South America Tours
Discover incredible journeys across Latin America. Creating award-winning tailor-made holidays and escorted group tours to South America since 1980.
Plan your perfect South America holiday with the UK’s leading specialist. For over 40 years, we’ve crafted exceptional holidays to Latin America, offering unmatched expertise and first-hand knowledge of this remarkable continent.
From the thundering waterfalls of Iguazu Falls to the mist-shrouded ruins of Machu Picchu, and the golden beaches of Brazil to the alien-like landscapes of the Atacama Desert, South America rewards travellers with remarkable experiences. If it’s spotting giant tortoises in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, watching blue-footed boobies dance on volcanic shores, or exploring the largest rainforest on earth, a holiday to South America promises adventure at every turn.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your South America holiday
Over 40 years as the UK’s leading Latin America specialist | 50+ travel experts with first-hand knowledge | Award-winning tailor-made and group tours | ATOL protected
Our team doesn’t just sell holidays to South America – we live and breathe the region. Many of our travel experts have spent years exploring South American countries, from trekking the Andes mountain range to sampling pisco sours in Lima’s historic centre. This first-hand experience means we can recommend the hidden viewpoint in Rio de Janeiro, the quietest time to visit Chichén Itzá, or which lodge gives you the best wildlife encounters in the Amazon rainforest.
Reasons to choose a South America trip
Natural wonders of the world
South America claims some of Earth’s most spectacular natural phenomena. Stand mesmerised before Iguazú Falls as 275 cascades thunder into the gorge. Trek across the Perito Moreno Glacier, where ice cracks and groans. Marvel at the Atacama Desert’s lunar landscapes and star-filled skies. From the Amazon rainforest to the granite towers of Torres del Paine, natural wonders define this continent.
Jaw-dropping scenery
Few regions rival South America’s scenic drama. The Andes mountain range runs the length of the continent, creating backdrops that take your breath away. Patagonia’s turquoise lakes mirror jagged peaks. Brazil’s golden beaches stretch endlessly along the Atlantic coast. Bolivia’s salt flats reflect perfect blue skies. Rainbow mountains rise above highland valleys. Every turn reveals landscapes that belong on postcards.
Ancient culture
South America’s civilisations left behind extraordinary legacies. Machu Picchu crowns a mountain ridge, its stone walls a testament to Inca engineering genius. Pre-Columbian ruins dot the Peruvian highlands. Colonial cities preserve Spanish and Portuguese architecture in their cobbled streets and baroque churches. Indigenous traditions survive in highland markets and remote villages. You’ll encounter living history at every turn.
Diverse wildlife
From giant tortoises to pink river dolphins, South America’s wildlife astounds. The Galapagos Islands present creatures found nowhere else – blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and fearless sea lions. The Amazon rainforest shelters countless species, from howler monkeys to three-toed sloths. Patagonia hosts penguins, guanacos and condors. The Pantanal wetlands reveal jaguars, capybaras and caimans. Wildlife encounters here are unforgettable.
Adventure around every corner
South America rewards adventurous spirits. Trek the Inca Trail to sunrise over Machu Picchu. Kayak between glaciers in Chilean fjords. Zip-line through cloud forest canopy. Climb volcanoes in Ecuador. Raft white-water rapids. Cycle the Death Road in Bolivia. Sandboard down desert dunes. Whether you seek adrenaline or gentler exploration, adventure defines South American travel.
Unique cuisine
Latin American cuisine has conquered the world’s top restaurants, and tasting it at source transforms any South America holiday. Savour ceviche in Lima’s acclaimed restaurants. Sample Argentina’s perfect steaks paired with Malbec. Discover regional dishes in family-run eateries. Try exotic Amazonian fruits. Learn the secrets of perfect empanadas.
Our approach to South America tours
Tailor-made holidays
Your dream holiday, crafted exactly as you want it. Our travel experts design bespoke itineraries based on your interests, pace and budget. Want to combine whale watching in Patagonia with wine tasting in Mendoza? Prefer city culture in Buenos Aires followed by beach time on Brazil’s coast? We’ll create a South America holiday that reflects you.
