South America Tours
- Galapagos (Ecuador)
- Salt Flats (Bolivia)
- Machu Picchu (Peru)
- Angel Falls (Venezula)
- Amazon Jungle (Peru)
- Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
- Iguassu Falls (Brazil/Argentina)
- Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)
Variety is the spice of life and a key ingredient to the art of travel. South America offers more variety of culture, wildlife, adventure and natural beauty than any other continent. This liveliness and diversity are evident as soon as you arrive. In South America friendly people welcome you into their lives, happily sharing their culture, their food and even their homes. Once you start to explore this part of the world you quickly realize it holds many of the most intriguing and beautiful destinations on earth. On a South America adventure one arrives with a sense of wonder, and returns home with a newfound respect for the great diversity of this part of the world.
Inca Discovery (PID)
Perfect for those looking to experience the region’s archaeological and cultural treasures in a short amount of time, this adventure includes a 4-day trek along the Inca Trail. This is one of the world’s best-known hikes and will reward those willing to break a sweat with a stunning combination of mountainscapes, cloud forests and jungles. We run our own treks, which ensures the fair treatment of our porters and quality equipment. Our knowledgeable CEOs will work hard to make certain the first glimpse of Machu Picchu will burn itself into your memory.
Highlights: Sample seafood in Lima, explore ruins and haggle at local markets in the Sacred Valley, conquer the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, learn ancient traditions at the Planeterra-supported Women's Weaving Co-op
Amazon Riverboat Adventure (PVIIA)
Hop aboard a riverboat and experience the Amazon in style. Led by an Amazon Reserve naturalist guide, your cruise will include daily excursions by motorized skiff designed to reveal the exotic wildlife that calls the rainforest home—with any luck you’ll spot sloths, toucans or pink dolphins! And, with two full days for exploration in Pacaya–Samiria National Reserve, you'll have the chance to experience the jungle up close. The cuisine onboard is regional and provides a unique—and delicious—window into local culture. Gain a rare glimpse of how life ‘on the river‘ is lived and experience the magic of the Amazon on this once-in-a-lifetime riverboat adventure.
Highlights: Explore the Pacaya–Samiria National Reserve—the largest national park in Peru, dine on food fresh from the jungle, spot pink dolphins on the Amazon River, look down into the jungle from a canopy walkway, interact with members of the local community, learn the intricacies of Amazon wildlife
- Trip Style:
- Small Ship Cruising & Sailing
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Inland & Amazon (EIA)
From the heights of the Andes to the heat of the Amazon rainforest, experience an incredible land of contrasts on this 16-day journey through Ecuador. Explore the jungle by canoe and stay with a local Quichua family for an extraordinary cultural experience you'll never forget. Scour the market at Otavalo for special treasures and cure what ails you in a mountain hot spring. With its unique variety of accommodation and insight into rural life in the jungle, this is more than just a tour—it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Highlights: Wandering Quito and colonial cities, soaking in Andean hot springs, feeling like a local at a Quichua homestay, searching for wildlife in the Amazon and adventure in Baños, shopping at the Otavalo market, staying in a gorgeous historic hacienda.
The Inca Trail (SPIT)
One of our most popular trips in the region for those looking to combine the cultural highlights of the Sacred Valley with the challenge of one of the world’s best known hikes. The 4-day Inca Trail trek will reward you with a stunning combination of the region’s ruins, mountainscapes and cloud forests. Because we run our own treks, we can ensure the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment so that you’re free to enjoy the beauty of the region.
Highlights: Exploring ruins and haggling at local markets in the Sacred Valley, conquering the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Southern Discovery (SSB)
From the wineries of Santiago to the pristine beauty of Patagonia and the cosmopolitan flair of Buenos Aires, experience the riches of South America. Enjoy a taste of wilderness with hiking opportunities in Chile's Lake District and Argentine Patagonia before cleansing your palate for a wine tasting at a Santiago vineyard. Travel days are well paced and include short flights, allowing you the time to really experience the region’s highlights—in comfort and style. As an introduction to Chile and Argentina, this trip offers the perfect combination of guided excursions and free time to explore at your own pace.
Highlights: Wandering the streets and sampling the wines in Santiago, Soaking in the stunning natural beauty of the Lake District's volcanoes and waterways, Experiencing the sophistication of Buenos Aires.
