Cruz highlands await. Includes expert guidance and comfortable accommodations for around $1,900.
Duration 6 days Destinations Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$3,169
Full Argentina Adventure – Route 40 (20 Nights)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“All the day tours were wonderful. I can only recommend this tour.”
Ingrid, traveled in December
South America's diverse terrains unfold from Mount Fitz Roy's base to Perito Moreno Glacier and Sea Lion Colony. Dramatic elevation changes range from Salta's 13,615ft peaks to Ushuaia's sea level.
Duration 21 days Destinations Salta, Purmamarca, Mendoza, San Carlos De Bariloche, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chalten, El Calafate, Rio Gallegos, Ushuaia Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Hi Travel Argentina From
- NZ$3,923
South American landscapes vary from Iguazu's jungle trails to Aconcagua's mountain paths. Mendoza's white water rafting, Santa Rosa de Tastil's ancient ruins, and Iguazu Falls' extensive walkways provide diverse adventures.
Duration 17 days Destinations Buenos Aires, Puerto Iguazu, San Miguel de Tucuman, Salta, Purmamarca, Mendoza Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Hi Travel Argentina From
- NZ$2,439
South America's challenging terrains range from Cuicocha Lake's 8-mile circuit to Chimborazo's 16,000ft basecamp. Class III rapids on Pastaza River and mountain biking through Baños' Avenue of Waterfalls provide thrilling moments.
Duration 14 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos, Puyo, Chimborazo Volcano, Alausi, Ingapirca, CuencaSee all destinations Age Range 20 to 65 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- NZ$4,889
35 days in South America: Perú, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile & Brazil or viceversa
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The jungle experience in Muyuna Amazon Lodge Peru was awesome. Bolivians hospitality is unique.”
Dora, traveled in October
This grand South American journey spans 19 cities and 5 countries. Ancient paths of Machu Picchu, Iquitos' Amazon jungle, Andes mountains to Puerto Varas, and Perito Moreno Glacier's majesty await. Includes expert guides and varied accommodation options.
Duration 35 days Destinations Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Brazil Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From
- NZ$15,171
Quito & Galapagos Adventure Tour (7 Days)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The personal services to make sure we are safe while on tour, the flexibility and the attentiveness to little details.”
Lissie, traveled in October
Quito's UNESCO sites complement thrilling Galapagos adventures. Las Grietas snorkeling, Tortuga Bay kayaking, and Santa Fé Island trails await. Marine life viewing at Sharks Channel and lava formations round out this naturalist-guided tour.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Santa Fé Island Age Range 5 to 75 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Cami Adventures From
- NZ$2,463
5-Day Amazon Cuyabeno & Papallacta Adventure
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was a fantastic experience.”
Jeremy, traveled in September
The Amazon reveals its secrets at Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve through expert-guided night walks and traditional canoe adventures. Pink dolphins grace Laguna Grande, while primary forests and caiman spotting expeditions thrill visitors. Guides rated 5/5 ensure exceptional wildlife encounters.
Duration 5 days Destinations Quito, Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve, Papallacta Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Rebecca Adventure Travel From
- NZ$2,185
Patagonia's wilderness beckons with treks through Mount Fitz Roy and Tierra del Fuego National Park. The Beagle Channel and both sides of Iguazu Falls showcase nature's power with expert guides.
Duration 15 days Destinations Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park, El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chalten, San Carlos De Bariloche, Victoria Island, Puerto Iguazu, Iguazu Falls Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Agate Travel From
- NZ$13,148
Premier diving sites around Santa Cruz Island offer encounters with hammerhead sharks and sea lions. Cerro Mesa Ecological Reserve treks, pristine water kayaking, and cycling to the island's largest sinkhole fill five days of moderate-intensity adventures at approx. $380 daily.
