Top South America Budget Trips & Packages In 2025/2026

Highlights

• This trip allows trekkers to visit Machu Picchu – one of the magnificent Seven Wonders of the World, sitting high in the Andes mountains.
• Get active with one of the most iconic treks in the world, soaking up gorgeously lush scenery and travelling with a small group of adventurers and local leaders and porters to help you along the way.
• Follow in the footsteps of a great lost civilisation up to the Sun Gate overlooking mighty Machu Picchu. If you take the Quarry Trail, pass amazing archaeological sites, valley views and enjoy off-the-beaten-path cultural interactions.
• Start and end your journey in Cusco – Extend your stay a few days to really explore the old capital of the Inca Empire and become aclimated to the high altitude. Explore the archaeological remains, Spanish architecture and the Plaza de Armas (the central square in the Old City).
• Whether you trek the Inca Trail or Inca Quarry Trail, you'll be travelling responsibly with a company that cares about balancing profit and purpose. Intrepid is the largest B Corp certified operator on the Inca Trail and we’re committed to operating our treks for the benefit of all. 

Highlights

• Explore Medellín, the most innovative city in Colombia
• Wander the colourful streets of Cartagena
• Walk through tropical forest and along wild beaches in Tayrona National Natural Park
• Visit a coffee plantation in Minca, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
• Experience Afro-Colombian culture in San Basilio de Palenque

Highlights

• Whether you trek the Inca Trail, Inca Quarry Trail or take the scenic train route, you'll be travelling responsibly with a company that cares about balancing profit and purpose. Intrepid is the largest B Corp certified operator on the Inca Trail and we’re committed to operating our treks for the benefit of all.
• Roam the Amazon Jungle by boat at night (with an expert local) and float down the river, keeping an eye out for the glaring eyes of jaguars, anacondas and caimans. 
• Head to a local community and rub shoulders with the inhabitants of the Sacred Valley – if you’re lucky, your travel day might even fall on market day where you can pick up some hand-painted beads or a warm poncho. 
• The floating islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca look like they could be straight out of a Pixar or Studio Ghibli movie! Spend the night under the stars in a traditional island village.   
• Explore Lima in your own time, at your own pace. This trip gives you heaps of free time to explore all the best bits of Peru’s capital. This is also Peru’s best spot for foodies – so make sure you eat your way through the coastal streets – yum!   

Highlights

• Start with a bang in Buenos Aires, with a walking tour and tango class to make the most of your limited time in the capital.
• Explore the incredible Laguna de los Tres through thick woodlands, over streams and past granite spires to the famed blue lagoon at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy.
• Listen to the thunder as cracks form in the spectacular wall of ice that is Perito Moreno Glacier. This massive, blue-hued natural wonder is constantly breaking and reforming.
• Hike past the most beautiful waterfalls and glaciers of Torres del Paine National Park with your guide, and spot wildlife like guanacos and rhea birds along the way.
• Let someone else take care of the permits and accommodation so you can focus on soaking up the views with new friends – trekking is what small group travel was made for!

Highlights

• Enjoy a full week of expedition cruising in the Galapagos Islands, with two landing sites visited every day, focusing on the east and west
• Immerse yourself in the diverse scenery with guided nature walks, snorkelling excursions, Zodiac rides and use of kayaks
• Sail on the MV Evolution, an intimate yacht featuring the most public space and largest cabins of any yacht in its class
• Discover the rugged highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat
• Enjoy the best guest-to-guide ratio (10:1) in the archipelago with all guides Level III certified

Highlights

• A full week of expedition cruising in the Galapagos archipelago, with two landing sites visited every day, focusing on the north and south.
• Guided nature walks, snorkelling excursions, Zodiac rides and use of kayaks to discover the best of each landing site
• Sail on the MV Evolution, featuring the most public space and largest cabins of any yacht in its class
• Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat
• Enjoy the best guest-to-guide ratio (10:1) in the archipelago, with all guides Level III certified

Highlights

• Visit Gardner Bay to relax on white sands and, hopefully, swim with sharks
• See pirate lava caves and giant tortoises in the highlands of Floreana
• Enjoy a coffee tour and tasting at local producers, Finca Osorio
• Snorkel the wildlife-rich islets of Las Tintoreras
• Tour Santa Cruz by boat, visiting Canal del Amor, Playa de los Perros and Las Grietas

Highlights

• A full week to discover the Peruvian Amazon by boat and on foot, travelling in style aboard the premium riverboat Zafiro
• Get to the heart of the rainforest, with opportunities to spot pink and grey river dolphins, caiman, scarlet macaws and much more
• All excursions accompanied by fascinating naturalist guides who are experts in the Peruvian Amazon – join them for stargazing and storytelling
• Join a village shaman for a blessing ceremony and learn about the use of medicinal plants within the local community
• Luxurious amenities aboard the Zafiro, including a Jacuzzi, spa services and fresh Amazon fusion cuisine