Most tailor-made trips include private transfers, carefully selected hotels, and excursions with expert local guides. We handle every detail so your trip runs smoothly from the moment you board your flight to your return home.
Escorted group tours
Discover South America alongside like-minded travellers on our escorted group tours. Led by expert tour managers who know the region intimately, these journeys take the hassle out of logistics while retaining the freedom to explore. Groups are kept small, ensuring you can ask questions, access exclusive experiences, and connect with fellow explorers.
From wildlife-focused adventures in the Galapagos Islands to cultural immersions following ancient Inca trails, our group tours cater to different interests and activity levels.
Private journeys
Our expertly crafted collection of private journeys across Central and South America combine some of our most popular itineraries. From family hiking through the stunning Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia to expedition cruising in Antarctica, choose to book as they are, or pick one that’s a good starting point for creating your own bespoke South America holiday.
When to visit South America
The best time for your holiday in South America depends on where you plan to explore. The continent spans from tropical Caribbean shores to sub-Antarctic islands, creating diverse weather conditions all year.
For Machu Picchu and Peru’s highlands, the dry season (May to September) offers clear skies and comfortable hiking conditions. Brazil’s coastlines are best experienced from December to March, when Rio de Janeiro enjoys summer warmth – though this coincides with Carnaval, the country’s world-famous festival.
The Galapagos Islands are worth visiting at any time of the year, though December to May brings warmer waters and breeding wildlife. Patagonia’s trekking season runs November to March when days are longest. The Atacama Desert welcomes travellers every month, with star-filled skies visible throughout the year in the world’s driest desert.
Argentina and Chile experience reversed seasons – their winter runs June to August. This matters less in the north but significantly affects Patagonia and the southern Andes mountain range. Easter Island, five hours by flight from mainland Chile, enjoys mild weather most months.
Holidays to South America
Discover the best South America holidays below:
Peru travel
Ancient mountain ruins crown cloud-wrapped peaks throughout Peru. Machu Picchu draws visitors from across the world, but Peru offers so much more – the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca, the mysterious Nazca Lines, and Lima’s world-renowned culinary scene. The Sacred Valley reveals Inca agricultural terraces still in use today, while the Amazon rainforest spreads across Peru’s eastern lowlands.
Flight time from the UK to Lima averages 15 hours with one stop. From there, internal flights connect to Cusco, gateway to Machu Picchu, in just over an hour.
Argentina travel
From the wine regions of Mendoza to the glaciers of Patagonia, Argentina seduces with variety. Buenos Aires thrums with tango music and European-influenced architecture. In the northwest, multi-coloured mountains rise above high-altitude deserts. The Iguazú Falls, shared with Brazil, create one of the world’s most spectacular natural sights. Sea lions bask on the Valdés Peninsula, where southern right whales also breed in protected waters.
Spanish is widely spoken, though English appears increasingly in tourist areas. The pisco sour may claim Peruvian heritage, but Argentinians have perfected the art of the asado barbecue.
Brazil travel
Energy defines Brazil. Rio de Janeiro sprawls across hills tumbling to the Atlantic Ocean, where sun-kissed beaches meet forested mountains. The Amazon River flows through northern Brazil, offering access to the largest rainforest on Earth. Colonial towns like Paraty preserve Portuguese heritage, while the Pantanal wetlands reveal wildlife encounters rivalling the Galapagos.
Flight time to Rio de Janeiro takes around 11-12 hours direct from the UK, making it one of South America’s most accessible destinations. The country spans multiple time zones and climate regions, from tropical coasts to temperate south.
Chile travel
Stretching 4,300km from north to south, Chile encompasses breathtaking landscapes. The Atacama Desert in the north offers otherworldly terrain, perfect stargazing, and high-altitude lagoons tinted pink by flamingos. Central Chile produces world-class wines around Santiago. The Lake District mirrors Switzerland’s alpine beauty. In the south, Torres del Paine National Park showcases Patagonia’s raw magnificence – granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and glaciers.
Easter Island, though part of Chile, sits 3,700km offshore in the Pacific Ocean, famous for its mysterious moai statues.
