South America Explorer Trips
Explorer trips in South America. Looking to explore South America on an explorer tour? We offer 700 explorer tours through-out South America, backed by 1,100 reviews and offering discounts up to 40%. All our trips are offered by expert trip designers and South America destination experts, with trip durations ranging from 1 to 111 days.
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Most popular Explorer Tours in South America
Discover our best Explorer tours in South America, based on reviews and times booked.
Peru’s ancient wonders and vibrant culture come alive on the "Solo-ish Peru" tour—a nine-day adventure tailor-made for experienced travelers eager for meaningful connections and personal discovery. Begin in Lima with a collaborative cooking class, then journey through the Sacred Valley, where community-focused experiences culminate in a special surprise. Explore Incan sites, bustling markets, and hidden gems, and unwind in Aguas Calientes’ thermal hot springs before heading to the legendary Machu Picchu. This moderate-activity group trip expertly balances guided exploration with independent moments, ensuring you gain confidence as a solo traveler while forging bonds with like-minded adventurers. The journey’s true highlight is its hands-on immersion in local culture, making it a tour package that promises both personal growth and unforgettable memories.
9 days
What happens when you combine Colombia’s infectious energy with a group of like-minded explorers? The answer is this 8-day tour, starting in Medellín and ending in Cartagena, designed for those who love a moderate dose of adventure and cultural immersion. Trek the lush jungles of Tayrona National Park, take in panoramic views from Guatapé’s iconic rock, and savor Colombian cuisine and coffee with locals.
Perfect for experienced travelers seeking connection, this trip offers a unique mix of guided activities and authentic local encounters. The standout feature: genuine opportunities to connect with Colombia’s dynamic culture and fellow solo travelers—so you’ll leave with lifelong memories and newfound friends.
8 days
Craving a Costa Rican adventure that mixes freedom with camaraderie? The "Solo-ish Costa Rica" tour is crafted for independent-minded travelers eager to connect with others while exploring nature’s wonders. Over eight easy-going days, this trip leads you from the bustling streets of San José—where you’ll bond with fellow explorers during a lively cooking class—through Sarapiquí’s community coffee project, and into the lush heart of La Fortuna for a special, unexpected twist. Marvel at Arenal’s volcanoes, wander Monteverde’s misty cloud forests, and unwind on the sun-kissed beaches of Manuel Antonio. With a focus on both must-see highlights and hidden gems, this group tour ensures every day is filled with new discoveries and meaningful connections. The standout feature? A perfect blend of solo adventure and shared experiences, making this the ideal tour package for travelers who want the best of both worlds.
8 days
Looking to combine surf, sand, and mountain air? The Quito to Lima: Surf Towns & Hot Springs tour delivers 15 days of adventure as you travel from Ecuador’s capital to Peru’s bustling Lima. This easy-paced tour is crafted for young adults eager to dive into the Andes, Amazon, and Pacific coast. Enjoy time on sunlit beaches, bike wild mountain trails, raft thrilling rivers, and explore colonial cities. The trip’s hallmark is its flexibility—ample free time lets you tailor the journey, whether you want adrenaline-pumping excursions or peaceful moments in a jungle community. All accommodations, transport, and meals are organized, making this tour package a seamless blend of guided discovery and independent exploration.
15 days
Why just scroll when you can experience Colombia for yourself? The "Colombian Explorer: Medellín Nights & Tayrona National Park" tour spans 10 days of moderate activity, offering young travelers a perfect mix of coastal bliss and urban excitement. Kick off in Cartagena’s walled city, journey through Minca’s jungles and Palomino’s beaches, and wrap up with Medellín’s electric nightlife. Along the way, hike to secret waterfalls, explore national parks, and soak up the culture at every stop. The trip’s USP is its dynamic blend of adventure, relaxation, and the real Colombia—far beyond what any screen can capture.
10 days
Ready for the ultimate South American odyssey? The Lima to Rio: Coast to Coast trip is a 51-day trekking and hiking extravaganza, perfect for energetic young travelers with a taste for the epic. Trek the fabled Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, cross Bolivia’s dazzling salt flats, sip fine Argentinian wines, and unwind on Brazil’s vibrant beaches. With an adventurous small group, you’ll soak up culture, scenery, and unforgettable experiences in Peru, Brazil, and beyond. What makes this journey unique? Its sheer scope—offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect the continent’s legendary highlights in a single, seamless adventure.
51 days
What happens when you blend Costa Rica’s iconic wonders with hidden wild corners? The "Costa Rica Adventure" tour delivers a dynamic 16-day wildlife trip, ideal for young adults, experienced travelers, and anyone drawn to nature’s wildest playgrounds. Beginning and ending in San Jose, this adventure winds through lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and idyllic beaches, covering Monteverde Cloud Forest, Tortuguero National Park, and six other vibrant destinations.
