Luxury South America Tours & Trips 2020
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DEPARTURE DATES
Style
Style
Small Group Tour Small groups are usually defined as between 10 and 24 travelers, often less. If you're the kind of person who enjoys more intimate experiences and personal service this is a good choice. All else being equal you will pay a premium for this style vs a larger group tour.
Private Guided Private tours give you the undivided attention of a guide, and often involve special access to sites and unique experiences not available to larger groups. This is a great option for families, couples, and small friend groups. Expect to pay a bit more for the extra service.
Self Guided Tour A travel company plans your itinerary and arranges all the logistics including lodging, local activities, and transportantion. You have the flexibility of a solo trip while still getting the convience and time savings of expert planning. Get 90% of the benefits of a tour, without a guide.
Group Tour Groups are between 25-60 people, typically ~30-40. Usually there will be many opportunities to split off and enjoy meals and excursions in smaller groups. This is the most economical way to travel, saving up to 40% versus booking the same itinerary yourself.
River Cruise These vessels are smaller than most ocean cruisers, limiting which amenties are available. Passenger counts can vary. One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the ability to dock at smaller ports and local villages.
Small Ship Cruise Small ship cruises usually have a max passenger count of 500. The primary purpose of these trips is to spend time off the vessel in local ports (e.g. Mediterranean) or experiencing nature (e.g Galapagos or Antarctica). Cabins can vary from budget to luxury.
Large Ship Cruise This is the "floating city" experience, with multiple ways to enjoy your vacation aboard the ship as much as on land. Ships are multiple floors, provide several activities, culinary, and shopping options. They often make fewer stops and have less time available for shore excursions.
Retreats Similar to a self guided tour but staying in one location only with activities and day outings included as a part of the stay.
Price
Duration Dropdown
Travelers Age
Lodging Level
Lodging Level
Camping Typically involves most nights sleeping in tents (sometimes permanent tented sites) or in rustic cabins and lodges.
Basic - 2 star You'll stay in no-frills, but clean and comfortable, hotels or guesthouses. A 'Basic' trip might also involve a few nights of camping.
Value - 3 star Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Premium - 4 star 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Luxury - 5 star The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Physical Level
Physical Level
Very Easy Minimal walking - motor vehicles available for all major parts of trip.
Easy Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments.
Moderate Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
Strenuous All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Extreme Very challenging all day hiking and backpacking carrying significant equipment.
Theme
Attractions & Cities Visited
Activities & Interests
Travel Style
Travel Style
Flexible schedule A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Full schedule For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Balanced schedule You will have solid amounts of both free time and structured time with some activities and meals included.
Flight & Transport Inclusions
Supplier (Company)
Countries Visited
Continents Visited
Rivers & Seas Visitied
Peru in Luxury
- Ride the rails through the Urabamba Valley aboard the panoramic Hiram Bingham train
- Visit the famous Larco Museum in Lima
- Tour Cuzco, the oldest inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere
- Tour the fascinating Sacsayhuaman fortress
- Explore the extraordinary ruins of enigmatic Machu Picchu
Galápagos Photo Expedition

- Hone your skills while capturing images of wildlife in a variety of landscapes, from black lava fields to white-sand beaches, and from rocky cliffs to lush highland forests.
- Photograph colonies of iguanas, frigate, sea lions, and birds unfazed by your presence.
- See rare giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
- Explore the waters of the Galápagos by kayak, glass-bottom boat, snorkel, or Zodiac.
Epic Galápagos Photography Expedition

- Explore the Galápagos archipelago and undersea in great depth with hikes and Zodiac cruises
- Tour paced for photo ops and timed to take advantage of the best light.
- Shoot with and learn from top National Geographic photographers and the Lindblad-National Geographic Director of Expedition Photography
- Go on daily photo assignments to help build your personal portfolio with wildlife legendary for uniqueness and lack of fear of humans - allowing for up-close and magical photo opportunities with blue-footed boobies, sea lions, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and more.
- Enjoy a mid-voyage photo seminar with our expert photographers and a special photography tour of the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Family Galapagos

- Cruise for seven nights aboard 'Xperience' - an expedition vessel that blends stability, comfort and flexibility - in the Galápagos Islands
- Experience some of the most intimate and up-close wildlife encounters in the world, both on land and in the water
- Discover the Galápagos Islands on twice-daily shore excursions that include nature walks limited to 12 guests for more interaction with your naturalist guide
- Choose from kayaking or snorkeling, depending on the location, or simply relax on deck or on shore
- Observe giant tortoises up close, in their natural habitats
- A Young Explorers Guide provides child-friendly programs and activities, such as wildlife photography, scavenger hunts, Spanish lessons and art-making
- Enjoy the convenience of earlier seating and kid-friendly menus at meal times
Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley

- Enjoy a private talk on Machu Picchu with a renowned scholar in Incan history before discovering the magnificent ruins for yourself in the company of a local expert guide
- Relish the convenience of an overnight stay at the only hotel on site at Machu Picchu, and the extra time it affords you to explore this spectacular "Lost City"
- Mingle with the farmers and children of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and gain an intimate understanding of their centuries-old customs during a private visit to their village
- Savor a Chef's Table experience in the preparation of Peruvian cuisine while in the pastoral Sacred Valley
- Discover Peru's rich musical traditions during a captivating private performance by an expert in Andean music
- Celebrate your arrival in Peru with a welcome dinner adjacent to the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site in Lima
- Achieve a deeper appreciation of Peru's fascinating and rich pre-Columbian cultures as you explore the Larco Herrera Museum and the new Inkariy Museum
Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North
- The excitement of a southbound Drake Passage crossing
- The speed and convenience of a northbound flight over the Drake Passage
- All the Antarctic Peninsula highlights
- Lecturers and specialists deliver presentations on geology and animal life
Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica
- Explore the world’s seventh continent on the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and on foot.
- Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife with an expert team of lecturers.
- See the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, often referred to as “the Galapagos of the South.” This includes more than 30 species of breeding birds, including four species of Penguin.
- Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages on South Georgia and pause for a moment at his graveside.
- Explore the quaint, British town of Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
- On board lecturers and educational presentations from Polar Specialists.
Galápagos Family Odyssey

