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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- 8/7 Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Cusco, Machu Picchu (Small Group Tours)
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- Hiking Fitz Roy & Torres del Paine National Park - GROUP TOUR
- 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
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$2,250You save $50
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 $2,175
2% Off- US$2,125You save $50
Ecuador's Solo Female Traveler Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“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 10 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Mindo Valley, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island Age Range Ages 26+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Authentic Ecuador From
2% Off- US$2,799
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
2% Off- US$2,075
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
2% Off- US$2,480
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
2% Off- US$2,250
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
2% Off- US$4,610
04 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Small Group Service
55 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We couldn't ask for a better tour operator. We highly recommended.”
Maurizio, traveled in July
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
2% Off- 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
2% Off- 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
2% Off- US$599
Reviews of Small Group tours to South America
- 04 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Small Group Service
Amazing trip, I can guarantee you’ll have a great time on the five day trip! Manuel was a fantastic guide, always taking care of us and showing us the best of the Inca trail and always making it fun and interesting! We had varying levels of fitness in our group and he guided us with patience and good humour. His in-depth knowledge of the history, geography and local environment was amazing. I loved Machu Picchu, also some of my favorite experiences from the trip were Warmiwañuska or the views from Phuyapatamarca that we experienced as a smaller group. If you are wondering which company to book your Trek with, please, look no further, You just found it. Thank you so much Inkayni Team!! <3
- 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Group Service
Congratulations!! This trek was an amazing local experience. Our Guide Herlin was an expert on the mountain with great recommendations on local springs and alternate routes for an even better adventure. Victor provided the horse support we needed for our gear and kept the horses well maintained and was ready to help whenever asked. Arminio the chef we really can't say enough about the quality, quantity and variety of dishes that come out of the tent that are fresh, delicious and local. Our experience was top notch and if your looking for adventure, this is the team to accomplish just that.
- Classic Inca Trail Trek 4D/3N to Machu Picchu (Group service )
Great tour. Everything about this trip was professional and high class.
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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