South America Local culture Trips
Local culture trips in South America. Looking to explore South America on a local culture tour? We offer 50 local culture tours through-out South America, backed by over 170 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 41 days.
Page 2 of 54 Local culture Trips in South America with 173 Reviews
Argentina and Brazil Highlights
4.5
I just returned from an incredible trip to Argentina and Brazil with Contiki, and I can’t recommend it enough! The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, from the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the stunning landscapes of Rio de Janeiro. Every activity was amazing, whether we were exploring the iconic landmarks or enjoying exhilarating adventures.
The food was a highlight, with delicious local dishes that truly showcased the culture. The blend of rich traditions and friendly locals made the experience even more special. I made some great friends along the way, and our tour guide was fantastic—knowledgeable, engaging, and always ready to ensure we had the best time possible.
Overall, this trip was an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, culture, and great company. If you’re looking for a memorable travel experience, I highly recommend traveling with Contiki!
Amazon Rainforest Sustainable Experience
5
Everything went perfect. From the time I was picked up from the hotel in Manaus, the boat ride crossing the Negro and Amazon rivers, the drive from the pier to the boat ride to the resort. I was in awe of the beauty and enormity of the forest. While boating through the flooded path amidst the trees, I fell in love with the Amazon forest. Definitely coming back again.
Best of Bolivia: 15-Day Tour
5
This tour operator organized a cultural, spiritual and community immersion for me, my husband, my adult daughter and her boyfriend for 16 days in late February/early March of 2023. It was the most exciting trip I’ve taken. This is saying a lot considering I have spent a lifetime of travel, both personal and professional, focusing on Latin America.
Everything ran smoothly, even with chaotic settings and complex logistics. A big part of this was by providing us with amazing guides, starting with Jahel Amaru, who met us at the La Paz airport to whisk us across the altiplano to Oruro for its truly spectacular Carnival. Jahel is knowledgeable, patient, down-to-earth, smart patient, funny, and an extremely enjoyable person to spend time with. She guided us through the hectic Oruro Carnaval during its culminating weekend - with boundless energy and contagious enthusiasm. We had the time of our lives cheering on the colorful characters as they paraded and danced thanks to Jahel knowing exactly where to go, when, and providing invaluable context.
Community tourism (where visitors are connected with everyday Bolivians to learn about their lives) - has started to blossom in Bolivia, and this company is one of its pioneers. We got to experience it in Potosi, where we had another excellent guide, Marlene Quispe. She took us through Cerro Rico mine, which was the world’s leading supplier of silver. Marlene has close ties to mining: her brothers, parents and even she has worked there. As we ventured deeper into the earth, we learned from her about the mining process and cooperatives involved with it. She also introduced us to one of the mine's “tios” (“uncles” who are believed to protect miners), to whom she made an offering as she explained his importance.
Marlene took us to the Quechua community of Phuto Phuto, one of several in the rural district Cabanias that welcomes visitors as part of its community tourism program. Families take turns showing visitors their homes and traditions, including cooking huts with steaming pots, whose contents you later share for lunch. Marlene and one of the family members we met then led us on a beautiful hike to a spot where they invited us to participate in a ritual offering to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). It was an incredible day I will always remember.
Another wonderful community tourism experience was in the majestic Cordillera Real (Central Andean range), where we appreciated both the nature and culture of the region by staying near the town of Tuni with the multi-generational Quispe family (not related to Marlene). Family members share with guests Aymara traditions like placing fishing nets, spinning yarn, making quinoa flour, and shearing alpaca fleece. Patriarch Jaime is a charismatic host and a certified mountain guide who along with his adult son Denys, also a certified mountain guide, have expertise leading visitors of different ages and abilities. We loved staying with them!
There are a few other places that stood out on our trip:
Hostal Las Olas in Copacabana on the shore of Lake Titicaca with gorgeous, artistic “cabins” and lovely views
Templo del Retiro Espiritual Cruz Andina (the Andean Cross Spiritual Retreat Center), in Tiwanaku steps from the ruins and owned by spiritual and cultural guide Rosse Mary Vargas Vilela. It’s filled with cats and crystals and offers delicious vegetarian meals. This is not a stop for everyone, but worth visiting or staying in if you are interested in mindfulness, ancient healing, and/or new age spirituality.
Machupicchu Express: Small Group Tour
5
This was by far the best tour we made before heading out to Peru. The trip included getting picked up from Airbnb and dropped off at the Vistadome train station. Then from the train station to the bus up to Machu Picchu. There was always a guide from the tour company waiting for us. We were never left to wander what the next step was. Our guide at Machu Picchu was very knowledgeable on the history of Machu Picchu and was able to answer all our questions. After Machu Picchu it included a lunch buffet which we also enjoyed. Overall we were left with a beyond great experience.
