South America is a treasure trove for curious explorers and a vast playground for adventure-seekers. The combination of great natural spectacles, rural beauty, and high-energy cities means there is something for every traveller to appreciate.
Small group tours in South America provide a compelling way to traverse this stunning and vast continent safely, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We’ve compiled a selection of the best tours to take, including iconic experiences and multi-country routes in the following destinations:
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Patagonia
- Peru
Read on below as we share our reasons why small group tours are a great idea, along with our go-to recommended tour operator in South America.
This site contains links to tours we recommend, which we may make commission from at no extra cost to you. This post was not sponsored and we give honest, personal recommendations on tours we think you’ll love.
In a hurry? Here are the benefits of taking a small group tour in South America
Here’s why we find it stress-free and fun to join group tours by G Adventures:
✅ The best routes and activities are already mapped out
✅ Competent, friendly local guides to take care of you
✅ Health and safety protocols in place
✅ Small groups, so you get personal attention
✅ Great way to make friends and have fun on a tour
Our top fave tours in South America:
🥾 Classic Inca Trail: walk the Inca trail to Machu Piccu — demanding physical rating
🦜 Amazon Riverboat Adventure: guided cruise and tour of the Peruvian jungle — light physical rating level
💃🏽 Discover Brazil, Argentina, and Chile: 16 days of experiencing cultural highlights; average physical rating level
🏞️ Hike Patagonia in depth: wonderful, wild guided trek in Torres Del Paine National Park; demanding physical rating level
🥾 G Adventures guided W Trek: our highly recommended option for going with a guide; demanding physical level rating
Helpful links:
✈️ Skyscanner: if flying into South America, check Skyscanner for the best routes and rates
🛡️ SafetyWing travel insurance: get great rates on travel insurance – we always feel better with coverage when travelling
🚌 Busbud: great for searching and reserving buses for South American travel
Why take small group tours in South America?
When planning a trip to South America there are many considerations to cover. What are the safest destinations to visit? What are the best ways to get around and use local services? And how can you get the most out of your trip while taking these important details into account?
Small group tours are a great option for covering all the bases with minimal stress and impact, and making sure you have an unforgettable travel experience. And South America, with many of its natural attractions found in rural, sparsely populated locations, as well as its vibrant cities, has so many options for every type of traveller.
So, let’s take a separate look at each of the big considerations…
Sharing the experience
For many people, us included, meeting people and making new connections is one of the great joys of travel. Small group tours provide the perfect environment for this.
Many of the lasting friendships Lisa and I have made through our years of travel have come from intimate small group experiences. And for the introverts out there, the ‘organised fun’ element of a small group tour helps ease the worries about approaching people.
Ensuring high safety and hygiene standards
Travelling in a small group setting with a reputed operator, you can expect good safety and hygiene measures to be in place. Whether it’s getting around, eating, interacting with people or staying somewhere overnight, small group tour companies have the right local connections and knowledge to ensure this can all be done safely and hygienically.
Taking the stress away
Opting for a small group tour removes the logistical challenges of organising everything yourself. While we’re big fans of independent travel at Career Gappers, the new considerations when trip-planning in a world readjusting after a crisis do present some difficulties.
You can always combine elements of both, like we often do on our travels, and weave an organised small group tour into your itinerary. Even for the boldest travellers, it’s nice to have at least some time when you don’t need to worry about the arrangements.
Rural exploring
From the unspoiled Amazon jungle to the great wilderness of Patagonia, and from the vast salt flats of Bolivia to the lake districts of Argentina and Chile, it is a continent of stunning rural beauty.
Our recommended operator for small group tours in South America
Lisa and I have travelled extensively in South America in both independent and organised settings. Along the way we’ve taken many small group tours, and learned a lot about what makes a good experience.
Furthermorel, we have taken time to research the measures being implemented by the foremost small group tour companies to adapt and provide a safe, fun environment.
Taking the various factors into account, we recommend G Adventures for small group tours in South America. Here are the main reasons why we recommend them:
Ethical standards and good causes
One of the main reasons we chose G Adventures in the first place was their commitment to ethical treatment of local staff and supporting good causes. Many of their itineraries include engagement with local community projects, and all of their teams work in good conditions with fair pay. Read more about their approach to responsible travel.
Safety and hygiene measures
At the height of travel restrictions back in 2020, G Adventures acted quickly to put cleaning and safety measures in place to endure that visitors could travel with confidence.
The measures have been adapted with time and provide a great basis for making sure tours are safe, and that they can proceed smoothly.
Key safety and hygiene features include the option to have your own room, their specially trained support staff can advise on local rules and regulations prior to your trip, and all tour guides have additional training health and safety.
Guides that give you confidence
Our first South America tour with G Adventures was the classic Inca Trail in Peru. One of the big takeaways of our experience was the quality of the local guides that looked after our team.
