Private Tours & Trips in South America

What our customers ask about Private Tours & Trips in South America

• How much should I budget per day for a Private tour in South America?

  Daily costs for private South American tours vary between $250-900 USD based on comfort level. High-end tours combining Brazil and Peru cost around $900 USD daily with stays at places like Arena Leme Hotel Rio and Hilton Lima Miraflores. Mid-range options such as the Andean World tour average $248 USD per day including 3-star hotels like Tierra Viva. Budget extras for international flights ($500-1000 USD) tips ($10-20 USD daily per person) and non-included meals ($30-50 USD per day).

• What level of physical fitness is required for Private tours in South America?

  Private tours adapt to your physical abilities though most need basic fitness. Popular sites require specific effort levels: Machu Picchu needs 2-3 hours of walking on uneven paths at 7,972 feet while Sacred Valley tours include walks around archaeological sites. Cities like Cusco at 11,152 feet need time for altitude adjustment. More demanding options like Colca Canyon require 3-4 hour hikes. A recent visitor noted: "The guides were very accommodating to our pace and made sure we were comfortable with the altitude before attempting any strenuous activities."

• What type of accommodations can I expect on Private South America tours?

  Accommodations range from urban luxury hotels to distinctive properties in remote locations. City stays include properties like InterContinental Buenos Aires while special venues feature places like Casa del Sol Machupicchu and the salt-block Hotel de Sal Luna Salada at Uyuni Salt Flats. Sacred Valley options include mountain-view properties like Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay. A recent guest commented: "The hotels were consistently excellent especially the Hilton Garden Inn in Cusco which offered perfect comfort after long days of exploring."

• What's included in meals on Private South America tours?

  Tours cover daily hotel breakfasts and select restaurant meals throughout the journey. Sacred Valley excursions often feature traditional lunches at local spots like Tupuna in Urubamba. Special experiences might include Mendoza wine tastings or cooking lessons at Cusco's San Pedro Market. While not every meal is included guides know the best local dining spots. One traveler shared: "The included meals were excellent especially the traditional lunch in the Sacred Valley which introduced us to authentic Peruvian cuisine."

• How much interaction is there with local communities on Private South America tours?

  Local encounters form a key part of private tours across South America. Visitors join weaving demonstrations in Peru's Sacred Valley explore markets like San Pedro in Cusco and meet craftspeople at Ecuador's Otavalo Market. Cultural programs often include family homestays on Lake Titicaca's Taquile Island or visits with Colombian coffee farmers. A guest remarked: "Our guide introduced us to local families in the Sacred Valley who taught us about traditional weaving techniques - it was an incredibly personal and authentic experience you wouldn't get on a larger tour."

• When is the best time to book a Private tour in South America?

  The prime touring season runs April through October across most South American destinations. Peru's Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu see their best weather May to October with clear skies for exploring ruins. Chile's Atacama Desert welcomes visitors year-round though summer (December-February) brings occasional afternoon rain. A recent visitor reported: "The weather was perfect in April not too hot or cold and we had amazing clear views at Machu Picchu." Their stay at Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel enhanced the private tour experience.