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

Accommodations

BudgetSimple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Mid-rangeComfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
PremiumUpscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.

Ushuaia to Santiago (Ruta 40) Travel Pass

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

Embark on an unforgettable Patagonian adventure from snow-capped Ushuaia to vibrant Santiago along iconic Ruta 40. Discover pristine landscapes, immersive cultural encounters, and thrilling outdoor activities. Highlights include exploring the picturesque Glacier National Park, hiking in stunning El Chaltén, and marveling at the surreal Atacama Desert. Dive into local Argentine and Chilean traditions while indulging in exceptional gastronomy. Experience the ultimate South American journey with diverse terrains, breathtaking vistas, and memorable moments tailored for adventurous travelers.

Active and outdoor

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Villa

Age Range

18-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Santiago, Ushuaia, Pucon, El Cal

Santiago, Ushuaia, Pucon, El Calafate, El Chalten, Perito Moreno Glacier, San Carlos de Bariloche, Puerto Varas

Duration12 days

From

USD 1,394

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Best of Patagonia in 12 days

(1 review )

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

I did a very similar trip to this in March of this year and everything was just perfect. The company works with small and nice centric hotels which were just a great selection. The staff at each destination was very helpful and kind. Bariloche and Ushuaia were my favourite places in Argentina.

GlaciersNational parksExplorer

Tour Type

Independent Tour

Age Range

1-79 yrs

Operated in

english, spanish

Destinations

Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Ushua

Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Ushuaia, San Carlos de Bariloche, Perito Moreno Glacier, Villa Llao Llao, Tierra Del Fuego National Park

Duration12 days

From

USD 3,255

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Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountain 6 days

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

Join us on this 6-day tour and get the chance to enjoy both the stunning natural beauty and incredible cultural heritage of Peru. We will pick you up upon arrival at the airport in Cusco and drive you to your accommodation in the city. Go out on a guided sightseeing tour of this imperial city in the afternoon. Travel to Aguas Calientes on the second day of the trip and discover Machu Picchu with your guide on the third day. To make sure that you get your fill of this famous Inca citadel, the itinerary provides you with some free time as well. The second last day of the tour involves a trip to Rainbow Mountain. Enjoy the beauty of this unique natural heritage before travelling back to your hotel. The itinerary also includes trips to Maras, known for its archaeological ruins, and the salt pits of Moray that have been used to produce salt for centuries now. We will drive you to the airport after the trip is over. For more details, please go through the itinerary below.

Cultural, religious and historic sites

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel

Age Range

1-79 yrs

Operated in

English

Destinations

Cusco, Machu Picchu, Moray, Sacr

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

Duration6 days

From

USD 707

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Road trip in Southern Patagonia

4.9

(10 reviews )

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

Fantastic Beyond BA used Ruta 40 as a starting point then tailored it to meet our specific needs Nothing was ever too much trouble always super-responsive.

Road trip

Tour Type

Independent Tour

Age Range

25-79 yrs

Operated in

English

Destinations

El Calafate, Ushuaia, Torres del

El Calafate, Ushuaia, Torres del Paine National Park, El Chalten, Patagonia, Buenos Aires, Punta Arenas, Tierra Del Fuego, Tierra Del Fuego National Park, El Chaltén, Perito Moreno Glacier, Puerto Natales, Torres Del Paine

Duration15 days

From

USD 4,990

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South America Self Guided Tours: Into The Wild: A Costa Rican Escape, Self-drive

15% OFF TODAY

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Into The Wild: A Costa Rican Escape, Self-drive

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

Embark on a memorable 15-day journey through Costa Rica, discovering a country known for its diverse landscapes and rich natural beauty. From the bustling streets of San Jose to the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio, this itinerary takes you on a scenic drive through rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes, and tropical jungles. Begin by exploring the vibrant capital before heading to Tortuguero, a wildlife-rich paradise accessible only by boat. Continue your adventure with visits to Arenal’s majestic volcano, the geothermal wonders of Rincón de la Vieja, and the mystical cloud forests of Monteverde. Finally, unwind in the coastal beauty of Manuel Antonio, famous for its national park and stunning beaches. Whether you’re hiking through lush forests, soaking in hot springs, or simply relaxing by the beach, this self-drive program allows you to experience the diverse wonders of Costa Rica at your own pace.

