South America's BIG FIVE Explorer
Witness five of the bucket list places in South America; Rio de Janeiro, Machu Picchu, Amazon, Iguazu Falls and the Galapagos Islands.
Embark on a mesmerizing South America tour with Viva Expeditions, discovering ancient civilizations, captivating cultures, and breathtaking natural wonders. Let our South America travel specialists help you plan an unforgettable trip!
South America is the 4th-largest continent on earth, and we consider it, without a doubt, one of the most alluring travel destinations. This is a land like no other – so varied and expansive that it offers a mind-boggling array of attractions, most of them household names the world over.
The best part of embarking on a South America tour? Before too long, the ‘big name’ attractions ‘almost’ become mere side trips because the best places to visit in South America offer so much more than their most iconic sights.
Experiencing South America is like stepping into a medley of different worlds all at once. From the lush Amazon rainforest to the towering peaks of the Andes, every corner offers something new and captivating. You can immerse yourself in the rhythms of salsa in Colombia, be utterly captivated by the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, and be enchanted by the vibrant street art of Buenos Aires.
And for the ultimate wildlife experience, the Galapagos Islands reign supreme.
South America is a feast for the senses that will leave you longing to return again and again. Ready to embark on your ultimate South American journey? Contact us today!
From mastering the Argentinian tango in a local café to trekking through earth's most stunning landscapes, South America promises the ultimate adventure. Whether on a multi-country tour (like our Signature South America Circle) or an in-depth exploration of one Latin American gem, the best of the continent awaits.
On our South America tours, you can explore an array of incredibly diverse landscapes and natural wonders, ancient historical treasures, and intoxicating cities.
Our recommendation? While you can never ‘do it all’, you can Include a little of everything that makes the continent so magical.
Jumpstart your adventure by spending a few days in a bustling metropolis like Buenos Aires, Lima, Santiago, Rio de Janeiro or Montevideo. Not only is this a fantastic way to whet your South America travel appetite, but it will also help you overcome jetlag, especially if travelling from afar. This becomes even more crucial if you’re planning to visit high-altitude destinations in the Andes.
Then let the adventure begin!
If you’re into jaw-dropping natural sights, your choices are nearly endless. Enjoy a thrilling boat ride to experience the thundering might of Iguazu Falls, immerse yourself in the world’s largest rainforest on an Amazon Tour, cast your eyes on magnificent glaciers and eye-popping mountains in Patagonia and meet the most distinctive wildlife on earth on a Galapagos Islands cruise.
If you should expect anything on your South America tour, expect to be overawed.
And should you prefer to combine natural wonders with extraordinary ancient treasures, the Central Andes are where you should head next. The wonder that is Machu Picchu is only one of many highlights in the region. Explore the former Inca hub of Cusco and take a side trip to the marvellous Lake Titicaca, bordering Bolivia. The highest navigable lake on earth is a feast for all the senses – visit local floating communities of the Uros Islands and soak up the spellbinding views from Taquile Island.
Exploring the incredible Amazon Jungle offers an immersive journey into one of earth's most biodiverse regions. On land-based tours, you can delve deep into the heart of the jungle, trekking through lush rainforest trails, encountering exotic wildlife, and learning from indigenous communities. Meanwhile, Amazon cruises provide a unique perspective, allowing you to navigate the mighty river's tributaries and witness the jungle from a different vantage point.
But wait, there is more to South America travel. SO much more!
Drawing from our years of experience and client feedback, we've curated the best routes, destinations, accommodations, and experiences for our Signature South America tours.
Our itineraries offer seamless journeys that combine the most complementing ‘highlights’ while offering a bevy of insider secrets along the way.
Have more time? Extend your Signature Tour with our optional ‘add-on’ packages to create a truly personalised experience.
We offer various tours and tour packages to suit your needs and desires. As always, our Specialists can help bring your South America travel dreams to life!
Summer is roughly from November to February, and winter from June to August. Most of the countries are all year round destinations.
It depends on the activities you wish to do and on places you want to visit.
Yes, travelling in South America is generally safe, but as with any destination, it's essential to remain cautious and aware of your surroundings. While some places and situations can pose risks, most tourist destinations prioritize visitor safety, and governments work with law enforcement to ensure security measures are in place.
Here are some safety tips for travelling in South America:
Aside from a few minor foreign exceptions (Dutch in Suriname, English in the Falkland Islands and Guyana, and French in French Guyana), one major exception (Portuguese in Brazil), and countless indigenous languages (Quechua up in the Andes or Tehuelche in Patagonia), the primary spoken language in South America is Spanish.
