South America tours

A visit to Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic South America tours. This is one of the best-preserved sites of the ancient Inca civilization, and with a guided tour on hand, you’ll come away as something of an expert yourself. While some choose to visit over a few days and take the full Inca Trail trek, it’s also possible to see the top highlights in a day. While you’re there, check out the Intihuatana, believed to be an ancient astrology clock; the sacred Temple of the Sun with its ceremonial stone encircled by a wall; and the Sun Gate, for the picture-worthy view looking down over Machu Picchu on one side, and the Inca Trail behind you.

Enjoy the heights – and adrenaline – of Rio de Janeiro with an open-top jeep tour. The tour departs from your designated hotel, before driving through Tijuca National Park where you’ll stop to take in the gushing waterfalls and a simple hike. The jeep then snakes its way up to the Corcovado Mountain, where at the top stands one of the best-known statues in South America, if not the world: the Christ the Redeemer statue. You’ll have plenty of time to gaze up at the 28m-tall statue, as well as incredible panoramic views across the city. Looking for Brazil holiday packages? There’s plenty to choose from!

Spanning 4000 square miles, Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is the largest and highest of its kind in the world. It makes for an ethereal experience; if you visit in the wet season (winter), the thin sheet of water covering the flats makes it look like one giant mirror, whereas in the dry season (summer) you can see the white salts that make up this desert. It’s possible to see the best of both seasons in late April. Once you’ve taken in the flats, your tour continues to the Pescado ‘islands’, outcrops of volcanic rocks. And keep an eye out for flamingoes!

Heading out on an island-hopping Galapagos Islands tour is one of the best things to do for wildlife- and nature-lovers alike. All visitors to the island must be accompanied by a certified guide anyway, who will tell you everything you need to know about this fascinating island, the place which inspired Charles Darwin’s evolutionary theory. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of 20 islands, with minimal human presence; which is reflected in its brazen animals that rule the land here As you sail between the islands you’ll spot whales and dolphins, then once you’re on land your guide will lead you through various trails and explain the flora, fauna and ecosystems here. Among the rare and unique species here are the red-and-green Marine Iguana, the Galapagos Giant Tortoise (it’s thanks to them the island received its name), blue-footed Boobys, Galapagos Penguins, fat red-chested Frigate Birds and big-eyed sea lions and fur seals.

Delve into the best of Argentina’s cityscape with a walking tour of its invigorating capital, Buenos Aires. While you can choose one or two key neighbourhoods to centre on, a fast-paced full-day tour is the best way to get to know the city. Guided tours pack a lot in, some covering over 75 landmarks, but that’s because this is a city with a whole lotta stories to tell. As you wander through the various neighbourhoods (including Historical Downtown, Plaza de Mayo, Palermo, Recoleta and more), your expert guide will give you an in-depth low-down of the fascinating history and cultural build-up of Buenos Aires. During the tour you’ll take in ornate cathedrals such as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires and Pope Francis Cathedral; the Art Deco Kavanagh Building skyscraper, the tango dancers of Caminito and plenty of inviting antique markets.