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
- Ecuador's Solo Female Traveler Group Tour
- 7 Days Gay Small Group Trip Wellness Retreat
- Group Tour - Glaciers and Peaks
- Group Tour - Majestic Peaks of Patagonia
- Adventure in Torres del Paine & Ushuaia - GROUP TOUR
- 10 Days Andes and Pacific Coast Small Group Tour for Gay Travelers
- Hiking in Los Glaciares National Park - Group Tour
- Premium Highlights of South America
- INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS – Small Group
- 10/09 Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Tambopata National Reserve Jungle (Small Group)
Ecuador's Solo Female Traveler Group Tour
“Great balance of activities. Excellent insight into culture. Animals were excellent.”
Maria, traveled in March
This women-only tour through Ecuador brings together groups of 4-12 solo female travelers aged 26+ for an intimate cultural immersion. Small numbers provide personalized attention during a spiritual ceremony led by a local shaman near Cotacachi and visits to indigenous medicinal plant gardens. Limited group size allows for deeper connections during activities like the chocolate workshop in Quito's Old Town. Snorkeling at uninhabited Galápagos islands like Bartolomé or Santa Fé brings you face-to-face with blue-footed boobies and rare Santa Fé iguanas.
Duration 9 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Santa Cruz Island, San Cristóbal Island, Lobos Island Age Range Ages 20+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Authentic Ecuador From $4,587
10% Off- US$4,128
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 $2,300
2% Off- US$2,254
South America's glacial wonders come alive in an intimate group of 6-12 travelers. Small numbers enable closer interaction with bilingual guides at Perito Moreno Glacier and personalized support during the challenging Laguna de los Tres trek. A welcome dinner in El Calafate creates authentic connections.
Duration 7 days Destinations El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chalten Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator People Travel and Experience From
2% Off- US$2,395
Groups of 6-18 travelers venture across South America's southern frontier. Bilingual guides facilitate glacier viewings and personalized hiking experiences. Accommodations include social hostels like Entre Vientos or private rooms at Hotel Francis Drake, with included meals fostering connections.
Duration 10 days Destinations Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park, El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chalten, Mount Fitz Roy Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator People Travel and Experience From
2% Off- US$3,305
Patagonian adventures unite groups of 6-18 travelers, hiking Torres del Paine's valleys and exploring Ushuaia's surroundings. Small numbers ensure quality guiding at Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and personalized attention during penguin encounters on Isla Martillo.
Duration 9 days Destinations El Calafate, Torres del Paine National Park, Puerto Natales, Ushuaia, Lago Fagnano, Puerto Harberton, Isla Martillo Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator People Travel and Experience From
2% Off- US$3,480
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, Cotopaxi Volcano, Banos, Rio Verde, Riobamba, Guamote, Ingapirca, Cuenca, El Cajas National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From $2,175
2% Off- US$2,132
Groups of 6-18 travelers share 8 days of Patagonian highlights. Los Glaciares trails open up with bilingual guides, featuring communal dining at Full Camp Base Fitz Roy. Witness Perito Moreno Glacier's unique rupture process with like-minded adventurers.
Duration 8 days Destinations El Calafate, El Chalten, Mount Fitz Roy, Perito Moreno Glacier Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator People Travel and Experience From
2% Off- US$2,430
Duration 24 days Destinations Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Premium From
2% Off- US$19,335
INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS – Small Group
“They provided delicious, authentic Peruvian meals throughout the entire hike.”
Sanjay, traveled in June
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Piscacucho, Wayllabamba, Ayapata, Llulluchapampa, Pacaymayo Valley, Runkuraqay Mountain, Sayacmarca, Cerro ChaquicochaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, French, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Waman Adventures From
2% Off- US$980
Groups of 8-15 visitors receive personal attention during Cusco city tours, with up-close encounters at Tambopata Reserve's Amazon wildlife and detailed exploration of Machu Picchu's archaeological mysteries.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lima, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, Tambopata National Reserve, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 8+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator ILE Tours From
2% Off- US$2,730
Reviews of Small Group tours to South America
We had a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the tour guides to the porters to the chefs, we felt very well taken care of and spoiled! I will send some of our family next year.
4-Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Small Group & Vistadome Train
Best experience of my life with Wilbert! Although it was the most challenging mental and physical journey, it was also the most awarding. Wilbert was kind , knowledgeable, and flexible. We saw the most beautiful parts of Salkantay trek and Cusco. Highly recommend to ANYONE who is coming to Peru.
5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Group Service
- Classic Inca Trail Trek 4D/3N to Machu Picchu (Group service )
We did the the 5D/4N Inca trail. We had a magical experience. Our tour guides Juan Carlos Zuloaga and Joel were so attentive and made sure every detail was perfect. They were always there to support us when we were tired and we wouldn’t have completed it wi th out them. The chef Alfredo made incredible food and looked after my eife and dons food allergies. The porters worked so hard and always had a smile for. Cesar as head Porter managed them all so well.
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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