South America Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best South America tour packages
- What people love about South America Tours
- 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 $7,065
10% Off- NZ$6,359You save $706
Natural wonders unite 14 cities across 4 countries, from Amazon rainforest to Andean peaks. Wildlife watching in Puerto Maldonado, UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu, and the world's largest salt flats at Uyuni create lasting memories. Designed for ages 18+, accommodations range from jungle lodges to city hotels.
Duration 26 days Destinations Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From $6,995
15% Off- NZ$5,946You save $1,049
Lima to Buenos Aires: Deserts & Dancing
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very good experience with CEOs, the itinerary and activities offered.”
Christopher, traveled in September
A grand 35-day South American adventure unfolds from Lima to Buenos Aires. The legendary Inca Trail beckons hikers, while Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni and Chile's Atacama Desert showcase natural wonders. Groups average 12 travelers aged 20+, with accommodations ranging from camping to community lodges, as local guides share cultural insights.
Duration 35 days Destinations Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $8,059
20% Off- NZ$6,447You save $1,612
Bolivia to Brazil: Highlands & Coastlines
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Felt easy and stress free through the trip and the people were great!”
Therese, traveled in August
A rich 31-day exploration connects 5 countries, from La Paz's Witches Market to Rio's iconic Christ the Redeemer. UNESCO-listed Potosí, Salar de Uyuni's salt flats, and both faces of Iguazu Falls await. Simple hotels and hostels provide rest, while Uruguay's traditional estancia and Rio's favela tour offer cultural immersion.
Duration 31 days Destinations Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $8,519
20% Off- NZ$6,815You save $1,704
Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, and Rio de Janeiro
2 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 $8,732
10% Off- NZ$7,859You save $873
What people love about South America Tours
- Lima to Buenos Aires: Deserts & Dancing
A really good mix of hiking, culture, and exploration. I really enjoyed this tour, as it covers so many places that aren't otherwise accessible on your own. Arguable, Inca Trail was the highlight, but there was so much more. Ballesta Islands, Lake Titicaca, the Yungas Road in Bolivia, steak in Salta, etc etc. I enjoyed Bolivia much more than I expected (the museums in Potosi were world class). You have free time to explore the big cities such as La Paz on your own if you choose. Only downside were some inflexibility in restaurant choice. Overall a good trip I'll remember for a long time.
- Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, and Rio de Janeiro
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.
What an amazing organisation. Our thanks go out to Wendy, Rose, Sam and Alberto. We never knew who did what, you did it so seamlessly (the phone numbers were a hint). Your daily messages on WhatsApp were so helpful. We would like to express our gratitude and admiration for your team. The prompt reply to any queries we had and the coordination of our pickups and delivery, made our trip extremely comfortable and trouble free. Our thanks to all, Beth and Derick.
South America: Glaciers, Water Falls & World Wonders
Travel South America your way
Sail through vibrant South America, rich in culture and natural beauty. Witness the mighty Amazon, teeming with diverse wildlife. Make your way through dense rainforests, enjoy local cuisine, and visit bustling cities like Lima.
See all River Cruise toursThe Inca Trail has become our trademark trek, carefully designed as a 4-day route that helps your body adjust to the altitude naturally. Our guides take you through misty cloud forests and past old Inca settlements like Llactapata before you tackle Dead Woman's Pass at 4,198m - it's tough but the sunrise view of Machu Picchu makes it worthwhile. Many of our travelers also love the Rainbow Mountain day hikes from Cusco and our multi-day Patagonia routes in Torres del Paine, where the paths wind past massive glaciers and crystal-clear alpine lakes. Down in Arequipa, the Colca Canyon trek goes deep into one of Earth's biggest canyons; our guides know exactly when to arrive so you'll spot condors gliding on the morning thermals.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursOur South American circuit runs between 19 and 35 days, linking up the continent's best bits from Lima to Rio. You'll paddle motorized canoes through Amazon waterways where our naturalist guides point out macaws, caimans and also capybaras hiding in the vegetation. The Bolivian salt flats are special - you'll sleep in lodges built from salt blocks and drive 4x4s across the desert to red lagoons where flamingos wade. Active days in Patagonia mix mountain biking around Bariloche's lakes, sandboarding down Huacachina's dunes and getting properly soaked under Iguazu Falls - the Argentine side gets you closest to the cascades. For those after a real rush, there's always the option to bike Bolivia's Death Road, though plenty of our travelers skip it for more relaxed activities.
