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Ancient ruins, rainforests, towering mountain peaks, and scenic fjords can all be part of your trip to South AmericaArgentina, Chile, BoliviaEcuador, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia — each country offers natural and cultural discovery. Wind through Amazon tributaries in search of pink dolphins, round the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego for its spectacular views of glaciers and steep rocky shorelines, and set sail for the white continent, Antarctica, on a cruise departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, and visiting the Falkland Islands. During your tour, you'll encounter some of the most welcoming people in the world as you explore Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon, PatagoniaTorres del Paine, and Easter Island. Contact us for help curating your dream South America adventures.
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10 Best South America Tours, Trips & Cruises for 2024-2025

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10 Best South America Small Ship Cruises for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Machu Picchu by Train$16717Mar 20, 2024On this 7-day excursion through the Sacred Valley starting in Lima, you'll visit impressive Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuamán near Cusco, then Pisac, …
0
Short Inca Trail Hike To Machu Picchu$22447Mar 20, 2024This 7-day trip culminates in a one day hike on the Inca Trail arriving to Machu Picchu with a full day and a half to explore the ruins. Explore the …
0
Classic Inca Trail$300910Mar 20, 2024Follow in the footsteps of the Inca on this classic 10-day Inca Trail Trek. Acclimatize for three days as you explore Inca ruins and bargain at busy …
0
Incas and Rainforest$242410Mar 20, 2024Journey through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and explore the Peruvian Amazon in this 10 day tour. Spend 3 nights in the Amazon, observing the …
0
Authentic Amazon$56908Mar 24, 2024Explore the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest aboard the M/V Anakonda for an 8-day tour of Amazon Tributaries. Explore isolated communities and rare, …
0
Undiscovered Brazil$442713Mar 20, 2024Spend two weeks exploring the undiscovered northern regions of Brazil on this active & remote vacation that shows you the authentic side of the …
0
Manco Multisport$401712Mar 20, 2024This active 12-day tour through Peru blends exhilarating multi-sport adventures like whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, trekking, and mountain …
0
Amazon Journey via Ucayali River -High Water Season$18574Mar 27, 2024La Perla hosts this 4-day Amazon cruise from Iquitos. Explore the Amazon, Ucayali, and Pacaya Rivers on their way deep into the Pacaya Samiria …
0
Islands and Incas$694115Mar 20, 2024Combine 8 days in the Galapagos with a trip to Peru and Machu Picchu. Explore Cusco, and the Sacred Valley, and spend two days discovering Machu …
0
Machu Picchu by Train with Luxury Hotels$30247Mar 20, 2024Our mainstay Machu Picchu trip with luxury accommodations. We visit the most important Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo, …
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10 Best Luxury Small Ship Cruises & Tours to South America for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Patagonia Wildlife Safari$15905Mar 20, 2024On this tour of Chile's Southern Patagonia region experience penguins, guanacos, Darwin's Rheas, Andean foxes, and more as you hike or even bike …
0
Authentic Amazon$56908Mar 24, 2024Explore the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest aboard the M/V Anakonda for an 8-day tour of Amazon Tributaries. Explore isolated communities and rare, …
0
Undiscovered Brazil$442713Mar 20, 2024Spend two weeks exploring the undiscovered northern regions of Brazil on this active & remote vacation that shows you the authentic side of the …
0
Patagonia Camp - Torres del Paine$19304-8Mar 20, 2024Patagonia Camp is located on the shores of enormous Lake Toro and facing the Paine Massif, only 15 km from the Torres Del Paine Park’s …
0
Amazon Journey via Ucayali River -High Water Season$18574Mar 27, 2024La Perla hosts this 4-day Amazon cruise from Iquitos. Explore the Amazon, Ucayali, and Pacaya Rivers on their way deep into the Pacaya Samiria …
0
Machu Picchu by Train$16717Mar 20, 2024On this 7-day excursion through the Sacred Valley starting in Lima, you'll visit impressive Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuamán near Cusco, then Pisac, …
0
Short Inca Trail Hike To Machu Picchu$22447Mar 20, 2024This 7-day trip culminates in a one day hike on the Inca Trail arriving to Machu Picchu with a full day and a half to explore the ruins. Explore the …
0
Incas and Rainforest$242410Mar 20, 2024Journey through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and explore the Peruvian Amazon in this 10 day tour. Spend 3 nights in the Amazon, observing the …
0
Atacama Desert$17264-5Mar 20, 2024Venture into the Atacama Desert! Three to five night extensions include flexible itineraries that explore this unique region, including a visit to …
0
Classic Inca Trail$300910Mar 20, 2024Follow in the footsteps of the Inca on this classic 10-day Inca Trail Trek. Acclimatize for three days as you explore Inca ruins and bargain at busy …
0

