South America Small Group Tours
Ever fancied the Andes with people who get it? You'll explore Quito's colonial center properly, stand on the equator line at Mitad del Mundo, shop Otavalo's indigenous market for alpaca stuff, ride horses through Cotopaxi National Park, witness El Pailon del Diablo waterfall's power, and explore Ecuador from mountains to coast. Small group means no rushing, no forced activities, just good travel.
10 best South America small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
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- 10/09 Lima, Chan Chan, Chiclayo, Sipan, Machu Picchu (Small Group Tours)
- 8/7 Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Cusco, Machu Picchu (Small Group Tours)
- Hiking Fitz Roy & Torres del Paine National Park - GROUP TOUR
- 9 Days Andes Group Tour for Gay Travelers
- 04 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Small Group Service
- 02 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
- 03 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu - Group service
- Full Day Cotopaxi exploration on Horseback riding - Shared Group
LGBTIQ+ groups, typically 38 years old, connect at Ecuador's Polylepis Lodge and Ibarra's spa facilities. Personal attention highlights Cotopaxi National Park adventures and Baños waterfall visits, with dedicated LGBT+ guides throughout.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, El Angel Ecological Reserve, Ibarra, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- US$2,300
South American expedition with 8-12 travelers creates meaningful cultural exchanges at Otavalo Market and Ingapirca ruins. The intimate setting allows for personalized attention during horseback riding at Cotopaxi and authentic experiences in traditional Andean communities.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Cuenca, Guayaquil Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- US$2,175
10/09 Lima, Chan Chan, Chiclayo, Sipan, Machu Picchu (Small Group Tours)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
Expert bilingual guides lead visits to South America's archaeological treasures. From Lima's historic center to Cusco's Sacsayhuaman fortress, small groups enjoy UNESCO sites while staying in centrally located 3-4 star hotels with daily breakfast.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lima, Miraflores, Chiclayo, Sipan, Tucume, Trujillo, Huanchaco, Cusco, Saqsaywaman, Aguas CalientesSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator ILE Tours From
- US$2,480
8/7 Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Cusco, Machu Picchu (Small Group Tours)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“this tour was one of the best that I took in years, we got an inolvidable trip.”
Joseph, traveled in March
Small groups receive focused attention at Machu Picchu and Nazca Lines. Bilingual guides lead cultural encounters in Sacred Valley towns including Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Travelers share Andean buffet lunches and wildlife viewing at Ballestas Islands.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lima, Miraflores, Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Nazca, Cusco, Saqsaywaman, Pisac, Urubamba, OllantaytamboSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator ILE Tours From
- US$2,175
Hiking Fitz Roy & Torres del Paine National Park - GROUP TOUR
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The group was what made this trip unique. I can only recommend that we should all do a group trip for once in our lives.”
Christian, traveled in November
A group of 13 travelers shares sunrise views of Fitz Roy, camps together at Full Camp Base, and visits Perito Moreno Glacier as a team. The close-knit size allows for dedicated guiding through Torres del Paine's French Valley and Lake Grey trails.
Duration 13 days Destinations El Calafate, El Chalten, Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre Mountain, Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine National Park, Puerto Natales Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator People Travel and Experience From
- US$4,610
A small-group South American adventure led by LGBT+ guides offers personalized attention at Cotopaxi National Park horseback rides and Peguche Waterfall visits. Authentic moments unfold at Otavalo Market and Chimborazo Volcano.
Duration 9 days Destinations Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Cuenca Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- US$2,250
04 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Small Group Service
55 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The 4d/3n Inca Trail hike to Machu Pichu with Inkayni Peru Tours was truly one of our top travel experiences.”
Den, traveled in January
The Inca Trail welcomes intimate groups of 2-8, offering personalized attention at sites like Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca. Small group size ensures quality time at each archaeological site and comfortable camping with premium tent setups for two people each.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Patallacta, Runkuraqay Mountain, Sayacmarca, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type Group Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
- US$895
02 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tour was AMAZING! The hotels and surrounding town was nice as well.”
Anon, traveled in July
South America's most iconic trail awaits groups of 8-12 adventurers. Small numbers ensure intimate experiences at Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu, with extra guide for larger groups maintaining quality interaction at each archaeological site.
Duration 2 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 9 Group Type Group Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
- US$560
03 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu - Group service
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The activities were all great and very well organised along with the travel between the different locations.”
Olukayode, traveled in April
Groups under 8 receive dedicated guidance through South American highlights, from Abra Málaga's mountain biking to Machu Picchu exploration. Larger groups get an extra guide, maximizing safety during adventure activities and cultural immersion.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Abra Malaga Mountain, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
- US$599
Full Day Cotopaxi exploration on Horseback riding - Shared Group
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Amazing experience in Cotopaxi! The wonderful time.”
