THE 10 BEST South America Tours for Experienced Travelers 2025/2026

Nature and Culture in Ecuador

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

Discover Ecuador's rich culture and breathtaking landscapes on this unforgettable tour. Begin in the historic heart of Quito, exploring its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant streets. Delight in a unique chocolate experience, savoring Ecuador's finest cacao. Next, venture to the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands. Witness the incredible wildlife of Santa Cruz and Isabela Island, from giant tortoises to playful sea lions, and embark on exhilarating hikes up volcanic craters. Conclude your journey in Guayaquil, where the bustling cityscape meets the serene River Guayas. Explore the iconic Malecon 2000 Boardwalk and the historic Santa Ana Hill. This adventure promises a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture, making for an extraordinary experience in Ecuador. For more details, please see the itinerary section below. .

Marine wildlife

Tour Type

Private Tour

Age Range

1-80 yrs

Operated in

english, spanish

Destinations

Quito, Galapagos Islands, Guayaq

Quito, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, Baltra Island, Isla Isabela, Sierra Negra

Duration10 days

From

USD 4,815

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Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil Discovery

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

Treat yourself to the finer things in life as you sip Copacabana Beach cocktails in Rio, shop the Tango District antique markets in Buenos Aires and unwind at a spa hotel, overlooking the mists of the Iguazú Falls in Argentina. In the vineyards of Juanicó winery, stop to sample the flavours of Uruguay’s revered wine region. Cross the Rio de la Plata to explore the UNESCO World heritage city of Colonia del Sacramento, before journeying onwards to Iguassu Falls and on to Rio de Janeiro. Follow in the footsteps of your Local Expert for an exclusive guided tour of the Rio Botanical Garden, a precious collection of the world’s oldest trees and exotic orchids.

City sightseeing

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Luxury Hotel

Age Range

5-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Mo

Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, Iguassu National Park, Iguassu Falls

Duration11 days

From

USD 6,504

USD 6,309

Saving

USD 195

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Ecuador & Peru Classic 10 Days

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through Ecuador and Peru. Start in Quito, exploring its historic sites and stunning viewpoints. Discover the majestic Cotopaxi National Park and the ancient Ingapirca Archaeological Complex. Experience the cultural richness of Cuenca and the vibrant city of Guayaquil. Then, fly to Cusco, where you'll delve into Inca history and visit the Sacred Valley's remarkable ruins. Conclude your adventure with an unforgettable tour of Machu Picchu, before exploring Lima’s historic center. This tour combines breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences in two incredible countries. For more details, check out the itinerary section.

City sightseeing

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Age Range

10-79 yrs

Operated in

english, spanish

Destinations

Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, Lima

Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, Lima, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Aguas Calientes, Sacred Valley, Cotopaxi National Park, Riobamba

Duration10 days

From

USD 2,950

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Discover Ecuador Tour 17 Days

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

From the colonial charm of Quito's Old Town to the breathtaking heights of Chimborazo and the lush depths of the Amazon Rainforest, this tour is designed to immerse you in the country’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Your adventure begins in Quito, where you’ll explore its historic center and visit the Equator line. From there, journey to Otavalo’s vibrant markets and hike around Cuicocha Lake before heading into the Amazon, where you’ll navigate rivers, visit an animal rescue center, and experience the traditions of the indigenous Quichua people. Continuing south, you’ll marvel at the towering peaks of Chimborazo, explore the ancient ruins of Ingapirca, and wander the cobbled streets of Cuenca. The tour then takes you to the coastal city of Guayaquil and the pristine Isla de la Plata, where you’ll spot exotic wildlife and, if lucky, migrating whales. With a mix of guided experiences and free time to explore, this adventure blends culture, nature, and adventure, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Ecuador. For more details, see the itinerary section.

City sightseeing

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Age Range

18-68 yrs

Operated in

english, spanish

Destinations

Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Banos

Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Banos, Otavalo, Puerto Lopez, Amazon Ecuador, Chimborazo, Isla De La Plata, Tena

Duration17 days

From

USD 2,200

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Peru Express 5 Days Tour

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

This is the best option if you are looking for a last-minute Peru Tour that cover several scenic sites and the heritage of the long lost Inca Empire. Visit unique places and get to know about the Incan culture. Explore Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Maras. Balance just the right amount of time on these and other enduring sites as you discover the best the country has to offer. The ancient Inca Trail, the mysterious Machu Picchu, and the sweeping vistas of the rugged Andean Mountains are some of the few highlights of this five-day tour. See the itinerary section below for more details.