Active and outdoorAdventure

Tour Type

Private Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Lodge

Age Range

6-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

San Jose, Puntarenas, Manuel Ant

San Jose, Puntarenas, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Monteverde

15% OFF TODAY

Duration15 days

From

USD 1,606

USD 1,365

Saving

USD 241

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A taste of the Caribbean

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

This trip is a dreamy experience that will take you through the wonders of the Costa Rican Caribbean and will leave you breathless at every step of the way! Imagine immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of San José, the cosmopolitan capital that invites you to discover its cultural and gastronomic treasures. Then, get ready to delve into the tropical jungle of Tortuguero, where you'll come face to face with the majesty of sea turtles nesting on the beach and venture on exciting excursions through the lush jungle canals. But wait, there's more! In Puerto Viejo, you'll witness the unique fusion of Afro-Caribbean and Latin American cultures, while surrendering to the serenity of its white sand beaches and exploring the amazing biodiversity of the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. This trip is much more than just a vacation; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the essence of the Costa Rican Caribbean, where adventure, nature, and culture intertwine in an exciting journey that will leave an indelible impression on your heart.

Trekking and Hiking

Tour Type

Independent Tour

Accommodation

Bungalow, Hotel

Age Range

1-79 yrs

Operated in

english, spanish

Destinations

Tortuguero National Park, Puerto

Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, San Jose, Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo De Sarapiqui, Gandoca

Duration8 days

From

USD 1,520

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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

Duration9 days

From

USD 2,153

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South America Self Guided Tours: Complete Costa Rica 15 Days

15% OFF TODAY

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Complete Costa Rica 15 Days

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

Uncover essential Costa Rica during this fifteen-day exotic adventure. Beginning and ending in the capital, San Jose, this tour offers you the chance to discover different aspects of this emblematic destination. Visit the most predominant natural areas of Costa Rica, including the Arenal Volcano National Park, and the cloud forest of Monteverde. Spend precious time visiting the Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most stunning conservation areas on the planet. During the trip, keep an eye out for a variety of animals, bugs, as well as plants and don’t forget to mingle with the friendly locals for a versatile experience.

Active and outdoorBeach

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Lodge, Villa

Age Range

6-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

San Jose, Monteverde, Manuel Ant

San Jose, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Arenal

15% OFF TODAY

Duration15 days

From

USD 2,102

USD 1,787

Saving

USD 315

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South America Self Guided Tours: Magic Costa Rica 9 Days, Self-drive

15% OFF TODAY

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Magic Costa Rica 9 Days, Self-drive

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

Enjoy the highlights of Costa Rica on this nine-day itinerary. Beginning and ending in the capital, San Jose, this tour offers you the chance to discover different aspects of this emblematic destination. Visit the most predominant natural areas of Costa Rica, such as Arenal Volcano National Park, and spend precious time in mesmerising Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most famous beaches. Enjoy the comfort of the rented car for part of the tour so you can explore on your own the Guanacaste province which has so much to offer.

Active and outdoorBeach

Tour Type

Private Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Lodge

Age Range

6-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, Tamarindo

15% OFF TODAY

Duration9 days

From

USD 1,130

USD 961

Saving

USD 170

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South America Self Guided Tours: Magic Costa Rica 9 Days

15% OFF TODAY

Super Sales

Magic Costa Rica 9 Days

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

Active and outdoor

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Lodge

Age Range

6-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

San Jose, Tortuguero National Pa

San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Tamarindo

15% OFF TODAY

Duration9 days

From

USD 1,222

USD 1,039

Saving

USD 183

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Patagonian Explorer Cruise

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

This land and cruise tour will take you to see the marvels of two iconic South American cities and to the Fjords of Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia. Start this adventure in Santiago, a beautiful cosmopolitan city where you will see Santiago’s most important sites like Plaza de Armas, Modena Palace, Santa Lucía Hill and Barrio Lastarria, the latest is famous for the cultural, inherited and gastronomical options. Continue to Punta Arenas from where you will board your cruise to explore Patagonia. During this cruise you will see the fjords of the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego. Sail the Strait of Magellan into the labyrinth of channels from where you will see the highlights and most important sites and glaciers of the region, you will also visit Wulaia Bay and Cape Horn, known as the “End of the Earth”. After this wonderful cruise in Patagonia, you will disembark in Ushuaia from where you will fly to your last stop, Buenos Aires where you’ll have the chance to explore many of the city’s intriguing and varied neighbourhoods and learn about their culture and history before your tour ends.

