Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
This was my 5th Contiki and it was another unforgettable experience. The trip manager () was excellent, a true expert in all things South American. My only constructive comment is linked to the number of days spent in Buenos Aires. The add ons and city were disappointing compared to the rest of the trip. I can't believe we spent so long there. I would have much rather spend more time in the Amazon or in Rio.
Beach
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Home-stay
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Cusco, Jun
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Cusco, Jungle Lodge, Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes
This was one of the most amazing trips we have ever done. The scenery was breathtaking. The crew and expedition team were cheerful, helpful and knowledgeable. The kayaking with penguins and whales popping up feet away was fabulous.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Antarctic Peninsula, Buenos Aire
Antarctic Peninsula, Buenos Aires, Beagle Channel Cruise, South Shetland Islands
The trip was really good with lots of standout places and experiences. Our trip manager was brilliant. He was friendly and knowledgeable and made everything easy. Some of the accommodation wasn’t the best (poor showers, uncomfortable beds, no safety lock box, no elevator) but for the most part acceptable.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cusco, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Ai
Cusco, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Jungle Lodge, Lima
Fantastic trip, one of the best I have been on. Beautiful country, amazing landscapes, lovely friendly people. Plus we had a fun group and an excellent guide, Marcelo. And we were lucky with the weather too.
Yes, it’s expensive but worth it. Spend the extra to do the optional activities to make the most of it. Loved the walking with penguins, the zodiac trip on Rio Serrano and both the big walks.
The days are very long but you can always sleep on the bus/back at home!
Contrary to previous reviews I thought the hotels were all fine and the breakfasts were great and a good start to each day. The tango show we went to was in a small venue and great. Wish I’d added more time in Buenos Aires before the trip as it’s a lovely city and there’s a lot to see and do there - I will be back.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Great way to see Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. The Bolivian Salt Flats were an unexpected highlight. So beautiful. Patagonia was also stunning. I really enjoyed understanding the lives of the indigenous people. Thank you.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, La Paz, Santiago
Buenos Aires, La Paz, Santiago, Valparaiso, Pucon, San Carlos de Bariloche, Sucre, Potosi, Uyuni, Salt Flats, San Pedro De Atacama
This is a excellent introductory tour of South America visiting 2 of the continent's most dynamic cities, (Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires) and one of the world's most incredible natural wonders, the Iguazu Falls. This is not a typical motor coach tour as it travels between locations using domestic airlines. All ground transportation to see the sites within the aforementioned cities and the falls was on large, comfortable coaches using different drivers for each location, all excellent. Everything went without a hitch thanks to our great tour director, Rodrigo. After this tour we want to explore South America more. Highly Recommended.
WaterfallsWildlife
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Co
Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado, Ipanema Beach, Foz Do Iguazu, Devils Throat Falls, Manaus
The highlight of traveling with you was the promptness and timeliness of service.
All Hotels were very good and our favourite excursion was at Iguazu Falls, it was very scenic.
All the guides were very good, we are very pleased with the service. Everything was excellent.
City sightseeingNational parks
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Rio
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls National Park
Nearly all of the guides were wonderful.
I don’t remember the name of the guide who took us to El Chaltén but we appreciated that he took us seriously as trekkers and suggested a slightly longer trek with beautiful views. We thoroughly enjoyed that trek!
And we also were very happy with our guide in Tiera del Fuego. She was very lively, knowledgeable and provided us with a couple of wonderful hike and a delicious lunch. We loved all she knew about the birds, trees and geology on the area."
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
1-79 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Mend
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Mendoza, Patagonia, San Carlos de Bariloche