Wildlife Tours in South America
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10 best South America wildlife tour packages
Compiled by
NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
- Pantanal Wildlife Experience
- Galápagos Express Adventure: Wilderness & Wildlife
- Wildlife Puerto Madryn
- Brazilian Nature and Wildlife Tour (incl. domestic flights)
- Galapagos Cruise & Peru in Depth (Grand Queen Beatriz)
- Geluxe: The Galápagos: Wildlife of Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands
- Animal Paradises Falkland and South Georgia
- Land of the Incas (Galapagos East Cruise)
- Galapagos & Inca Trail Adventure (22 destinations)
- Ultimate Peru, Argentina & Brazil (44 destinations)
Premier wildlife viewing unfolds through specialized safaris and Rio Claro boat trips. Dawn kayaking and night tours reveal diverse species from Amazon, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest biomes. Pantanal Lodge serves as a comfortable base for expert-guided photography.
Duration 5 days Destinations Campo Grande, Corumba Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish Operator Nattrip From $3,275
10% Off- NZ$2,948You save $327
Galápagos Express Adventure: Wilderness & Wildlife
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“My first G Adventures tour and it definitely won?t be my last! Absolutely incredible.”
Andrea, traveled in August
South America's most unique wildlife thrives across three Galapagos islands. Giant tortoises roam at Charles Darwin Research Station, sea lions swim at Tijeretas, and marine iguanas bask at Concha de Perla. Expert naturalists guarantee prime wildlife encounters.
Duration 7 days Destinations Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, San Cristóbal Island Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator G Adventures From $2,239
25% Off- NZ$1,679You save $559
Wildlife Puerto Madryn
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Loved the scenery along the way and was overall a good experience.”
Richard, traveled in March
Marine life flourishes at Peninsula Valdés - Southern Right Whales breach in Puerto Piramides (June-December), elephant seals gather at Punta Cantor, with optional Commerson's Dolphin watching at Rawson Port. The journey includes MEF Museum's fascinating dinosaur exhibits.
Duration 4 days Destinations Trelew, Valdes Peninsula, Puerto Madryn Age Range 18 to 70 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator People Travel and Experience From
25% Off- NZ$966
South America's premier wildlife destinations stretch from Pantanal's wetlands to Iguazu's rainforests. Visitors can spot capybaras, anteaters, and toucans on specialized safaris. The crystal-clear Rio da Prata offers snorkeling, while red-and-green macaws soar at Buraco das Araras sinkhole.
Duration 13 days Destinations Rio de Janeiro, Foz Do Iguacu, Aquidauana, Bonito Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish Operator ETours Brazil DMC From $6,508
10% Off- NZ$5,858You save $650
Duration 24 days Destinations Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$24,570+$369 local payments
Wildlife thrives at Los Túneles where snorkeling reveals vibrant marine life. Blue-footed boobies nest along coastal trails, while giant tortoises roam Santa Cruz highlands. The tour features Charles Darwin Research Station and Las Tintoreras islet.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island Age Range 18 to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$7,119
Duration 19 days Destinations Ushuaia, Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island Age Range up to 85 year olds Operated in English, German Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
10% Off- NZ$18,839
Wildlife abounds from Ballestas Islands' penguins and sea lions to Galápagos' endemic species. Blue-footed boobies nest at North Seymour Island, penguins swim at Bartolome Island, and giant tortoises roam La Galapaguera reserve on San Cristóbal Island.
Duration 18 days Destinations Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Trafalgar From
10% Off- NZ$9,369+$7,956 upfront costs
South America's rich biodiversity spans from coast to mountains. Sea turtles glide by at La Loberia, giant tortoises thrive at Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, and flamingos wade in Isabela's lagoons. The route includes Charles Darwin Research Station before continuing to Peru's cultural treasures.
