South America travel tips
Chilean cornucopia
Chilean cornucopia
David Orrock from our supplier Pura Adventure highlights the dazzling variety of distinctive experiences in Chile in his South America travel tips:
“There are so many… wrapped up warmly, star gazing in the Atacama Desert; staying in a family home on the Pacific Coast of Chiloé tucking into the freshest seafood and sipping delicious Chilean wine; traveling by boat upriver into Torres del Paine National Park rather than bouncing around on a gravel road. We spend as much time out and about in the open air to make sure people get a sense of Chile every day of their trip.”
Our South America Vacations
South America tour, coast to coast
Epic discovery journey across South America
From
£3098 to £3313
19 days
ex flights
Galapagos cruise options, tailor made
The greatest wildlife experiences tailor made
From
£4620
8 days
ex flights
Atacama and Patagonia hiking vacation
Explore Chile on foot Atacama Patagonia Walking Vacation
From
£4595 to £5170
14 days
ex flights
Chile adventure vacation
Chile's best: the Atacama Desert, Lake District and Patagonia
From
US $4895 to US $5225
13 days
ex flights
Hiking the Inca trail vacation
An unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery
From
US $1735 to US $1825
9 days
ex flights
Patagonia luxury adventure vacation
Luxury hotels and adventure in Patagonia
From
US $3644 to US $3883
11 days
ex flights
Brazil wildlife vacation, tailor made
From the world’s largest jungle to the world’s largest swamp
From
£5115
14 days
inc UK flights
Tour of Patagonia, El Calafate & Torres del Paine
Patagonia's best - Torres del Paine and Perito Moreno Glacier.
From
US $790 to US $2095
5 days
ex flights
Galapagos & Amazon wildlife vacation, Ecuador
The ultimate wildlife trip to the Amazon and Galapagos
From
US $6190
16 days
ex flights
Bolivia and Peru tour
Explore the Amazon Andes and Inca trail
From
US $4165 to US $5350
25 days
ex flights
Patagonia small group vacation
Explore Patagonia's National Parks by foot and small-ship.
From
US $5174 to US $6954
11 days
ex flights
Tailor made vacation in Brazil
Green Coast, the Pantanal, and Iguaçu Falls
From
US $5600
15 days
ex flights
Peru and Galapagos vacation
An inspirational tour combining Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos
From
£5195
15 days
ex flights
Peru tour, off the beaten track
An cultural small group tour to the Northern region of Peru.
From
£2695
14 days
ex flights
Peru highlights tour, Inca trail, Titicaca and Nazca
Taste Peru's diverse landscapes and fascinating culture
From
US $2945 to US $3065
15 days
ex flights
Patagonian adventure vacation
Explore the highlights of Argentine and Chilean Patagonia
From
US $3327 to US $3511
15 days
ex flights
Ecuador ecolodge, Napo Wildlife Center
A luxurious eco-lodge in wildlife rich Ecuadorean Amazon
From
US $1467
4 days
ex flights
Southern Peru small group tour
Journey through south Peru, the heartland of the Inca Empire
From
£3131 to £3198
14 days
ex flights
Galapagos and Machu Picchu vacation in Ecuador and Peru
Discover Peru's Machu Picchu and the Wildlife-rich Galapagos
From
US $4500 to US $8400
16 days
ex flights
High Inca trail trek in Peru
Machu Picchu, Inca fortresses and cloud forest
From
US $2325 to US $2435
14 days
ex flights
Buenos Aires to Rio via Iguazu Falls vacation
Fast paced adventure of Argentina and Brazil.
From
US $2265 to US $3195
7 days
ex flights
Tailor made vacation in Argentina, best of Argentina
Enjoy Mendoza's wineries, Iguazu Falls and Patagonia glaciers
From
US $2435 to US $2999
15 days
ex flights
Patagonia trekking vacation
Trek the third largest single expanse of ice on earth
From
US $1880 to US $2070
9 days
ex flights
Rio Futaleufu rafting vacation in Chile
Raft deep canyons and pristine wilderness of Patagonia
From
US $3800
9 days
ex flights
Lima and Cusco vacation in Peru, local experience
Authentic intercultural experience in Lima and Cusco
From
US $1800 to US $1950
10 days
ex flights
Argentina highlights vacation, tailor made
Enjoy memorable adventures in Patagonia and Iguazu Falls
From
US $1902 to US $2402
12 days
ex flights
Going wild in Brazil
Going wild in Brazil
Anna Scrivens from our supplier Audley Travel offers wise words contrasting the Amazon and Pantanal for wildlife fans in her South America travel tips:
“We’re very careful with how we describe the Amazon because some people go there expecting to see a lot of wildlife. But really you don’t because the rainforest is so dense. So people can be disappointed if they have the wrong expectations. The Amazon is not really about the wildlife; it’s more of a jungle experience. If it’s wildlife you’re interested in then you need to go to the Pantanal. It’s not as famous as the Amazon, but the wildlife is much better. It feels much less like a jungle because the vegetation is so dense – but that’s why you see more wildlife.”
Is an overland tour for you?
Is an overland tour for you?