Top 12 Destinations in South America for 2024-2025

All Trips to the Amazon

8 Best Amazon Trips to South America for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Authentic Amazon$56908Mar 24, 2024Explore the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest aboard the M/V Anakonda for an 8-day tour of Amazon Tributaries. Explore isolated communities and rare, …
0
Amazon Journey via Ucayali River -High Water Season$18574Mar 27, 2024La Perla hosts this 4-day Amazon cruise from Iquitos. Explore the Amazon, Ucayali, and Pacaya Rivers on their way deep into the Pacaya Samiria …
0
Incas and Rainforest$242410Mar 20, 2024Journey through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and explore the Peruvian Amazon in this 10 day tour. Spend 3 nights in the Amazon, observing the …
0
Tambopata Research Center$13705Mar 20, 2024Explore the Amazon rainforest on this 5-day tour from Puerto Maldonado. Hike on the floodplain trails, search for frogs at night, and look for the …
0
Ceiba Tops Amazon Lodge$8554Mar 20, 2024Explore Peru's vast jungle with a 3-night stay at Ceiba Tops Lodge. Make your way to Iquitos, the headwaters of the Amazon and travel down the river …
0
Refugio Amazonas Adventure$9454Mar 20, 2024Take your family on a Peruvian trip to the Amazon rainforest from the comfort of Refugio Amazonas on this exciting 4-day tour. Enjoy climbing a 30 …
0
Amazon Encounter$60005Mar 28, 2024The luxurious Delfin hosts this Amazon cruise visiting Yanaycu Pucate, with chances to kayak along Jacinto Lake as you navigate the Yarapa River. The …
0
Sacha Lodge$23477Mar 20, 2024Flying from Quito to the Amazonian city of Coca, board a canoe down the Napo River where we'll have four nights exploring the Amazon rainforest at …
0

Amazon Rainforest Travel Guide

Top 10 South America Adventures in the Andes Mountains for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Patagonia Wildlife Safari$15905Mar 20, 2024On this tour of Chile's Southern Patagonia region experience penguins, guanacos, Darwin's Rheas, Andean foxes, and more as you hike or even bike …
0
Patagonia Camp - Torres del Paine$19304-8Mar 20, 2024Patagonia Camp is located on the shores of enormous Lake Toro and facing the Paine Massif, only 15 km from the Torres Del Paine Park’s …
0
Machu Picchu by Train$16717Mar 20, 2024On this 7-day excursion through the Sacred Valley starting in Lima, you'll visit impressive Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuamán near Cusco, then Pisac, …
0
Short Inca Trail Hike To Machu Picchu$22447Mar 20, 2024This 7-day trip culminates in a one day hike on the Inca Trail arriving to Machu Picchu with a full day and a half to explore the ruins. Explore the …
0
Atacama Desert$17264-5Mar 20, 2024Venture into the Atacama Desert! Three to five night extensions include flexible itineraries that explore this unique region, including a visit to …
0
Classic W Trek$14028Mar 24, 2024Experience the world's ultimate hiking adventure trekking the W Trek in Torres del Paine, Chile. 6 of the 8 days are spent trekking the Paso Los …
0
Classic Inca Trail$300910Mar 20, 2024Follow in the footsteps of the Inca on this classic 10-day Inca Trail Trek. Acclimatize for three days as you explore Inca ruins and bargain at busy …
0
Manco Multisport$401712Mar 20, 2024This active 12-day tour through Peru blends exhilarating multi-sport adventures like whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, trekking, and mountain …
0
Haciendas of Ecuador$35157Mar 20, 2024This 7-day tour of Ecuador's Avenue of the Volcano explores the history and culture of the Andes while staying in luxurious haciendas: Hacienda …
0
Hotel Las Torres - Torres del Paine$26504-8Mar 20, 2024Located near the base of the towers that give Torres del Paine its name, this hotel offers a range of activities. Enjoy trekking, light hiking, or …
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Andes Mountains Travel Guide

