South America tours discovery guide
In South America, the rhythm of the streets is a perpetual invitation to surrender to the spirit of joy. Tango in Buenos Aires, climb through the clouds to Machu Picchu, and sip caipirinhas on Copacabana Beach—the continent’s energy will leave you enamored and eager for more.
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What to know before you go
COUNTRIES ON TOUR
Our South America tours span the continent, from Colombia through Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, and Chile.
MAJOR CITIES
South America is home to massive, exciting urban centers, like São Paulo, Bogotá, and Lima. Get your fill of big-city thrills with a side of smaller jewels, like Cartagena and Mendoza.
CULTURAL QUICK TAKE
A trip to South America takes you on a voyage through the ancient structures of pre-Columbian civilizations, the traditions of its indigenous populations, and and the influence of European and African cultures.
WHAT TO GO FOR
Otherworldly natural beauty (think: roaring waterfalls and tropical rainforests), adventure around every corner, the hip-swiveling excitement of Carnival, and hearty, affordable cuisine.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES ON TOUR
Between piranha fishing in the Amazon, admiring giant tortoises on the Galápagos Islands, or dancing a fiery tango, our South America trips burst with once-in-a-lifetime moments.
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Grand Tour of South America
Touch down in Brazil, Argentina, and Peru for an introduction to this continent of contrasts. In between the must-sees of Iguazú Falls and the legendary Machu Picchu, you’ll sprinkle in visits to a samba school and an indigenous Amazonian village for a peek into South American traditions.
New South America tours
Ecuador & Peru: The Galápagos & Machu Picchu
Go big with colossal stone citadels, the Andes, and giant tortoises.
Explore the 15-day itinerary
A Week in Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena
Boisterous cities—and a coffee farm visit—to make your heart race.
Explore the 9-day itinerary)
Chile: Santiago, the Atacama & Patagonia
Swaths of red desert and rough peaks set an out-of-this-world scene.
Explore the 12-day itinerary
Brazil: Rio De Janeiro, Paraty & São Paulo
Golden sands, Carnival, and untamed jungles that dance and dazzle.
Explore the 10-day itineraryIntroducing South America
Far from monolithic, each of South America’s sovereign states stand out with a character that’s wholly their own.
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What does South America have to offer? Everything.
Learn more about the continent’s wild natural beauty, indigenous architecture, and sparkling cityscapes.
The 8 best places in South America to visit on one trip
How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sacred ruins, and natural wonders can you pack into a single trip? Hint: too many to pick a favorite.
Why Argentina’s Perito Moreno Glacier is a must-see
The massive body of ice atop Lago Argentino is one of only a few glaciers worldwide that continues to grow instead of shrink.
12 things you didn’t know about Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer
Iconic and breathtaking at more than 100 feet tall, this statue of Christ is the largest art deco-style sculpture in the world.
Sail (or sip) your way through South America
Get away—in a different way—with tours that take to the water, transport your taste buds, and leave your heart full.
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Signature experiences for your memory vault. Why don’t you...
Soak in the Papallacta Hot Springs in Ecuador
Dip into steamy pools of glacial water—with epic volcano views. Try it on our Ecuador & Peru: The Galápagos, Cuzco & Machu Picchu tour.
Greet the morning sun in Machu Picchu
Ponder the mysteries of the Intihuatana stone and the Temple of the Condor. Try it on our Grand Tour of Peru: Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca.
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Get a bird’s-eye view of a Peruvian rainforest
Experience the Peruvian Amazon’s lush life from a suspended treetop walkway. Try it on our Grand Tour of South America.
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Meet monolithic moai on Easter Island
See Rapa Nui culture up close on this remote tip of Polynesia. Try it on our Highlights of Chile: Santiago, the Atacama & Patagonia tour.
Pick your perfect trip
We offer 200+ immersive, guided tours around the world. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages that make traveling with us different.
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Prep your packing list
While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about.
Go far (and get rewarded)
Take off on your big adventure— but why stop there? Every trip you book with us earns rewards that you can use to keep expanding your horizons.
What travelers are saying about our guided South America trips
Central America’s moment in the sun
In contrast to South America’s vastness, Central America packs its immense natural beauty into a narrow isthmus. You’ll find volcanoes, rainforests, and sun-soaked coastlines on the Pacific and Caribbean.