Duration 17 days Destinations Ecuador, Mexico, Peru Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$10,245+$386 local payments
Duration 30 days Destinations Peru, Argentina, Brazil Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$15,575
What people love about Wildlife Tours in South America
- Galápagos Express Adventure: Wilderness & Wildlife
Jonathan knows so much about wildlife of the region, and he was good at getting us organised. The activities were cool, and it was balanced with enough free time. Our team was great and loved hanging out with each other. We loved seeing sea turtles and sea lions, and all kinds of things. I was a little disappointed when we went to Kicker's Rock on San Cristobal island as we got stung by jellyfish and didn't see anything else but jellyfish. That day tour had been highly recommended, and was very expensive. We had an awesome boat to ride to and from though. Also I am disappointed that TourRadar did not communicate about my husband's dietary needs for when meals were included or to our tour leader, or help us with booking accommodation as we were getting there a day early, or giving us any help with transportation as we arrived into a different island. We would have liked to be connected with a local to help us not be so stressed about this part of the trip.
- Wildlife Puerto Madryn
Loved it. Quite a long drive. But loved the scenery along the way and was overall a good experience
- South America Getaway with Amazon, Santiago & Easter Island
Trap was cancelled due to pandemic a full refund was given even though we were 3 days into our tour, When this horrible virus is controlled we wil lnot hesitate to use Globus
What our customers ask about Wildlife Tours in South America
What are the must-see wildlife destinations in South America?
South America's premier wildlife locations each offer distinct experiences. The Amazon Rainforest across Peru Ecuador and Brazil draws visitors seeking primates and rare birds. The Galapagos Islands present close encounters with giant tortoises and marine iguanas while Brazil's Pantanal wetlands provide reliable jaguar and bird watching opportunities. The Ballestas Islands in Peru attract visitors to their penguin and sea lion colonies. Many travelers base themselves at specialized lodges such as the Ecopark Jungle Lodge in Manaus or Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion in Puerto Maldonado for direct wildlife access. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The lodge was relaxing in a jungle environment with great daily eco-tours seeing flora and wild animals - especially the pink and gray dolphins!"
When is the best time to visit South America for wildlife viewing?
Peak wildlife viewing seasons differ across South America's regions. The Amazon's dry season from June to November reduces rainfall making wildlife easier to spot. The Pantanal's prime viewing window runs July through October when jaguars capybaras and birds are most active. The Galapagos Islands welcome visitors year-round though December to May brings warmer waters for marine life encounters. As one TourRadar traveler noted about their Amazon experience: "Our guide Nestor was very knowledgeable about plants animals indigenous communities and we saw amazing wildlife including pink and gray dolphins!"
What type of accommodation can I expect on wildlife tours?
South American wildlife lodging spans from basic eco-lodges to upscale resorts. Ecopark Jungle Lodge in Manaus features air-conditioned bungalows with private facilities and viewing balconies. Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion offers cabanas set within a 380-hectare private reserve. For Antarctic wildlife expeditions the Ocean Endeavour provides various cabin options with modern comforts. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Cumaceba Lodge was rustic but comfortable perfect for a genuine jungle experience with good access to wildlife."
How many days should I plan for a wildlife tour in South America?
Wildlife tours typically run 4-18 days based on the chosen destinations. Amazon experiences need 3-5 days with tours like the 5-day Iquitos Jungle Rainforest being common. Galapagos voyages usually require 7-10 days for thorough exploration. Multi-region trips such as the Brazilian Nature and Wildlife Tour extend to 13-15 days. A TourRadar traveler recommended: "Our 5-day Amazon stay was perfect - enough time to see diverse wildlife but not too long in the humid conditions."
Are the wildlife tours suitable for families with children?
Many wildlife tours welcome families though age limits vary by program. The Bolivian Amazon Pampas Adventure accepts children 10 and older while Galapagos Tours include children from age 5. Properties like Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion create special wildlife activities for young visitors. Parents should consider weather conditions and physical demands when planning with children. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The guides were great at adapting activities to make wildlife viewing engaging and educational for different age groups."
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