10 Best Small Cruise Ships in South America  for 2024-2025

Ship NameMax PassengersFromSummary
Sylvia Earle126$12795Designed for low-impact voyages featuring a fuel-efficient Ulstein X-Bow®, reduced air emissions and light pollution, and virtual anchoring for …
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Ultramarine199$14895New in 2021, the Ultramarine is designed with an ice rating of 1A+, PC6, making it one of the most capable polar exploring vessels on the planet. …
0
National Geographic Resolution126$11500New in 2021, The National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation 126-passager expedition ship purpose-built for polar exploration in comfort with …
0
Greg Mortimer132$13395With only 132 passengers on board, Greg Mortimer reimagines arctic expedition cruise for the future. Robust, robust, and designed with guests in …
0
Archipel I16$2250The 16-passenger twin-hulled Archipel I catamaran combines comfort and space onboard for the optimal experience on its naturalist and diving cruises …
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Ocean Victory174$15595Accommodating 174 passengers as it sails along Antarctica, the Ocean Victory offers a unique adventure. Experience shore landings, excursions, …
0
National Geographic Endurance126$23090National Geographic Endurance, a purpose-built cruise ship capable of year-round operations in the arctic regions, with the highest ice class rating …
0
Magellan Explorer73$5995The Magellan Explorer is one of the world's newest expedition ships, specifically intended for Antarctica. The ship provides a stylish base for its …
0
Corals36$1881These twin motor yachts will take you on an authentic Galapagos adventure in comfort and style. Panoramic windows, a sun deck, and a shadow deck …
0
Galapagos Legend100$1939With four decks, this cruise ship is one of the biggest boats in the Galapagos, offering plenty of amenities and features onboard, but still managing …
0

Travel Inspiration for South America Adventures

South America Travel Guide

No word better captures the atmosphere of South America than "diversity." Between stunning biodiversity, geography stretching from the steamy Amazon to frozen Patagonia, amiable cultures, and a rich history, this corner of the world has it all. Every country has its own distinct identity and personality, but the warm spirit of hospitality for which South America is known permeates the whole continent. As you get to know each of these cultures & people, you'll also delight in the natural wonders held in this vast land.
The Natural Highlights of South America
The Amazon- Between Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil, this dense jungle is home to more species of birds, plant life, & other endemic wildlife than any other part of the world, and it comes to vivid life for you as you explore the unspoiled wilderness where there are still uncontacted tribes, friendly river dolphins that swim among piranhas, and curious monkeys swinging through the canopy above.

The Galapagos Islands- Off the golden coast of Ecuador, you'll fine the sun-kissed Galapagos Islands, where Darwin himself first postulated his theories of evolution. A cruise to these pristine islands will show you the same fascinating creatures that Darwin saw, like the Giant Tortoise, Marine Iguanas, Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, a rainbow of tropical fish, and an array of the most stunning bird species in the world.

Patagonia- In the beating heart of Argentina you'll find the expansive landscapes of Patagonia, which has inspired travelers and explorers for centuries. From the bustling metropolitan center of Buenos Aires, you will embark on an adventure across sub-Antarctic forests, past glacial lakes, and up the steep mountains & rolling hills to get absolutely incredible panoramic vistas.

Machu Picchu- Nowhere else quite captures the grandeur of the ancient Incan Empire as well as the breathtaking citadel at Machu Picchu. These well preserved ruins in the Peruvian Andes demonstrate the astonishing engineering feats that the Inca were able to accomplish. Your guide will explain how each part of the city was specially designed as a functional tribute to nature and the gods that watched over this ancient civilization.
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Best Times to Travel to South America's Top Destinations

What is the weather in South America?