- Trip Style:
- G-Plus
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Bolivia Discovery (BBDR)
Climb to the top of South America for an out-of-this-world Bolivian experience— encounter awe-inspiring geography, cities rich in colonial history and indigenous culture. From La Paz, the highest capital city in the world, travel to the crest of the Andes and the middle of nowhere for three days of incredible off-road exploration of the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert altiplano. Take the road less travelled and meet locals for an immersive cultural experience that few travellers get to know. If you are looking for an authentic experience away from the tourist track, Bolivia is the perfect place for genuine adventure.
Highlights: Exploring the winding streets and markets of La Paz, experiencing the Uyuni Salt Flats and high mountain wilderness by 4x4, discovering colonial cities and historic cultures in Bolivia.
Inca Discovery—Lares (PIL)
Perfect for those looking to experience the region’s archaeological and cultural treasures in a short amount of time. Along with a visit to the cloud forest citadel of Machu Picchu, this trip will reward you with an intriguing combination of mountainscapes and a 3-day Lares trek—a less-travelled but equally rewarding and challenging alternative to the classic Inca Trail. Because we run our own treks, we can ensure the fair treatment of our support staff and the quality of food and equipment so that you’re free to enjoy a glimpse into the rural communities of the highlands around Cuzco.
Highlights: Conquering the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, Marvelling at Sacred Valley scenery, interacting with local communities, sampling seafood in Lima.
Inca Discovery Plus (PIM)
Like our ‘Inca Discovery’ tour but with a flight back to Lima, this trip offers a fascinating combination of the region’s archaeological and cultural treasures. Retrace the steps of the Inca on a 4-day trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. One of the world’s best known hikes, it will reward those willing to break a sweat with stunning views of ruins and cloud forests. We run our own treks, which ensures fair treatment of our porters and quality equipment. Our expert CEOs will make certain the first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate will burn itself into your memory.
Highlights: Sampling seafood in Lima, marvelling at the Sacred Valley, conquering the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Inca Empire (PIML)
From the cosmopolitan flair of Lima to Incan culture high in the Andes, this two-week adventure provides panoramic view of Peru and a glimpse of Bolivia. Embrace cultures past and present in Cusco and La Paz and interact with locals from the region’s communities for an immersive experience that few rarely get to know. Conquer the Inca Trail, one of the world’s best known and challenging hikes and experience the stunning views of majestic Machu Picchu. As the region’s largest operator, we run our own treks, which ensures the fair treatment of our porters, quality food, service and equipment.
Highlights: Explore ruins and haggle at local markets in the Sacred Valley, Conquer the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, See traditional life on Lake Titicaca, Visit one of the oldest pre-Inca ruins of Tihuanaco.
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 4
The Ecuador Experience (REE)
If you want to sample the region’s highlights without sacrificing some of its lesser known gems, there’s no better way to experience Ecuador's dramatic scenery and colourful people. Visit the Amazon and a shaman for an incredible introduction to indigenous culture and witness lush jungles and exotic wildlife. Staying in simple hotels and homestays and using public transport will keep you grounded in the local customs and culture. We'll travel from the Avenue of the Volcanoes to relaxing Pacific beaches and mountain hot springs in Ecuador. This adventure offers up a great combination of must-see highlights and free time to explore on your own.
Highlights: Feeling like a local at an Amazon homestay, relaxing on Ecuador's beaches, witnessing Andean scenery, riding by train to the Devil's Nose, learning from the locals at an indigenous community, shopping the Otavalo market.
Buenos Aires to La Paz Adventure (SABL)
Breathe in the Incan spirit of La Paz and the tango palaces of Buenos Aires on one 2-week adventure. Connecting the Atlantic to the Andes, you'll journey across the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert and the salt flats of Salar de Uyuni, feel like a sophisticate as you sip wine in Buenos Aires and pull back the curtain on the centre of the continent. Best of all, you'll do it in the company of other fun, young travellers. Don't choose between inspiring wilderness and urban sophistication—do it all.
Highlights: Discovering colonial cities and historic cultures, crossing the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano on a 4x4 excursion, feeling like a sophisticate while sipping fine wines in Mendoza, witnessing the stunning scenery and unique cultures of Northern Argentina, doing it all with other fun, young travellers.
