Bus Tours in South America
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10 best Coach / Bus trips around South America
Compiled by
NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
- Brazil, Argentina & Chile Unveiled with Brazil's Amazon & Peru
- THE BIG SOUTH AMERICAN ROUNDTRIP
- South American Explorer (Inca Trail Trek, 18 Days)
- South America Discovery (15 Days)
- Real Argentina to Brazil
- Classic South America (Small Groups, 12 Days)
- Quito to Lima: Surf Towns & Hot Springs
- Living Peru
- The Heart of the Empire
- Buenos Aires to Rio
Brazil, Argentina & Chile Unveiled with Brazil's Amazon & Peru
35 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very well organised and personable and knowledgeable staff.”
Lyn, traveled in September
Premium transportation covers South America's diverse terrains, from Manaus' rainforest to Andean peaks. Routes include Devil's Throat Canyon at Iguassu Falls, Vistadome train to Machu Picchu, and Santiago's San Cristobal Hill. Air-conditioned comfort with 4.8/5.0 rating.
Duration 24 days Destinations Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Cosmos From
- US$5,079+$2,124 upfront costs
Deluxe coaches connect major South American landmarks, from Lima's colonial center to Rio's Christ the Redeemer. Routes wind through diverse landscapes including Sacred Valley, Atacama Desert, and Iguazu Falls. Scenic paths lead past Lake Titicaca and through Andes Mountains.
Duration 21 days Destinations Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil Age Range 10 to 70 year olds Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator EUROLATINO Tour Operators From
- US$6,001
Private coaches wind through South America's diverse landscapes, from Cusco's Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo's ancient ruins. Smooth transitions between Puerto Maldonado's jungle lodges and Buenos Aires' cultural districts, connecting all 13 featured cities.
Duration 18 days Destinations Peru, Argentina, Brazil Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From $4,336
10% Off- US$3,902+$1,884 upfront costsYou save $434
Luxury coaches with Wi-Fi cruise from Rio's coastal roads to Sacred Valley's mountain paths. Comfortable transfers link 11 cities, including scenic drives through Iguassu National Park and along Argentina's pampas, with expert drivers navigating diverse terrains.
Duration 15 days Destinations Brazil, Argentina, Peru Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Costsaver From
10% Off- US$2,615+$1,261 upfront costs
Modern coaches link key South American destinations, from Buenos Aires' Microcentro to Rio's beaches. Overnight bus to Iguazu Falls offers reclining seats and onboard facilities. Routes include public buses in Uruguay and private transfers to Paraty, ensuring seamless connections between all destinations.
Duration 14 days Destinations Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,785
15% Off- US$2,367You save $418
South America unfolds from Santiago's historic districts to Rio's beaches. Premium coaches transport you between Valparaíso's UNESCO sites, Buenos Aires' Teatro Colón, and Iguassu Falls' viewing platforms, with transfers to premium hotels like Belmond das Cataratas.
Duration 12 days Destinations Chile, Argentina, Brazil Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Luxury Gold From
15% Off- US$8,653+$844 upfront costs
Quito to Lima: Surf Towns & Hot Springs
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything ran smoothly. They are very organised.”
Charlotte, traveled in July
Comfortable buses link Ecuador and Peru's highlights, from Quito's colonial streets to Lima's Barranco district. Three strategic overnight bus rides maximize daytime visits to Cuenca's art scene, Mancora's beaches, and Trujillo's archaeological wonders.
Duration 15 days Destinations Quito, Tena, Banos, Cuenca, Mancora, Trujillo, Lima Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator G Adventures From $1,699
15% Off- US$1,444You save $254
Living Peru
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Punctual staff, professional and guides very knowledgeable.”
RUDD,, traveled in October
Modern coaches traverse South America, offering panoramic views from La Raya pass at 4,313m. Stops include Pucara Lithic Museum, Wiracocha Temple ruins, and Andahuaylillas Church with bilingual guide commentary.
Duration 11 days Destinations Lima, Arequipa, Canon del Colca, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Machu Picchu Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator LimaTours From $1,811
10% Off- US$1,631You save $181
The Heart of the Empire
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels they chose for the tour were excellent. Clean and visually interesting hotels.”
