THE 10 BEST Self-guided & Independent Tours and Trips in South America 2025/2026

South America Self Guided Tours: Lima To Rio De Janeiro (via Uruguay & Pantanal) Travel Pass

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Lima to Rio de Janeiro (via Uruguay & Pantanal) Travel Pass

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Embark on an unforgettable journey from the vibrant streets of Lima to the spectacular sights of Rio de Janeiro, exploring hidden gems in Uruguay and the wildlife-rich Pantanal along the way. Experience authentic local culture, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling adventures, including Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, and Pantanal safaris. Each stop offers unique opportunities to immerse in the region’s diversity, from sun-soaked beaches to lush rainforests, ensuring an epic South American adventure. Perfect for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers alike!

ExplorerBicycle tours

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodation

Home-stay, Hostel, Hut, Bungalow, Hotel, Lodge, Villa

Age Range

18-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Luquina, A

Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Luquina, Arequipa, Cuzco, Puno, Copacabana, La Paz, Paracas, Candelaria, Polques, Uyuni, Potosi, Sucre, Puerto Quijarro, Corumba, Pantanal, Bonito, Campo Grande, Foz Do Iguacu, Ica, Puerto Iguazu, Buenos Aires, Colonia, Montevideo, Punta Del Este, Huacachina, Florianopolis, Sao Paulo, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Nazca, Colca Canyon

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Duration60 days

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South America Self Guided Tours: Rainforest, Volcano And Beach

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Rainforest, volcano and beach

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

Embark on a leisurely journey through Costa Rica's most iconic national parks: Tortuguero and Manuel Antonio national parks. This privacy-focused trip allows ample time for exploration while ensuring you don't miss out on the natural wonders each destination offers. Begin in Tortuguero, a remote paradise dubbed the "Amazon of Costa Rica." Here, immerse yourself in lush rainforests, winding waterways, and pristine beaches. Witness the nesting of endangered sea turtles, a rare spectacle found in few places around the globe. Next, head to Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its breathtaking beaches and abundant wildlife. Explore the trails of park, where monkeys swing through trees and colorful birds soar overhead. Relax on tranquil coves or venture into azure waters for a refreshing swim. Throughout your journey, enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience filled with privacy, tranquility, and the beauty of Costa Rica's national parks.

Trekking and HikingVolcanoes

Tour Type

Independent Tour

Accommodation

Hotel

Age Range

1-79 yrs

Operated in

English

Destinations

Manuel Antonio National Park, To

Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, Manuel Antonio

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Duration9 days

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South America Self Guided Tours: Quito Day Tour: Otavalo Market (full Day)

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Quito Day Tour: Otavalo Market (full day)

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This full-day excursion is the perfect way to experience the charm of Ecuador's Otavalo Market and surrounding areas. Explore Otavalo, a vibrant city surrounded by picturesque mountains, to wander the market and admire all of its beautiful handicrafts. Continue to the nearby town of Cotacachi to browse the leather shops before a visit to Peguche Waterfall or Cuicocha Lake on the way back to Quito.

Explorer

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel

Age Range

12-100 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Otavalo

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Duration1 day

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South America Self Guided Tours: Quito Day Tour: Cotopaxi (full Day)

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Quito Day Tour: Cotopaxi (full day)

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Explore Cotopaxi National Park with a full-day excursion. Admire the Cotopaxi volcano and the stunning plateau on which it sits — you might even see wild horses grazing! All ages are welcome to hike the glacier, and experienced cyclists can opt to bike.

Explorer

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel

Age Range

14-100 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Cotopaxi National Park

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Duration1 day

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South America Self Guided Tours: Volcanoes Adventure

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Volcanoes Adventure

Trip customizable

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Immerse yourself in the essence of Costa Rica on this exciting 9-day journey that will take you to explore the natural beauty and majesty in the surrounding areas of four of the country's most prominent volcanoes: the imposing Irazú Volcano in Cartago, the majestic Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna area, thee intriguing Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste, and the famous Poás Volcano. Get ready to embark on this adventure as you enjoy the landscapes full of biodiversity that only Costa Rica can offer. In this volcano adventure trip, you will have the opportunity to visit some destinations with different volcano landscapes and hikes within the national parks.

Trekking and HikingVolcanoes

Tour Type

Independent Tour

Accommodation

Hotel

Age Range

5-79 yrs

Operated in

english, spanish

Destinations

San Jose, Arenal Volcano, Rincon

San Jose, Arenal Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Poas Volcano, Irazú Volcano, Arenal, La Paz Waterfall, Juan Santamaria

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Duration9 days

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South America Self Guided Tours: Sao Paulo, Rio De Janeiro & Iguazu Falls

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Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro & Iguazu Falls

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

Embark on an unforgettable 9-day journey through Brazil’s most iconic destinations: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Iguazu Falls. Start your adventure in São Paulo, Brazil's vibrant financial hub and cultural capital, where the bustling streets are alive with diverse culinary delights, world-class museums, and eclectic neighborhoods. Next, head to Rio de Janeiro, a dazzling coastal city renowned for its stunning beaches—Copacabana and Ipanema—the awe-inspiring 38-meter-high Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Hill, and the panoramic views from Sugar Loaf Mountain, accessible via thrilling cable car rides. Your journey culminates at the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, a natural wonder straddling the border between Brazil and Argentina. Marvel at the sheer power and beauty of 275 individual waterfalls, with the tallest, the 80-meter Devil’s Throat, offering an unforgettable spectacle. Iguazu Falls is truly one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a must-visit on any South American itinerary. This tour promises a perfect blend of urban excitement, natural beauty, and cultural immersion, showcasing the very best of Brazil’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities.