Iguassu & Beyond (SAIB)
For the nature lover who also wants to explore the nightlife of the urban jungle and have plenty of time on the beach, this 9-day adventure offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and cosmopolitan culture. Travel from the tango palaces of Buenos Aires to the samba pulse of Rio de Janeiro and discover spectacular wilderness in between. Encounter thundering Iguassu Falls with views from both Argentina and Brazil. Then continue to the coast and soak in the sun on Ilha Grande's beaches and colonial culture in Paraty. Go beyond a vacation—and step into adventure!
Highlights: Experiencing the sophistication of Buenos Aires, standing in awe of Iguassu Falls, sipping a caipirinha in Rio, exploring the cobblestoned streets of colonial Paraty.
Brazil and Argentina on a Shoestring (SAZD)
Experience the treasures of Argentina and Brazil in this jam-packed trip. From tango in Buenos Aires to sun and surf in Rio, explore two of the continent’s most vibrant capitals. Marvel at the majesty of Iguassu Falls and let its power engulf you. Our CEOs will take you to the highlights on a shoestring and then let you loose so you can really do what you want. You’ll stick to public bus, which not only keeps costs down but gives you a chance to really meet the locals.
Highlights: Sipping caipirinhas on the beach, savouring the sophistication and cuisine of Buenos Aires, marvelling at Iguassu Falls, wandering around colonial Paraty, living it up in Rio.
La Paz to Buenos Aires Adventure (SBLB)
Breathe in the Incan spirit of La Paz and the tango palaces of Buenos Aires on this 2-week adventure. Connecting the Andes to the Atlantic, you'll journey across the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert and the Uyuni Salt Flats, feel like a sophisticate as you sip wine in Buenos Aires and pull back the curtain on the centre of the continent. Best of all, you'll do it in the company of other fun, young travellers. Don't choose between inspiring wilderness and urban sophistication—do it all.
Highlights: Discovering colonial cities and historic cultures, crossing the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert altiplano on a 4x4 excursion, witnessing the stunning scenery and unique cultures of northern Argentina, doing it all with other fun young travellers.
Ecuador Volcanoes & Cloud Forest (SECVD)
As you straddle the equator at the 'Middle of the World', it occurs to you that being in two places at once is pretty invigorating. Ecuador has that effect on travellers and this convenient week-long adventure is bursting with opportunity. Fill a suitcase and empty your purse in Otavalo’s market, which occupies much of the town. Spot birds in the cloud forest of Mindo and soak in the scenery while relaxing in Papallacta’s hot springs. A trip to Ecuador is more about attitude than its latitude. With all the inclusions and unique expert guide and accommodations—historic haciendas, cloud forest lodge—this trip has it, too.
Highlights: Exploring small towns and villages of the Andes and immersing into local culture, Learning about traditional handicrafts and folk art from local artisans, Encountering volcanic craters and hotsprings, Setting foot in both hemispheres at the 'middle of the earth', Traversing a cloud forest with a local naturalist
- Trip Style:
- Discovery Adventures
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Galapagos on a Shoestring (SEGS)
This 9-day adventure is perfect for those who want to experience the incredible wildlife and scenery of the Galapagos Islands but prefer to sleep on shore—so your time on the water is limited to commuting between islands. Go ashore at the lesser-visited island of Isabela and spend your days with playful sea lions, giant manta rays and the Galapagos giant tortoise. With fewer inclusions but plenty of options, you can choose which activities are right for you and experience one of the natural wonders of the world on a budget.
Highlights: Witnessing whitetip sharks at 'Shark Alley', travelling by public speedboats around the Galapagos Islands, feeling like a local during a family homestay, camping in the highlands of Isabela Island with views towards the ocean, visiting Charles Darwin Research Station and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Colombia Highlights (SMCH)
Check your preconceived notions of Colombia at the door and discover the region’s riches on this well-packed adventure. From the convenience of Bogotá, fly to the natural and cultural wonders of the northern coast. Walk the cobblestone streets of colonial Cartagena, enjoy a boat and snorkelling tour of the San Bernardo Islands and sleep in hammocks in Tayrona National Park—home to lush vegetation and endless beaches. Our expert CEOs will take the hassle out of planning and help you find the secluded spots only the locals know—leaving you free to enjoy the amazing scenery of this friendly country.