Like many people who hike the Inca Trail, it was our first time attempting such a challenging trek, and we were nervous about it. But the pre-tour briefing set a tone of team support and encouragement, which was carried throughout the trek and took away our anxieties.
This is an invaluable quality in a tour operator, and G Adventures work with the most reputed local guides in the destinations where they operate.
Optimal group sizes
All G Adventures tours are capped at 16 people, and the average group size is 12. We find this to be the optimal size for fostering an enjoyable social environment and making meaningful connections while sharing travel experiences.
Small group tours in South America: iconic experiences
A select few of G Adventures’ tours focus on major single attractions or locations, rather than combining several into a varied itinerary. These independent adventures are perfect for experiencing the bucket-list headlines of South America in the capable hands of a trusted local guide. Here are our top picks:
Classic Inca Trail
- Length: 7 days
- Physicality: demanding
The legendary trail through the Inca heartlands of Peru, culminating at the lost citadel of Machu Picchu.
Complete Galápagos
- Length: 17 days
- Physicality: average
Exploration of the nature and wildlife diversity of the celebrated Galápagos islands on board the Eden boat.
Antarctica Classic
- Length: 11 days
- Physicality: light
An expedition to see the end of the earth, encountering whales and penguins around the Antarctic Peninsula.
Amazon Riverboat Adventure
- Length: 9 days
- Physicality: light
A guided cruise into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve exploring the unique wildlife of Peru’s Amazon jungle.
Iguassu Falls Adventure
- Length: 4 days
- Physicality: light
A solo trip with a guide, for In-depth discovery of this stunning waterfall system on both the Argentina and Brazil sides of the border.
Easter Island Adventure
- Length: 4 days
- Physicality: light
A focused tour of the remote Rapa Nui, including the mysterious Moai statues, and the island’s beaches and volcanoes.
Small group tours in South America: multi-country routes
Several of G Adventures’ longer tour packages span multiple countries in South America, combining a range of attractions and cultural explorations into a more in-depth itinerary. These are some of the most popular routes:
Southern Divide
- Length: 21 days
- Physicality: average
A three-week journey from Lima to Santiago, including Machu Picchu, Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert.
Atlantic to the Andes
- Length: 25 days
- Physicality: average
Journey from the Brazilian coast to the Bolivian mountains, with stops at Iguassu Falls, Pantanal and Salar de Uyuni.
Andes, Iguassu and Beyond
- Length: 18 days
- Physicality: light
From Santiago to Rio de Janeiro via the lake districts of Chile and Argentina, plus Iguassu Falls and more.
Discover Brazil, Argentina and Chile
- Length: 16 days
- Physicality: average
Cultural highlights of each country including historic Valparaíso, Mendoza’s vineyards and samba classes in Rio.
The Scenic Route – Lima to Buenos Aires
- Length: 30 days
- Physicality: average
A month-long adventure including Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Salar de Uyuni and outdoor fun in the lake districts.
The Great South American Journey: Quito to Rio
- Length: 65 days
- Physicality: demanding
One of G Adventures’ tours for 18-to-thirty-somethings, an epic two-month voyage spanning seven countries.
Small group tours in South America: Argentina
Argentina is a truly immense country, known for its great food and wine culture, tango dancing, and mammoths of nature such as Iguassu Falls and Perito Moreno Glacier. These are some of the top small group tours in the country:
Chile, Argentina: Cities & Hikes
- Length: 15 days
- Physicality: demanding
The Argentinian part of this tour includes high-altitude hikes, El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares, and city fun in Santiago & Buenos Aires.
Explore Chile & Argentina
- Length: 8 days
- Physicality: light
The Argentina leg of this package focuses on two iconic cities, laid-back wine mecca Mendoza and boisterous Buenos Aires.
Patagonia Hiking
- Length: 9 days
- Physicality: demanding
This itinerary features classic treks on the Argentina side of this vast region, pivoting from El Chaltén and El Calafate.
Small group tours in South America: Bolivia
Many of Bolivia’s great attractions are found at dizzying altitude in the Andes, including the chaotic metropolis of La Paz and the world’s largest salt flats at Salar de Uyuni. These tour itineraries bring together the country’s highlights:
Bolivia Discovery
- Length: 11 days
- Physicality: average
Combining the classic sights of La Paz, Sucre, Potosí and Uyuni, plus a 4×4 excursion into the salt flats.
Highlights of Bolivia
- Length: 8 days
- Physicality: average
A varied, fast-paced itinerary incorporating La Paz, Sucre, Potosí, a traditional farm visit, Uyuni and the salt flats.
Bolivia Express
- Length: 5 days
- Physicality: average
A budget option for 18-to-thirty-somethings, this tour encompasses the Bolivian deserts and salt flats.