See all Active toursTake in the picturesque landscapes and remarkable sights on a guided Coach / Bus adventure of South America. There are 60 vacation packages to choose from, that range in length from 4 days up to 26 days. The most popular month for these tours is November.
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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.
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Discover South America tours for every budget
Looking for good value in South America? Our Bolivia to Brazil highland route hits all the right notes. You'll dive into La Paz's busy markets, walk through Sucre's white-washed streets and check out the old silver mines in Potosí. The big moment comes at Salar de Uyuni - our customers can't get enough of those endless white salt flats that seem to touch the sky. While not the cheapest option out there, we handle the complicated border crossings and transport that can be a real headache if you're on your own. Another solid choice runs from La Paz through Uyuni to Iguazu Falls. Our local CEOs know exactly where to find real local food away from tourist spots and love sharing stories about Andean culture at spots like the Witches' Market.
Our Journey Across South America tour hits the sweet spot for luxury travelers wanting both comfort and culture. You'll take a fancy boat to Lake Titicaca's islands, explore La Paz's unique Witches' Market with top guides and get some of the best views of Rio from Corcovado Mountain. The South American Discovery route is another premium choice - our guests love the special touches like private tango performances in historic Buenos Aires venues and exclusive boat trips to quiet spots on Lake Titicaca. We've picked the best places to stay, from old colonial houses in Cusco to Rio's waterfront hotels, and our guides are great at tailoring each day to what you want to see and do.
South America budget tours- South America luxury tours
South America tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
2,933 tours in South AmericaOur South American group tours span 19 to 35 days, connecting major sites with deep cultural immersion. The Lima to Rio journeys start with Amazon canoe safaris, where you'll spot caimans and macaws, before taking on the Inca Trail experience. Guides coordinate your Machu Picchu arrival at sunrise, then you'll stay with families on Lake Titicaca's islands, helping cook traditional dishes and experiencing local customs. Bolivia brings 4x4 expeditions across the vast Salar de Uyuni salt flats, nights in hotels constructed from salt blocks, and visits to crimson lagoons where flamingos gather. Our groups love how these tours balance raw nature experiences like camping beneath Patagonian stars with city discoveries in Buenos Aires, Rio and also La Paz. Our travelers consistently praise having structured activities mixed with independent time, so you can choose between sandboarding on desert dunes, joining tango sessions in San Telmo, or wandering through La Paz's intriguing Witches' Market at your leisure.
Small Group
1,462 tours in South AmericaOur most popular South American tours stretch between 19 and 35 days, weaving together cultural encounters with natural discoveries. Starting in Lima's Miraflores area, you'll venture into the Amazon where naturalist guides lead small-group excursions by motorized canoe to spot macaws and caimans. Many travelers take on the classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, timing their summit arrival with sunrise, while others prefer exploring the quieter paths of the Quarry Trail. The Bolivian leg takes you across Salar de Uyuni in 4x4s, with nights spent in salt-brick lodges and chances to see flamingos feeding in crimson mineral lakes. The Lake Titicaca homestays often become a highlight for our guests, as they share meals, help with daily tasks, and connect with island families. Your path winds through La Paz's Witches' Market, descends into Potosí's working silver mines, and finally leads to the dynamic streets of Buenos Aires and Rio. Our guides have a knack for uncovering those special moments, from impromptu tango gatherings in San Telmo to hidden ceviche vendors in Lima's local markets.
Private / Personalized
905 tours in South AmericaWant to travel at your own speed? Our 19-day Epic South American Adventure lets you set the pace through Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru. The journey takes you along the winding Cuesta del Obispo in Argentina, into warm thermal springs near Tuzgle Volcano and past the colorful striped mountains of Purmamarca - all on your timeline. Another great private option runs from Patagonia up to Rio. Our customers really like being able to spend extra time where it matters most - some want more hiking at Iguazu Falls while others need that perfect sunset photo. You'll get private transfers throughout, carefully picked 3-star hotels and personal guides who can adjust the day's plans based on how you're feeling and what interests you most.