Mary, traveled in October
Comfortable coaches roll through South America's Sacred Valley, from Cusco's historic center to Pisac's markets. Scenic rides reach Chinchero's textile workshops, with transfers to Ollantaytambo's Inca fortress and convenient hotel-to-station connections throughout Peru.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cusco, Sacred Valley, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator LimaTours From $1,021
10% Off- US$920You save $102
Buenos Aires to Rio
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Iguazu Falls were completely out of this world - beyond anything I could possibly have imagined.”
Emma, traveled in April
Comfortable coaches cruise through South America, including coastal drive from Paraty to Angra dos Reis. Modern buses link major destinations, enhanced by domestic flights between Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, and São Paulo.
Duration 13 days Destinations Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Foz Do Iguacu, Sao Paulo, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From
10% Off- US$4,260
South America Coach / Bus Tour Reviews
- Quito to Lima: Surf Towns & Hot Springs
Quito to Lima adventure was amazing. The jungle homestay part was amazing- away from technology and back with nature. The use of public transportation let you experience the local life. The beach life was experienced. The culture of ruins was also explored. The CEO was great. You change place about every 2-3 days which is ideal. It's a good way to see Ecuador and Peru. Highly recommend it.
- Living Peru
Excellent tour and excellent company.
- The Heart of the Empire
This was an absolutely amazing tour! Everything was beautiful, the guides so nice and helpful and VERY well organized!
What our customers ask about Bus Tours in South America
What are the key attractions typically covered on South American coach tours?
South American coach tours take visitors to leading destinations across the continent. In Rio de Janeiro travelers explore Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Beach. The route continues to Iguazu Falls where tours view the cascades from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. City highlights include Buenos Aires' historic Recoleta Cemetery and the bohemian San Telmo district. Many tours extend to Peru's Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. As one TourRadar traveler noted from their Buenos Aires to Rio tour: "The trip was a good blend of city and small places with spectacular stops at Iguazu Falls which completely lived up to expectations." Accommodations range from the upscale Belmond Copacabana Palace in Rio to the well-appointed Casa Andina Premium in Lima.
What type of accommodation can I expect on a South American coach tour?
Most South American coach tours provide 3-4 star hotels in central locations near key attractions. Rio de Janeiro properties like the Windsor Plaza Copacabana place visitors steps from the beach while Buenos Aires options such as the Kenton Palace offer easy access to main sites. One TourRadar traveler reported: "The hotels were very good quality and without exception perfectly located - like the luxurious Belmond das Cataratas right next to Iguazu Falls the only hotel inside the National Park." Standard amenities include air conditioning restaurants and WiFi though comfort levels differ between tour categories.
What's the best time of year to take a coach tour in South America?
September to November brings favorable weather to most South American destinations. Rio de Janeiro sees mild spring temperatures with less rainfall during these months. Peru's dry season from May through October works well for Machu Picchu visits. According to a TourRadar traveler at the Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel: "October was perfect - comfortable temperatures and clear skies for sightseeing." While tours run year-round special events like Rio's Carnival happen in February/March.
What are the typical daily driving times and distances covered on South American coach tours?
Daily routes on South American coach tours typically span 250-400 km with 4-8 hours of drive time. The Cusco to Puno journey covers 360 km in 6-7 hours through the Andes while Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls runs about 300 km over 5-6 hours. TourRadar travelers note "the guides were excellent at making sure we were well taken care of from beginning to end." Modern coaches with WiFi help pass the time. Regular stops occur every 2-3 hours at viewpoints like La Raya Pass or local villages.
How many countries/destinations can I typically visit on a South American coach tour?
Standard South American coach tours cover 2-3 countries in 10-15 days. The South America Discovery tour visits Brazil Argentina and Peru over 15 days. Other options like the Colorful Ecuador tour focus on one country exploring 6 cities in 7 days. TourRadar data shows most itineraries include 4-7 major cities and multiple UNESCO sites along routes designed for efficient coach travel.
How does the tour handle high-altitude destinations in South America?
Tours use gradual acclimatization for high-altitude locations especially in Peru and Bolivia. Itineraries often start in Lima at sea level before heading to higher cities like Cusco at 11152 feet. A TourRadar guest at Hotel La Casona de Yucay shared: "Our guide was very knowledgeable about altitude adjustment and made sure we took it easy the first few days." Coaches carry oxygen in high-altitude areas and schedules begin with lighter activities as travelers adjust.
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