Highlights: Discovering colonial history and Caribbean beaches, wandering the cobblestones of Cartagena, soaking in a mud volcano, wandering laid back fishing villages and Tayrona National Park.
Backroads & Highlands of Peru (SPBH)
Get off the beaten path in the highlands of Peru and discover stunning mountain scenery and remote cities few tourists visit. Getting to Cuzco is half the adventure—travel by public bus keeps costs down and allows you to connect with the locals in the rarefied mountain air of the Andes. Climb the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the 'Lost City of the Incas'. We operate our own treks in Peru and can ensure the fair treatment of our porters—and an exceptional experience for you.
Highlights: Gazing at Andean vistas, experiencing the culture and mingling with the locals on public buses, conquering the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, sampling the seafood in Lima.
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 4
Trekking the Huayhuash Circuit (SPHH)
Comparable to the Himalayas and the Rockies in terms of snow-capped alpine beauty, Peru’s Cordillera Huayhuash is a mountain-climber’s dream come true. Located in one of the most remote sections of the Andes, the range asks a lot from those who trek it, but your CEO has all the expertise, equipment and encouragement you’ll need to get the most out of these majestic peaks. Great on its own, this trip gets even better when paired with a Machu Picchu trek or any other Peru-based adventure.
Highlights: Taking in the glacial alpine scenery along the Huayhuash Circuit, challenging yourself conquering the high-altitude mountain passes, sleeping in tents under the stars in the remote wilderness.
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 5
Peru Explorer (SPLC)
This classic 10-day trip is ideal for the traveller who is short on time but wants to soak up the colours, culture and history of Peru in style. Sail the waters of Lake Titicaca, explore ancient ruins and delight in thrilling views of the Sacred Valley from the comfort of your coach as you travel by rail to the cloud forest citadel of Machu Picchu. Travel by private van is well paced so you're refreshed and ready to explore Peru’s vibrant culture and incredible scenery on this condensed but exciting tour of the region’s highlights.
Highlights: Witnessing daily life on Lake Titicaca, exploring ancient ruins and haggling at Sacred Valley markets, taking in mountain views on the train to Machu Picchu, exploring the Incan city and ruins of Cuzco.
| Trip | Length | Style | Service Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inca Discovery (PID) | 8 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1349
USD
|
| Amazon Riverboat Adventure (PVIIA) | 9 days | Small Ship Cruising & Sailing | Comfort |
From
$1500
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$2499
|
| Inland & Amazon (EIA) | 16 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1499
USD
|
| The Inca Trail (SPIT) | 7 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1099
USD
|
| Southern Discovery (SSB) | 8 days | G-Plus | Comfort |
From
$1955
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$2299
|
| Bolivia Discovery (BBDR) | 11 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1349
USD
|
| Inca Discovery—Lares (PIL) | 8 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1399
USD
|
| Inca Discovery Plus (PIM) | 9 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1699
USD
|
| Inca Empire (PIML) | 15 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1912
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$2249
|
| The Ecuador Experience (REE) | 18 days | Classic | Basic |
From
$1249
USD
|
| Buenos Aires to La Paz Adventure (SABL) | 15 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1599
USD
|
| Iguassu & Beyond (SAIB) | 9 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1849
USD
|
| Brazil and Argentina on a Shoestring (SAZD) | 11 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1699
USD
|
| La Paz to Buenos Aires Adventure (SBLB) | 15 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1599
USD
|
| Ecuador Volcanoes & Cloud Forest (SECVD) | 8 days | Discovery Adventures | Comfort |
From
$1399
USD
|
| Galapagos on a Shoestring (SEGS) | 9 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1912
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$2249
|
| Colombia Highlights (SMCH) | 12 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1999
USD
|
| Backroads & Highlands of Peru (SPBH) | 17 days | Classic | Basic |
From
$1200
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1599
|
| Trekking the Huayhuash Circuit (SPHH) | 13 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1500
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1999
|
| Peru Explorer (SPLC) | 10 days | G-Plus | Comfort |
From
$1999
USD
|