CruiseCity sightseeing

Tour Type

Independent Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Ship Cabin

Age Range

8-99 yrs

Operated in

English

Destinations

Buenos Aires, Punta Arenas, Ushu

Buenos Aires, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Wulaia Bay, Pia Glacier, Cóndor Glacier, Santiago

Duration6 days

From

USD 3,097

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Cruising Fjords of Tierra Del Fuego

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

This 07-day land and cruise tour will take you to see the marvels of two iconic South American cities and to the Fjords of Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia. Start this adventure in Santiago, a beautiful cosmopolitan city where you will see Santiago’s most important sites like Plaza de Armas, Modena Palace, Santa Lucía Hill and Barrio Lastarria, the latest is famous for the cultural, inherited and gastronomical options. Continue to Punta Arenas from where you will board your cruise to explore Patagonia. During this cruise you will see the fjords of the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego. Sail the Strait of Magellan into the labyrinth of channels from where you will see the highlights and most important sites and glaciers of the region, you will also visit Wulaia Bay and Cape Horn, known as the “End of the Earth”. After this wonderful cruise in Patagonia, you will disembark in Ushuaia from where you will fly to your last stop, Buenos Aires where you’ll have the chance to explore many of the city’s intriguing and varied neighbourhoods and learn about their culture and history before your tour ends.

Cruise

Tour Type

Independent Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Ship Cabin

Age Range

8-99 yrs

Operated in

English

Destinations

Buenos Aires, Punta Arenas, Glac

Buenos Aires, Punta Arenas, Glacier Alley, Cape Horn

Duration6 days

From

USD 2,834

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Wonders of Peru

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

Discover sacred Incan sites, colonial wonders, and mysterious Nazca lines with this tour of Peru! Begin your journey in Lima, the Peruvian capital known as the Gastronomic Capital of the Americas where you may taste the exquisite cuisine. Catch a flight to Cusco and enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andes Mountains. Travel through the Sacred Valley of Peru and visit Awanacancha to see the local llamas and alpacas and discover the traditional weaving and dyeing techniques of the locals. Explore Ollantaytambo, an ancient archaeological complex for the Incas, and travel to Aguas Calientes. Take a bus to Machu Picchu to discover the Lost City of the Incas. Head back to Cusco and fly to Paracas, home to a breathtaking National Reserve and the perfect place from where you can see the Nazca Lines. Take the bus back to Lima where you will end your tour of Peru!

Cultural, religious and historic sites

Tour Type

Independent Tour

Accommodation

Hotel

Age Range

8-99 yrs

Operated in

English

Destinations

Lima, Aguas Calientes, Sacred Va

Lima, Aguas Calientes, Sacred Valley, Ica, Cusco, Paracas

Duration8 days

From

USD 1,627

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South America Self Guided Tours: Beaches And Nature With Tambor, Self-drive

15% OFF TODAY

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Beaches And Nature With Tambor, Self-drive

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

This comprehensive 15-day tour takes you to some of the most exotic and picturesque areas of the stunning country of Costa Rica. Relax on the sunny shores of Tambor as well as throughout the tour, enjoy an unforgettable excursion in Tortuguero, in a shared shuttle and boat, and take advantage of the freedom to choose optional excursions in the different destinations. From soft sandy beaches to fascinating cloud forests and vibrant volcanoes, this memorable tour will allow you to discover the real Costa Rica while experiencing its incredible wildlife and interesting culture.

Active and outdoor

Tour Type

Private Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Eco Lodge, Lodge, Resort

Age Range

6-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Liberia City, Tamarindo Beach, S

Liberia City, Tamarindo Beach, Sarapiqui, Arenal, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Samara Beach, Tambor Beach, San Jose, Tortuguero, Tortuguero National Park

15% OFF TODAY

Duration15 days

From

USD 2,302

USD 1,957

Saving

USD 345

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All South America Self-Guided Tours and Trips

Page 7 of 108 Self Guided Trips in South America with 106 Reviews

Page 7 of 108 Self Guided Trips in South America with 106 Reviews

Ushuaia to Santiago (Ruta 40) Travel Pass

Best of Patagonia in 12 days

Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountain 6 days

Road trip in Southern Patagonia

Into The Wild: A Costa Rican Escape, Self-drive

A taste of the Caribbean

Rainforest, volcano and beach

Complete Costa Rica 15 Days

Magic Costa Rica 9 Days, Self-drive

Magic Costa Rica 9 Days

Patagonian Explorer Cruise

Cruising Fjords of Tierra Del Fuego

Wonders of Peru

Beaches And Nature With Tambor, Self-drive

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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 Self-Guided Tours and Trips

Page 7 of 108 Self Guided Trips in South America with 106 Reviews

Page 7 of 108 Self Guided Trips in South America with 106 Reviews