Self-Guided Tours in South America
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10 best Self-Guided South America tour packages
Compiled by

NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
- 5 Countries: Rio de Janeiro to La Paz (30 Days)
- Exploring South America - 13 days
- Independent Brazil, Argentina & Chile
- Argentina & Bolivia: Salt Flats and Desert
- Andean Trilogy, Private Tour
- Chachapoyas, Treasure of the north, Private Tour
- Childcare Volunteer Program in Cusco
- 5 Days in Colombia: Andean Coffee & Quindio Adventures
- Self-Drive Experience in Equador: The Andes, The Amazon Rainforest and The Pacific Coast
- Combined Argentina with Falls, Lakes and Glaciers in 15 Days
Roam South America independently with pre-arranged accommodation and transport between 14 major cities. Your itinerary includes stops at Rio's beaches, Buenos Aires' neighborhoods, and Santiago's markets at your pace. Essential guided visits to Iguazu Falls and Uyuni Salt Flats complement your flexible schedule.
Duration 30 days Destinations Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Hi Travel Argentina From
- NZ$4,802
Exploring South America - 13 days
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Say Hueque made all of my travel plans a lot easier. I felt very safe the entire time and like I was cared for well.”
Bonnie, traveled in October
South America beckons with pre-arranged stays at selected hotels like Bohemia Hotel. Roam Cusco's ruins, Machu Picchu's ancient city, and Buenos Aires' neighborhoods independently. Detailed guides and 24/7 support throughout your 13-day adventure included.
Duration 13 days Destinations Peru, Argentina, Brazil Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Say Hueque Argentina & Chile Journeys From
- NZ$7,367
Your ideal South American journey comes with expert local host guidance. Choose between Petropolis or Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio, optional tango shows in Buenos Aires, and wine country excursions from Santiago. Centrally located hotels and daily breakfast included.
Duration 12 days Destinations Brazil, Argentina, Chile Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From
- NZ$5,669
Argentina & Bolivia: Salt Flats and Desert
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Salar de Uyuni at sunrise was truly a unique place. It's like a different planet up there and was a real experience.”
Alice, traveled in August
Your South American adventure unfolds with pre-arranged logistics. Wander through Salta's wine country, Atacama's otherworldly landscapes, and Uyuni's vast salt flats at your pace. Detailed guides, carefully selected hotels, and transportation between destinations included.
Duration 9 days Destinations Argentina, Chile, Bolivia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Say Hueque Argentina & Chile Journeys From
- NZ$5,006
Andean Trilogy, Private Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“They were all kind and on time. Took care of us like we were their family.”
Masaru, traveled in October
Lima's Jose Antonio Deluxe hotel anchors your Peruvian adventure. Machu Picchu, Cusco's archaeological treasures, and Ballestas Islands open for exploration with pre-arranged access.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Ballestas Islands, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Portuguese, French, Spanish Operator LimaTours From $3,402
10% Off- NZ$3,062You save $340
Chachapoyas, Treasure of the north, Private Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Well organized tour. Driver was careful and kept us safe on wet and curving narrow roads.”
Sanna, traveled in February
Chachapoyas reveals its secrets from La Xalca Hotel base. Kuélap's ancient citadel, Leymebamba Museum's mummy collection, and Gocta Waterfall welcome exploration at your chosen pace.
Duration 4 days Destinations Chachapoyas Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator LimaTours From $1,259
10% Off- NZ$1,133You save $126
Your South American volunteer adventure bases you in Cusco. Flexible 4-hour shifts working with local children leave afternoons free for independent exploration. Weekends offer visits to Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, or Sacred Valley sites.
Duration 14 days Destinations Cusco Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator PVTravels From
10% Off- NZ$753
South America reveals itself through Cotacachi's leather workshops, El Pailón del Diablo waterfall, and Quito's historic center. A rental car with GPS and LDW coverage ensures smooth travels.
Duration 5 days Destinations Armenia, Filandia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
10% Off- NZ$1,817
Self-Drive Experience in Equador: The Andes, The Amazon Rainforest and The Pacific Coast
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The organization was perfect from start to finish, we had support throughout our trip.”
WENDYNARVAEZ, traveled in February
South America opens up with expert-designed routes. UNESCO-listed Quito, Otavalo markets, Amazon rainforest lodges, and Pacific beaches await your discovery. Four-star hotels, detailed maps, and 24/7 support throughout Ecuador included.
Duration 14 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Misahualli, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Machalilla National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Signature DMC From
10% Off- NZ$5,643
Combined Argentina with Falls, Lakes and Glaciers in 15 Days
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Overall the tour was well put together and we had a nice time.”
