South America has a lot to offer, with stunning peaks and ethereal salt flats. Whether you want to hike through the rainforest in Brazil, cruise among fjords in Chile or kayak with sea turtles in Argentina, there's something to suit every adventure traveler here.
South American travels that are truly memorable include adventure activities but also allow for cultural immersion and exploration. Hike mystical Machu Picchu, delve into the Amazon rainforest and visit the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca on our award-winning Latin America adventure tours.
We recommend spending around two weeks in each country depending on your travel time. This will give you the opportunity to explore the highlights of each destination without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Bolivia is a great starting point to an adventure-packed South America itinerary. The country is home to the ethereal Uyuni salt flats, where you can stargaze and watch the Milky Way over the vast desert. We recommend taking a bike ride on Death Road, a unpaved route that crosses the Bolivian altiplano.
Peru is another fantastic choice for a 3-week South America adventure. It's a beautiful nation with a rich cultural heritage, including vibrant colonial towns and the ruins from a pre-Incan civilisation. You can start in Cusco, a UNESCO-listed world heritage city. From there you can trek to Machu Picchu, the impressive Inca Empire site.
For those looking for adventure, a trip out to Peru's Lake Titicaca is a great option. This is where the Uro people construct their reed islands. They live on top. You can also visit Taquile Island for views of the lake and a chance to buy some hand-knitted Peruvian textiles.
No matter if you're looking for ancient ruins to bustling cities or towns, our expert guides will ensure that you have the best possible experience in South America. Our custom tours to South America are tailored to meet your travel preferences, pace, and timeframe.
The Atacama National Desert is a beautiful place to begin your 3-week South American trip. It boasts unique landscapes, and an almost lunar-like terrain. The desert is just outside San Pedro de Atacama. It's home to amazing wildlife. You can even take day trips with geysers that spray water into the air.
Alternatively, you could swap Peru for Bolivia and head to La Paz to see the Salar de Uyuni, where you can take a tour to Isla Incahuasi, a cactus island that rises out of the salt flats. This spectacular site will make your South America trip unforgettable.
You can extend your trip to Ecuador if you have more time than two months. In this case, you can also spend some time in Quito. The capital is beautiful. Here you can look for hummingbirds and swim in waterfalls. Next, visit Nazca to explore the remains of ancient Mayan civilisations. You can also make a day trip from Quito to Mindo. It is only a few hour's drive away.