Expect a moderate activity level—perfect for those who love to stay active but appreciate flexibility. Guided excursions are balanced with ample free time, letting you set your own pace. Hike through misty cloud forests, spot monkeys and sloths in dense jungle, or glide by boat through crocodile-filled canals. Optional adrenaline-boosting experiences abound, from zip-lining to white-water rafting, or you can take it easy with a peaceful stroll through a butterfly garden.
What sets this trip apart is the sheer biodiversity and the variety of experiences on offer. Encounter rare wildlife, marvel at dramatic volcanoes, and soak up the relaxed pura vida lifestyle. Friendly guides share their deep local knowledge, ensuring you get the most out of each stop—whether you’re seeking adventure or moments of quiet connection with nature.
If you’re searching for a tour package that’s as rich in wildlife encounters as it is in adventure options, this Costa Rican journey promises both excitement and discovery at every turn.
16 days
Patagonia’s legendary landscapes come alive on this moderate-activity group tour, ideal for young adults and seasoned explorers. Venture into Argentina’s hiking haven of El Chaltén, where scenic trails and striking mountains set the stage for unforgettable adventures and camaraderie.
Continue to El Calafate to witness the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier within Glaciers National Park, a highlight for any nature lover. Then, journey across the border to Chile’s Puerto Natales, gateway to the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park—recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. Here, dramatic peaks, vibrant lakes, and unique wildlife await.
This trip’s unique selling point is its emphasis on both adventure and social connection. Whether you travel solo or with friends, you’ll share memorable experiences and forge lasting bonds amidst Patagonia’s raw beauty. Accommodation, transport, and select meals are included for a stress-free journey.
10 days
Walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations on the "Peru: Ancient Cities & the Andes" tour, a 14-day journey tailored for energetic young adults seeking adventure. Starting in Lima and ending in Cusco, this challenging trek takes you through the legendary Inca Trail, past the Nazca Lines, and into the Andean highlands.
Highlights include reaching the mystical Machu Picchu, enjoying a Pachamanca feast, and exploring historic towns like Ollantaytambo. With all essentials covered—accommodation, transport, meals, and expert guidance—you’re free to focus on the adventure and the breathtaking scenery.
What makes this trip stand out is its perfect balance of flexibility and immersion, offering both iconic sights and authentic cultural encounters, all at great value. For those ready to embrace the Andes, this is the ultimate trekking tour package.
14 days
Picture yourself high in the Costa Rican jungle canopy, locking eyes with a monkey as you embark on the Costa Rica Quest tour. Tailored for experienced travelers seeking a taste of adventure in just nine days, this easy-paced wildlife trip starts and ends in San Jose and covers highlights like Manuel Antonio National Park and La Fortuna. From waterfall hikes and secluded beach relaxation to spotting exotic wildlife with the help of local experts, each day offers a new way to explore Costa Rica’s incredible diversity. Your tour leader ensures access to hidden gems and secret spots, making this trip package perfect for those wanting an authentic yet action-packed getaway. The unique selling point: you’ll get the best of Costa Rica’s wild side in a timeframe that fits even a busy adventurer’s schedule.
9 days
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For those eager to experience Peru’s wild contrasts, the "Amazon to the Andes" tour is a 12-day wildlife and trekking adventure beginning and ending in Lima. This challenging small-group trip is crafted for experienced travelers who thrive on diversity—scan the Amazon canopy for exotic species from a secluded jungle lodge, then tackle the famed Inca Trail en route to the mystical heights of Machu Picchu. The USP? Not only does this tour package ensure fair treatment for porters and top-quality equipment, but it also blends the thrill of remote wilderness with the magic of ancient civilizations, promising a truly holistic Peruvian escape.
12 days
Picture yourself high in the Costa Rican jungle canopy, locking eyes with a monkey as you embark on the Costa Rica Quest tour. Tailored for experienced travelers seeking a taste of adventure in just nine days, this easy-paced wildlife trip starts and ends in San Jose and covers highlights like Manuel Antonio National Park and La Fortuna. From waterfall hikes and secluded beach relaxation to spotting exotic wildlife with the help of local experts, each day offers a new way to explore Costa Rica’s incredible diversity. Your tour leader ensures access to hidden gems and secret spots, making this trip package perfect for those wanting an authentic yet action-packed getaway. The unique selling point: you’ll get the best of Costa Rica’s wild side in a timeframe that fits even a busy adventurer’s schedule.
