South America tours discovery guide
In South America, the rhythm of the streets is a perpetual invitation to surrender to the spirit of joy. Tango in Buenos Aires, climb through the clouds to Machu Picchu, and sip caipirinhas on Copacabana Beach—the continent’s energy will leave you enamored and eager for more.
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What to know before you go
COUNTRIES ON TOUR
Our South America tours span the continent, from Colombia through Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, and Chile.
MAJOR CITIES
South America is home to massive, exciting urban centers, like São Paulo, Bogotá, and Lima. Get your fill of big-city thrills with a side of smaller jewels, like Cartagena and Mendoza.
CULTURAL QUICK TAKE
A trip to South America takes you on a voyage through the ancient structures of pre-Columbian civilizations, the traditions of its indigenous populations, and and the influence of European and African cultures.
WHAT TO GO FOR
Otherworldly natural beauty (think: roaring waterfalls and tropical rainforests), adventure around every corner, the hip-swiveling excitement of Carnival, and hearty, affordable cuisine.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES ON TOUR
Between piranha fishing in the Amazon, admiring giant tortoises on the Galápagos Islands, or dancing a fiery tango, our South America trips burst with once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Grand Tour of South America
Touch down in Brazil, Argentina, and Peru for an introduction to this continent of contrasts. In between the must-sees of Iguazú Falls and the legendary Machu Picchu, you’ll sprinkle in visits to a samba school and an indigenous Amazonian village for a peek into South American traditions.
New South America tours
Ecuador & Peru: The Galápagos & Machu Picchu
Go big with colossal stone citadels, the Andes, and giant tortoises.
Explore the 15-day itineraryA Week in Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena
Boisterous cities—and a coffee farm visit—to make your heart race.
Explore the 9-day itineraryChile: Santiago, the Atacama & Patagonia
Swaths of red desert and rough peaks set an out-of-this-world scene.
Explore the 12-day itineraryBrazil: Rio De Janeiro, Paraty & São Paulo
Golden sands, Carnival, and untamed jungles that dance and dazzle.
Explore the 10-day itineraryIntroducing South America
Far from monolithic, each of South America’s sovereign states stand out with a character that’s wholly their own.
What does South America have to offer? Everything.
Learn more about the continent’s wild natural beauty, indigenous architecture, and sparkling cityscapes.
The 8 best places in South America to visit on one trip
How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sacred ruins, and natural wonders can you pack into a single trip? Hint: too many to pick a favorite.
Why Argentina’s Perito Moreno Glacier is a must-see
The massive body of ice atop Lago Argentino is one of only a few glaciers worldwide that continues to grow instead of shrink.
12 things you didn’t know about Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer
Iconic and breathtaking at more than 100 feet tall, this statue of Christ is the largest art deco-style sculpture in the world.
Sail (or sip) your way through South America
Get away—in a different way—with tours that take to the water, transport your taste buds, and leave your heart full.
Signature experiences for your memory vault. Why don’t you...
Soak in the Papallacta Hot Springs in Ecuador
Dip into steamy pools of glacial water—with epic volcano views. Try it on our Ecuador & Peru: The Galápagos, Cuzco & Machu Picchu tour.
Greet the morning sun in Machu Picchu
Ponder the mysteries of the Intihuatana stone and the Temple of the Condor. Try it on our Grand Tour of Peru: Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca.
Get a bird’s-eye view of a Peruvian rainforest
Experience the Peruvian Amazon’s lush life from a suspended treetop walkway. Try it on our Grand Tour of South America.
Meet monolithic moai on Easter Island
See Rapa Nui culture up close on this remote tip of Polynesia. Try it on our Highlights of Chile: Santiago, the Atacama & Patagonia tour.
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We offer 200+ immersive, guided tours around the world. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages that make traveling with us different.
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Prep your packing list
While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about.
Go far (and get rewarded)
Take off on your big adventure— but why stop there? Every trip you book with us earns rewards that you can use to keep expanding your horizons.
What travelers are saying about our guided South America trips
5 out of 5 stars
8th-time traveler Bruce
GoAhead’s Grand Tour of South America, my eighth different tour, was everything I could have imagined. Great hotels, outstanding included meals, two awesome tour directors and...
Traveled in Jul 2024 on Grand Tour of South America: Brazil, Argentina & Peru
5 out of 5 stars
1st-time traveler Cinnia
I chose EF tours because my now grown children had excellent experiences w EF with both class trips to Washington and European excursions. As a woman traveling alone and only...
