Adventure Tours & Trips in South America
Picture adventure spanning South America's incredible diversity. Try trekking in Patagonia's Torres del Paine, climbing volcanoes in Ecuador, and rafting Futaleufú's world-class rapids in Chile. The Galápagos offers snorkeling with sea lions, wildlife spotting at Kicker Rock, and trekking volcanic Sierra Negra. South America's adventure opportunities rival anywhere globally.
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Christopher • traveled in March
The tour group was only 6 and we got on well. A great start. Saw almost everything we wanted to, including a group of Orcas on our personal boat going from Floreana to Isabell. Great snorkelling. So 6 people plus one experienced guide going around the Islands and staying on land every night - compared to being on the same boat with a 100 other people. No contest.
Galapagos Walking Adventure - V
Veronica • traveled in November, 2025
Cristian did a fabulous job of organizing a mix of tours and self guided adventure, as requested. The itinerary was well thought out.
North Argentina Adventure (17 Days) - G
Giulia • traveled in September, 2024
Words cannot describe accurately how amazing this trip was for both of us. The activities were well planned out, the accommodation extremely comfortable, we particularly liked the lagoon in front of the lodge Our tour guide was highly organized and we all knew everything we needed to the day before it was required, communication was clear and detailed. He even gave us great tips of where to buy a pair of binoculars in Lago Agrio, which was appreciated. There was plenty of delicious food, we never went hungry. The lodge overall in the middle of the jungle where you can see everything. thank you again.
Ecuador Cuyabeno Adventure 6 Days Tour
Our traveler's Moments
7 Days Exploring the Atacama Desert
Esteban
Manaus Amazon Jungle Adventure 5D/4N
Elizabeth
Full Patagonia Adventure Trip - GROUP TOUR
Hossin
4 Days Amazon Lodge Cuyabeno Reserve
Marc
Ushuaia Explorer: 4-Day Adventure at the End of the World
Jeff
Peru Express - 10 Days (Lima - Cusco - Machu Picchu & Puno) With Domestic Flights
Gitte
4 Days Classic Machu Picchu Inca Jungle Tour - Standard
CodyVVladimir
Exploring South America - 13 days
AAnou
Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro: Falls & Footy
AKAdam
Ecuador Quest
Full Argentina Adventure – 21 Days
Ingrid
CBCara
Journey Across South America - 19 Days
PPatyRodriguez
5-Day Amazon Cuyabeno & Papallacta Adventure
MCMOHUA
Rio de Janeiro to Santiago de Chile - 17 Days
ALAgneta
Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure – 6 Days Wildlife & Culture
10 best Active South America tour packages
Compiled by

NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
- Galapagos Walking Adventure
- 6 Days Galápagos Exploration: Nature's Wonderland Adventure
- North Argentina Adventure (17 Days)
- Ecuador Adventure 14 Days Tour
- Full Argentina Adventure – 21 Days
- Tailor-Made Private Argentina Family Adventure, Daily Start & Exclusive Guide
- Epic 27-Day Adventure Through Chile
- Peru Action & Adventure
- 5 Days Adventure Trip in Galapagos
- Cuyabeno Amazon Eco-Lodge Adventure 5D/4N
Galapagos Walking Adventure
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip is an experience of a life time! Sitting on a bench to check the view then realising there is a sea lion under your seat.”
Donna, traveled in June
Galapagos adventures await across four islands. Sierra Negra volcano provides hiking challenges, while Kicker Rock and Cabo Rosa offer premier snorkeling. Local guesthouses serve as base camps on San Cristóbal, Floreana, Isabela, and Santa Cruz.
Duration 14 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Floreana Island, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island, Bartolomé Island, Baltra Island, South Plaza Island, Guayaquil Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $8,998
20% Off- US$7,200You save $1,798
Los Tuneles' lava formations and Sierra Negra's volcanic landscapes set the stage for wildlife encounters. A 6-mile crater rim trek, penguin snorkeling at Tintoreras Islet, and tree planting in Santa Cruz highlands await. Includes expert guidance and comfortable accommodations for around $1,900.
Duration 6 days Destinations Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
20% Off- US$1,880
North Argentina Adventure (17 Days)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was well thought out. Cristian did a fabulous job of organizing a mix of tours and self guided adventure, as requested.”
Veronica, traveled in November
South American landscapes vary from Iguazu's jungle trails to Aconcagua's mountain paths. Mendoza's white water rafting, Santa Rosa de Tastil's ancient ruins, and Iguazu Falls' extensive walkways provide diverse adventures.
Duration 17 days Destinations Buenos Aires, Puerto Iguazu, San Miguel de Tucuman, Salta, Purmamarca, Mendoza Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Hi Travel Argentina From
20% Off- US$2,022
South America's challenging terrains range from Cuicocha Lake's 8-mile circuit to Chimborazo's 16,000ft basecamp. Class III rapids on Pastaza River and mountain biking through Baños' Avenue of Waterfalls provide thrilling moments.
Duration 14 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos, Puyo, Chimborazo Volcano, Alausi, Ingapirca, CuencaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 20+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
20% Off- US$3,100
Full Argentina Adventure – 21 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“All the day tours were wonderful. I can only recommend this tour.”
Ingrid, traveled in December
South America's diverse terrains unfold from Mount Fitz Roy's base to Perito Moreno Glacier and Sea Lion Colony. Dramatic elevation changes range from Salta's 13,615ft peaks to Ushuaia's sea level.