The vast majority of the continent enjoys year-round warm weather. Only in the mountains of the Andes does it always feel like winter.


The climates of South America are diverse. They range from strong rains near the windswept southwestern coast of the continent to dry desert conditions in northern Chile. The Amazon basin's tropical rain forest is characterized by sweltering heat, whereas the tall, snow-capped Andean peaks are enveloped by extremely cold air.

Best South America Cruise Lines for 2024-2025

  • Ponant is a premium cruise line based in Monaco, owned by Royal Caribbean, and the inventor of all-inclusive cruising. Visit South America on the 254-guest Silver Cloud to learn about the Mayans, see untamed beaches and natural parks, and trace the history of the Spanish explorers' famous cities. UNESCO has awarded many locations World Heritage status.
  • UnCruise. The Seattle-based cruise line operates eight adventure ships, plus a partner vessel in the Galápagos, carrying 22-88 guests in Alaska, coastal Washington, British Columbia, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mexico's Sea of Cortés, Hawaii, Galápagos, Costa Rica, and Panamà. 
  • Aqua Expeditions take guests into the depths of the Peruvian Amazon in the comfort of luxury aboard the Aria Amazon. The cruise features cuisine by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru's finest chefs, celebrated for creating refined cuisine from native Amazonian produce. Every day, expert naturalist guides conduct small-group excursions that reward guests with up-close wildlife encounters in the world's most biodiverse rainforest.
  • Silversea Cruises offers Millennium Class ships Silver Whisper and sister ship Silver Shadow that invite you to enjoy world-class accommodations, shipboard conviviality, and warm, individualized service, paired with the enhanced spaces and amenities of a larger ship.
  • Lindblad Expeditions has an entire cast of expedition specialists that guide their expeditions: experienced sailors and ice masters, expedition leaders, naturalists, undersea specialists, top photographers, cultural specialists, historians, and professional filmmakers. Explore three picturesque colonial cities from Paramaribo, Suriname, a UNESCO Site, to Belém, the gateway to the Amazon, and Salvador, Brazil's cultural heart. And visit the notorious Devil's Island aboard the National Geographic Explorer.
  • Aurora ExpeditionsEmbark on the 132-guest Greg Mortimer to discover the wealth of cultural attraction, nature, and wildlife that abound in Colombia's diverse landscapes and the spirit and warmth of its people.
  • Delfin Amazon Cruises is the pioneer upscale river cruise operator in the Upper Peruvian Amazon. Venture to discover the Amazon Rainforest aboard the Delfin III, offering 22 suites with the highest comfort levels for up to 44 passengers. 
  • Hurtigruten is Svalbard's most experienced tour operator, tracing its roots back to the late 1800s, and offers year-round land-based adventures next to the North Pole. MS Fram uses the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well-suited for voyages in South America.
  • Quark Expeditions has seasoned veterans with rich backgrounds in marine biology, history, glaciology, geology, and more. Embark on a small polar vessel like the 172-guest World Explorer, an all-balcony, all-suite expedition ship perfect for polar exploration, designed to navigate into Chile's spectacular network of fjords and channels.
  • Poseidon Expeditions has been a leading operator of polar expeditions in the cruise industry since 1999. Providing spacious suites for the accommodation of 114 passengers, the Sea Spirit has an ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs, and a set of retractable fin stabilizers for smoother sailing. 
  • Sea Cloud Cruises. Onboard the Sea Cloud, the sails are still traditionally set, by hand –, a real piece of work. It is always a spectacular moment when the sailors climb the rigging, loosen the heavy cloth, and raise the sails. 
  • Star Clippers Americas is the only modern cruise line that recreates the tall sailing boat era with its fleet of Royal ClipperStar Flyer, and Star Clipper
  • Skorpios Cruises sail through fjords, gaze at glaciers, and take in the spectacular landscape of Chilean Patagonia aboard the 160-guest MV Skorpios II
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