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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.

BESTSELLER

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.

Introducing 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.

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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Experiential travel made easy

You dream it. We’ll take care of every last detail.

Pick your perfect trip

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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That’s all it takes to secure a spot on one of our group tours when you sign up for AutoPay. Plus, you can pay in interest-free,
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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.

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What travelers are saying about our guided South America trips

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5 out of 5 stars

Spectacular

4th-time traveler Caroline

Every trip with GAT for me has been a great adventure. This trip proved to be another exciting and memorable tour.

Traveled in Mar 2024 on Grand Tour of South America: Brazil, Argentina & Peru

5 out of 5 stars

Don’t miss this!

3rd-time traveler Anonymous

A really beautiful tour of South America if it’s your first time. Machu Picchu was so beautiful. I wish there was more time in Rio de Janeiro and Lima. I also thought there were...

Traveled in Oct 2024 on Grand Tour of South America: Brazil, Argentina & Peru

5 out of 5 stars

Tour Experience

1st-time traveler Julia

This tour was great. It was filled with intense activity: therefore, one must be in great shape to participate. EF Go Ahead should make it very clear about the amount of...

Traveled in Oct 2024 on Grand Tour of South America: Brazil, Argentina & Peru

5 out of 5 stars

Grand Tour of South America is another must tour!!

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

A Wonderful Introduction to South America

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

The best of the best!

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

An adventure, NOT a vacation.

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

Be Prepared !

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

Over whelmed!

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

The most remarkable experience ever❤️❤️❤️

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

Excellent Tour

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

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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.

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Travel tips for South America trips