If you speak some Spanish, you'll notice distinct regional differences – from Peru to Chile, Argentina and even Uruguay: each country has its own peculiarities regarding vocabulary and pronunciation so you'll no doubt find conversations with locals to be both amusing and enlightening!
Yet, as far as travellers are concerned, it's important to stress that you can travel through all of South America without speaking any Spanish or Portuguese at all. Would it help to know a few local greetings and phrases and, perhaps, have a basic grasp of numbers? Sure! Locals love it when you 'attempt' to say at least 'hola!" However, speaking Spanish or Portuguese is no prerequisite to having a fantastic time on your South America tour!
Every country in South America has a different currency, however, US dollars are widely exchangeable and accepted in many large hotels, restaurants and supermarkets.
Argentina - Peso (ARS), Bolivia - Boliviano (BOB), Brazil - Brazilian Real (BRL), Chile - Chilean Peso (CLP), Colombia - Colombian Peso (COP), Ecuador - US Dollar (USD), Paraguay - Guarani (PYG), Peru - Nuevo Sol (PEN), Uruguay –Uruguayan Peso (UYU), Venezuela–Bolivar (VEF). You can check currency exchanges at www.xe.com
Visas are required by some nationalities for travel to certain South American countries. Please refer to the detailed information on the specific countries that you plan to travel through for visa requirements.
Before travelling to South America it is recommended that you visit a medical professional to see which vaccinations are needed for a specific country. Recommended vaccinations are not mandatory, but required vaccinations are. The minimum vaccinations recommended from our side are: Yellow Fever, Hepatitis (A and B), Typhoid, Diphtheria, Cholera, Rabies, and Tetanus.
It depends on the level of physical activity involved in your chosen itinerary, but it is always recommended to take comfortable walking shoes and clothes appropriate to the weather conditions. It is recommended to research the weather conditions of each country before you depart on your trip to South America.
Witness five of the bucket list places in South America; Rio de Janeiro, Machu Picchu, Amazon, Iguazu Falls and the Galapagos Islands.
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.
This 21 day loop covers the best of Argentina, Brazil, Peru and a taste of Chile. Includes Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires, and Rio.
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.
Discover stunning Patagonia on this 9 day adventure, from Santiago to El Calafate (or vice versa). This combines perfectly with an Antarctic cruise!
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.
Tour vibrant Rio de Janeiro, visit Iguazu Falls, the most impressive falls in the world and discover the wonderful culture of Buenos Aires!
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.
Our classic best of Peru offering our favourite Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by train experiences, handpicked for you.
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.
Travel from the shores of Lake Titicaca, across the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, to Atacama, the driest desert in the world.
Small Ship Cruising: Small ship expedition cruises are a wonderful way to explore. Choose from Antarctica cruises & Sub-Antarctic Island cruises, Arctic cruises or sail the Patagonian Fiords, Galapagos Islands Cruising or New Zealand’s wonderful Fiordland.
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.
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.
Stay in a secluded lodge deep in the Amazon jungle in Peru. Monkeys, macaws, capybaras, caiman & more. Combines well with a trip to Machu Picchu!
From Machu Picchu to the Galapagos Islands, this adventure combines some of the best of Peru and Ecuador in just over 2 weeks.
Being the world’s largest tropical rainforest and ranked as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, covering almost 40 percent of the continent and crossing the Amazon River, by far the world’s largest river by volume. Home to abundant wildlife.
See Amazon Jungle Tours HereThe Galapagos Archipelago, 19 islands situated 1.000km from the Ecuadorian mainland is home to exotic wildlife. Due to the extreme isolation, you can spot animals seen nowhere else including marine iguanas, giant tortoises, frigatebirds and more.
See Galapagos Islands CruisesMachu Picchu, the ancient Incan citadel is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. It is set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru at an altitude of 2,430 metres and made up of more than 150 buildings.
See Machu Picchu Tours HereOne of the planet’s most inspiring sights, the Iguazu Falls is the largest waterfall in the world split between Brazil and Argentina. It is made up of some 275 individual waterfalls and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984.
See Iguazu Falls Tours HereRio de Janeiro is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful and interesting urban centres in the world. Rio de Janeiro is known for the beauty of its sandy beaches and hills as well as for hosting the best carnivals with musical samba rhythms.
See Rio de Janeiro Tours HerePatagonia, renowned for its rugged beauty and diverse landscapes, offers an unparalleled adventure for nature lovers. From towering peaks to pristine glaciers, visitors can explore this remote region's untamed wilderness.
See Patagonia Tours