Ecuador and the Galapagos travel
Despite its small size, Ecuador delivers big experiences. Quito’s historic centre, preserved at 2,850m, reveals colonial architecture. The Andes mountain range runs through the country’s spine. The Amazon rainforest covers the east. But Ecuador’s crown jewel lies offshore – the Galapagos Islands, where flightless cormorants, giant tortoises, marine iguanas and curious sea lions have no fear of humans. This volcanic archipelago inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution and remains one of the world’s most important wildlife destinations.
Explore Ecuador and Galapagos holidays
Colombia travel
Once overlooked by travellers, Colombia is now a hotspot thanks to its colourful colonial cities, Caribbean beaches, and coffee plantations blanketing verdant hills. Cartagena’s historic walled old town is framed by bougainvillaea. Bogotá offers world-class museums and restaurants. The coffee region reveals how Colombia produces some of the world’s finest beans. The Amazon rainforest extends into southern Colombia, while the Pacific coast remains delightfully undiscovered.
Patagonia travel
Shared between Chile and Argentina, Patagonia represents the end of the world. Glaciers calve into turquoise lakes, granite peaks pierce endless skies, and guanacos roam vast open plains. Trek through Torres del Paine or cruise between remote fjords.
Venezuela travel
Venezuela’s dramatic landscapes include Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall, the Caribbean coast’s pristine beaches, and the unique tepui mountains of the Gran Sabana. Los Llanos wetlands offer exceptional wildlife watching.
Uruguay travel
Often overshadowed by its larger neighbours, Uruguay charms with colonial cities, Atlantic beaches, and traditional estancias (cattle ranches). Montevideo blends historic quarters with modern beaches. Colonia del Sacramento preserves Portuguese heritage. Wine regions produce excellent Tannat varieties.
Guyana travel
English-speaking Guyana remains delightfully undiscovered. Dense rainforest covers most of the country, harbouring jaguars, giant otters, and countless bird species. Kaieteur Falls plunges dramatically into pristine jungle. This is adventure travel at its most authentic.
South America cruises
Experience the continent from a different perspective. From Galapagos expeditions to Antarctica voyages, our South America cruises combine comfort with exploration. Navigate Chilean fjords, discover remote wildlife havens, or sail between hidden coves along the coast.
Discover our South America expedition cruises
South America small group tours
Join like-minded travellers on expertly led group tours across Latin America. Our small groups (maximum 20 passengers) ensure intimate experiences, whilst our award-winning tour leaders handle all logistics and share insider knowledge gained from years living in the region.
Explore our escorted group tours
Highlights of a South America holiday
Machu Picchu
The sun rises over ancient mountain ruins, revealing a city the Spanish conquistadors never found. Machu Picchu remains one of South America’s most iconic sight. Trek the Inca Trail over four days, or arrive by train through the Sacred Valley. Local guides bring the site’s history alive, explaining its astronomical alignments and engineering marvels. Visit during the Inti Raymi festival in June when Cusco celebrates Inca heritage with ceremonies and processions.
Iguazu Falls
Brazil and Argentina share these thundering waterfalls, where 275 cascades create a spectacle of sound and spray. Walk the Brazilian side for panoramic views, then cross to Argentina to stand at the Devil’s Throat, where water plunges 80m. The surrounding rainforest is home to thousands of species, including jaguars, toucans, coatis and butterflies.
Galapagos Islands
Giant tortoises lumber across volcanic slopes. Blue-footed boobies perform their comical mating dance. Sea lions sprawl on black sand beaches. Marine iguanas graze on underwater algae. The Galapagos Islands is like nowhere else on Earth. Cruise between islands or stay on land and take daily boat trips. Channel in your inner David Attenborough as expert naturalist guides ensure you understand the unique ecosystems you’re witnessing.
The Amazon rainforest
The largest rainforest on earth sprawls across multiple countries. Float along the Amazon River spotting pink dolphins, caimans and capybaras. Walk jungle trails searching for toucans, monkeys and morpho butterflies. Stay in a remote lodge accessible only by boat, where night sounds replace any electronic noise. The Amazon isn’t one destination but a vast ecosystem requiring several days to begin to appreciate its scale.
