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.
Absolute Peru (PHPT)
Scan the canopy for wildlife from the comfort of our intimate and exclusive G Lodge Amazon, contemplate mountain vistas or take an optional flight over the Nazca Lines—this epic journey explores the geography, culture and history of Peru, offering you the perfect blend of guided excursions and free time. Hike the Inca Trail, which rewards those willing to break a sweat with stunning vistas of ruins, mountainscapes and cloud forest. And because we run our own treks, we can ensure the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food, service and equipment.
Highlights: Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, searching for wildlife at our exclusive G Lodge Amazon, spotting condors at Colca Canyon, experiencing local life at a homestay on Lake Titicaca, exploring the mysterious Nazca Lines.
Active Chile & Argentina (SCAA)
Striking the perfect balance between active outdoor adventure and lively nights out on the town, this 11-day sojourn between Santiago and Buenos Aires has a little (okay—a lot) for everyone. Thrillseekers will love hiking the Chilean Andes, biking between Argentina’s wineries and exploring the mountains of Tucumán on foot. For pleasure-seekers, the big cities promise boundless fun in some of the world’s most dynamic urban settings. The itinerary is always fast-paced and filled with optional activities, but don’t sweat it; there’s always time for a breather and a tall glass of malbec.
Highlights: Hiking the Andes perched over Santiago, pedalling from winery to winery through wine country near Mendoza, trekking from Tucumán to experience the views, soaking in the sophistication and energy of Buenos Aires.
Amazon & Incan Adventure (SPPID)
If you’re looking to savour Peru’s highlands but don’t want to miss its rainforests, this is the adventure for you. Spot macaws in the jungle and caymans on the riverbanks before heading into the Andes. From the bustling city of Lima to the mystery of the Sacred Valley, our handpicked guides will bring you deep into the heart of the Incan empire. Embrace cultures past and present in Cuzco before marvelling at mountain vistas from the comfort of your coach as you travel by rail to Machu Picchu. From ancient ruins to the Amazon and Lake Titicaca, the mysteries of Peru await.
Highlights: Traversing the Amazon jungle for three nights with a local naturalist, Partaking in a cultural exchange with the indigenous peoples of Lake Titicaca, Experiencing on-site lectures with a local expert in the Sacred Valley and at Machu Picchu, Participating in demonstrations and tastings of local food and drink
- Trip Style:
- Discovery Adventures
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 2
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
Amazon To The Andes (PAA)
This adventure offers up an intriguing combination of beauty and contrasts in scenery, wildlife and cultures—whether you’re scanning the canopy for wildlife from the comfort of our intimate and exclusive G Lodge Amazon or climbing the ancient trail of the Incas to Machu Picchu, situated in the heavens of the Americas. 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 bargaining at Sacred Valley markets, devouring seafood in Lima, climbing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, spotting wildlife at our exclusive G Lodge Amazon.
Amazon To The Andes & Galapagos, Western Islands (PA10HA)
Hike the Inca Trail to the Lost City of Machu Picchu, explore the steamy Amazon from the comfort of our intimate G Lodge Amazon and spend seven nights aboard our exclusive G3 vessel, snorkelling the waters of the Galapagos—experience the iconic highlights of South America in one incredible adventure. Our exclusively operated fleet of yachts offers great value—and because we run our own treks, we can ensure the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment as you follow the Inca Trail to majestic Machu Picchu.
Highlights: Explore the Sacred Valley, trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, spot wildlife in the Amazon, cruise the Galápagos National Park abord the Daphne (G3), snorkel with sea lions and search for sea turtles in secluded bays, hike the Sierra Negra volcano—the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos, land on the seldom-visited Fernandina island—home to some of the the most diverse wildlife and vegetation in the Galápagos
Andean Discovery (JLM)
From the awe-inspiring archeological and cultural treasures of the Andean highlands to the Nazca Lines on Peru's enigmatic coast, this epic adventure explores the heart and soul of the Andes. Embrace Incan culture in Cuzco, sail Lake Titicaca and trek the Inca Trail to the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu. Interact with locals from the region’s communities for an immersive experience that few rarely get to know. With the services of a CEO and your accommodation and transport taken care of, this trip offers great value as it introduces the region’s main sights while providing plenty of flexibility.