Duration 21 days Destinations Salta, Purmamarca, Mendoza, San Carlos De Bariloche, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chalten, El Calafate, Rio Gallegos, Ushuaia Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Hi Travel Argentina From
20% Off- US$2,879
Patagonia's wilderness beckons with treks through Mount Fitz Roy and Tierra del Fuego National Park. The Beagle Channel and both sides of Iguazu Falls showcase nature's power with expert guides.
Duration 15 days Destinations Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park, El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chalten, San Carlos De Bariloche, Victoria Island, Puerto Iguazu, Iguazu Falls Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
20% Off- US$7,799
The dramatic landscapes of South America unfold from Grey Glacier's ice fields to Moon Valley's otherworldly formations. Walking Torres del Paine's renowned trails, visiting Queulat's hanging glacier, and watching El Tatio's geothermal spectacle await. Perfect for adventure seekers wanting to experience diverse terrains.
Duration 27 days Destinations Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park, Coyhaique, Puerto Varas, Puerto Montt, Frutillar, Los Alerces National Park, San Pedro De Atacama, Santiago Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From $2,479
15% Off- US$2,107You save $372
The ultimate South American adventure awaits with a 50km mountain bike descent from Malaga Pass, optional rafting at Santa Maria, and trekking through Huancarccasa Canyon. Soak in Cocalmayo's thermal baths before walking the ancient path to witness Machu Picchu at sunrise.
Duration 18 days Destinations Lima, Miraflores, Arequipa, Canon del Colca, Chivay, Puno, Uros Reed Islands, Taquile Island, Cusco, Sacred ValleySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Class Adventure Travel From
15% Off- US$2,257
Premier diving sites around Santa Cruz Island offer encounters with hammerhead sharks and sea lions. Cerro Mesa Ecological Reserve treks, pristine water kayaking, and cycling to the island's largest sinkhole fill five days of moderate-intensity adventures at approx. $380 daily.
Duration 5 days Destinations Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
15% Off- US$1,911
Daily adventures in Cuyabeno Reserve include 3-4 hour rainforest treks, nocturnal caiman spotting, and peaceful canoe rides. Pink dolphins grace the waters of Laguna Grande, while expert guides at Jamu Lodge share knowledge of native medicinal plants.
Duration 5 days Destinations Quito, Nueva Loja, Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
15% Off- US$860
What our customers ask about Adventure Tours & Trips in South America
When is the best time to go on an Adventure tour in South America?
Weather patterns across South America create distinct optimal travel seasons for different regions. Patagonia shines from October to March with comfortable temperatures and clear skies that are perfect for outdoor activities in Torres del Paine and Bariloche. The Andes region including Cusco and La Paz works best from April to October during the dry season when trails are accessible and views are clear. A TourRadar traveler shared their experience: "Amazing 4 weeks seeing incredible places eating new and exciting food meeting extremely interesting people and experiencing a plethora of cultures in perfect weather conditions."
What type of accommodation can I expect on South America Adventure tours?
South American tours offer diverse lodging options that range from city hotels to remote wilderness accommodations. Places like the Itamandi EcoLodge in the Amazon and Embassy Hotel in Mendoza showcase this variety. Most itineraries mix 3-4 star urban hotels with simpler but well-maintained lodges in remote locations. As one traveler noted: "The Hotel Deja Vu in Santa Cruz offered the perfect base for our Galapagos adventures while the rustic bungalows in Sangalle provided an authentic canyon experience."
What are the must-see Adventure highlights in South America?
South America's natural wonders create the backdrop for remarkable outdoor experiences. Key destinations include the towering Andes Mountains dense Amazon rainforest dramatic Torres del Paine National Park powerful Iguazu Falls and stark Atacama Desert. Active travelers can try sandboarding in Huacachina whitewater rafting near Mendoza or trek to Mount Fitz Roy in El Chalten. According to one visitor: "From the breathtaking Andes Mountains to the vibrant Amazon rainforest South America is full of natural beauty that leaves a lasting impression."
How much does an Adventure tour in South America typically cost?
Daily rates for South American adventures range from $175 to $700 based on comfort level and activities. A 5-day Mendoza Adventure Tour averages $312 per day with accommodations while longer trips like the 21-day Full Argentina Adventure on Route 40 cost about $111 daily. Specialty experiences such as Antarctica expeditions reach the higher end at $700 per day.
What wildlife might I encounter during South American Adventure tours?
The continent's biodiversity offers rich wildlife viewing opportunities. The Amazon regions of Iquitos and Cuyabeno host pink river dolphins various monkey species sloths and numerous bird species. Bolivia's Laguna Colorada features three flamingo species. A visitor at Muyuna Lodge reported: "The guide Julio was amazing at spotting wildlife from tiny pygmy marmosets to nocturnal caimans." The Galapagos Islands add encounters with marine iguanas giant tortoises and sea lions.
What fitness level is required for South American Adventure tours?
Activities on these tours demand moderate to good physical condition. The Peru Action & Adventure tour includes a challenging 4-day Inca jungle trek reaching 14160 feet at Malaga Pass. Amazon excursions in areas like Cuyabeno are less demanding but involve regular hiking and canoe trips. A traveler noted: "The timetable is very demanding but the impressions from all these beautiful landscapes make it totally worth it."
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