--Discover the fascinating wildlife and geology of the Galapagos Islands on a family adventure aboard the National Geographic Endeavour or Islander.
--Cruise to pristine islands and walk among colonies of animals and birds unfazed by your presence.
--Snorkel amid sea turtles, quirky penguins, and playful sea lions; gaze into the old eyes of a giant sea tortoise; and sit among a colourful band of marine iguanas .
--Participate in special kids' activities, such as stargazing, scavenger hunts, drawing and poetry workshops, and knot-tying lessons.
Family Peru

- Rise early to watch the sun rise over iconic Machu Picchu, the spectacular centerpiece of an amazing all-ages adventure that takes you from Lima beside the Pacific Ocean to Cusco high in the Andes Mountains
- Kayak on Huaypo Lake, a fun, active family experience in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- See alpacas, llamas and other gentle camelids at a center in Awana Kancha, and hand feed the animals yourself
- Visit historic sites in colorful Cusco and swim with sea lions off Palomino Island
- Join an A&K Young Explorers Guide on a visit to a local home and learn how to play the traditional Sapo game
Peru: Machu Picchu Inn to Inn

- Trek high among the majestic peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu.
- Spend a full day and a half exploring the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu.
- Delve into the enchanting world of the Inca during an evening with National Geographic grantee Peter Frost.
- Relax in beautiful mountain lodges set amid spectacular scenery.
Peru: Machu Picchu & The Sacred Valley
- Trace footsteps of the Inca in the astounding Sacred Valley
- Approach Machu from above, and peer down at the ancient wonder from the “Sun Gate”
- Enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hike a stretch of the Inca Trail
- Shop at a local market and get to know the locals with the help of your Trip Leaders
- Browse local crafts and art work at the artists' galleries of Cusco
- Spend a day walking the historic streets of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Take part in a tasty tradition by enjoying a glass of the native corn beer, at a local chicheria
- Explore Machu Picchu at dusk and day break to avoid the crowds
- Unwind at luxurious and environmentally-conscious accommodations
Wonders of Chile, Argentina & Brazil

- Explore from Santiago to Buenos Aires on a journey across the Andes that includes a stay in charming Bariloche, a visit to Teatro Colón and a walk beside wondrous Iguazu Falls
- Savor Chile's exquisite wines and learn more about Chilean cuisine in a Chef's Table culinary experience during an exclusive visit to a family vineyard
- Catch the spirit of Buenos Aires at a private tango demonstration by the dancers of the amazing Rojo Tango
- Cruise from Chile to Argentina aboard a private charter boat - stopping to explore Victoria Island in Nahuel Huapi National Park
- Sample the historic flavors of Bariloche at a private session with a local brewmeister and stay at the iconic Llao Llao Hotel & Resort
- Feel the power of majestic Iguazu Falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides during your two-night stay
Galápagos Wildlife Adventure

- Cruise for seven nights aboard 'Xperience' - an expedition vessel that blends stability, comfort and flexibility - in the Galápagos Islands
- Experience some of the most intimate and up-close wildlife encounters in the world, both on land and in the water
- Discover the Galápagos Islands on twice-daily shore excursions that include nature walks limited to 12 guests for more interaction with your naturalist guide
- Choose from kayaking or snorkeling, depending on the location, or simply relax on deck or on shore
- Observe giant tortoises up close, in their natural habitats
- Enjoy a wide range of onboard activities, including stargazing and dolphin watching
Peru and Machu Picchu Family Vacation
- Pachamanca Feast And Inca Dancing: Enjoy a traditional Andean feast known as Pachamanca. Learn the history behind this event, then watch Teatro Sol y Luna perform the dances and stories of the Incas.
- Urubamba River Rafting: Hold onto your hat as you raft down the Urubamba River. Local experts describe the fascinating cultural and natural history as you glide along this scenic route.
- Moray And Maras: Take the ancient Incan path into these ancient ruins and venture into the Sacred Valley as you visit the fascinating salt pan terraces.
- Privately Guided Machu Picchu Tour: Spend the afternoon exploring these 15th-century Incan ruins and stunning views of the magnificent structures surrounded by green peaks glazed by a soft mist.
- Peruvian Weavings: At the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco, master weavers demonstrate their intricate art, as well as how to spin and dye alpaca wool.
Ecuador: Amazon and Galapagos Islands
- Experience snorkelling on Santa cruz, Galapagos
- Explore Amazon life
- Enjoy cooking class in Quito
- Visit to Limoncocha Biological Reserve
- Visit the Historic Centre of Quito
- Canoe into the Heart of the Rainforest
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Top Luxury South America Attractions & Experiences
Top Luxury South America Experiences
The wonder of visiting the relaxing and breathtaking Iguazu Falls
Discovering the world’s largest natural mirror at the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia
The thrill of an Amazon river cruise and getting to see the world’s largest rainforest
Stepping back into history in the old streets of Cartagena, Colombia
Enjoying a night out of watching professional tango dancers and eating asado in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Top Luxury South America Attractions
Santuario de las Lajas
Easter Island
32 Luxury South America Tour Reviews - Summary 100% Recommend
All Luxury South America tours, river cruises, expedition cruises, and adventure trips. Find the best guided trips and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Average rating of 5.0 for all Luxury South America trips.
20 trips from 56 tour companies with 32 reviews
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