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.
Ecuador Multisport (SEEM)
Speed is the watchword for this high-adrenaline active tour around Ecuador. Across nine action-packed days, you’ll bike Cotopaxi (an Andean stratovolcano), raft down rushing rivers, trek the lush foothills of Baños and much, much more. Best of all, you’ll always travel with an experienced and passionate CEO who knows the quickest and most scenic routes to wherever you’re headed. Remember, you’re here for a great time, not a long time; slather on that sunscreen, strap on your helmet and hit the road/trail/surf!
Highlights: Whitewater rafting in the Amazon, trekking to an active volcano, soaking in mountain hot springs, speeding down Cotopaxi Volcano on a mountain bike.
G Lodge Amazon & Camping - 6 Days (TSPJ6TC)
Located on the Tambopata River in the Peruvian Amazon, our exclusive ‘G Lodge Amazon’ is comfortable and intimate. Enjoy excursions by expert naturalists to spot wildlife at nearby oxbow lakes and clay licks. Explore by canoe or on dry land trails, swim in the lodge’s cool stream, or strap on a harness and rope up to tree platforms for a bird’s eye view of the forest. Really experience the Amazon to the fullest by spending two nights camping in the jungle—get even closer to nature!
Highlights: Exploring the Amazon Rainforest from the comforts of an exclusive lodge, spotting wildlife by foot and canoe, exploring the Tambopata National Reserve, getting closer to nature by camping in the rainforest.
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.
La Selva Lodge (TSEJ4L)
Head deep into the Amazon Basin to La Selva Lodge, on tranquil Garzacocha Lake, itself connected to the massive Amazon River system. Walk on raised platforms through the jungle, spot birds from a canopy-level tower, fish for piranha from dug-out canoes, look for caiman on night paddles or simply relax in the hammock of your comfortable cabin. La Selva's great food and friendly knowledgeable staff make it even easier to enjoy this paradise of unparalleled biodiversity.
Highlights: Exploring the Amazon jungle by foot and canoe, Learning about this diverse ecosystem with local naturalists.
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.
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.
Volunteer Brazil (TSZPBN)
If you're looking for a life-changing experience then volunteering in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro while enjoying the sites and sounds of Brazil is right for you. Spend the weekdays assisting in a community-run daycare that provides support to over 50 children, and spend your weekends touring Rio and the mighty Iguassu Falls.
Highlights: Getting to know the locals, volunteering at a daycare centre in a Rio de Janeiro favela (shanty town).
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
La Selva Lodge - 5 Days (TSEJ5L)
Head deep into the Amazon Basin to La Selva Lodge, on tranquil Garzacocha Lake, itself connected to the massive Amazon River system. Walk on raised platforms through the jungle, spot birds from a canopy-level tower, fish for piranha from dugout canoes, look for caiman on night paddles or simply relax in the hammock of your comfortable cabin. La Selva's great food and friendly knowledgeable staff make it even easier to enjoy this paradise of unparalleled biodiversity.
Highlights: Amazon Jungle.
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
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.
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.
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
Quito to Lima Adventure (SEQM)
Discover the best of Ecuador and Peru as you explore the Andes, Amazon and Pacific coast on this 15-day adventure from Lima to Quito. Explore pre-Inca ruins, walk the colonial streets and get an introduction to the Amazon and its people with time in a jungle community. Tear it up on mountain bikes, raft wild rivers, catch big waves and get your adrenaline pumping on exciting optional excursions. You’ll have plenty of free time to explore these remarkable countries on your own and create the ultimate adventure.
Highlights: Mingling with Amazon locals during a homestay, getting active in Baños, exploring towering volcanoes and colonial cities, chilling out on the beach or surfing in Mancora and Huanchaco.
Volunteer Peru Amazon (TSPPAN)
Experience the Peruvian Amazon on this exciting and hands-on jungle adventure. Travel by motorized canoe up the Tambopata River to the G Lodge Amazon. Spend five days volunteering at a centre for the rehabilitation and conservation of wild animals. Work alongside staff to feed and take care of animals so they can be successfully released back to their natural habitats. Next, spend two days in the rainforest learning about traditional medicinal plants, spotting birds, cayman and monkeys.
Highlights: Volunteering in the Amazon with the rehabilitation and conservation of animals, exploring the jungle and searching for wildlife.
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
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
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 | Length | Style | Service Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecuador Multisport (SEEM) | 9 days | Active | Standard |
From
$899
USD
|
| G Lodge Amazon & Camping - 6 Days (TSPJ6TC) | 6 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$949
USD
|
| Argentina Gourmet & Community (TSAGAN) | 4 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1069
USD
|
| La Selva Lodge (TSEJ4L) | 4 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1069
USD
|
| Independent Inca Discovery (TSPIDN) | 7 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1089
USD
|
| Independent Lares Trek (TSPILN) | 7 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1089
USD
|
| The Inca Trail (SPIT) | 7 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1099
USD
|
| Volunteer Brazil (TSZPBN) | 14 days | Classic | Basic |
From
$1099
USD
|
| Ariau Amazon Towers Lodge (TSZJ4T) | 4 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1209
USD
|
| La Selva Lodge - 5 Days (TSEJ5L) | 5 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1329
USD
|
| Inca Discovery (PID) | 8 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1349
USD
|
| Northern Peru Adventure (TSPNPN) | 6 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1349
USD
|
| Bolivia Discovery (BBDR) | 11 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1349
USD
|
| Inca Discovery—Lares (PIL) | 8 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1399
USD
|
| Ecuador Volcanoes & Cloud Forest (SECVD) | 8 days | Discovery Adventures | Comfort |
From
$1399
USD
|
| Quito to Lima Adventure (SEQM) | 15 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1399
USD
|
| Volunteer Peru Amazon (TSPPAN) | 9 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1399
USD
|
| Trekking the Huayhuash Circuit (SPHH) | 13 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1500
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1999
|
| Amazon Riverboat Adventure (PVIIA) | 9 days | Small Ship Cruising & Sailing | Comfort |
From
$1500
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$2499
|
| Backroads & Highlands of Peru (SPBH) | 17 days | Classic | Basic |
From
$1599
USD
|