Jessica, traveled in December
Detailed materials and included transfers guide your South American adventure. From Buenos Aires's tango districts to Ushuaia's Tierra del Fuego, independence meets comfort at selected 3-star hotels with daily breakfast.
Duration 15 days Destinations Buenos Aires, Puerto Iguazu, San Carlos De Bariloche, El Calafate, Ushuaia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Qwerty Travel Argentina From
10% Off- NZ$3,926
What people love about Self-Guided Tours in South America
- Argentina & Bolivia: Salt Flats and Desert
This trip is an experience of a lifetime. Starting from Argentina going trough Chile and ending ib Bolivia, you will see the most beautiful landscape you have ever seen. You have just to know a few thing about this tour. It is not always the same tour company that you are traveling with. In each place it's an other one. It's not really a problem but it's surprising when you don't know it. The transportations were good only the bus from Salta to San Pedro de Atacama was freezing cold and not really comfortable, you have to be prepared for it. And then the tour in the Uyuni desert was my highlight. You are in an adventure abd it's amazing. You only have to be aware of the height in wich we are traveling (going to 4900m.) and the fact that it's a really basic acomodation during two nights. If you want to have incredible memories and that you like adventure this tour is for you!
- Andean Trilogy, Private Tour
They were all kind and on time. Took care of us like we were their family.
- Chachapoyas, Treasure of the north, Private Tour
Well organized tour. Guide Roger was personable and very knowledgeable about both Kuelap and the Gocta waterfall. Driver was careful and kept us safe on wet and curving narrow roads. Always on time.
What our customers ask about Self-Guided Tours in South America
What's the typical cost range for a self-guided tour in South America?
Prices for self-guided tours across South America span from $35 to $292 per day depending on the chosen experience. Budget travelers can opt for options like the Lima to Cusco Travel Pass at $35 daily while those seeking more comfort might choose the Independent Brazil Argentina & Chile tour at $292 per day. The Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley and Hotel Nacional Inn Copacabana represent mid-range accommodation options that balance comfort with value. Previous travelers report well-organized itineraries with clear directions about timing and locations.
What are the most popular self-guided routes through South America and how long do they typically take?
The most traveled routes include a 30-day journey starting in Rio de Janeiro and ending in La Paz which covers the Uyuni Salt Flats and Atacama Desert. Another favored option is the 19-day route from La Paz to Buenos Aires. Both routes include stays at established properties like the Inca Huasi Hotel in Uyuni and Hotel Jose Antonio in Lima. These self-paced adventures let travelers explore independently while having essential details like hotels and city-to-city transport arranged in advance.
What's the best time of year for self-guided travel in South America?
Different regions have distinct ideal visiting periods. The Andes region including the Uyuni Salt Flats is best from April to October during the dry season. Lima and coastal areas shine from December to April. The Atacama Desert welcomes visitors year-round though June through August brings cold nights. Peak season runs December through February with higher rates and larger crowds at popular sites.
What's the recommended budget for additional expenses on a self-guided South America tour?
Beyond the core tour costs which average $100-150 daily allocate about $30-50 for meals $20-30 for local transport and $15-25 for attraction entry fees. Cities like Buenos Aires and Lima generally demand higher spending than smaller destinations. Special activities such as the Tatio Geysers tour ($45) or Iguazu Falls boat rides ($70) require extra funds. Previous travelers suggest setting aside $75-100 daily for additional experiences and dining.
What is the best time of year to do a self-guided trek in Patagonia?
Patagonia's trekking season peaks from October to April with the sweet spot falling between November and March when the weather is most reliable. During this time Torres del Paine sees daytime temperatures around 15°C (59°F). Travelers can base themselves at properties like Hotel Las Torres while exploring the French Valley and Grey Glacier. March typically offers ideal hiking conditions with moderate temperatures and clear views of the towers.
What type of accommodation can I expect on a self-guided tour in South America?
Lodging options range from 3-4 star hotels to local guesthouses. Properties like Casa Andina Premium Valle in Sacred Valley and Hilton Garden Inn in Cusco serve as reliable bases for independent exploration. Most accommodations include breakfast and feature staff who can help with local information. The Los Pioneros hostel in Calafate demonstrates the emphasis on convenient locations being just 20 minutes from transport hubs.
How do transportation connections work on self-guided tours in South America?
While transport between destinations comes pre-arranged travelers need to manage their own navigation. You'll get specific instructions for journeys like the 18-hour overnight bus from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu. Local representatives meet travelers at designated points such as Hotel Luz in Foz do Iguacu to assist with country border crossings. The system generally runs smoothly though some journeys involve lengthy travel times.
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