South America Tours & Trips
Misty mountains, lush rainforests, ancient temples, and huge mountain passes - it’s all waiting for you in South America. From the legendary Inca Trail to mysterious Machu Picchu, history sits around every corner. Patagonia will mesmerize you with its landscapes, and Rio with its Samba magic. Meet friendly locals, try delicious food, and soak up everything South America has to offer.
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BARBARA • traveled in February
The tour was well organized and covered an extraordinary amount of ground.
Journey Across South America - 19 Days - K
Kelvin • traveled in January, 2025
We just returned last week from a Wanderful 21 days in South America. Wendy, Rose, Lily et al did a great job with arranging everything, including some customization – adding São Paulo to the start of our trip and a few extra days in Rio onto the end of our trip. Most of the hotels were great and the day trips we had were with reputable local providers. We didn’t have much time to plan, so really appreciated having everything organized for us. Communication was great - having just done a similar tour across Australia a few months ago with a different company, Wanderful was much better with handling logistics for us. There are a few things I would have done differently with the extra time we had - perhaps researching Machu Picchu in advance (there are different circuits that limit where you can go), an extra day or two in Cusco so we could fit in rainbow mountain and an extra day or two in Buenos Aires so we could have done a day trip to Montevideo. We did have a free day in Iguaçu, so we were able to fit in a day trip to Paraguay ourselves. When we did have issues with tour operators, Wanderful were quick to assist and I can’t stress how great that was. I do wish that bookings had been handled a bit further in advance - we only received our detailed itinerary a few days before our trip which I would have preferred at least 10 days prior. I think the only mistake they seemed to make was requesting single beds when they booked our accommodation. They did try to rectify this after the fact, which worked at some of the hotels, so I haven’t let this affect my rating of their service.
Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, and Rio de Janeiro - C
Carla • traveled in June
Fast-paced and hitting many of the highlights of South America in a manageable timeframe. Highly recommended. Hotels were decent and individual (no bland chains here!) and the guide was extremely knowledgeable and personalised the tour throughout to things that those in the group were interested in specifically. It was a small group (6) and a perfect match between group activity and then free time to explore places in the way you wanted to. A memorable experience and the landscapes in NW Argentina, Chile and Bolivia are unsurpassed globally in my opinion!
Argentina, Atacama & Andes - 20 days
Table of contents
- The best South America tour packages
- Travel South America your way
- Best tour companies for South America tours
- Discover South America tours for every budget
- South America tours for every type of group
- Top South America travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit South America
- Contact our South America travel experts
- What our customers ask about South America Tours & Trips
The best South America tour packages
Compiled by
NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
A 25-day journey crosses 4 South American countries from Bolivia's Altiplano to Brazil's beaches. UNESCO-listed Iguazu Falls, San Pedro de Atacama's desert, and colonial Colonia del Sacramento showcase regional diversity. Twenty breakfasts and stays at authentic estancias and local hotels complete the experience.
Duration 25 days Destinations Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From $7,390
10% Off- NZ$6,651You save $739
Duration 31 days Destinations Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$9,990
Journey Across South America - 19 Days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was well organized and covered an extraordinary amount of ground.”
BARBARA, traveled in January
A 19-day expedition from Lima to Rio showcases UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca's floating islands, and Brazil's Christ the Redeemer statue. Three internal flights connect 5 countries, with comfortable 3-4 star hotels throughout. Costs approx. $320 per day.
Duration 19 days Destinations Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- NZ$11,965
Duration 20 days Destinations Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
10% Off- NZ$9,123
Argentina, Atacama & Andes - 20 days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Highly recommended. Hotels were decent and individual (no bland chains here!) and the landscapes in NW Argentina, Chile and Bolivia are unsurpassed globally.”
Carla, traveled in May
The wonders of South America unfold from Argentina's wine country to Peru's Inca citadels across four countries. Buenos Aires' Recoleta Cemetery, San Pedro de Atacama's geysers, and Sacred Valley's treasures await. Nineteen nights' accommodation, internal flights, and expert local guides ensure comfort.
Duration 20 days Destinations Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- NZ$13,945
Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, and Rio de Janeiro
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Most of the hotels were great and the day trips we had were with reputable local providers.”
Kelvin, traveled in December
A 16-day adventure covering 6 cities across Peru, Argentina, and Brazil. UNESCO sites like Machu Picchu, Tigre Delta's waterways, and Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side create lasting memories. 4-star hotels throughout, featuring Cusco's Temple of the Sun and Rio's Christ the Redeemer statue. Perfect for travelers aged 2+.
Duration 16 days Destinations Peru, Argentina, Brazil Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From
10% Off- NZ$8,958
South America's southern cone comes alive through its vibrant capitals. Visit Santiago's historic center, immerse in Buenos Aires' tango culture, and wander Montevideo's colonial charm over 10 days for around $2,300, including hotels and daily breakfast.