Traveled in Jul 2024 on Grand Tour of South America: Brazil, Argentina & Peru
5 out of 5 stars
1st-time traveler Silvia
Great Trip a 100% recomended
Traveled in May 2024 on Grand Tour of South America: Brazil, Argentina & Peru
5 out of 5 stars
1st-time traveler Joseph
This was the most educational excursion of my life. There were a couple of snafus, but overall EF Tours did a great job of keeping us safe and getting us from point A to point B...
Traveled in May 2024 on Grand Tour of South America: Brazil, Argentina & Peru
5 out of 5 stars
3rd-time traveler Lorie
It’s not called a Grand Tour for nothing! This is not for those with lazing on the beach, leisurely mornings in mind. You cover a lot of ground. Read the info Go Ahead provides....
Traveled in May 2024 on Grand Tour of South America: Brazil, Argentina & Peru
5 out of 5 stars
5th-time traveler Caroline
I’ve had many great experiences on my trips with GAT, but this trip was by far the most spiritual trip ever.
Traveled in Mar 2024 on Grand Tour of South America: Brazil, Argentina & Peru
5 out of 5 stars
3rd-time traveler Gladys
Excellent travel vacation. My husband and I enjoyed each day. The guides tours were the best. This group not only enjoyed but became part of the family. Hotels, the best. Food was...
Traveled in Mar 2024 on Grand Tour of South America: Brazil, Argentina & Peru
5 out of 5 stars
1st-time traveler Raynard
The tour was fabulous, it met all my expectations and more. The overall experience was amazing, the tour itself was fast paced but not unrealistic. The hotels were top notch, and...
Traveled in Oct 2023 on Grand Tour of South America: Brazil, Argentina & Peru
5 out of 5 stars
2nd-time traveler Cheryl
After four years and four cancellations, the trip finally happened! It was every bit as exciting as I imagined. The highlights were Iguazu Falls, Machu Picchu and the Amazon. The...
Traveled in Oct 2023 on Grand Tour of South America: Brazil, Argentina & Peru
5 out of 5 stars
2nd-time traveler James
Maria in Brazil and Argentina along with local guides were outstanding making for an enjoyable and fun experience. Leo in Peru was outstanding making the trip fun and...
Traveled in Oct 2023 on Grand Tour of South America: Brazil, Argentina & Peru
5 out of 5 stars
1st-time traveler Ronald Everett
I wish I was clear on how much Cash, how many people we needed to tip, and how much
Traveled in Oct 2023 on Grand Tour of South America: Brazil, Argentina & Peru
Central America’s moment in the sun
In contrast to South America’s vastness, Central America packs its immense natural beauty into a narrow isthmus. You’ll find volcanoes, rainforests, and sun-soaked coastlines on the Pacific and Caribbean.
Travel tips for South America trips
Our South America travel packages take you on guided tours of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay.
South America’s countries vary greatly in altitude, climate, and terrain. Depending on your particular itinerary and the time of year you visit, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. Comfortable, casual clothing, a lightweight jacket, rain gear, and a sturdy pair of walking shoes are a must for sightseeing. Remember that the temperature can change with elevation.
- Waterproof shoes or sandals, a swimsuit, and sunscreen are recommended for beachside days, as well as a sunhat and sunglasses.
- Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and insect repellent are recommended for some activities, especially in the Amazon region.
- In the fall and winter, the weather in Patagonia is prone to extreme variance. Snow and strong winds are not uncommon.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- It’s preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
- We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single-use plastic waste.
- Binoculars are handy for taking a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
- Travelers who experience motion sickness should take the proper precautions if their tour includes a cruise or time on a boat.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The best time to take a trip to South America varies from from country to country and even city to city. Generally, the season in South America will be the reverse of the season in North America: When it’s winter in the United States and Canada, it’s summer below the equator in South America.
While some regions of South America remain comfortable and temperate year-round, others experience a rainy season. Don’t let the damp weather deter you: “Green season” puts some of South America’s vivid vegetation on full display.
The weather in South America can vary dramatically from country to country, region to region, and even city to city depending on the time of year and elevation.
To prepare for your trip, consult the average temperature and precipitation for your destination country or countries and review our packing tips.
South American culture is diverse, and that includes its cuisine. From region to region, local specialties vary, but some staples found across South American food include rice, beans, corn, and salsas. African, Asian, European, and indigenous influences can be found in many South American recipes.
On any of our South America guided tours, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the region’s iconic eats. That’s because our experts handpick experiences that get you closer to culture, and all of our tours to South America include meals that highlight the local cuisine.
In addition to Spanish and Portuguese, you may come across many indigenous languages in South America—including Quechua, which is spoken in parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Aymara, spoken in Peru and the Bolivian Andes, is another language that’s unique to South America.