Luxury South America Tours & Trips

103 Luxury South America trips. Tours from 52 tour companies. 28 reviews. 5/5 avg rating.

103 Trips match your criteria (1 - 20 shown)

Patagonia Tour - Patagonian Overland Adventure
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Private Guided
Why we love them
They're a family-run company that shows travelers the authentic side of South America and work with local experts.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Discover Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America” & paired lunch in a chic restaurant
  • Visit San Antonio de Areco, the cradle of Gaucho’s traditions
  • Explore Ushuaia, the “End of the World” in 4X4WD
  • Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, Cruise Chilean fjords between Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay
  • Explore Torres del Paine National Park, Cruise The Perito Moreno Glacier

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Culinary & Wine, Family Friendly, 50 Plus, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, High Adventure, Small Ship Cruise, Relaxing Retreats, Overland Journeys

What travelers are saying

"I highly recommend Across South America for a memorable experience that is personalized for YOU."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Generous cancellation

More
The Luxurious Lifetime Exploration
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They're a family-run company that shows travelers the authentic side of South America and work with local experts.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Culinary Delights of Lima.
  • Learn from local artisans in Cusco
  • High-End Train to Machu Picchu
  • Nature at its best at the Small and Luxurious Galapagos Yacht visiting, Santa Cruz, Genovesa and Santiago Island

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Birding, Sailing, Photography, High Adventure, Scuba Diving, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I highly recommend Across South America for a memorable experience that is personalized for YOU."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Generous cancellation

More
Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • 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

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly, 50 Plus, National Parks, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Zodiac trips are fantastic. The whale watching is amazing."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Custom Designed Trip
Lodging level
lodgingLevelName
Physical level
N/A

Highlights

  • Fully customized trip based on preferences
  • Matched with a local specialist
  • From $150 per person per day
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Antarctic Peninsula aboard Expedition
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • 11 days Antarctica Cruises
  • Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
  • Crossing Drake Passage
  • Explore Ushuaia

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, High Adventure, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • 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.
Show more

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, 50 Plus, National Parks, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Zodiac trips are fantastic. The whale watching is amazing."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Delfin I Amazon River Cruise
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Explore the beauty of Amazon by Cruise
  • Explore Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
  • Cruising through the Yanayacu and Pucate Rivers and explore biodiversity of this region
  • Opportunity to see the famous pink dolphins.
  • Visit a private natural and fishing reserve
Show more

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly, 50 Plus, Hiking & Walking, Sailing, National Parks, High Adventure, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Machu Picchu Explorer
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore the Sacred Urubamba Valley including Pisac and Ollantaytambo by rail to the citadel Machu Picchu
  • Explore Lima
  • Discover Cusco
  • Visit Scared valley

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Andes Highland Haciendas
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Discover the beauty of the Andes Mountains
  • Ecuador's northern sierra region
  • Visit rural Andean villages
  • Explore Quito

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card
...
...

Luxury South America Reviews & Ratings

5/5  Excellent
28  Reviews
See all Luxury South America tour reviews
Excellent
31
Great
0
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
M

Mariam

Jul 2018

Written on

The trip exceeded my expectations.

Sebastian and Carolina were extremely helpful putting the tour together to South America. We had a great trip, the itinerary was good and I enjoyed the fact that the...

J

Jonathan

Feb 2018

Written on

We can strongly recommend Across Argentina as a secure and highly experienced travel agency

"We recently booked an extensive two week trip of Argentina and Chile through Across South America We approached the company by email (in English) from Australia and...

T

Top notch tour of Peru

Jun 2023

Best tour; from the guides to the hotels to the sites - absolutely top notch

We did a private tour of Peru with A&K for our 30th wedding anniversary. It was truly remarkable. The attention to detail, sites we visited, hotels we stayed a...

S

Steve

Jul 2018

Written on

We experienced Cusco, Trekking through the Andes

My wife and I just returned from our trip to Peru for 10 days. We experienced Cusco, Trekking through the Andes, and Machu Picchu. I spent a significant amount of ti...

L

Lori

May 2018

Written on

Amazing experience and all first class!

I just got back from a tour of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Cusco. It was an amazing experience and all first class! Our tour guide, Allison Elaine Monge Carr...

Write a Review

Luxury South America Tour Selection Trips

  • Most luxury tours to South America are of only one country. For this reason, choosing which country you want to see is important.
  • For those interested in an active and strenuous tour, may have a difficult time with luxury tours of South America. Most tours are easy to moderate level activity levels. However, there are some options. 
  • Luxury tours of off-the-beaten-path countries are growing. Since there are fewer tours offered to these countries, it’s important to book early to get your spot!
  • South American luxury tours aren’t just for the 50+ age group. There are plenty of tours for solo travelers, couples, and families out there.

Additional details

Why Consider Luxury Travel to South America

Luxury tours of South America offer you the opportunity to handcraft your own itinerary through this vast continent while also still getting exclusive experiences. Most South American luxury tour operators specialize in creating trips that are designed to fit your needs. They work with you from the first call all the way through your trip making sure you have the once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ve dreamed up. 

Additionally, a luxury tour takes care of all the nitty-gritty details of travel. You’ll have excellent transportation for those bus rides between destinations, a local guide will meet you in your next city to show you around, and the hotels are comfortable and relaxing after your long journeys. 

Luxury tours also offer exclusive experiences not normally included in backpacking or standard trips. You’ll be able to share a wine tasting with a master winemaker, private tango lessons in Argentina, or stay in a hotel just steps away from Iguazu Falls.

When is the Best Time to Visit South America? 

First, most of South America - besides the Caribbean coastline - is in the Southern Hemisphere. This means that the coldest months are actually May-August and the warmest months are December-February. If you are looking to take a vacation from the colder months of the Northern Hemisphere, then South America is one of the best places to see. 

Second, with such a vast difference in climates and natural landscapes, every part of the year is the right time to visit South America. Most of South America generally maintains a comfortable, cooler climate throughout the year. If you are visiting the mountains at any point of the year, it will be cold and wet. February is one of the best times to visit Peru and Chile as this is right before the colder seasons. Countries such as Ecuador and Colombia will be consistently warm throughout the year as they both sit right on the equator. 

For countries such as Argentina and Chile, you’ll see a wider change in temperatures during the year because they are farther away from the equator. It’s hard to pick an exact time of year to visit South America (unlike Italy or Vietnam) since each region of the country is vastly different from the regions. However, a good rule of thumb is that February and March may be prime time for many of the countries.

Packing List for South America

South America is enormous, that’s not an understatement. With climates ranging from tropical rainforests to snowy mountain ranges to salt flats, what to pack for South America can be a little daunting. 

The first thing to figure out when packing is where in South America you will be going. If you are sticking to the Caribbean coast of the continent or the Amazon Rainforest you’ll need to pack lightweight clothes and rain jackets.

If you are hiking the trails of the Andes or Patagonia you will need wool jackets and good hiking boots. Layers are key throughout the continent. The weather can change on a dime, so you’ll want to include a few different options for those outings. 

It’s best to base your packing list on where you will be going. Check your itinerary for the climates and regions you will be in to help determine what to stuff into your suitcase. A few essential things to bring with you no matter where you are: bug spray, rain jackets, warm socks, and a travel adapter. 

It’s also important to remember that luxury travel in South America isn’t about ball gowns, diamonds, and pearls. While you may be treated to a nice dinner here and there - and be accommodated in nice hotels and houses - don’t worry about packing as though you’re staying at the Ritz. Luxury South America tours are more about the opportunity to have a private guide, comfortable transportation and accommodation.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 103 trips to Luxury South America and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!