South America Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,630 reviews)- Choose from 3,600+ South America tours
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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
- Top operators in South America
- Discover South America tours for every budget
- South America tours for every group
- Top South America travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit South America
- Contact our South America travel experts
The best South America tour packages
Compiled by
NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
Lima to Buenos Aires: Deserts & Dancing
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A really good mix of hiking, culture, and exploration. Arguable, Inca Trail was the highlight, but there was so much more.”
Jimmy, traveled in December 2017
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 18 to 39 year olds Operator G Adventures From $5,149
17% Off- US$4,274You save $875
Bolivia to Brazil: Highlands & Coastlines
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great local CEOs. All the best bits covered.”
Emma, traveled in July 2018
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 18 to 39 year olds Operator G Adventures From $5,799
25% Off- US$4,349You save $1,449
Journey Across South America - 19 Days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Peru was definitely my favourite country to visit. Iguazu falls on the Argentina side was so beautiful.”
Cara, traveled in March 2024
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 up to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From
25% Off- US$6,265
Ultimate South America
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Cosmos exceeded our expectations with the efficiency, professionalism, and organization from beginning to end.”
Rabindra, traveled in August 2023
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 up to 99 year olds Operator Cosmos From $3,569
6% Off- US$3,369+$1,651 upfront costsYou save $200
South America reveals itself over 15 days, from Chile's Atacama Desert through Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flats to Argentina's wine country. Boutique properties like Casa de Uco Vineyards Resort welcome guests, while Maipu's vineyards and Bodega Lagarde's 4-course wine pairings delight the senses.
Duration 15 days Destinations Chile, Bolivia, Argentina Age Range 18 to 65 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Unu Raymi Expeditions From
6% Off- US$2,599
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.
The tour was well organized and covered an extraordinary amount of ground.
Journey Across South America - 19 Days
- Ultimate South America
Really enjoyed getting a taste of Brazil, Argentina and particularly Peru, seeing many famous sites for myself. Our group generally got on very well, our tour director was well organised, the local guides mostly excellent, enthusiastic and interesting, the accommodation was clean and comfortable, food really good. Unfortunately most of we 24 on the tour caught a cold around the time we arrived at high altitude which meant coping with altitude sickness was extra hard for some of us. But overall the trip was a great success.
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 toursPedaling through South America offers an intimate look at its vibrant cultures and landscapes. Cycle the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, traverse Argentina's wine country, or navigate Chile's Carretera Austral. It's adventure, culture, and nature, all at your own pace.
See all Bicycle tours
More travel styles:
Top operators in South America
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.
- 5.0 (22,804 South America reviews)
"This tour was amazing. Hiking through the Andes in Patagonia was challenging but worth every step once you see the towering mountains and the countless glaciers. When not hiking, visiting the towns and experiencing the people and the culture was exciting. I can't say enough about our CEO,"Natcho". He was very accommodating and made sure each participant had the holiday they wanted. He was very knowledgeable in all of the geology, history and wildlife of the area. He definitely made this trip unforgettable. I highly recommend this adventure to novice and pro hikers.
- Tours
- 116 South America tours
- Age range
- 12 to 90 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 1h
- Response rate
- 92%
- Average price
- $575
- 4.5 (86 South America reviews)
- Tours
- 4 South America tours
- Age range
- 16 to 100 years old
- Adventure type
- River Cruise
- Response time
- 33h
- Response rate
- 86%
- Average price
- $1560
- 4.5 (69 South America reviews)
"The instructions were not clear where and what time to meet our ride. Many times the guide or the driver did not speak English and if there was no cell phone service due to location, it was impossible to understand each other or ask a question. The two places we stayed were HOSTELS not HOTELs ) in the itenenary
- Tours
- 149 South America tours
- Age range
- 5 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 11h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $438
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
2,694 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
1,428 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
818 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:
Buenos Aires, Foz Do Iguacu, Puerto Iguazu, Iguazu Falls
See all tours
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Puno, Lake Titicaca
See all tours
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.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Salta, San Pedro De Atacama, Uyuni
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 Travelers2,623 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples766 tours All tours for Couples
- Young Adults (18 - 39)47 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)1,496 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit South America
- Spring 2025
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 2025 popular 2,454 tours
- 2,351 tours
- 2,283 tours
- Summer 2025
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 2025 popular 2,265 tours
- July 2025 2,231 tours
- August 2025 2,254 tours
- 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.
- 2,289 tours
- popular 2,333 tours
- November 2025 2,216 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.
- popular 2,234 tours
- December 2025 2,059 tours
- January 2026 1,185 tours
Contact our South America travel experts
Kristina
Expert in South America at TourRadar
Kristina 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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