Atacama Desert
The driest place on Earth creates otherworldly landscapes. Salt flats stretch to horizon. High-altitude lagoons reflect snow-capped volcanoes. The Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) lives up to its name. El Tatio geysers erupt at dawn. But the Atacama’s greatest spectacle appears after dark – skies so clear that the Milky Way illuminates the land. Astronomers have built major observatories here, and many lodges offer their own telescopes.
Patagonia
Whether experienced from Chile or Argentina, Patagonia represents the end of the world. Glaciers calve into lakes with sounds like thunder. The Andes mountain range runs down the spine of this remote region. Guanacos graze open plains. Condors circle granite spires. Torres del Paine National Park concentrates much of Patagonia’s natural drama into one accessible area, though true adventurers push further south to Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn.
Rio de Janeiro
Golden beaches curve beneath forested mountains. The Christ the Redeemer statue spreads its arms over the city. Sugarloaf Mountain rises from Guanabara Bay. Rio de Janeiro pulses with Brazilian energy. Visit during Carnaval when the city explodes in colour, music and dance. Or come at any time to experience the beach culture, the botecos (bars) serving ice-cold beer, and the infectious optimism of the locals or cariocas, they’re known.
Buenos Aires
European elegance meets Latin American passion in Argentina’s capital. Tango dancers perform in San Telmo’s cobbled streets. Recoleta Cemetery houses elaborate mausoleums. Palermo’s parks and restaurants draw locals for slabs of barbecued meat for weekend asados. Buenos Aires is a perfect base for exploration, making it an ideal gateway before heading to Patagonia, wine country or Iguazu Falls.
Planning your South America holiday
How long should I spend?
It’s worth giving yourself extended time in South America. A single country merits at least 10-14 days. Combining two or three countries works well with three to four weeks. Our itineraries typically run 14-21 days, designed to showcase highlights without an exhausting pace.
Remember that distances are vast. Flight time between Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires takes over three hours. Travelling from Lima to Cusco, though the same country, requires a flight or two-day bus journey. Build in rest days, particularly when adjusting to altitude in places like Cusco or La Paz.
What about language?
Spanish is widely spoken across most South American countries, with Portuguese in Brazil. English appears in upscale hotels and restaurants in major cities, though less commonly elsewhere. Your guides and our local representatives speak English, ensuring language never becomes a barrier to enjoying your holiday.
Learning a few Spanish phrases won’t hurt. Locals appreciate the effort, even if you only master ‘buenos días’ and ‘gracias’. In indigenous regions, particularly around Lake Titicaca and highland Peru, Quechua remains in daily use.
Health considerations
Consult your doctor about vaccinations 6-8 weeks before departure. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for Amazon regions and required by some countries if arriving from infected areas. Malaria prophylaxis may be advised for lowland rainforest regions.
Altitude affects many South America destinations. Cusco sits at 3,400m, La Paz at 3,640m. Ascend gradually where possible, stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals and alcohol on arrival, and consider medication for altitude sickness if recommended by your doctor. Most travellers adjust within 24-48 hours.
What to pack
Layers are essential. Weather conditions change dramatically with altitude and geography. Buenos Aires in summer may reach 30°c, while mountain passes remain cool even in peak season. The Atacama Desert sees temperature swings from 25°c, days to near-freezing nights.
We recommend you bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes with a good grip
- Sun protection – high-altitude sun burns quickly
- Insect repellent for rainforest regions
- Waterproof jacket for mountain areas
- Fleece or warm layers for cool evenings and highlands
- Binoculars for wildlife watching
- Reusable water bottle
- Power adapter (types vary by country)
- Extra camera batteries, particularly in colder destinations
How do I get there?
Flight time from the UK to South America ranges from 11-15 hours, depending on the destination. Direct flights serve Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Santiago and Bogotá. Other destinations require one connection, typically through Madrid, Amsterdam or a South American hub.
We include international flights in our holidays or you can book them separately. Internal flights within South America use reliable carriers and significantly ease travel across this vast continent.
South America travel FAQs
What country in South America is best to visit?