Top South America travel itineraries to fit your plans
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Cusco, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Taquile Island, Uros Reed Islands
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TourRadar recommends visiting:
Buenos Aires, Foz Do Iguacu, Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro
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Our 10-day South American routes really dive into the cultural fabric and natural settings of each region. From Salta, you'll wind through Cafayate's vineyards where the Torrontés grapes thrive, then head into the stark beauty of the Atacama. Another solid choice combines Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil - you'll walk the historic Avenida de Mayo in Buenos Aires, experience authentic gaucho life on a Uruguayan ranch and see Iguazu Falls from two different perspectives. The ranch stays are a particular highlight; our travelers often tell us how much they enjoy riding alongside the gauchos and sharing traditional meals at the family table. Some routes take you to Bolivia's salt flats where you'll sleep in lodges built entirely of salt blocks and catch the first light breaking over Salar de Uyuni. Our local guides make border crossings simple and share those little-known spots that make each place special.
See all toursDemographics
The Lima to Buenos Aires routes work really well if you're traveling solo. You'll quickly make friends sandboarding down the dunes at Huacachina, and the shared excitement of spotting caimans during night walks at the Amazon lodge brings everyone together naturally. Our solo guests tell us how much they enjoy learning about traditional plant medicine from local guides and bonding with their group during homestays on Lake Titicaca's islands. The Inca Trail trek creates natural friendships - there's nothing like supporting each other through challenging parts of the trail. When you reach Bolivia's salt flats and Chile's Atacama Desert, you'll share 4x4 rides and evening campfires under some of South America's clearest night skies.
Our premium Peru-Chile-Argentina circuit really hits the mark for couples. Starting in Lima's laid-back Miraflores area, you'll move on to private Amazon lodge cabanas where you can experience jungle life in comfort. The tour mixes active days and cultural experiences nicely - our couples love how they can explore Machu Picchu one day and learn empanada-making in Buenos Aires the next. The wine regions are particular highlights, with private tastings in Chile's Casablanca Valley and Argentina's Mendoza vineyards, plus lovely long lunches at local estates. Rio makes for a perfect finish, where you can walk Copacabana's shoreline and join the locals dancing samba in Lapa district.
Our longer Peru-to-Brazil routes attract younger travelers who want plenty of activity. You'll tackle either the classic Inca Trail or the less-crowded Quarry Trail, camp under desert skies in Bolivia and hop between Brazil's coastal islands. There's a good balance of planned activities and free time - you can sandboard in Peru's desert, bike through Buenos Aires' neighborhoods or join locals playing football on Ipanema. The nightlife options are excellent, from Cusco's bars to Buenos Aires' tango scenes. Young travelers particularly enjoy how the tour combines hiking and urban exploration with beach time, plus meeting other travelers at places like Sacred Valley Brewery and Paraty's waterfront spots.
Our Colombia and Peru-Chile-Argentina routes consistently attract senior travelers thanks to their thoughtful pacing and comfortable hotels. The itineraries include proper time to adjust to altitude changes, which our guests really appreciate. Seniors especially enjoy exploring Bogota's Gold Museum with guides who know their pre-Colombian history inside out, wandering colonial Cartagena's old town without rushing and taking scenic train rides through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. While you'll still find plenty of activity - like easy walks among the tall wax palms in Colombia's Cocora Valley - these routes skip the demanding treks in favor of cultural experiences, from coffee plantation visits to wine tastings in Chile's Casablanca Valley.
- Solo Travelers2,706 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples2,455 tours All tours for Couples
- Young Adults (18 - 39)48 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)1,439 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit South America
- Fall / Autumn 2025
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.
- 2,200 tours
- 2,583 tours
- November 2025 popular 2,658 tours
- 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 popular 2,534 tours
- January 2026 2,136 tours
- 2,009 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 2,127 tours
- 1,990 tours
- 1,912 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 1,830 tours
- July 2026 1,702 tours
- August 2026 1,671 tours
Contact our South America travel experts
Krizzia
Expert in South America at TourRadar
Krizzia 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.