Highlights: Explore La Paz, Settle in with the locals at a homestay on Lake Titicaca, Conquer the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Spot condors at Colca Canyon, Sample the seafood in Lima.
Andean Discovery (JML)
Take the party to new heights in the rarefied air of the Andes. With other young travellers not afraid to try new things, you'll journey from the enigmatic Nazca Lines to the lost city of Machu Picchu and onward to incredible La Paz. You'll commune with the condors in Colca Canyon and feel like a local while crashing at a small village homestay at Lake Titicaca. Think of this as three weeks of climbing higher, going further and pushing boundaries on the roof of South America.
Highlights: Climbing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, spotting condors at Colca Canyon, feeling like a local at a Lake Titicaca homestay, being able to choose the excursions that interest you, exploring Lima and La Paz.
Andes to the Atlantic Experience (SXLR)
From the heights of the Bolivian Andes to the sands of Ipanema, this incredible 25-day journey will introduce you to the diverse landscape and people of South America. Explore the wetlands of the Pantanal, the bizarre landscape of the Uyuni Salt Flats and revel in the mists of thundering Iguassu Falls. Gain greater insight into the culture on the region’s public buses and meet locals from the rural towns along the way for an immersive experience that few travellers get to know. Get off the beaten path and experience Bolivia and Brazil—a vibrant cross-section of South America.
Highlights: Exploring the salt flats of Uyuni on a 3-day 4x4 excursion, Discovering colonial cities and historic cultures in Bolivia, Searching for wildlife in the Brazilian Pantanal, Marvelling at the power of Iguassu Falls.
Archaeological Wonders of Peru (SPAWD)
Nothing compares to witnessing the morning light awaken the lost city of Machu Picchu. But there is more to Peru than just one architectural wonder and this 2-week trip goes further afield to show what made these ancient civilisations tick. From Chiclayo and Trujillo in Peru's north, you’ll explore the ruins and archaeology of Sipan, the Pyramids of Tucame, and Chan Chan—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With an expert guide at your side offering context, you’ll come away feeling totally connected to this land of legend.
Highlights: Standing in the footsteps of Incan priests at Machu Picchu, Heading further into Peru's north along the route of the ancient Moche people, Having an expert guide make sense of fascinating archaeological sites, Spending two days exploring the Sacred Valley, Understanding why Chan Chan is a UNESCO site.
- Trip Style:
- Discovery Adventures
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Argentina Gourmet & Community (TSAGAN)
Most trips concentrate on seeing and doing things. On this one, creating and tasting take centre-stage. Perfect as an add-on for a longer South American trip, this brief adventure in Buenos Aires and its surrounds introduces you to the culinary delights of Argentina by giving you the chance to make them yourself. Visit a Planeterra-sponsored culinary school for youth during the day, then take in a tango performance and hit BA’s legendary club scene by night. The secret ingredient in this awesome recipe? You.
Highlights: Learning to cook mouth-watering traditional Argentine specialties, assisting chefs at a community project for local youths.
Ariau Amazon Towers Lodge (TSZJ4T)
Wake up to the Amazon jungle—with a bird's eye view! Spend four days and three nights at the amazing Ariau Towers, the Amazon's only treetop hotel. Squirrel monkeys and macaws are frequent visitors to this unique hotel that features endless raised walkways though the jungle. Roam the jungle paths or explore by boat—or simply turn your chair and enjoy a wildlife-filled Amazon adventure from your unique hotel.
Highlights: exploring the unique city of Manaus, visiting the heart of the Amazon Rainforest
Atlantic to the Andes Experience (SXRL)
From the sands of Ipanema to the heights of the Bolivian Andes, this incredible 25-day journey will introduce you to the diverse landscape and people of South America. Explore the wetlands of the Pantanal, the bizarre landscape of Salar de Uyuni and revel in the mists of thundering Iguassu Falls. Gain greater insight into the culture on the region’s public buses and meet locals from the rural towns along the way for an immersive experience that few travellers get to know. Get off the beaten path and experience Brazil and Bolivia —a vibrant cross-section of South America.