9 days
If you’re searching for a transformative adventure, The Great South American Journey: Quito to Rio Adventure should top your list. Designed for young adults ready for a challenge, this 65-day trip weaves through seven countries, from the Andean heights of Quito to the sun-drenched beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Trek the legendary Inca Trail, cross Bolivia’s otherworldly salt flats, soak up the rhythms of Buenos Aires, and lose yourself in Brazil’s vibrant culture. This journey is not just about sightseeing—it’s about embracing adventure, from jungle treks to cultural immersion. The unique selling point? Three nights in the Amazon and unparalleled diversity across landscapes and activities, ensuring that every day is a new chapter. With accommodation, transport, and meals included, you’ll form lifelong friendships and collect stories to last a lifetime.
65 days
Bolivia and Chile’s wild wonders are yours to discover on this 11-day small group tour, crafted for experienced explorers ready for a moderately active adventure. Begin in La Paz and journey through Potosi, Uyuni, and the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Plateau, ultimately reaching Santiago. Marvel at the vast, mirror-like Salar de Uyuni, wander through the rugged beauty of the Atacama Desert, and uncover hidden gems along the way.
This explorer trip uniquely balances guided excursions with free time, ensuring you absorb both the highlights and the lesser-known cultural treasures. The unique draw: a seamless connection between iconic sights and off-the-beaten-path experiences, making it the ideal trip for travelers who crave variety and depth in their South American journey.
11 days
For wildlife lovers, the Costa Rica Wildlife Tour reveals the country’s astonishing natural diversity over 15 action-packed days. From San Jose, venture into Tortuguero’s rainforest waterways, raft the thrilling Pacuare River, and explore the white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio, where iguanas and capuchin monkeys share the shore. This easy-paced adventure, ideal for experienced travelers, also offers the chance to zip-line through jungle canopies. The tour’s unique feature is its immersive focus on wildlife, guaranteeing up-close encounters with Costa Rica’s famed biodiversity in a small-group setting.
15 days
Kick off your South American adventure in Buenos Aires and wrap up with the vibrant rhythms of Rio de Janeiro on the "Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro: Falls & Footy" tour. Crafted for young adults eager to soak up culture and nature, this 17-day trip swings through highlights like Paraty, Iguassu Falls, and a working Uruguayan ranch. Enjoy day hikes, sample local cuisine, and experience the buzz of Copacabana’s nightlife—with centrally-located hostel stays ensuring you’re never far from the action.
This trip’s key selling point is its seamless blend of city excitement and natural wonders, featuring a quick flight to São Paulo to maximize your time on Brazil’s sun-drenched coast. For travelers who crave a lively mix of sightseeing, outdoor activities, and social exploration, this tour package truly delivers.
17 days
From the vibrant capital of San Jose to the shores of Lake Nicaragua and the mesmerizing highlands of Guatemala, this 16-day "Central American Highlights" tour is crafted for experienced travelers who crave authentic discovery. Traverse five distinct countries—Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala—each brimming with natural wonders and captivating history. Adventure unfolds at every turn: spot wildlife in Costa Rica's lush reserves, immerse yourself in the ancient Maya culture at Copan, and experience local life around Lake Atitlan, where modern Maya traditions flourish.
Throughout this moderate activity trip, you'll journey past active and dormant volcanoes, including the dramatic peaks that surround Antigua, Guatemala. The itinerary is designed to balance action and insight, offering time to savor the scent of spices at Chichicastenango's indigenous market and to wander the cobblestone streets of charming Suchitoto on the edge of Lake Suchitlan. Here, you'll try your hand at making pupusas, a delicious Salvadoran staple, guided by local experts.
The unique selling point of this tour package lies in its seamless blend of outdoor adventure and deep cultural immersion—ensuring you tick off Central America's must-see highlights while uncovering hidden gems rarely visited by casual tourists. Accommodations, transport, meals, and guided experiences are thoughtfully included, so you can focus on connecting with each destination and its people. This is an enriching journey for those who want to explore Central America beyond the surface, discovering both its iconic sights and its living traditions.
16 days
Experience South America’s full spectrum with the Quito to La Paz: Amazon & Ancient Cultures trip, a five-week odyssey for young adult adventurers. Traversing Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, this trek and hike tour offers everything from Pacific coastlines to the awe-inspiring Amazon, and the storied heights of the Andes. Hike the Inca Trail, mountain bike wild tracks, and raft rapid rivers—this challenging itinerary is for those who crave adrenaline and authentic cultural encounters. The USP is its intense mix of included activities and free time, allowing you to immerse yourself in ancient cultures or blaze your own trail. With local transportation, genuine accommodations, and all logistics covered, this tour package guarantees an unforgettable South American experience.
35 days
What happens when you blend Costa Rica’s iconic wonders with hidden wild corners? The "Costa Rica Adventure" tour delivers a dynamic 16-day wildlife trip, ideal for young adults, experienced travelers, and anyone drawn to nature’s wildest playgrounds. Beginning and ending in San Jose, this adventure winds through lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and idyllic beaches, covering Monteverde Cloud Forest, Tortuguero National Park, and six other vibrant destinations.
