South America Small Group Tours
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10 best South America small group tours
Compiled by

MelissaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
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- Full Day Mindo Cloudforest - Shared Group
- Full Day Otavalo Indigenous Market - Shared Group
- Full Day Cotopaxi exploration on Horseback riding - Shared Group
- 03 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu - Group service
- 02 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
- Hiking Fitz Roy & Torres del Paine National Park - GROUP TOUR
- Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/3N – Enjoy a Group Service Adventure
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 10 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, 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$2,230
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, Otavalo, 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$2,120
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
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
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
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, Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine National Park Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator People Travel and Experience From
- US$4,953
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/3N – Enjoy a Group Service Adventure
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“A very well organized tour. Timely stops for some history along the route was really good.”
Hari, traveled in December
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Patallacta, Runkuraqay Mountain, Sayacmarca, Winay Wayna, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, French, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Waman Adventures From
- US$980
Reviews of Small Group tours to South America
- 04 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
Very well organized tour. Inkayni was able to answer all of the questions we had before the trip and dud a great job letting us know what to expect. Our guide Wilber was amazing, his vast experience served us well as I feel we received the best services at the hotels and restaurants he took us too. We really felt Wilber enjoyed showing us Manchu Picchu and telling us the history of the area.
- Full Day Cotopaxi exploration on Horseback riding - Shared Group
Amazing experience in Cotopaxi! Another huge thank you to Rafael for the wonderful time!
- 03 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu - Group service
This was an amazing tour with our guide Jaime who made us feel incredibly comfortable over the three days. The activities were all great and very well organised along with the travel between the different locations. Jaime was a brilliant tour guide throughout Machu Picchu and we felt his knowledge of the wonder added to how much we enjoyed the experience. We would definitely recommend and thanks again to Jaime for amazing experience.
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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