13 excellent and different guided tours of South America. Tours with variety of prices, days, destinations, themes, age, luxury level, and adventure.
Tourism in South America is an unparalleled experience, offering an incredible diversity of stunning natural landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture. With unique and captivating destinations, the region attracts travelers from all over the world in search of adventure, beauty and an authentic experience.
One of the main tourist attractions of the continent is its lush nature. The region is home to one of the largest biodiversity on the planet, with rainforests, deserts, paradisiacal beaches, towering mountains and impressive rivers. The Amazon Rainforest, for example, is one of the most iconic natural wonders in South America, offering a unique opportunity to explore its vast biodiversity and learn about the importance of environmental preservation.
In addition to nature, the countries that make up South America are rich in history and culture. Cities such as Cusco in Peru and Cartagena in Colombia are colonial treasures, with stunning architecture and cobblestone streets that tell fascinating stories. The region also has impressive archaeological sites, such as Machu Picchu in Peru, and the ruins of Tiwanaku in Bolivia, which provide a trip in time, revealing the grandeur of ancient civilizations.
Cultural diversity is also one of the strengths. Each country has its own traditions, gastronomy and music, providing visitors with an authentic and enriching experience.
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in South America
Before exploring the main theme of this article, it is relevant to highlight some of the most sought-after tourist spots in South America to facilitate the search for excursions, itineraries and tours that meet your preferences.
Below is a list of top 10 tourist attractions and tourist cities that are worth visiting in the region:
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Known for its stunning beaches, such as Copacabana and Ipanema, and the iconic Christ the Redeemer, Rio offers a unique blend of nature and vibrant culture;
- Machu Picchu, Peru: The lost city of the Incas is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, situated in the mountains of the Andes;
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: The Argentine capital combines European elegance with Latin passion. Its vibrant neighborhoods, such as La Boca and Palermo, offer a rich cultural and gastronomic scene;
- Cartagena, Colombia: With its beautiful beaches and preserved colonial architecture, Cartagena is a charming city full of history;
- Torres del Paine, Chile: Torres del Paine National Park is a paradise for nature lovers, with spectacular landscapes of mountains, glaciers and turquoise lakes;
- Galapagos, Ecuador: A unique archipelago, famous for its rich wildlife and the inspiration it provided to Charles Darwin in the theory of evolution;
- Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: The largest salt desert in the world is a surreal landscape, with immense natural mirrors that reflect the sky;
- Cusco, Peru: In addition to being the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco is a historic city with impressive Inca ruins, such as the Sacsayhuamán complex;
- Angel Falls, Venezuela: The world’s tallest waterfall is an impressive natural wonder, located in the heart of the Venezuelan jungle.
- Ushuaia, Argentina: Known as the “deal world city”, Ushuaia is the southernest city on the planet and offers stunning landscapes such as the Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Is it better to travel independently or on group tours in South America?
Regardless of the option you choose to travel in South America, either independently or on a group tour, each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Opting for an independent trip provides greater flexibility to plan your own itinerary and choose activities according to your preferences. This gives you the freedom to decide when and how to carry out the activities, allowing you to explore South America at your own pace. In addition, this option may be more economical, since you have control over spending according to your choices.
However, an independent trip requires detailed planning, requiring research on accommodation, transportation and activities. It is necessary to be prepared to deal with possible challenges, such as the language barrier, in addition to taking extra precautions regarding security, especially in more remote areas.
On the other hand, a group tour with a guide offers the company of other travelers and the opportunity to meet people with similar interests. Traveling in a group can also provide a sense of security, especially when accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable guide to South America.
However, this option can limit your freedom to explore the region independently, since you will be following a predetermined itinerary and schedules set by the group.
Evaluate your interests, time availability, budget and comfort level when making your decision. Both options have their advantages and challenges, and the important thing is to find the one that best suits your travel style and the experiences you want to experience.
| Positives of traveling on a group tour | Positives Traveling on your own |
| Company and opportunity to meet people with similar interests | Flexibility to create your own itinerary and choose activities |
| Lively in a quieter and fun group | Autonomy to follow your own schedule |
| More security when walking in a group, especially with an experienced local guide | Freedom to explore Iceland without having to follow a schedule |
| Less need for planning and research, as the tour already offers accommodation, transportation and activities | Potential savings, since depending on the choices may be cheaper |
| Possibility of access to places or activities that may be difficult or impossible to achieve alone | Greater challenge and possibility to learn and grow with the experience of planning and conducting the journey itself |
13 Best Excursions & Itineraries to Explore South America
Top South American tours and itineraries for small group adventures with guide
1. G Adventures – The Great South American Journey (65 Days)
Take the road from Quito to Rio with other young travelers and experience pretty much everything you can imagine on the way. Take a walk along the Inca Trail and discover the thriving culture, cross the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, dance tango in Buenos Aires and enjoy the beaches of Brazil.
This trip offers lively cities, stunning scenery and lots of adventure. There are 65 days, seven countries, three nights in the Amazon and an adventure you will remember forever.
