Discover 520+ South America trips in December 2027 with 2190+ verified reviews. Crafted by vetted tour operators, these South America December 2027 tours showcase the country at its seasonal best.
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.
Venture to Costa Rica’s breathtaking Osa Peninsula on this four-day self-guided trip, perfect for both adventurous young adults and seniors seeking nature’s wonders. Begin your journey with a convenient shuttle transfer from San Jose, Jaco Beach, Manuel Antonio Beach, or Dominical Beach, heading to the riverside town of Sierpe. From there, a scenic boat ride delivers you to your hotel in the lush environs of Drake Bay.
A highlight of this tour package is a full exploration of Corcovado National Park, renowned as the crown jewel of the Osa Peninsula. This remarkable park preserves over three percent of Costa Rica’s entire biodiversity and boasts one of the largest populations of scarlet macaws in the country. Wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike will be in paradise as they trek through dense rainforest and spot rare species.
Your adventure continues with a boat tour to Cano Island, a protected natural reserve steeped in history. Once a pre-Columbian burial site, the island now entices travelers with its vibrant underwater world, making it a top destination for snorkeling and marine wildlife encounters. Dive into crystal-clear waters to observe colorful fish and perhaps even rays or sea turtles.
On your final day, relax as your return shuttle whisks you back to your starting location—San Jose, Jaco Beach, Manuel Antonio Beach, or Dominical Beach—ensuring a seamless travel experience.
The unique selling point of this tour lies in its immersion in some of the richest biodiversity in Costa Rica, offering both land and marine adventures in a compact, manageable itinerary. This trip is ideal for travelers who want to combine effortless logistics, wildlife encounters, and gentle physical activity on Costa Rica’s stunning South Pacific coast.
Ready to step into the heart of the Amazon? The "Explore The Colombian Amazon" trip is a five-day adventure designed for young adults and experienced travelers who want to go beyond ordinary sightseeing. Start with a pickup in Leticia, then journey deep into the rainforest to Tanimboca Natural Reserve for a nocturnal hike—where the forest comes alive with elusive wildlife.
Visit the Huitoto indigenous community to learn about their traditions, then cross into Peru’s Marasha Reserve for even more wildlife encounters. Continue to Mocagua in Colombia to spot woolly monkeys and vibrant birds, and witness the breathtaking spectacle of thousands of parakeets at Parque Santander.
The adventure peaks with a zip-lining experience through the jungle canopy, delivering a burst of adrenaline before you return to Leticia. This tour’s standout feature is its active, hands-on approach to the Amazon: connecting with indigenous communities, trekking through pristine forest, and experiencing the jungle from entirely new perspectives.
If you’re seeking a trip that combines wildlife, culture, and adventure in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, this tour package promises to ignite your curiosity and leave you in awe.
This is an absolutely incredible tour -- our guide Jason was both very informative and very helpful. He explained the history of the Arenal volcano to us, we took a short hike a small part of the way up the mountain, and then went back down to look at wildlife in the rainforest. We saw spider monkeys, which Jason said are a pretty rare sight, and then a red curacao just walked out onto the trail in front of us! It was an incredible feeling to just be seeing all these animals spontaneously on a nature hike.
Speaking of hikes, it is important to be aware that this tour is somewhat physically demanding. There are no extreme parts, just some strenuous walking over very uneven ground, but I think the tour description could do a better job of emphasizing the challenge. At the same time, the tour is extremely convenient in terms of picking you up and dropping you off at your desired location, whether a hotel, hot springs, or somewhere else. Overall, I strongly recommend the Arenal Volcano trip to anyone who is into volcanoes and wildlife and plans to visit the Arenal area.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Experience the nocturnal side of Costa Rica on this immersive 4-hour tour, perfect for travelers who want to discover the country’s hidden wonders after dark. Set out from La Tigra near La Fortuna, where you’ll meet the Mendez Family—local farmers dedicated to reforestation and sustainable living.
A gentle walk brings you into a regenerated rainforest, alive with the sounds and sights of nocturnal wildlife. Spot rare birds, mammals, and a dazzling array of amphibians and insects, including a visit to a frog sanctuary where you’ll encounter everything from tiny dart frogs to the famed Red-eyed tree frog.
The highlight of the tour is a home-cooked Costa Rican dinner, served by wood fire as you gaze out over the twinkling lights of San Carlos valley. The unique selling point is the authentic interaction with a local family and exclusive nighttime access to wildlife, creating an unforgettable blend of ecological discovery and cultural immersion.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Unite two of South America’s most legendary adventures on the Galapagos & Inca Trail Adventure. In 17 days, you’ll snorkel with sea turtles in the Galapagos’ turquoise waters and trek the ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu’s awe-inspiring heights. This challenging tour is crafted for seasoned travelers eager for both wildlife encounters and historic wonders. Highlights include black-sand beaches, the cobblestone streets of Cusco, and the thrill of conquering Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,200 meters. The journey’s standout feature is its seamless combination of bucket-list experiences in both Ecuador and Peru, guided by local experts for the ultimate immersive adventure trip.
WildlifeTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cusco, Quito, Galapagos Islands
Cusco, Quito, Galapagos Islands, Lima, Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail, San Cristobal Island, Floreana Island, Isla Isabela, Isla Santa Cruz
Experience the wonders of South America’s natural and cultural heritage on the "Machu Picchu and The Amazon" tour package—a journey that unites two legendary destinations in one unforgettable trip. Delve into the mysterious heights of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, perched amid the cloud-kissed Andes, where ancient stones echo with stories of sacrifice, worship, and royalty.
Your adventure then plunges into the vast Amazon rainforest, the world’s largest and most biodiverse jungle. Explore untamed wilderness, spot exotic animals, and discover the river systems that form the lifeblood of South America. The unique selling point of this tour is the rare opportunity to experience both a world-famous archaeological wonder and the planet’s most celebrated rainforest in a single journey—ideal for travelers eager to create lifelong memories in two iconic settings.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lima, Puert
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Aguas Calientes
Wildlife aficionados, prepare for the ultimate natural immersion with the "Absolute Galapagos (Grand Daphne)," a 17-day odyssey exploring the archipelago’s renowned and secluded corners. Starting and ending in Quito, you’ll visit over 10 destinations, including Santa Fe Island, Isla Santa Cruz, Isla Espanola, and Isla Fernandina, all while guided by a passionate local naturalist.
Dive into diverse landscapes, from vibrant lava fields to tranquil red, black, and white sand beaches. Snorkel in the clear waters of Isla Espanola, paddle through green turtle breeding grounds, and track the elusive Galapagos hawk. Each day delivers moderate activity—hiking, swimming, and more—set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery and rare endemic wildlife.
The distinctive draw of this tour package is its unrivaled depth: you’ll explore both popular highlights and quieter sanctuaries, ensuring an authentic, comprehensive Galapagos adventure. For those who want it all—land, sea, and endless wildlife—this is the journey of a lifetime.
Sailing, yachting and motor boating
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Bartolome Island, Isla Sa
Quito, Bartolome Island, Isla Santiago, Isla Fernandina, Isla Isabela, Isla Santa Cruz, Puerto Ayora, Floreana Island, Espanola Island, San Cristobal Island, Santa Fe Island, Isla Genovesa, Rábida Island
Imagine a journey that reveals Peru from every angle: the "Peru Encompassed" tour offers a comprehensive 20-day bus trip that circles from Lima back to Lima, crossing ancient trails, vibrant cities, and off-the-beaten-path villages. This challenging itinerary invites seasoned travelers to hike the renowned Inca Trail, stand in awe at Machu Picchu, and experience a homestay with the Uru people on Lake Titicaca’s floating islands. Dive deep into the Amazon’s biodiversity, catch a sunrise over Colca Canyon as Andean condors soar, and toast your adventures with a classic pisco sour in its birthplace. Designed for those drawn to both cultural immersion and active exploration, the unique highlight of this trip is the rare opportunity to combine a trek to Machu Picchu with authentic local experiences, like the Uru homestay—providing a true insider’s perspective on Peru’s enduring traditions.
Bus toursCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Lodge, Eco Lodge, Home-stay
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Inca Trail, Lima, Puno, Cusco, P
Inca Trail, Lima, Puno, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, Mt Pisco, Nazca, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca
Picture yourself cruising amid the remarkable Galapagos Islands, where every day reveals a new wildlife wonder. The "Treasures of Galapagos: Western & Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)" tour offers a 13-day sailing adventure, starting and ending in Quito, that immerses travelers in the islands’ pristine beauty and abundant biodiversity.
From South Plaza and Isla Isabela to Isla Santa Cruz and beyond, this moderate-activity trip features snorkeling in protected coves, strolls across lava fields, and time spent with giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and sunbathing sea lions. Each stop is enhanced by the expertise of your naturalist guide, ensuring you don’t miss a single highlight, from Punta Carrion’s underwater marvels to the unique olivine sands of Punta Cormorant.
The unique selling point of this tour package is its depth of wildlife encounters—allowing you to truly absorb the natural riches of the Galapagos, both above and below the waves, all while enjoying the comforts of a small group yachting experience.
Sailing, yachting and motor boating
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Bartolome Island, Isla Sa
Quito, Bartolome Island, Isla Santiago, Isla Santa Cruz, Baltra Island, Isla Isabela, Punta Cormorant, Santa Fe Island, South Plaza Island, Espanola Island, San Cristobal Island
The Galapagos Islands are a living museum of evolution, and the Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne) trip lets you experience them up close on a 10-day wildlife cruise. Snorkel with sea lions, turtles, and penguins around Isla Santa Cruz and Bartolome, and scan the skies for rare seabirds on North Seymour. Trek volcanic landscapes, discover land iguanas, and learn from an expert naturalist guide at every stop. The trip’s standout feature is its immersive, action-packed itinerary that covers both land and sea, offering nature enthusiasts unparalleled access to the region’s biodiversity aboard a comfortable motor yacht.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Las Bachas, Isla Isabela
Quito, Las Bachas, Isla Isabela, Urbina Bay, Punta Vicente Roca, Isla Santiago, Isla Sombrero Chino, Isla Santa Cruz