Expect a moderate activity level—perfect for those who love to stay active but appreciate flexibility. Guided excursions are balanced with ample free time, letting you set your own pace. Hike through misty cloud forests, spot monkeys and sloths in dense jungle, or glide by boat through crocodile-filled canals. Optional adrenaline-boosting experiences abound, from zip-lining to white-water rafting, or you can take it easy with a peaceful stroll through a butterfly garden.
What sets this trip apart is the sheer biodiversity and the variety of experiences on offer. Encounter rare wildlife, marvel at dramatic volcanoes, and soak up the relaxed pura vida lifestyle. Friendly guides share their deep local knowledge, ensuring you get the most out of each stop—whether you’re seeking adventure or moments of quiet connection with nature.
If you’re searching for a tour package that’s as rich in wildlife encounters as it is in adventure options, this Costa Rican journey promises both excitement and discovery at every turn.
16 days
Ascend to the extraordinary with the Bolivia Discovery tour, an 11-day journey from La Paz to the wild Uyuni Salt Flats. Perfect for those seeking authentic adventure, this trip weaves together colonial cities, indigenous culture, and jaw-dropping landscapes.
Experience three days of off-road exploration in the surreal altiplano desert, meet locals off the tourist path, and immerse yourself in Bolivia’s rich traditions.
The USP: An out-of-the-ordinary trip that delivers real connections and untamed scenery—ideal for travelers craving both cultural immersion and adventure in South America’s hidden gem.
11 days
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Top South America Tour Activities for Explorer
Discover tours tailored to your interests, from explorer tours to cultural, religious historic sites trips as well as wildlife experiences. Find the perfect activity to match your passion.
South America Explorer Tour Reviews
Genuine reviews from travelers on Explorer South America tours
Giorgio | Traveled in May
À really great trip. Great itenery in good company and with a great guide and driver. A great m mix of local culture, hiking in great countryside with beautiful scenery among cloud forests and vulcanos followed by a 5 island hop in the Galapagos. Being land based gave us an opportunity to see more of the islands interiors as well as being able to see a lot of bird life, tortoises and iguanas. We also had 3 snorkeling trips and were fortunate to seeing penguins turtles and reef sharks. Our tour leader and guide Fabian was excellent, very knowledgeable, kind and looked after us very well. It was sad to say goodbye. The local food in Ecuador was excellent and the hotels that we stayed were confortable and usually close to local amenities In conclusion a great trip. Would do again
Letty | Traveled in May
Our Inca Trail Trek was an amazing adventure! Our guide, Ludwig, was amazing. His passion for the Inca Trail and Peruvian history shone through in his story telling and explanations. Joining him on his 243rd trek was inspiring. Don't worry about going hungry on this trip. The food was delicious and servings were plentiful. Roberto, our cook, out did himself with every single meal. Everything about this trip was perfect!
Nigel | Traveled in May
This is a great introduction to Argentina and Brazil with the falls providing the link between the two. We had a great group, decent hotels, good transport and a superb tour leader who looked after us very well going above and beyond. Thank you Diego. We had ‘mega days’ in BA, at the Falls and in Rio. Paraty and Ilhe Grande provided something different and some relaxation in between. The trip itself is relatively short and several of us added extra days at the beginning and/or at the end. We added a couple of days at the beginning to enable us to go out of BA to visit a ranch and to take a day trip across the River Plate to Colonia in Uruguay. At the end we added more time in Rio and to see a little more of Brazil. We thoroughly enjoyed the tango show and one of us did the falls boat trip which was quite an experience! We also worked out the key things we wanted to see in our free time in BA Uber made this easy. This was a great trip, made very easy by Diego’s organisation, the tipping kitty and fun group meals or restaurant recommendations. A superb tour way to visit two countries.
Carol | Traveled in May
An excellent tour with a fabulous group of fellow explorers who were great company, punctual and positive. Without doubt our tour leader Arturo went above and beyond to make this a lovely experience and shared his knowledge and passion for this beautiful country. Many highlights including our visit to Machu Picchu, which being later in the afternoon allowed us to experience the site at our leisure and without the crowds. Would absolutely recommend this tour.
Brian | Traveled in May
My wife and I had an amazing trip with Explore. Ludwig our guide was top notch, and was very knowledgeable and passionate about the Inca Trail. Our chef, Roberto, was incredible. We were not expecting the gourmet meals that he prepared on our trip.
Larry | Traveled in May
Wildlife galore. Our tour leader Gerardo Zamora can find any animal. Perfect guide. Luis Chinchilla is the very best and safest driver anywhere. Both great companions. The tour is very adventurous with precious free time as well. You really go to some of the greatest areas in CR. Hotels and lodges are unbeatable, and everything is taken care of. Insane pictures. Travel companions are like family. Unforgettable!
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