South America Tours & Vacations

South America is a unique and diverse continent comprising 12 countries, each with its own distinct heritage, history, culture, landscapes, and attractions. South America includes Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Explore our South America tour packages in the following top destinations:

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Chile
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Peru

South America is a long continent with the climate of the northern top differing greatly from the weather at the southern tip. The best time to visit South America is in the Southern Hemisphere’s fall, from April to May, or in the Southern Hemisphere’s spring, from September to November.

By the Southern Hemisphere’s winter from June to August, regions like Patagonia may be too cold or full of snow to visit. In the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to February, many of the tropical destinations experience intense rainfall during the wet season.

During the Southern Hemisphere’s fall and spring, you have the best opportunity to explore the variety of countries, cities, historical sites, and scenery with excellent weather.

South America is famous for its incredible natural landscapes and countries with remarkable heritage.

Home to the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Rainforest, the Galapagos Islands, Patagonia, and some of the world’s best beaches, South America makes an unforgettable impression as an ancient work of natural art.

The impressive skylines shaped by mountain peaks and vast plains only add to the beautiful remains of ancient civilizations and contemporary cultures.

With its stunning mix of cultures, remarkable landscapes, and iconic attractions, anywhere you visit in South America is a great choice. Every country has its own unforgettable destinations, but some of the best places to visit in South America include:

• Ecuador: From the colorful flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest to the conical peak of Cotopaxi volcano, visiting the Equatorial Line, to cruising the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is packed with exciting experiences unlike anywhere else in the world.
• Peru: Follow the Inca along the trail to Machu Picchu, witness the incredible images carved into the desert at the Nazca Lines, and step onto a floating island at Lake Titicaca to discover Peru’s alluring and fascinating diversity.

Patagonia: Relax or take an adventure in one of the world’s most intense landscapes of endless plains, jagged mountains, and the subantarctic coastline of Patagonia, where you can find unique culture, search for penguins, or embrace luxurious seclusion.

From finding exceptional beaches to witnessing the exclusive wildlife, exploring ancient culture to sampling the mouthwatering cuisine, South America has limitless experiences.

Enjoy your interests as you immerse yourself in your favorite destinations with some of our top things to do in South America:

• Trek the Inca Trail on a multi-day excursion before arriving in the famous Forgotten City of Machu Picchu
• Witness the wonders of nature with a cruise through the Galapagos Islands in search of unique and vibrant wildlife
• Embrace the delicious wines in wine regions across Chile and Argentina to find exceptional flavor, local specialties, and wine culture specific to each country
• Cruise down the Amazon River to reach deep into the dense jungle canopy in search of breathtaking colors and marvelous wildlife
• Enjoy a cooking class to learn the art of local specialties, from making alfajores in Argentina to arepas in Colombia
• Relax on the gold-sand beaches and appreciate the tropical ambiance of countries from Colombia to Peru
• View impressive natural features across the continent when finding the power and prestige of Iguazu Falls or the arid plain of the Atacama Salt Flats

South America has over 15,000 miles of coastline and a collection of stunning beaches famous for their soft sands, refreshing waters, and distinctive ambiance.

Some of the best beaches in South America include:

• Praia do Sancho • Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
• Playa Roja • Paracas National Park, Peru
• Ovahe Beach • Easter Island, Chile
• Bahia Concha • Santa Marta, Colombia
• Ayangue • Santa Elena, Ecuador
• Carilo • Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Playa Blanca • Isla Baru, Colombia

The amount of untouched nature across South America makes interacting with wildlife possible and unforgettable. Few experiences can match the excitement of gliding past a piranha on a boat or witnessing a condor soaring through the sky. From the Galapagos Islands to Patagonia, here are some of the animals to see in South America:

• Blue-Footed Booby
• Galapagos Giant Tortoise
• Capybara
• Scarlet Macaw
• Piranha
• Andean Condor
• Vicuña
• Toco Toucan
• Sloth
• Andean Flamingo

South America is safe to visit.

The majority of top destinations in South America are known for their friendly and hospitable culture, in addition to great travel infrastructure. Petty crime does exist in large cities and populated areas, but it rarely affects travelers who take predetermined precautions. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded places and keep your belongings secured.

Respect local cultures and rules by following your guide's general advice wherever you are traveling around South America. By planning your trip with a travel specialist, you can use their expertise to avoid potential and rare travel risks or unintentional cultural oversights.

Our most popular South American itineraries showcase the best of our top destinations. From scenic adventures through the Andes to island excursions in search of wildlife, here are several exciting trips that you can personalize to your preferences:

• Find colorful landscapes and vibrant heritage on our Paradisiacal Peru: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley Tour by visiting Machu Picchu, the Rainbow Mountains, Cusco, and more.
• Discover the authentic treasures of untouched nature on our 14-Day Galapagos Adventure for a multi-country exploration of volcanic islands in Ecuador and the textured mountains of the Andes around the Sacred Valley in Peru.

Blend the cultural colors of the Caribbean with the perfect weather of eternal spring on our Colombia Cultural Immersion: 9-Day Tour of Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena to explore colonial architecture, embrace the coastline, and enjoy cinematic scenery.

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to South America and inspiration in our South America travel guide.