Duration 10 days Destinations Chile, Argentina, Uruguay Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
10% Off- NZ$5,324
Journey through 5 South American countries over 21 days, from Christ the Redeemer in Rio to Machu Picchu's ancient ruins. Stay at upscale hotels like Windsor Excelsior and explore UNESCO sites including Iguazu Falls and Colonia del Sacramento. Experience Amazon wildlife at Inkaterra Hacienda, traditional gaucho culture at Argentine estancias, and vibrant cities from Buenos Aires to Lima.
Duration 21 days Destinations Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Peru Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Delightful Travel From
10% Off- NZ$17,466
South America's diverse terrains unfold at approx. $510 per day. Salta's High Mountain Museum, the Dali Desert's painted landscapes, and Bolivia's red Laguna Colorada with its flamingos create stunning scenes. Inca heritage at Pilkokaina Palace leads to La Paz's enchanting Valley of the Moon.
Duration 17 days Destinations Argentina, Chile, Bolivia Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
10% Off- NZ$15,162
Ultimate South America
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“well organised, mixture of organised tours and some downtime to do as we wished.”
Joy, traveled in August
The 19-day route from Rio's Corcovado Mountain to Lake Titicaca's floating islands features stays at Recanto Park near Iguassu Falls and Jose Antonio Cusco. Argentina's vibrant tango culture, Peru's ancient Inca sites, and Brazil's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue create unforgettable memories. Includes 18 breakfasts and expert-guided tours.
Duration 19 days Destinations Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From $6,689
3% Off- NZ$6,489+$2,946 upfront costsYou save $200
Travel South America your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for South America tours
Looking at what TourRadar travelers say, G Adventures seems to hit the right notes with their CEOs (that's what they call their tour leaders) running things smoothly. Gerson gets particularly good mentions from people who've traveled with them. The setup works well - you get your group activities but also enough free time to do your own thing. Though some travelers point out they could add more to their included activities, and the way they handle optional excursions is a bit all-or-nothing. Intrepid Travel gets solid feedback too, with guides like Gus and Yami knowing their stuff inside out. The tours are well put together and informative, but there's a catch - some travelers weren't too happy with where they stayed, especially at one particular ranch where both the basic facilities and staff attitude caused some grumbles. Bamba Experience is having some troubles according to recent feedback. Travelers mention having to chase them up multiple times about bookings, and there's been confusion with guides who don't always speak the languages they're supposed to. The organization seems a bit scattered, and communication definitely needs work. Just to wrap it up - G Adventures and Intrepid are pretty neck-and-neck in terms of quality, though each has its small issues to iron out. Bamba Experience looks like they need to sort out some basics before they can compete at the same level.
Discover South America tours for every budget
South America tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top South America travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Best time to visit South America
- Winter 2025 / 2026
South American winter tours from June through August blend outdoor expeditions with deep cultural experiences, and our travelers consistently rank the Peru-Bolivia-Argentina route as their top choice. You'll paddle Amazon waters spotting caimans and macaws before hiking the Inca Trail, where guides coordinate a perfect Machu Picchu sunrise viewing. The Bolivia to Brazil journey appeals to those drawn to La Paz's mysterious Witches' Market, the stark beauty of Salar de Uyuni salt flats, and also the powerful Iguazu Falls. Colombian itineraries connect coffee plantation discoveries with colonial town explorations and time along Caribbean shores. Many guests select premium packages that include intimate tango shows in historic Buenos Aires venues, plus exclusive boat access to Lake Titicaca's quieter spots. The Lima to Buenos Aires route continues to draw winter travelers, who can test their skills sandboarding on coastal dunes before venturing into mountain zones for high-altitude explorations.
- December 2025 2,142 tours
- January 2026 popular 2,317 tours
- 2,240 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring is prime time for our Peru-Bolivia-Argentina routes, with travelers drawn to clear skies and mild hiking temperatures. Starting in Lima, you'll paddle canoes through the Amazon looking for wildlife before climbing the Inca Trail, where guides coordinate your Machu Picchu arrival with the sunrise. The Lima to Buenos Aires option has become quite popular, combining cultural discoveries with activities like sandboarding Peru's coastal dunes. For authentic local experiences, our Colombia tour weaves together coffee plantation visits, colonial architecture and also coastal exploration along the Caribbean. We've added special touches to the premium version, including private tango performances and exclusive winery tours. The Bolivia to Brazil highland route offers a different perspective - you'll wander through La Paz's distinctive markets, explore the white-washed streets of Sucre and cross vast salt flats before reaching the thundering waters of Iguazu Falls. Spring trips work especially well for our travelers, balancing outdoor exploration with cultural insights while avoiding both peak season crowds and intense heat.
