South America has a lot to offer, with stunning peaks and ethereal salt flats. Whether you want to hike through the rainforest in Brazil, cruise among fjords in Chile or kayak with sea turtles in Argentina, there's something to suit every adventure traveler here.
South American vacations are full of adventure, but also include cultural immersion and exploration of other cultures. Hike mystical Machu Picchu, delve into the Amazon rainforest and visit the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca on our award-winning Latin America adventure tours.
We recommend spending at least 2 weeks in each country, depending on your timeframe. This will give you time to discover the highlights without feeling rushed.
Bolivia is a great start point for an adventurous South America itinerary. The country is home the Uyuni Salt Flats, an ethereal place where you can stargaze as well as watch the Milkyway over the vast desert. A bike ride along Death Road is a great option, as it crosses the Bolivian altiplano.
Peru is another excellent choice for a 3-week South America vacation. It is a beautiful country, rich in culture, with vibrant colonial cities, colourful mountains, and the remains of an ancient pre-Incan civilisation. You can start in Cusco, a UNESCO-listed world heritage city. From there you can trek to Machu Picchu, the impressive Inca Empire site.
For those looking for adventure, a trip out to Peru's Lake Titicaca is a great option. This is where the Uro people construct their reed islands. They live on top. Taquile Island is also a great place to see the lake and buy hand-knit Peruvian textiles.
Our knowledgeable guides will ensure you enjoy the best of South America's experience, whether it be exploring ancient ruins or bustling towns and cities. We offer customized tours to South America that can be tailored to your travel style, pace, and schedule.
The Atacama National Desert is a beautiful place to begin your 3-week South American trip. It boasts unique landscapes, and an almost lunar-like terrain. The desert is located outside San Pedro de Atacama. There are day trips available that include geysers, which release water into air.
Alternativly, you could choose Bolivia over Peru and visit La Paz. There you will see Salar de Uyuni. You can also take a tour of Isla Incahuasi (a cactus island that rises from the salt flats). This is one of the most impressive sites in South America and will be a highlight of your trip.
If you have enough time, you can extend your Ecuador trip and spend more time in Quito. The capital is a beautiful city, and you can search for hummingbirds in the cloud forest or swim in waterfalls before heading to Nazca to discover the ruins of ancient Mayan civilisations. You can also make a day trip from Quito to Mindo. It is only a few hour's drive away.