Rainforest and jungle visits

Tour Type

Independent Tour

Age Range

1-79 yrs

Operated in

english, spanish

Destinations

Iguazu Falls, Sao Paulo, Rio de

Iguazu Falls, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls National Park, Foz De Iguazú, Foz Do Iguacu, Puerto Iguazu

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Duration9 days

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South America Self Guided Tours: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

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Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

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Challenge. Desolation. Unlimited wonder. It’s not difficult to grasp what attracted the great explorers to Antarctica. Get a personal appreciation for the struggle to tame the bottom of the world on this 22-day adventure to the land that entranced Ernest Shackleton and countless others since. Down here, you’ll explore the Falkland Islands, encounter abandoned whaling stations on South Georgia Island, and pay your respects at Shackleton’s grave. Elsewhere, you’ll catch up with penguins (king, chinstrap, gentoo, and Adélie varieties), learn all about them through daily lectures, get close to whales and cavorting seals from a Zodiac boat, and keep an eye peeled for towering icebergs and massive glaciers. Prepare to be astonished.

Photography toursWildlife

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Ship Cabin

Age Range

10-100 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Ushuaia, Montevideo, South Georg

Ushuaia, Montevideo, South Georgia, South Shetland Islands, Drake Passage, Falkland Islands, Stanley

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Duration22 days

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South America Self Guided Tours: Spirit Of Shackleton

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Spirit of Shackleton

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Experience vast penguin rookeries and seal colonies on this awe-inspiring voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. This 21-day voyage illuminates Ernest Shackleton’s legend and recounts his courageous exploration of Antarctica. You’ll visit historical sites of past explorers, as well as Shackleton’s final resting place — the wildlife-rich island of South Georgia. Antarctica is beyond comprehension and sure to amaze any traveller seeking a true adventure to the world’s most remote wilderness.

Photography toursWildlife

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Ship Cabin

Age Range

10-100 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, Dr

Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, Beagle Channel Cruise, Falkland Islands, South Georgia

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Duration21 days

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South America Self Guided Tours: The Best Of Argentina

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The best of Argentina

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

In this 16 day tour in Argentina you will discovery the most amazing destination of Argentina. You travel from the Jungle and north of Argentina to El Calafate and its Perito Moreno Glacier and Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. On this trip, you’ll see the highlights of one of South America’s most beautiful countries. We know that Argentina is a very big country and sometimes it is difficult to select which destination to visit. On this tour the group of our travel experts selected those places that you can not miss if you are travelling to Argentina: Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Salta and Purmamarca, El Calafate and Ushuaia.

Explorer

Tour Type

Independent Tour

Age Range

1-99 yrs

Operated in

english, spanish

Destinations

Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, El C

Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, El Calafate, Ushuaia, Salta, Purmamarca, Perito Moreno Glacier, Beagle Channel Cruise, Tierra Del Fuego National Park, Iguazu Falls, Salinas

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Duration16 days

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South America Self Guided Tours: Self Drive Costa Rica - 14 Days

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Self Drive Costa Rica - 14 days

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

PRIVATE SELF-DRIVE TOUR: Discover Costa Rica on this 14-day road trip that starts in lively San José and winds through the country’s most stunning regions. Journey to the Caribbean coast for sun-soaked beaches and wildlife in Puerto Viejo and Cahuita. Head inland to La Fortuna for rainforest adventures and views of Arenal Volcano, then explore the misty cloud forests of Monteverde. Continue to Rincon de la Vieja for volcanic hikes and hot springs before ending on Tamarindo’s laid-back Pacific shores. With scenic drives, exotic wildlife, and a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

Explorer

Tour Type

Private Tour

Accommodation

Hotel

Age Range

18-80 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

San Jose, Tamarindo, Puerto Viej

San Jose, Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo De Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park

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Duration14 days

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South America Self-Guided Tours and Trips

Page 3 of 31 Self Guided Trips in South America with 50 Reviews

Lima to Rio de Janeiro (via Uruguay & Pantanal) Travel Pass

Rainforest, volcano and beach

Quito Day Tour: Otavalo Market (full day)

Quito Day Tour: Cotopaxi (full day)

Volcanoes Adventure

Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro & Iguazu Falls

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Spirit of Shackleton

The best of Argentina

Self Drive Costa Rica - 14 days

Page 3 of 31 Self Guided Trips in South America with 50 Reviews

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Food, wine, events and nightlife

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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

South America Self-Guided Tours and Trips

Page 3 of 31 Self Guided Trips in South America with 50 Reviews

Page 3 of 31 Self Guided Trips in South America with 50 Reviews