2. 2. G Adventures – Buenos Aires to Los Angeles: Falls & Footy (17 Days)
You will begin the adventure in the sophisticated Buenos Aires before reconnecting with nature on daily walks on a functioning Uruguayan farm. You will marvel at the Iguazu Falls and then take a flight to São Paulo on the way to the Brazilian coast, without the tiring bus trip, which means more time on the beach.
The party ends in Rio, where you will be free to immerse yourself in the carnival atmosphere of our hostel located centrally in Copacabana.
3. Encounters Travel – Patagonia Highlights (11 Days)
This 11-day land adventure covers all the major highlights of the dramatic and beautiful region of Patagonia. From the coast and Chile’s largest penguin colony to towering glaciers and spectacular mountains, this tour includes several daily walks and free time to experience some of the other adventure activities offered.
It begins in the southern Chilean city of Punta Arenas, with the final destination of the village of El Chaltén, which is inside the Los Glaciares National Park.
Enjoy the incredible views of the Andes on the way, take a full-day hike with great views of the glaciers and ice fields.
4. Intrepid – Inca Trail Express (7 Days)
Travel to Peru to retrace the footsteps of the Incas, the fascinating ancient civilization of Peru. Go from Cusco, through the fertile heart of the Sacred Valley, to the magnificent ruins of Ollantaytambo, before reaching the final destination, Machu Picchu.
This exciting Peruvian elim tour takes you closer to the secrets of this elusive civilization on an impressive adventure along the Inca Trail.
Best tours and itineraries in South America for groups of young singles (18 to 35 years)
5. Contiki – The Adventurer (24 Days)The definitive trip for those who love to explore, this tour covers Peru, Argentina and Brazil. From busty train trips through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, zipline through the Amazon jungle, start the party in Rio and much more, in this epic odyssey of waterfalls, beaches and large cities, no day is the same as the other.
6. Contiki – The Lava Line (7 Days) Enter the lush jungle and discover the Ecuador in all its natural glory. Integrate with an indigenous community, approach an active volcano and cool off in stunning waterfalls and thermal springs. With one foot in each hemisphere, you will discover the true heart of this diverse country.
7. Contiki – Argentina and Brazil Highlights (10 Days) Catamarans over turquoise waters, lush white beaches, the excitement of Iguazu Falls and the bustle of Rio de Janeiro attractive to you? Mix this with cosmopolitan Buenos Aires and you will have the perfect combination of adventure, discovery and search for the sun in 10 fascinating days through Argentina and Brazil. Top Luxury Tours & Itineraries in South America for Small Groups with Guides
8. Trafalgar – South America Revealed (16 Days) Beautiful people and equally stunning landscapes, colors and culture, expect nothing less on the beautiful beaches of Rio, its departure platform for a trip through South America, passing through vibrant capitals, national parks and the Inca heart of Peru.
9.Trafalgar – Impressions of South America (9 Days) From the vibrant beaches of Ipanema to the thunderous Iguazu Falls, South America awaits you! Your nine-day tour of the Amazon will take you behind the scenes of a samba school in Rio, where you can watch unforgettable tango performances in Buenos Aires and admire the vibrant colors and wildlife of the UNESCO-listed Iguazu National Park.
10. Insight Vacations – Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil Discovery (11 Days) Treat yourself to the best of life while savoring cocktails on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, shopping in the antique markets of the Tango neighborhood in Buenos Aires, and relax in a spa hotel overlooking the gneouseries of the Iguazu Falls, Argentina. In the vineyards of the Juanicó winery, make a stop to taste the flavors of the revered wine region of Uruguay. Cross the Río de la Plata to explore the city of Colonia del Sacramento, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, before moving on to the Iguassu Falls and Rio de Janeiro.
Follow in the footsteps of your Local Expert on an exclusive guided tour of the Rio Botanical Garden, a precious collection of the world’s oldest trees and exotic orchids. Best tours for South America of the Tourradar (best site to search for and compare excursions in South America from different durations, styles, prices, and operators)
11. Tourradar – Wonders of South America (21 Days) Start in Rio de Janeiro and finish in Aguas Calientes! With this tour, you will have a 21-day travel package that will take you to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and 13 other destinations in Latin America. The tour includes hotel accommodation, expert guide, dining, transportation and more.
12.Tourradar – Exploring South America (13 Days) Start in Lima and finish in Rio de Janeiro! On this tour you will have a 13-day travel package that will take you to Lima, Peru, and 6 other destinations in Latin America. The tour includes accommodation, an expert guide, meals, transportation and much more.
13. Tourradar – Southern Divide (21 Days) Start in Lima and finish in Santiago! With the cultural tour you will have a 21-day travel package that will take you to Lima and 13 other destinations in Latin America. The tour includes hotel accommodation, an expert guide, meals, transportation and much more.
Concluding South America is a passionate destination for those seeking cultural, historical and adventure-filled experiences. With a wide range of tour options and excursions available, it is crucial to conduct a thorough search before choosing the company that best suits your needs and expectations.
Check the reviews of other travellers and the details of the accommodations offered. This is essential to ensure a smooth and safe journey. When planning your trip, be sure to consider your interests and preferences. However, regardless of the company selected, one thing is certain: visiting South America is a truly unique experience in life!
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