Cultural, religious and historic sites

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Age Range

13-75 yrs

Operated in

english, spanish

Destinations

Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lima, Aguas

Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lima, Aguas Calientes, Sacred Valley

Duration5 days

From

USD 1,750

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Lost City Trek and Cartagena 8 Days

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

From the vibrant streets of Santa Marta to the ancient ruins of the Lost City, embark on an unforgettable journey through Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Your adventure begins with a scenic flight to Santa Marta, where you can explore the city at your own pace or unwind by the beach. Next, immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Tayrona National Park. A rewarding hike through lush jungles leads to stunning beaches like Cabo San Juan, Arrecife, and La Piscina—perfect for relaxation and exploration. Then, brace yourself for one of South America’s most incredible hikes: the Lost City trek. Over several days, you'll navigate dense forests, cross rivers, and engage with indigenous communities before ascending 1,200 stone steps to reach this sacred archaeological wonder. Each night, you'll stay in rustic camps, embracing the raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Finally, return to comfort in Santa Marta before heading to Cartagena. Along the way, enjoy coastal views, a stop in Barranquilla, and a guided exploration of Cartagena’s historic sites.

City sightseeingBeach

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Age Range

18-70 yrs

Operated in

english, spanish

Destinations

Bogota, Cartagena, Santa Marta

Bogota, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Sierra Nevada del Cocuy, Tayrona National Park, Lost City, El Mamey

Duration8 days

From

USD 1,299

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Ecuador Shaman and Spiritual 3-Day Tour

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

Embark on a transformative journey from Quito into the heart of the Amazon. As we travel through the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes and the rainforest, each stop along the way offers a glimpse into Ecuador’s diverse beauty. Led by expert guides, walk muddy trails, listen to the vibrant sounds of the rainforest, and search for elusive wildlife in this lush, untamed paradise. Finally, prepare for a profound experience—the Ayahuasca ceremony. This sacred ritual, guided by an experienced shaman, offers spiritual insight, self-discovery, and a deep connection with nature. This is more than a tour—it’s an awakening.

Cultural, religious and historic sites

Tour Type

Private Tour

Age Range

23-65 yrs

Operated in

english, spanish

Destinations

Quito, Amazon Ecuador

Duration3 days

From

USD 1,250

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GalaPicchu Insiders 10 Days Tour

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

Get ready for an unforgettable journey through Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, and Peru. Over 10 days, you’ll explore breathtaking landscapes, encounter unique wildlife, and immerse yourself in rich cultural heritage. Your adventure begins in Quito, Ecuador, where colonial charm meets modern vibrancy. From there, you’ll fly to the Galapagos Islands, a natural wonderland teeming with wildlife. Kayak alongside sea lions, snorkel with hammerhead sharks, and hike volcanic trails. Next, travel to Peru, where you’ll uncover the mysteries of the Inca Empire. Explore Cusco’s ancient ruins, marvel at the Sacred Valley, and stand in awe of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Your journey concludes in Lima, where history and culture come alive in its vibrant streets.

SnorkelingCity sightseeing

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Age Range

8-79 yrs

Operated in

english, spanish

Destinations

Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, Lima

Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, Lima, Guayaquil, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Aguas Calientes, Isla Santa Cruz, San Cristobal Island, Bartolome Island

Duration10 days

From

USD 3,350

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The Galápagos: Wildlife of Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

Picture sunset cocktails, snorkelling with wildlife, kayaking in turquoise waters off of pristine beaches and spending time tucked away in a boutique hotel overlooking some of the most impressive scenery in all of the Galápagos Islands. The perfect balance of activities, wildlife and free time, this eight-day adventure is packed full of the essential highlights and local flavours of Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. Stay active in the water and on land with snorkelling excursions and walks along diverse coastal terrain. Savour deliciously fresh cuisine and have lunch at a private reserve featuring giant tortoises in the wild. You’ll learn how important this fascinating, diverse, remote span of islands is to the world, all while hitting the reset button during a tropical island getaway.

Explorer

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel

Age Range

18-100 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isabel

Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz

Duration8 days

From

USD 4,599

USD 4,461

Saving

USD 138

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14% OFF TODAY

Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

Take the fastest route to Antarctica – a three-hour flight – and enjoy your first glimpse of the continent from the air, a unique introduction to the vast and dramatic landscape that remains one of the last unspoiled regions in the world. Continue your journey on ship, where an adventure beyond your wildest imagination awaits. Later, return through the world’s most legendary – and exciting – passage of water, as you follow the path of historic explorers across the infamous Drake Passage. Expect the unexpected and be rewarded with unique wildlife and natural attractions, each highlight surpassing the last. Marvel at the contrast of a desolate landscape inhabited by abundant wildlife including curious, playful penguins and seals. And embrace the excitement of standing on the continent for the very first time.

Cruise

Tour Type

Cruise Tour

Accommodation

Ship Cabin, Hotel, Yacht Cabin

Age Range

8-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Antarctic Peninsula

14% OFF TODAY

Duration10 days

From

USD 16,395

USD 14,018

Saving

USD 2,377

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14% OFF TODAY

Antarctic Express: Sail South, Fly North

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

Revel in the excitement of crossing the famed Drake Passage after embarking from Ushuaia, with the convenience of a northbound return flight at the end of your expedition. Minke and humpback whales or Adélie penguins floating on ice floes may greet you as you pass, enroute to the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The surreal silence in this vast wilderness may at first overwhelm, but playful, charismatic wildlife and your intrepid traveling companions keep you grounded. You’ll develop a new appreciation and understanding of Antarctica’s extreme contrasts - harsh, rugged mountain peaks and fragile ecosystems; stark, lonely icescapes and populous, gregarious penguins.

