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.
Classic Peru (PPC)
This compact tour of the archaeological highlights and cultural treasures of the Andean highlands has it all. Cruise Lake Titicaca and immerse yourself in rural life with a homestay in a small village. Wander the cobblestone streets of Cuzco before breaking a sweat hiking mountain passes along the Inca Trail on your way to Machu Picchu. 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: Feeling like a local at a Lake Titicaca homestay, climbing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, sampling the seafood in Lima, exploring ancient ruins and villages.
In The Shadow Of Machu Picchu (PSM)
Big on comfort for those short on time, this journey offers an intriguing combination of natural wonders and local cultures. Whether you’re scanning the canopy for wildlife from the comfort of our intimate and exclusive G Lodge Amazon, embracing cultures past and present in the former Inca capital of Cuzco or choosing to hike the Inca Trail or catch the scenic train, this is the once-in-a-lifetime adventure for you! 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 the majesty of Machu Picchu.
Highlights: Spotting wildlife at the exclusive G Lodge Amazon, exploring the Incan city of Cuzco, conquering the Inca Trail or enjoying the scenic train to Machu Picchu.
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.
Southern Highlights (SBR)
If time’s a little tight and you want to sample the region’s natural wonders without sacrificing some of South America’s most vibrant cities, there’s no better way to explore Argentina and Brazil. Savour the samba in Rio one night while exploring subtropical rainforest the next. From tango in the streets of Buenos Aires to the tangle of rainforest surrounding Iguassu Falls, this 8-day itinerary offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and cosmopolitan culture.
Highlights: Enjoying dinner with a local family, feeling sophisticated in Buenos Aires, being awed by Iguassu Falls, sipping a caipirinha on the beach in Southern Brazil.
Argentina & Chile Gourmet Adventure (SCGAD)
Bold as a Malbec, this trip serves up a brave new world of South American wine and food. Starting in Chile, you'll sample vintages of the Maipo Valley before crossing the Andes into Mendoza, Argentina for more vino and a cooking class that introduces traditional techniques. The adventure concludes in sophisticated Buenos Aires with a visit to a Planeterra project that trains youth in gourmet cooking, then into Uruguay for two nights at an estancia. With an expert guide and your domestic flights included, this is a vintage best enjoyed now.
Highlights: Touring vineyards near Santiago, Sampling wines and taking a cooking class in Mendoza, Visiting a Planeterra culinary training project, Seeing traditional life at a stylish 'estancia' in Uruguay, Savouring Buenos Aires sophistication.
- Trip Style:
- Discovery Adventures
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 2
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
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.
Land Galapagos—Multi-Activities (SEGL)
This 10-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. This adventure offers a great balance of guided excursions and free time—and optional activities abound.
Highlights: Encountering incredible wildlife, Snorkelling and swimming with sea turtles and manta rays, racing a bike downhill in San Cristóbal, searching for whitetip reef sharks in 'Shark Alley', hiking the Sierra Negra volcano, visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station.
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 Experience (SMCE)
Discover a corner of South America that's been off the tourist map for years without sacrificing your comfort on this fascinating Colombian adventure. You'll visit famous coffee plantations around Armenia and Salento and hit Medellín for museums and big city bustle. Indulge in the beauty of Santa Rosa del Cabal with a hot springs soak and immerse yourself in the colonial charm of Cartagena and the sophistication of Bogotá. This 12-day journey is an intriguing mixture of rural and urban—and culture and coffee.
Highlights: Sipping coffee amidst lush plantation scenery, Soaking in hot springs, Exploring Medellín and lazing on Caribbean beaches, Wandering the cobblestone streets in historic Cartagena.
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.
Southern Divide (SMS)
For those looking to experience the history, culture and wilderness of South America, this 3-week adventure through Peru, Bolivia and Chile is packed full of some of the continent’s most iconic and popular highlights. Explore the Sacred Valley and uncover Incan history high in the Andes at legendary Machu Picchu. Explore incredible landscapes at Uyuni Salt Flats and the Atacama Desert, and encounter vibrant culture at Lake Titicaca. Because we have years of experience and established operational offices in the region, we’ll take care of the hassles—so that you can focus on the highlights. Get off the beaten track and embrace the best of this incredible region.
Highlights: Exploring the Sacred Valley, Marvelling at the views from the train to Machu Picchu, witnessing traditional life on Lake Titicaca, encountering colonial cities and historic cultures in Bolivia, crossing the Uyuni Salt Flats and mountain wilderness into Chile 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
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.
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
| Trip | Length | Style | Service Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Peru (PPC) | 12 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$2199
USD
|
| In The Shadow Of Machu Picchu (PSM) | 10 days | G-Plus | Comfort |
From
$2499
USD
|
| 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
|
| Southern Highlights (SBR) | 8 days | G-Plus | Comfort |
From
$2399
USD
|
| Argentina & Chile Gourmet Adventure (SCGAD) | 12 days | Discovery Adventures | Comfort |
From
$2999
USD
|
| Ecuador Volcanoes & Cloud Forest (SECVD) | 8 days | Discovery Adventures | Comfort |
From
$1399
USD
|
| Ecuador Multisport (SEEM) | 9 days | Active | Standard |
From
$899
USD
|
| Land Galapagos—Multi-Activities (SEGL) | 10 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$2999
USD
|
| Galapagos on a Shoestring (SEGS) | 9 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1912
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$2249
|
| Colombia Experience (SMCE) | 12 days | G-Plus | Comfort |
From
$2499
USD
|
| Colombia Highlights (SMCH) | 12 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1999
USD
|
| Southern Divide (SMS) | 22 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$3599
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
|
| Amazon & Incan Adventure (SPPID) | 14 days | Discovery Adventures | Comfort |
From
$3399
USD
|
