South America Guided Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about South America Guided Tours & Trips

• What's the best time of year for a guided tour of South America?

  The prime travel seasons vary across South America's diverse regions. Peru's Machu Picchu is best visited from May to October during the dry season while Patagonia shines from December through March in the austral summer. Quality hotels like Tambo del Inka in the Sacred Valley welcome visitors throughout the year with consistent service standards. Local guides adapt daily schedules to match weather patterns. A recent traveler shared: "Having a guide meant activities were adjusted to make the most of weather conditions."

• How much does transportation work between destinations on fully guided South America tours?

  Tours use an efficient mix of private coaches domestic flights and specialty transport to connect destinations. Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles shuttle travelers between sites like Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls. A TourRadar guest noted: "Transportation was very well organized and the tour was extremely well coordinated." Short flights link major hubs like Lima and Cusco while scenic options like the Vistadome train service Machu Picchu. Local boats explore Lake Titicaca's floating villages and 4x4s traverse Bolivia's salt flats. Hotels such as Recanto Park in Iguazu Falls coordinate seamless transfers between airports sites and lodging.

• What meals are typically included in fully guided South America tours?

  Standard tour packages cover daily hotel breakfasts at properties like Jose Antonio Lima along with key group lunches and dinners. A 19-day itinerary generally includes 18 breakfasts and 6-8 dinners balancing group meals with independent dining. According to one TourRadar review: "Good mix of included meals and free time to explore local restaurants." Group meals often showcase regional specialties from Peruvian dishes in Cusco to Argentine asados in Buenos Aires and Brazilian churrascarias in Rio. Guides help travelers find authentic local spots and navigate menus during free meal periods.

• What level of physical fitness is required for these South America guided tours?

  Tours demand moderate fitness given the high altitudes and varied terrain. Key destinations like Cusco at 11152 feet and La Paz at 11942 feet require proper acclimatization time. A TourRadar participant shared: "The altitude in Peru can make you feel a bit yuck but you adjust." Daily activities mix city walking tours in Lima and Rio with site visits requiring stairs at Machu Picchu and Iguazu Falls. While hotels like La Casona Yucay in Sacred Valley support altitude adjustment visitors should be ready for 2-3 hours of daily walking on uneven ground. Guides set appropriate paces and offer altitude management strategies.

• What type of accommodations can I expect on a fully guided South America tour?

  Tours select 3-5 star hotels based on location comfort and convenience. Rio de Janeiro accommodations like the Windsor Plaza Copacabana offer beachfront access while Cusco's Jose Antonio Hotel sits near historic attractions. A TourRadar guest observed: "The accommodations were comfortable and well situated in each location and city." Traditional properties like La Casona Yucay blend local character with modern comforts. Select itineraries feature distinctive stays in Amazon lodges or Lake Titicaca family homes. Tour operators personally evaluate all properties to maintain quality standards.

• What are the main benefits of taking a fully guided tour in South America?

  Guided tours provide expert local insight seamless travel coordination and privileged access to attractions. Guides manage all transport needs bridge language barriers and share cultural context at sites from Machu Picchu to the Andes. A TourRadar participant reflected: "The guides provide you with experiences you would never get if you were alone with insider knowledge of local culture and logistics." Carefully chosen hotels like Lima's Gran Faroana in Miraflores combine with the security and ease of traveling alongside regional experts.