Duration 5 days Destinations Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora Age Range 6 to 70 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$3,222
This adrenaline-charged South American expedition features 30-meter abseiling and canopy zipline in Manu. The Alto Madre de Dios River leads to cloud forest trails where rare spectacled bears roam. Nights are spent at remote Paititi Lodge with expert guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cusco, Manu National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
- NZ$1,264
What people love about Active Tours in South America
Just got home from this tour, it was amazing! Our tour guide, Berner, was the best. As a very limited Spanish speaking person, it was so so helpful to have the guide to help with airports, ordering food, understanding the cultures, tipping, etc. We went through heaps of Inca ruins including Machu Picchu. If you like hiking definitely do the single day Inca trail trek, it was one of my favourite hikes ever, and it ends at Machu Picchu. We did a hike up rainbow mountain on our free day in Peru which was well worth it, but the altitude is a big adjustment. Peru was definitely my favourite country to visit. Bolivia / La Paz was a nice, we went to the Cholitas wrestling on our free afternoon and it was wild/great. Lake Titicaca was beautiful but mostly a tourist trap. Isla de Sol was so beautiful. Paraguay felt quite dangerous, but we were only there for a night. And it was necessary to get to Iguazu. Definitely need your yellow fever international certificate (yellow booklet) to get into Paraguay. Iguazu falls on the Argentina side was so beautiful. The walk is filled with butterflies. Definitely do the boat cruise to the base, but you will be soaked so take extra clothes and shoes. The Brazilian side of the falls is packed with tourists and no where near as enjoyable as the Argentinian side. Rio was amazing, I wish I had a spare day or two here to explore a bit more. Christ the Redeemer is magnificent. It feels a bit unsafe at night time though, the day is fine. Would definitely recommend! There’s lots of travel days but so worth it. The altitude in Peru can make you feel a bit yuck but you adjust. Enjoy! And thank you!
Journey Across South America - 19 Days
The Cuyabeno, so far is my favorite place in the Amazon. The tour was well organized, with plenty of activities for all tastes. Totally recommended
5-Day Amazon Cuyabeno & Papallacta Adventure
What our customers ask about Adventure Tours & Trips in South America
When is the best time to go on an Adventure tour in South America?
Weather patterns across South America create distinct optimal travel seasons for different regions. Patagonia shines from October to March with comfortable temperatures and clear skies that are perfect for outdoor activities in Torres del Paine and Bariloche. The Andes region including Cusco and La Paz works best from April to October during the dry season when trails are accessible and views are clear. A TourRadar traveler shared their experience: "Amazing 4 weeks seeing incredible places eating new and exciting food meeting extremely interesting people and experiencing a plethora of cultures in perfect weather conditions."
What type of accommodation can I expect on South America Adventure tours?
South American tours offer diverse lodging options that range from city hotels to remote wilderness accommodations. Places like the Itamandi EcoLodge in the Amazon and Embassy Hotel in Mendoza showcase this variety. Most itineraries mix 3-4 star urban hotels with simpler but well-maintained lodges in remote locations. As one traveler noted: "The Hotel Deja Vu in Santa Cruz offered the perfect base for our Galapagos adventures while the rustic bungalows in Sangalle provided an authentic canyon experience."
What are the must-see Adventure highlights in South America?
South America's natural wonders create the backdrop for remarkable outdoor experiences. Key destinations include the towering Andes Mountains dense Amazon rainforest dramatic Torres del Paine National Park powerful Iguazu Falls and stark Atacama Desert. Active travelers can try sandboarding in Huacachina whitewater rafting near Mendoza or trek to Mount Fitz Roy in El Chalten. According to one visitor: "From the breathtaking Andes Mountains to the vibrant Amazon rainforest South America is full of natural beauty that leaves a lasting impression."
How much does an Adventure tour in South America typically cost?
Daily rates for South American adventures range from $175 to $700 based on comfort level and activities. A 5-day Mendoza Adventure Tour averages $312 per day with accommodations while longer trips like the 21-day Full Argentina Adventure on Route 40 cost about $111 daily. Specialty experiences such as Antarctica expeditions reach the higher end at $700 per day.
What wildlife might I encounter during South American Adventure tours?
The continent's biodiversity offers rich wildlife viewing opportunities. The Amazon regions of Iquitos and Cuyabeno host pink river dolphins various monkey species sloths and numerous bird species. Bolivia's Laguna Colorada features three flamingo species. A visitor at Muyuna Lodge reported: "The guide Julio was amazing at spotting wildlife from tiny pygmy marmosets to nocturnal caimans." The Galapagos Islands add encounters with marine iguanas giant tortoises and sea lions.
What fitness level is required for South American Adventure tours?
Activities on these tours demand moderate to good physical condition. The Peru Action & Adventure tour includes a challenging 4-day Inca jungle trek reaching 14160 feet at Malaga Pass. Amazon excursions in areas like Cuyabeno are less demanding but involve regular hiking and canoe trips. A traveler noted: "The timetable is very demanding but the impressions from all these beautiful landscapes make it totally worth it."
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