Small group tours in South America: Brazil
Brazil is a melting pot of nature and culture, from the Carnival scene and glorious beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the tropical jungle and wetlands. The following varied itineraries are ideal for packing a lot of activity into a focused trip:
Wonders of Brazil
- Length: 15 days
- Physicality: light
Two weeks exploring Brazil’s classic attractions, including Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande, Paraty, Iguassu Falls, and Pantanal.
Highlights of Brazil
- Length: 8 days
- Physicality: average
This itinerary is designed for 18-to-thirty-somethings and focuses on the coast, blending cultural discovery and nightlife.
Explore Brazil
- Length: 9 days
- Physicality: light
A contrasted exploration of Brazil in three legs, combining Rio de Janeiro, the Pantanal wetlands and Iguassu Falls.
Small group tours in South America: Chile
A long, thin strip hugging the Pacific coast of South America, Chile is a land of changing landscapes and breathtaking scenery. Here are some of the top small group tours for exploring this country’s great outdoors:
Torres Del Paine W Trek
- Length: 6 days
- Physicality: demanding
The classic three-pronged trek in Torres Del Paine National Park, from Grey Glacier to the granite towers of Las Torres.
Torres Del Paine Full Circuit
- Length: 11 days
- Physicality: challenging
For more experienced hikers, the full circuit trail or ‘O Trek’ encompassing a full loop of Torres Del Paine National Park.
Highlights of Chile & Argentina
- Length: 10 days
- Physicality: light
The Chile section of this route balances city discovery in Santiago and Valparaíso with getting outdoors in Pucón.
Small group tours in South America: Colombia
A country of tropical climates and colourful cities, Colombia is a playground for adventurous travellers. These G Adventures small group tours are our top recommendations for experiencing Colombia’s highlights:
Classic Colombia
- Length: 16 days
- Physicality: average
Incorporating the cities of Bogotá and Medellín, the coffee region of Armenia, beaches of Cartagena and Tayrona National Park.
Colombia Journey
- Length: 9 days
- Physicality: average
A shorter, focused itinerary spanning Medellín, a traditional Armenia coffee farm and the historic sights of Cartagena.
Colombia Lost City Trekking
- Length: 7 days
- Physicality: challenging
The beautifully preserved rainforest trail to the ruins of La Cuidad Perdida deep in the jungle with an indigenous guide.
Small group tours in South America: Ecuador
Ecuador may be most famous for the Galápagos Islands, but its mainland has plenty to explore too, from its sweeping highlands and Amazon jungle to its pristine coastline. Some of these tours can also be combined with Galápagos trips:
Ecuador Encompassed
- Length: 20 days
- Physicality: average
A varied route combining Ecuador’s biggest draws, including Quito, Manta, Baños and the Amazon jungle.
Highlands of Ecuador
- Length: 8 days
- Physicality: average
A blend of rural and local cultural exploration, including South America’s biggest craft market and Cotopaxi National Park.
Beaches & Coastal Adventure
- Length: 7 days
- Physicality: average
This route focuses on the culture and wildlife of Ecuador’s coast, including the port city of Manta and beaches of Puerto López.
Small group tours in South America: Patagonia
A great wilderness that stretches across Chile and Argentina at the southernmost tip of South America, Patagonia is a rural paradise for hikers and adventure-lovers. Here are our picks for small group tours in the region:
Discover Patagonia
- Length: 14 days
- Physicality: average
A two-week journey of Patagonia’s scenery, from the northern lakes to Torres Del Paine and Perito Moreno Glacier.
Hike Patagonia in depth
- Length: 14 days
- Physicality: demanding
A combination of Patagonia’s classic hikes, including the Torres Del Paine W Trek as well as El Chaltén and El Calafate.
End of the Earth
- Length: 14 days
- Physicality: demanding
This route focuses on the southern national parks, exploring Torres Del Paine, Los Glaciares and Tierra Del Fuego.
Small group tours in South America: Peru
Peru has been a meeting point of cultures throughout history, as the land of the Incas and the epicentre of the Spanish Empire in South America. It’s also a place of great natural significance, home to the Amazon jungle, great southern deserts, deep canyons and Andean mountain ranges. These are some of our top picks for G Adventures small group tours in Peru:
Absolute Peru
- Length: 21 days
- Physicality: demanding
The classic route through Peru, incorporating Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Arequipa, the Inca Trail and the Amazon.
Iconic Peru
- Length: 14 days
- Physicality: demanding
Adventure through natural and historic sites, including Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu and the Amazon.
Amazon to the Andes
- Length: 12 days
- Physicality: demanding
A combination of the classic Inca Trail and an Amazonian adventure with a stay at the exclusive G Lodge.
Looking for more inspiration for your South America trip? Check out our South America bucket list, and our rundowns of the best beaches and most beautiful lakes across the continent.
Image credit: the photo of Colombia’s Lost City is by travelmag.com and is distributed under a CC BY 2.0 license.
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