Jess Millett, from our supplier, Tucan Travel, shares her advice on what sort of traveler is suited to a South America overland trip: “To make the most of an overland tour you need to be very flexible, quite patient, and up for a really good adventure. Due to the very nature of these tours, there’s always a chance that something can go wrong – like a tyre blowing, or a break down – so you need to be able to shrug that off and make the most of it. An overland trip is ideal for solo travelers as it’s a very sociable style of travel – you’re mucking in together; you’re cooking together; you’re cleaning together, so there’s a definite community spirit. You’re almost guaranteed to make some really good friends and share some incredible memories.”
City tips
City tips
Elena Larkin from our supplier Natural World Safaris is originally from Lima, and highlights its growing appeal in her South America travel tips:
"Lima is changing - and it's all due to the gastronomy boom of the last few years. The city itself has a lot to offer: the centre is still very colonial, there are lots of museums and we have ruins about an hour away. It's been understated for so many years - people just stayed there for a night before heading to Cuzco - but nowadays people are starting to stay for two or three nights.”
Argentine Patagonia
Argentine Patagonia
Kathy Jarvis from our supplier Andean Trails goes misty-eyed about vast skies and cowboy culture in her Argentina travel advice:
“Immense skyscapes are one of Patagonia’s key features. Though traveling distances can be long these amazing skies and vast empty scenery are so different you switch into a different time mode – hours float by. Glacier lakes and granite spires are oases in the landscapes. Spit roasted lamb and huge chunks of beef accompanied with a fabulous Malbec epitomises the Argentine attitude to food: plenty of it, tasty, nourishing and uncomplicated.”
Our top South America Vacation
Galapagos cruises
Sail in a charming red schooner
From
US $2614
8 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
Daily departures throughout the year.
Daily departures throughout the year.
Helpdesk
Hello. If you'd like to chat about South America or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
Health & safety
HEALTH
SAFETY
Tips from our travelers
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful South America travel travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation - and the space inside your suitcase.
We have selected some of the most useful South America travel travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation - and the space inside your suitcase.
Talking to local people about their lives was one of the most fascinating aspects of this vacation
Joanna Rothon
"Make sure you're in good shape for long and sometimes challenging hikes in Patagonia." - Karen Cutler
"In the Atacama, be ready for no internet. But the experience is worth it." - Victoria Edwards
"The ability to speak a little South American Spanish would make it a lot easier. Also make sure you take some warm clothing for early starts and high areas visited. But don't forget the sun hat and sun screen as well." - Dave Thalrose
"Peru and Bolivia are developing countries and hygiene and timekeeping are rather different there. Remember to respect locals and their way of life too!" - Kristiina Puusaari-Sheahan
"In the Atacama, be ready for no internet. But the experience is worth it." - Victoria Edwards
"The ability to speak a little South American Spanish would make it a lot easier. Also make sure you take some warm clothing for early starts and high areas visited. But don't forget the sun hat and sun screen as well." - Dave Thalrose
"Peru and Bolivia are developing countries and hygiene and timekeeping are rather different there. Remember to respect locals and their way of life too!" - Kristiina Puusaari-Sheahan
In the Atacama, be ready for no internet. But the experience is worth it.
Victoria Edwards
"In Iquazu, all payments for tours are required in cash - no cards accepted. And the US dollar is in favour - but in the shops/restaurants cards are OK." - Vera Alladitta
"Make sure your camera has a huge memory card... and take a good lip balm because the altitude makes your lips dry!!" - Jo Curry
"If you are not on a direct flight back to the UK - we changed planes at Madrid - you may have to change terminal and the authorities will take any liquid duty free off you. I'm still cross about my vintage wine!" - Patricia Stott
"Talking to local people about their lives was one of the most fascinating aspects of this vacation." - Joanna Rothon
"Make sure your camera has a huge memory card... and take a good lip balm because the altitude makes your lips dry!!" - Jo Curry
"If you are not on a direct flight back to the UK - we changed planes at Madrid - you may have to change terminal and the authorities will take any liquid duty free off you. I'm still cross about my vintage wine!" - Patricia Stott
"Talking to local people about their lives was one of the most fascinating aspects of this vacation." - Joanna Rothon
More about South America
The best time to visit much of South America is any time outside of the Jan-March rains. Remember that in the southern hemisphere, seasons are reversed...
We take you trekking, bushwhacking, rafting and salsa-ing your way across this thrilling continent, from Amazon depths to Andean peaks...
Our map helps you choose which places to visit in South America, whether you're enjoying an epic overland tour or a relaxing two-week vacation...
Trek in the Andes, spot Andean wildlife, discover Aymara, Quechua, Afro and Latino culture, or cross remote borders on a thrilling overland tour...
Latinos are famously welcoming towards children, and will be delighted to share folklore, street food, language and dance with any curious visitor...
Across the continent there are issues with the displacement, deforestation and deep set poverty. Our guide helps you make wise - and kind - choices...
Find all of our South America guides in one place, for particular places in South America such as Bolivia, the Galapagos or Peru.
Why book with Responsible Travel
Photo credits: [Page banner: McKay Savage] [Chilian cornucopia: Christopher Michel]
[Going wild in Brazil: Neil Palmer/CIAT]
[City tips: Art DiNo]
[Argentine Patagonia: Douglas Scortegagna]
[Health & saftey - Cusco rooftops: Kenneth Moore]
[Review intro: Nick Jewell]
[Review 1 - Joanna Rothon: Geraint Rowland]
[Review 2 - Victoria Edwards: Nicolas de Camaret]
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