- March 2026 popular 2,365 tours
- 2,246 tours
- 2,179 tours
- Summer 2026
The June to August window is prime time for South American tours, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures that work perfectly for hiking and outdoor activities. Our travelers consistently rate the Peru-Bolivia-Argentina route as their top pick - you'll paddle through the Amazon looking for wildlife, then make your way up the Inca Trail with guides who time your Machu Picchu visit right at sunrise. The Lima to Buenos Aires journey is another favorite, letting you try sandboarding on coastal dunes before heading into the mountain ranges. Our Colombia tour gets great feedback for mixing coffee plantation visits, historic colonial towns and time along the Caribbean shoreline, while the Premium version adds special touches like private tango performances and boutique winery visits. For something different, the Bolivia to Brazil route combines La Paz's local markets, the vast white salt flats and also the powerful Iguazu Falls.
- June 2026 popular 2,105 tours
- July 2026 2,052 tours
- August 2026 2,049 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Our South American autumn circuit from Peru to Argentina has become the standout choice, with travelers consistently highlighting the perfect weather from June through August. You'll explore the Amazon by boat, searching for caimans and macaws, and then trek the Inca Trail where our guides coordinate your Machu Picchu arrival for a spectacular sunrise view. The Lima to Buenos Aires route presents an engaging mix of coastal excitement, including sandboarding desert dunes, and high-altitude experiences across the Andes. Colombia offers an alternative autumn journey, where coffee plantation tours blend smoothly with visits to colonial towns and time along the Caribbean coast. Moving from Bolivia to Brazil, you'll witness the vast white salt flats and visit the mighty Iguazu Falls, while our premium packages include private tango shows and exclusive winery access. The weather during these months creates ideal conditions for hiking and photography, as minimal rainfall and moderate temperatures make outdoor exploration comfortable and rewarding.
- 2,028 tours
- popular 2,065 tours
- November 2026 1,910 tours
Contact our South America travel experts
Steffanie
Expert in South America at TourRadar
Steffanie is one of our seasoned South America Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about South America tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about South America Tours & Trips
When's the best time to visit South America considering weather and crowds?
You'll find South America's massive size means the perfect time really depends on where you're heading. If you're planning to explore the Andes around Machu Picchu and Cusco you'll want to aim for those sweet spot months April-May or September-October when it's drier and less crowded. Heading to Patagonia? The hiking season runs October through April and it's absolutely stunning. The Amazon's actually great year-round though you'll see less rain June to October. For beach lovers hitting coastal spots like Rio you'll love the summer vibe December through March that's when the beaches really come alive.
What kind of local cultural experiences can you actually join in on?
There's so many ways to dive into South American culture and really get involved. Up in Peru's Sacred Valley you can learn traditional weaving from the Ccaccaccollo community and hang out with their llamas maybe pick up some amazing knitted souvenirs while you're there. Wine lovers should definitely check out Chile's Casablanca Valley where you can taste artisanal chocolates and pisco while learning about their sustainable wine-making. In Buenos Aires you've got to try a tango lesson it's just part of the city's soul. And don't miss a traditional Pachamanca lunch in the Sacred Valley where they cook everything underground in this amazing ancient Andean style.
Where are the best natural areas outside the cities and how do you get to them?
South America's packed with incredible natural wonders just waiting to be explored. The Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia are mind-blowing and you can explore them on 4WD Jeep tours from Uyuni Town checking out the weird Train Cemetery and cacti-covered Inka Wasi Isla. Torres del Paine in Chile is stunning grab a bus from Puerto Natales to get there. From Ushuaia Argentina you can cruise the Beagle Channel spotting sea lions and penguins maybe take a catamaran for something different. The Amazon's incredible access it by motorized canoe from Puerto Maldonado Peru and consider staying at Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion they're really into conservation. Near Salento Colombia you've got the Cocora Valley with these amazing towering wax palms and you can even get there in classic Willys jeeps.
How do you get around South America what's the transport situation?
Getting around South America's pretty straightforward with lots of options. Long-distance buses are everywhere and really practical for overnight trips like that 10-hour journey from Arequipa to Cusco or the 14-hour run from La Paz to Sucre. Domestic flights connect major cities they're quicker but'll cost you more. There's some really special train experiences too like the fancy Vista Dome or the 360 train to Machu Picchu both leaving from Ollantaytambo. Cities have good metro systems and local buses running pretty much everywhere you need to go.
What are some amazing but less-visited places worth checking out?
There's some incredible spots in South America that don't get the attention they deserve. Tilcara Argentina's got this fascinating pre-Inca fortress called Pucara de Tilcara. PotosÍ in Bolivia is actually a UNESCO site with these incredible historic silver mines. The town of Cachi Argentina's really special you get there through this amazing mountain pass called Cuesta del Obispo bit of an adventure to drive. Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca's got some beautiful Inca ruins and indigenous communities you can even do a homestay in Llachon. And if you're in Colombia the Guambiano market's like stepping back in time real authentic indigenous culture right there.