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.
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
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
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (SPSK)
Salkantay has been dubbed the most spectacular peak in the Peruvian Andes. On this trip, you’ll trek in the shadows of this impressive mountain, interact with its inhabitants and explore its forgotten ruins. You’ll arrive at Santa Teresa—the backdoor of Machu Picchu—where you’ll catch the train to Aguas Calientes for an early-morning visit to Machu Picchu.
Highlights: Conquering the Salkantay Trek in the Andes, exploring Inca ruins and Machu Picchu, trekking through local communities and beautiful Andean scenery.
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.
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.
Galapagos Isabela Island Package (TSEGLN)
See a different side of the Galapagos from your base on the archipelago's two largest islands, Isabela and Santa Cruz. Travel by air, road and speedboat to Isabela Island. Hike around Sierra Negra Volcano's massive crater, visit a tortoise breeding centre and shark resting grounds. Witness flamingos in the wild, visit the world-renowned Charles Darwin Research Centre and enjoy plenty of opportunities to snorkel along the way.
Highlights: Hiking up Sierra Negra Volcano - the second largest volcanic crater in the world and walking on the lava fields, Observing flamingos at an isolated lagoon, Being amazed at the unique wildlife of the Galapagos
Independent Inca Discovery (TSPIDN)
See the heart of Incan Peru: colonial Cuzco, and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Explore the museums, markets, restaurants and ruins of fascinating Cuzco before strapping on your hiking boots to tackle the famous trail on this independent adventure. A rite of passage for many visitors to Peru, the Inca Trail is a challenging, 4-day trek from the Sacred Valley floor, up through the high Andes descending into cloud forest. Traverse high mountain passes and finishing at the magical 'Lost City' of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of the site before heading back to Cuzco by train. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Highlights: Discovering Incan history in Cuzco, climbing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Independent Lares Trek (TSPILN)
Avoid the crowds on this independent adventure and head off the beaten track! The challenging Lares Trek is a great alternative to the Inca Trail, offering opportunities for insight into rural Andean life as the trail passes through very remote mountain communities, allowing hikers learn about the Inca’s fascinating culture. Sandwich it between charming colonial Cuzco and magical Machu Picchu and you couldn't ask for a more complete Incan experience.
Highlights: Discovering the wonders of Cuzco, interacting with the locals, conquering the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu.
Northern Peru Adventure (TSPNPN)
This week-long independent journey trip through fascinating and under-explored Northern Peru is ideal for the solo traveller eager to get away from it all. Beginning in Lima, you’ll travel north to uncover the lush and mysterious Chachapoyas region, home to the Gocta Cataracts—the world’s third-highest waterfall—and Karajia and Kuelap, two of the area’s pre-Inca archaeological sites. There are so many ruins here that many remain unexcavated even today.
Highlights: Unlocking the mysteries of Karajía archaeological site and the remains of the Cloud People, witnessing the recently discovered third-highest waterfall in the word, exploring the mountaintop fortress of Kuelap.
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
Rio de Janeiro Carnival Experience (TSZRCN)
Experience Rio's biggest party! Dance the night away and see the sights and sounds of this truly epic annual event. From the street parties to the immense Sambadrome parade, this is something not to be missed!
Highlights: Revelling in one of the biggest parties on earth, witnessing the spectacular scenery of Rio.
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.
| Trip | Length | Style | Service Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Riverboat Adventure (PVIIA) | 9 days | Small Ship Cruising & Sailing | Comfort |
From
$1500
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$2499
|
| Inca Discovery (PID) | 8 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1349
USD
|
| Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (SPSK) | 8 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1349
USD
|
| Inland & Amazon (EIA) | 16 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1499
USD
|
| The Inca Trail (SPIT) | 7 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1099
USD
|
| Argentina Gourmet & Community (TSAGAN) | 4 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1069
USD
|
| Galapagos Isabela Island Package (TSEGLN) | 7 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1999
USD
|
| Independent Inca Discovery (TSPIDN) | 7 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1089
USD
|
| Independent Lares Trek (TSPILN) | 7 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1089
USD
|
| Northern Peru Adventure (TSPNPN) | 6 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1349
USD
|
| Ariau Amazon Towers Lodge (TSZJ4T) | 4 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1209
USD
|
| Rio de Janeiro Carnival Experience (TSZRCN) | 6 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1909
USD
|
| 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
|