There is no right or wrong answer. No single country can claim superiority – each offers very distinct experiences. First-time visitors often choose Peru for Machu Picchu and accessible Inca heritage, or Argentina for diverse landscapes and approachable culture. Brazil appeals for Carnaval energy and Amazon access. Chile impresses with geographical extremes from desert to glaciers. Ecuador condenses a remarkable variety into compact distances, particularly when including the Galapagos Islands.
Consider what you want from a South America holiday. Most of our travellers return multiple times, each trip revealing new features of this extraordinary continent.
What is the best month to travel to South America?
The best month depends on your chosen destination and priorities. South America’s size creates diverse weather conditions across the continent.
For Peru’s highlands and Machu Picchu: May to September offers dry weather and clear skies. For Rio de Janeiro and Brazil’s beaches: December to March brings summer warmth. For Patagonia: November to March provides optimal trekking conditions. For the Galapagos Islands: Year-round destination, though December to May sees warmer waters and breeding wildlife. For wine regions: March to April (harvest season in Argentina and Chile).
Many destinations work year-round with the right expectations. Our Travel Experts can recommend timing based on your specific itinerary.
What holidays do they celebrate in Latin America?
Carnaval dominates Latin America’s festival calendar, celebrated most spectacularly in Rio de Janeiro with elaborate parades, samba schools and street parties. The festival occurs 40 days before Easter (typically February or early March). Other Brazilian cities, including Salvador, also stage impressive celebrations.
Peru’s Inti Raymi festival in Cusco (24 June) recreates Inca sun worship ceremonies with elaborate costumes and traditional music. Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) on 1-2 November sees families honour deceased relatives throughout Latin America, most notably in Mexico.
Each country maintains its own independence day celebrations, religious festivals, and regional traditions. Local festivals offer authentic cultural insights, though popular events require booking accommodation well ahead.
What is the safest country in South America to travel to?
Chile and Argentina generally top safety rankings for South American countries, with well-developed tourist infrastructure and low levels of violent crime. Uruguay also maintains an excellent safety record. That said, all South American countries welcome millions of tourists annually who travel without incident.
Standard precautions apply everywhere. Avoid displaying expensive items, use registered taxis or hotel transport, stay alert in crowded areas, and keep valuables in hotel safes. Tourist areas in major cities employ visible security. Our local representatives and guides can provide current advice for each destination.
What are the most famous landmarks in South America?
South America’s landmarks range from natural wonders to human achievements that inspire awe:
Machu Picchu, Peru – The Inca citadel crowning a mountain ridge remains South America’s most iconic sight. This 15th-century engineering marvel was hidden from Spanish conquistadors and rediscovered in 1911.
Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro – The 30m statue spreads its arms above Brazil’s most famous city, visible from beaches and hills across Rio. Reaching the summit of Corcovado Mountain rewards visitors with panoramic views.
Iguazú Falls, Argentina/Brazil – Where 275 cascades create the world’s largest waterfall system. The Devil’s Throat plunges 80 metres, while the surrounding rainforest provides shelter for toucans and coatis.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador – This volcanic archipelago 1,000km offshore inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution. Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and fearless wildlife make it Earth’s most important natural laboratory.
Torres del Paine, Chile – Granite towers rising above Patagonian wilderness. Glaciers calve into turquoise lakes whilst guanacos graze open plains. It’s trekking’s holy grail.
Angel Falls, Venezuela – The world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall plunges 979m from a tepui mountain into the jungle below.
Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina – One of few advancing glaciers worldwide. Its ice face towers 70m above Lago Argentino, regularly calving massive chunks with thunderous cracks.
Easter Island, Chile – Nearly 900 moai statues guard this remote Pacific island, carved centuries ago by Polynesian settlers and shrouded in mystery.
Where can I see wildlife in South America?
South America delivers extraordinary wildlife encounters across diverse ecosystems:
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador – Unmatched for fearless wildlife. Giant tortoises lumber across volcanic slopes, blue-footed boobies perform mating dances, marine iguanas graze underwater, and sea lions sprawl on black sand beaches. Snorkel with penguins and sea turtles. Every island presents unique species found nowhere else on Earth.