Cruise

Tour Type

Cruise Tour

Accommodation

Ship Cabin, Hotel, Yacht Cabin

Age Range

8-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Drake Pas

Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands

14% OFF TODAY

Duration10 days

From

USD 16,195

USD 13,847

Saving

USD 2,348

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14% OFF TODAY

Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

We made polar history in 2004 at Snow Hill Island. We were the first to reach its Emperor penguin rookery, offering one of the most exclusive wildlife encounters on the planet. Our Expedition Team has the deepest experience in the industry, bringing more people on more successful Snow Hill landings than anyone else. We invite you to share in the legacy and the true spirit of the explorer; embracing the unexpected, and pursuing one of the most jaw-dropping experiences imaginable. Experience a true polar quest as we journey on our new ship, Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters that will fly guests to the vicinity of this rarely-visited rookery, whereupon they will walk across the thick sea ice to stand within metres of the most coveted penguin species on the planet. Anticipate scenes reminiscent of “March of the Penguins” and BBC’s “Frozen Planet.” Just imagine the penguins tobogganing across the ice towards the sea. Such wildlife moments are too precious for words! Celebrate Snow Hill’s majestic moments on ice, alongside more than 4,000 pairs of breeding Emperor penguins and their chicks. Revel in the once-in-a-lifetime wonders of the Weddell Sea, and set foot on the seventh continent’s eastern Peninsula. Join us at Snow Hill. Be part of a legendary story, and write one of your own.

Cruise

Tour Type

Cruise Tour

Accommodation

Ship Cabin, Hotel, Hut

Age Range

8-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Pas

Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Weddell Sea, Snow Hill

14% OFF TODAY

Duration14 days

From

USD 28,595

USD 24,449

Saving

USD 4,146

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South America Experienced Travelers Trips: Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North

32% OFF TODAY

Super Sales

Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

Take the fastest route to Antarctica – a three-hour flight – and enjoy your first glimpse of the continent from the air, a unique introduction to the vast and dramatic landscape. Continue your journey on ship, where an adventure beyond your wildest imagination awaits. Later, return through the world’s most legendary – and exciting – passage of water, as you follow the path of historic explorers across the Drake Passage. Expect the unexpected and be rewarded with unique wildlife and natural attractions, each highlight surpassing the last. Marvel at the contrast of a desolate landscape inhabited by abundant wildlife including curious, playful penguins and seals.

Polar expeditions and cruise

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodation

Ship Cabin, Hotel

Age Range

18-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Drake Pas

Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands

32% OFF TODAY

Duration13 days

From

USD 18,995

USD 12,897

Saving

USD 6,098

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Super Sales

Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

In 2004, Quark Expeditions made Polar history when they conducted the first-ever ground visit to the remote Emperor penguin colony near Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. Driven by a true expeditionary spirit—and guided by years of Polar expertise—the team sailed past masses of dense ice and thick, tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea to experience the legendary rookery, which now numbers 8,000 breeding pairs of Emperor penguins. Today, it is one of the most exclusive wildlife viewing experiences on the planet. We invite you—almost two decades after our milestone visit of 2004—to embrace the thrill of the search as we once again set out to visit to the emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island. Experience a true Polar quest as we journey on our new ship, Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters that will fly guests to the vicinity of this rarely-visited rookery, whereupon they will walk across the thick sea ice to stand within metres of the most coveted penguin species on the planet. Anticipate scenes reminiscent of “March of the Penguins” and BBC’s “Frozen Planet.” Just imagine the penguins tobogganing across the ice towards the sea. Such wildlife moments are too precious for words!

Polar expeditions and cruise

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Hut, Ship Cabin

Age Range

18-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Ushuaia, Buenos Aires, Drake Pas

Ushuaia, Buenos Aires, Drake Passage, Weddell Island

Duration14 days

From

USD 23,390

USD 22,688

Saving

USD 702

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All South America Tours for Experienced Travelers

Page 36 of 698 Experienced Travelers Trips in South America with 2,157 Reviews

Nature and Culture in Ecuador

Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil Discovery

Ecuador & Peru Classic 10 Days

Discover Ecuador Tour 17 Days

Peru Express 5 Days Tour

Lost City Trek and Cartagena 8 Days

Ecuador Shaman and Spiritual 3-Day Tour

GalaPicchu Insiders 10 Days Tour

The Galápagos: Wildlife of Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands

Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North

Antarctic Express: Sail South, Fly North

Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill

Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North

Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill

Page 36 of 698 Experienced Travelers Trips in South America with 2,157 Reviews

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

All South America Tours for Experienced Travelers

Page 36 of 698 Experienced Travelers Trips in South America with 2,157 Reviews

Page 36 of 698 Experienced Travelers Trips in South America with 2,157 Reviews