Aissatou, traveled in August
This South American highland adventure welcomes travelers aged 12+. Guests share the thrill of horseback riding at 3,900 meters, while guides share intimate insights about Cotopaxi's ecosystem and geological history.
Duration 1 day Destinations Quito, Cotopaxi National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- US$200
Reviews of Small Group tours to South America
- Hiking Fitz Roy & Torres del Paine National Park - GROUP TOUR
I travelled with the company in November 2019 and the experience was incredible. I joined one of their group tours and it was amazing. The group departure was in Spanish, English and German which was great for me because in this departure were a lot of German people and a main guide who spoke German perfectly well. In the group were 13 passengers which was the perfect amount of people to share a hiking trip and the group was what made this trip unique. I am also in touch with Andrea and Matt, who became very close friends of mine. All services were absolutely great, the camp, the hotels, the transportation. I can only recommend that we should all do a group trip for once in our lives.
- 04 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Small Group Service
Inkayni Peru Tours could not have been a better choice for our 4 day trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. My boyfriend and I had booked this trip prior to the pandemic. However, due to covid we weren’t able to go. Inkayni Team & Tourradar provided us with vouchers (CFFT) and we were able to go and use our vouchers. The inca Trail is a unique experience in the life, you should try to do it! the porters were ALSO doing in half the time, with massive bags on their backs, that carried all of our things. It was nothing short of incredible, they are all completely incredible and honestly made the WHOLE experience. The food was incredible, considering the basic cooking facilities within the camps. Overall, I had the most amazing time on this trek and would definitely recommend and use Inkayni Tours again!
- 02 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
The tour was AMAZING! Just the right amount of hiking and sight-seeing. The hotels and surrounding town was nice as well. The tour was very well-organized. Our tour guide Ali Gutierrez was very friendly, accomodating, and knowledgeable of all the sights as well as surrounding nature.
What our customers ask about South America Small Group Tours
What is the best way to experience the Galapagos Islands in a small group?
Small ship tours with 8-12 travelers provide close-up wildlife encounters in the Galapagos. The smaller numbers allow better access to naturalist guides and entry to less-visited islands like Floreana and Isabela. The daily schedule includes snorkeling at Las Tintoreras hiking Sierra Negra Volcano and exploring by kayak. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Having just 10 people in our group meant we could get closer to the wildlife and have more time to ask our guide questions."
What type of accommodation is provided on small group tours in South America?
Accommodations range from city hotels to distinctive local properties. In Lima guests stay at upscale hotels like Casa Andina Premium Miraflores while the Uyuni Salt Flats feature unique options such as the Luna Salada Hotel built from salt blocks. Lake Titicaca offers homestays with local families. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "the variety of accommodation really enhanced our experience - from luxury hotels in Buenos Aires to charming lodges in Patagonia."
What kind of cultural experiences are possible with small group tours?
These tours facilitate direct cultural connections through activities like sharing meals with families in Lake Titicaca and visiting indigenous communities in Colombia's Coffee Region. Groups can explore the Ccaccaccollo Community women's weaving co-op in Peru's Sacred Valley or join cooking classes in local homes. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Our small group was welcomed into a local family's home in Salento for a traditional coffee tasting - something that wouldn't have been possible with a large group."
How does dining work on small group tours in South America?
Tour packages include hotel breakfasts and select group dinners at local restaurants. Meals range from traditional Argentine asado in Buenos Aires to fresh ceviche in Lima and family-style dining in the Sacred Valley. The limited group size allows access to smaller authentic restaurants. According to one TourRadar traveler: "Being a small group meant we could eat at authentic local places and our guide could help us navigate menus and local specialties."
What kind of transportation is used on small group tours in South America?
Transportation combines private minibuses comfortable 4x4s for remote areas like the Uyuni Salt Flats and scenic rail journeys such as the Vistadome to Machu Picchu. Domestic flights connect major cities like Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. As a TourRadar traveler noted: "Our private minibus meant we could easily stop for photos and take scenic routes that bigger buses couldn't access."
How does accommodation differ on small group tours versus large group tours?
Small group tours select boutique hotels and unique properties that larger tours cannot access. Examples include the intimate Ibis Hotel in Cartagena and the historic Maytaq Wasin Boutique Hotel in Cusco. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The accommodations were perfectly chosen - we got to stay in characteristic hotels like the Floresta Hotel in Baños which really added to the local experience."
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