Luxury Food and Wine Tour of Argentina & Chile in 14 days
4
Wine, gourmet cuisine, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Southern Andes await on this 14-day luxury food and wine tour through Argentina and Chile. Designed with both experienced travelers and seniors in mind, this guided journey blends sophisticated tastes with the natural wonders of Patagonia and the Lake Districts.
Start in Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America, where you’ll savor exquisite Argentine dinners paired with local wines and stroll through the city’s iconic milongas. From there, travel to Bariloche, renowned for its lakes and chocolate, and cross the majestic Andes into Chile, soaking in panoramic vistas of lakes, volcanoes, and snow-capped peaks.
Experience the authentic gaucho lifestyle in San Antonio de Areco, visiting traditional ateliers and historic pulperias in the heart of the pampas. Throughout the tour, you’ll indulge in curated wine tastings, gourmet meals, and cultural immersions designed to elevate your senses.
What makes this tour package truly unique is the seamless blend of luxury, local tradition, and natural beauty—offering guests a refined yet adventurous exploration of South America’s most celebrated regions.
Amazing Central America
Ready for a month of discovery? The 'Amazing Central America' trip offers 28 days of vibrant exploration, journeying from Antigua to Panama City. This easy-paced tour is crafted for travelers who want to delve into the region’s cultural and natural wonders, from Guatemala’s carved temples to the humming cloud forests of Monteverde. Spend three nights unwinding in the tropical paradise of Bocas del Toro and deepen your understanding of Central American cuisine with hands-on cooking lessons from locals. The standout feature of this tour package is its commitment to authentic experiences—connecting you to the heart and soul of each destination. With accommodations, transportation, meals, and expert guidance included, this cultural journey promises a seamless and insightful adventure.
Explore Peru & Bolivia
Peru and Bolivia’s dramatic landscapes and vibrant cultures unfold before you on the "Explore Peru & Bolivia" tour package—a 25-day journey from Lima to La Paz. This trip is a true epic for adventurous travelers seeking a challenging itinerary, traversing the heights of the Andes and the depths of the Amazon rainforest. You’ll stand in awe atop the world’s largest salt flats at Salar de Uyuni, cross the glittering waters of Lake Titicaca, and trek the famed Inca Trail to the legendary Machu Picchu, a city perched among the clouds. Along the way, discover the world’s highest administrative capital, La Paz, and delve into bustling markets, sharing Pisco sours and ceviche with locals. Guided throughout, this small group tour includes all accommodation, transport, and meals, ensuring a seamless experience. The standout feature? A rare combination of high-altitude wonders and immersive local encounters, making this trip a once-in-a-lifetime odyssey for those who crave both cultural depth and physical adventure.
Cafe Colombia
Coffee lovers and culture seekers alike will be enchanted by "Cafe Colombia," a nine-day tour package that journeys from bustling Bogotá to the romantic streets of Cartagena. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in Colombia’s highland coffee region, exploring Salento’s tranquil hills and learning the art of coffee roasting on a working plantation.
With a moderate activity pace, this trip is well-suited for travelers eager to balance exploration with relaxation. Discover Medellin’s vibrant nightlife, wander through colorful market towns, and soak up the Caribbean charm of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What makes this tour truly memorable is the hands-on experience of Colombia’s coffee culture—tasting, learning, and living the rhythms of daily life in the heart of the coffee triangle. It’s the perfect itinerary for anyone seeking both the urban delights and natural beauty that define Colombia’s renaissance.
Ecuador Highlands
Venture from Andean peaks to the Amazon’s edge on the "Ecuador Highlands" tour, a 9-day national parks trip for intrepid explorers. Starting and ending in Quito, you’ll hike in Cotopaxi National Park, canoe to a riverside eco-lodge, and trek through the Amazon guided by Indigenous experts. A homestay with a local family offers cultural immersion, including a Pachamanca feast and hands-on language practice. This moderate-activity tour is ideal for travelers who crave both adventure and meaningful connections. The tour’s standout feature? A rare combination of highland and rainforest experiences, topped with genuine local interaction.
Colombian Highlights
From the vibrant streets of Bogota to the sun-soaked beaches of Cartagena, Colombian Highlights is a seven-day city sightseeing tour that captures the essence of Colombia’s diversity. Begin your journey in Bogota with a thrilling cable car ride to Monserrate Hill for panoramic city views, then explore centuries-old churches and cultural hotspots.
In Medellin, the “City of Eternal Spring,” discover the city’s transformation and artistic spirit, before venturing to Penol Rock and the colorful lakeside village of Guatape. The trip culminates in Cartagena, where colonial charm meets Caribbean flair. Visit La Popa for sweeping vistas, relax on the beaches of Isla Grande, and absorb the vibrant rhythms of local festivals.
The unique highlight of this small group tour package? A seamless blend of urban exploration, natural beauty, and cultural immersion—ideal for travelers eager to experience the real Colombia in just one week.