The Amazon rainforest – The world’s most biodiverse ecosystem shelters jaguars, pink river dolphins, three-toed sloths, howler monkeys, poison dart frogs, and countless bird species, including toucans and macaws. Access from Peru, Brazil, or Ecuador reveals slightly different fauna. Early morning and dusk boat trips offer prime wildlife viewing.
Pantanal wetlands, Brazil – Easier wildlife spotting than the Amazon due to open terrain. See jaguars, capybaras, giant otters, caimans, and over 600 bird species in the world’s largest tropical wetland. Visit during the dry season (May to September) when animals concentrate around water sources.
Patagonia, Chile/Argentina – Guanacos graze the steppes, Andean condors circle granite peaks, and Magellanic penguins nest in coastal colonies. Pumas prowl Torres del Paine. Southern right whales breed off the Valdés Peninsula, where elephant seals and sea lions crowd beaches.
Los Llanos, Venezuela – Seasonal flooding creates exceptional wildlife watching. Capybaras, caimans, anacondas, and countless waterbirds, including scarlet ibis and jabiru storks, thrive in these vast wetlands.
Cloud forests – From Ecuador to Peru, these mist-shrouded highlands are home to spectacled bears, tapirs, and over 100 hummingbird species, including the sword-billed hummingbird.
What activities would you recommend doing on my South America trip?
South America rewards active exploration and cultural immersion:
Trekking and hiking – The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu remains the classic four-day trek, but alternatives include Salkantay Trek, Lares Valley, or multi-day circuits in Torres del Paine. Day hikes reveal hidden valleys, alpine lakes, and archaeological sites throughout the Andes.
Wildlife watching – Galapagos cruises, Amazon lodge stays, Pantanal safaris, and whale watching off the Valdés Peninsula deliver encounters impossible elsewhere. Dawn and dusk excursions maximise sightings.
Cultural experiences – Wander colonial cities, visit indigenous markets, learn tango in Buenos Aires, take cooking classes in Lima, stay on traditional estancias in Argentina, or attend festivals celebrating pre-Columbian heritage.
Adventure activities – Zip-line through cloud forests, kayak between glaciers, raft white-water rapids, climb volcanoes in Ecuador, cycle Death Road in Bolivia, or sandboard down Atacama’s dunes. Paraglide over Lima’s coastline or go canyoning in Baños.
Wine tasting – Argentina’s Mendoza region and Chile’s valleys produce world-class wines. Visit family-run bodegas, cycle between vineyards, and savour Malbec, Carmenere, and Tannat alongside regional cuisine.
Culinary adventures – Peru’s gastronomic revolution has earned global acclaim. Take food tours, sample street food, dine at celebrated restaurants, and discover regional specialities from ceviche to feijoada to asado.
Rail journeys – Scenic trains include routes to Machu Picchu, the Train to the Clouds in Argentina (ascending to 4,200m), and Ecuador’s Devil’s Nose switchback railway.
Boat trips – Amazon river cruises, Galapagos expeditions, Chilean fjord navigations, and day trips to remote islands reveal perspectives impossible from land.
Our travel experts design South America holidays balancing activities with relaxation, ensuring you experience the continent’s highlights while matching your fitness level and interests.
Where is the best place to visit in South America for the first time?
Peru makes an excellent introduction to South America. Machu Picchu provides an iconic experience, Lima offers sophisticated city culture, and the Sacred Valley reveals traditional Andean life. Infrastructure supports comfortable travel, while history, culture and natural beauty combine appealingly.
Argentina also suits first-time visitors, particularly if you combine Buenos Aires’s urban pleasures with Patagonia’s wilderness. The country feels familiar to European travellers while distinctly South American. Brazil’s warmth and energy make it accessible, though its size can overwhelm – focus on Rio de Janeiro and perhaps one other region.
Ecuador deserves consideration for its compact size, allowing diverse experiences without exhausting travel. However you choose, rest assured our travel experts will design your first South America holiday to leave you planning your return.
Ready to discover South America?
Speak with our Travel Experts who’ve explored every corner of this extraordinary continent. Whether you’re drawn to ancient mountain ruins, golden beaches, thundering waterfalls, or unique wildlife, we’ll craft your dream holiday to South America.
Contact us today. Your journey to Latin America starts here.