Highlights: Standing in awe of Iguassu Falls, searching for wildlife in the Brazilian Pantanal, encountering colonial cities and historic cultures in Bolivia, exploring the Uyuni salt flats by 4x4.
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
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.
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.
Brazil to Argentina Family Adventure (SZAF)
If we crammed all the family-friendly highlights of Brazil and Argentina into a single trip, you’d be on the road for months. This 14-day jaunt around South America comes amazingly close, though. Here, you’ll learn the Brazilian martial art of capoeira in Rio, explore idyllic Ilha Grande, feel the power of Iguassu Falls, get a taste of gaucho culture at a working cattle ranch and experience the entrancing pull of Buenos Aires, all without ever feeling rushed. It’s South America, snack-sized!
Highlights: Trying your hand at capoeira in Rio, relaxing on the famous beaches of Ilha Grande, taking a boat ride up to the impressive Iguassu Falls, learning to ride a horse on a traditional estancia, enjoying diverse culture in Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires & Tango Experience (TSATXC)
Dance, drink and eat your way around the most sophisticated European city in South America—Buenos Aires. Get to know the city everyone loves to love, as you tour colourful La Boca, funky Palermo, bohemian San Telmo and swanky Recoleta—home to Eva Peron's tomb. Enjoy a tango show before a free day to explore the 'Paris of the Americas' on your own or dance the night away in the smoky milongas (tango houses). Don't forget to indulge in possibly the best beef in the world!
Highlights: Savouring the sophistication of Buenos Aires, Exploring the famed neighbourhoods of La Boca and Recoleta
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.
Buenos Aires to Lima Adventure (SABM)
South America rewards those willing to explore. Consider this epic adventure: beginning in Buenos Aires and ending in Lima, it's 35 full days of fun. You'll hike the Inca Trail, cross the salt flats of Bolivia by 4x4, and feel like a sophisticate sipping wine in Argentina. Along the way, you'll engage with local cultures with a small group of other young travellers to back you up. For those willing to invest their time, this trip offers big returns—in adventure.
Highlights: Spotting condors at Colca Canyon, conquering the Inca Trail on the way to Machu Picchu, experiencing traditional life on Lake Titicaca, crossing the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert altiplano on a 4x4
| Trip | Length | Style | Service Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Peru (PHPT) | 21 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$3299
USD
|
| Active Chile & Argentina (SCAA) | 11 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1899
USD
|
| Amazon & Incan Adventure (SPPID) | 14 days | Discovery Adventures | Comfort |
From
$3399
USD
|
| Amazon Riverboat Adventure (PVIIA) | 9 days | Small Ship Cruising & Sailing | Comfort |
From
$1500
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$2499
|
| Amazon To The Andes (PAA) | 12 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$2449
USD
|
| Amazon To The Andes & Galapagos, Western Islands (PA10HA) | 21 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$6099
USD
|
| Andean Discovery (JLM) | 21 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$2299
USD
|
| Andean Discovery (JML) | 21 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$2299
USD
|
| Andes to the Atlantic Experience (SXLR) | 25 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$3449
USD
|
| Archaeological Wonders of Peru (SPAWD) | 15 days | Discovery Adventures | Comfort |
From
$2999
USD
|
| Argentina Gourmet & Community (TSAGAN) | 4 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1069
USD
|
| Ariau Amazon Towers Lodge (TSZJ4T) | 4 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1209
USD
|
| Atlantic to the Andes Experience (SXRL) | 25 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$3499
USD
|
| Backroads & Highlands of Peru (SPBH) | 17 days | Classic | Basic |
From
$1200
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1599
|
| Bolivia Discovery (BBDR) | 11 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1349
USD
|
| Brazil and Argentina on a Shoestring (SAZD) | 11 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1699
USD
|
| Brazil to Argentina Family Adventure (SZAF) | 14 days | Family | Comfort |
From
$2699
USD
|
| Buenos Aires & Tango Experience (TSATXC) | 4 days | G-Plus | Comfort |
From
$299
USD
|
| Buenos Aires to La Paz Adventure (SABL) | 15 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1599
USD
|
| Buenos Aires to Lima Adventure (SABM) | 35 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$3749
USD
|
