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What Travel Should Feel Like

South America: Small Ship Adventures

From the peaks of the Andes to the pulse of its cities, this is a place that moves you in ways you never expect.

There are moments here that catch you off guard – a sea lion gliding up to greet you in the clear waters of the Galápagos, a glacier cracking into a silent Patagonian fjord, or the calls of the Amazon rising around you at dawn. Then there are the simple joys – music and colour spilling from a riverside village in Colombia, or laughter with a guide who has spent a lifetime exploring these waters.

Travelling South America by small ship isn't just about seeing more. It's about getting closer – to wildlife, to people, to wild places few ever reach. Every journey leaves you with a sense of awe, a quiet gratitude and a new way of seeing the world.

This is what travel should feel like.

 

Best things to do in South America

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Featured Tours

Magic of Colombia | 8 Day Cruise
8 days

  • Solo Tours: Experience the freedom of solo travel with perfectly designed journeys that are anything but lonely.

  • Small Ship Cruising: Small cruise vessels range from private yachts carrying as few as 12 guests to expedition ships of around 200. As a rule, the smaller the ship, the closer you get to the landscape and wildlife.
Magic of Colombia | 8 Day Cruise

Journey along the Magdalena River and explore the magic of Colombia on this unforgettable 8-day river cruise.

Price from $3,423 USD
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Wonders of Colombia Cruise
8 days

  • Small Ship Cruising: Small cruise vessels range from private yachts carrying as few as 12 guests to expedition ships of around 200. As a rule, the smaller the ship, the closer you get to the landscape and wildlife.

  • Solo Tours: Experience the freedom of solo travel with perfectly designed journeys that are anything but lonely.
Wonders of Colombia Cruise

Fall in love with Colombia’s rhythms on an 8-day river cruise exploring the charming town of Mompox, the colorful streets of Cartagena and more.

Price from $3,775 USD
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Galapagos: Elite | 8 days luxury
Special!
8 days

  • Small Ship Cruising: Small cruise vessels range from private yachts carrying as few as 12 guests to expedition ships of around 200. As a rule, the smaller the ship, the closer you get to the landscape and wildlife.

  • Luxury Tours: We design unique luxury holidays that allow you to experience the most spectacular and remote parts of the world. From the best hotels and lodges to luxury small ship cruises and exclusive heli-tours.

  • Solo Tours: Experience the freedom of solo travel with perfectly designed journeys that are anything but lonely.
Galapagos: Elite | 8 days luxury

From giant tortoises to curious seals, join and discover the wonders of the Galapagos on an unforgettable 8-day luxury cruise.

$9,990 USD
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Galapagos: Endemic | 8 days luxury
Special!
8 days

  • Small Ship Cruising: Small cruise vessels range from private yachts carrying as few as 12 guests to expedition ships of around 200. As a rule, the smaller the ship, the closer you get to the landscape and wildlife.

  • Luxury Tours: We design unique luxury holidays that allow you to experience the most spectacular and remote parts of the world. From the best hotels and lodges to luxury small ship cruises and exclusive heli-tours.
Galapagos: Endemic | 8 days luxury

Experience the Galapagos Islands in style onboard the Endemic, an elegant and spacious catamaran. Encounter blue-footed boobies, sea lions and more.

$9,990 USD
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Delfin I – 5 Day Amazon Cruise Peru
5 days

  • Small Ship Cruising: Small cruise vessels range from private yachts carrying as few as 12 guests to expedition ships of around 200. As a rule, the smaller the ship, the closer you get to the landscape and wildlife.

  • Luxury Tours: We design unique luxury holidays that allow you to experience the most spectacular and remote parts of the world. From the best hotels and lodges to luxury small ship cruises and exclusive heli-tours.
Delfin I – 5 Day Amazon Cruise Peru

Cruise the Amazon in Peru onboard this luxurious an intimate river cruise, experience the magic of the jungle, the food and Amazonian wildlife.

Price from $6,700 USD
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La Selva - Amazon Jungle Ecuador I 4 Days
4 days
La Selva - Amazon Jungle Ecuador I 4 Days

Stay at the La Selva Eco Lodge & Retreat, a haven of luxury set amidst the pristine Amazonian rainforest in Ecuador.

Price from $1,930 USD
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Signature Peru
★ Most Popular
9 days

  • Signature Tours: Refined, Simplified, Perfected

    Premium itineraries carefully crafted by destination experts. Take in the very best of South America and Central America, with highly-rated hotels and exclusive authentic experiences.

  • Most Popular Tours: Discover the bucket list trips our clients have been booking most in recent months. Here you'll find the very best tours we offer, spanning four of the world's most exceptional regions.
Signature Peru

Our classic best of Peru offering our favourite Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by train experiences, handpicked for you.

Price from $3,030 USD
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Signature Galapagos Islands
★ Most Popular
11 days

  • Small Ship Cruising: Small cruise vessels range from private yachts carrying as few as 12 guests to expedition ships of around 200. As a rule, the smaller the ship, the closer you get to the landscape and wildlife.

  • Signature Tours: Refined, Simplified, Perfected

    Premium itineraries carefully crafted by destination experts. Take in the very best of South America and Central America, with highly-rated hotels and exclusive authentic experiences.

  • Most Popular Tours: Discover the bucket list trips our clients have been booking most in recent months. Here you'll find the very best tours we offer, spanning four of the world's most exceptional regions.
Signature Galapagos Islands

Explore the Galapagos Islands aboard a luxury catamaran, where lizards swim and tortoise roam. Includes a five-star stay in Quito's charming old town.

Price from $7,880 USD
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Where to next?

Viva Expeditions specialises in premium adventures across South America, and our team knows the continent inside out.

From the Amazon rainforest to the soaring Andes, every corner reveals something extraordinary. Dance to salsa rhythms in Colombia, uncover the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, explore vibrant Buenos Aires, or encounter unique wildlife in the Galápagos Islands.

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Inspiration for your South America adventure

Our South America travel experts live and breathe this continent. They share insider tips, thoughtful recommendations, and personal stories to help you plan the trip of a lifetime. Here, you’ll find inspiration and practical advice straight from the people who know South America best.

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What to Expect on a Colombia River Cruise

Highly esteemed river cruise experts AmaWaterways are offering river cruises in Colombia for the very first time, combining comfort on board with the chance to experience this colourful country at its most authentic.
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How to Travel from New Zealand to South America

How long is the direct flight to South America from New Zealand? Best time to book flights? Flying via North America. All your questions answered by our South America Experts who have been there.
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Guide to Tipping in South America

How much to tip in South America? It's one of the questions we get asked most by travellers, and Kiwis and Aussies in particular tend to find it tricky.

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Patagonia Travel Guide

Planning a trip to an expansive and less-developed destination like Patagonia can feel a bit daunting. We totally get it! That's why we've put together this Patagonia travel guide.
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Top 10 Must-Try Foods in Peru

A great way to experience the local culture when you're travelling in Peru is to try the local food. So before you embark on a Peru tour, let's look at some delicious must-try Peruvian foods.

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Best Wildlife Experiences in the Amazon

The Amazon is home to countless species of animals, many of which are rare and endangered, making it a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Here are the best wildlife experiences on offer in the Amazon.

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