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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- K
Kathleen • traveled in December, 2024
Overall good, the guide was sweet but lacked passion and enthusiasm, very soft spoken
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) - I
Ingrid • traveled in March
Female traveling alone from Salta>Ushuaia. All but 2 hostels (Ushuaia, Mendoza) were excellent, all the buses were incredibly comfortable (considering all night and long), and all the day tours were wonderful. I utterly enjoyed the trip. The help that I received from the tour company was great and they were very accommodating. I can only recommend this tour.
Full Argentina Adventure – 21 Days
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10 best Active South America tour packages
Compiled by

NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
- 6 Days Galápagos Exploration: Nature's Wonderland Adventure
- Galapagos Walking Adventure
- 5 Days Adventure Trip in Galapagos
- North Argentina Adventure (17 Days)
- Quito & Galapagos Adventure Tour (7 Days)
- Full Argentina Adventure – 21 Days
- Antarctic Wildlife Adventure (21 Days)
- Quito and Galapagos Wildlife Adventure 10 Days / 9 Nights + Air ticket
- Manu Amazon Adventure 5D/4N
- Cuyabeno Amazon Eco-Lodge Adventure 5D/4N
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, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island, Las Tintoreras Islet, Puerto Villamil Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- US$1,880
Galapagos Walking Adventure
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Unique wildlife, plantlife and unreal scenery. Despite the evidence of human impact you can surely see why Darwin was so inspired.”
Julie, 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
- US$8,685
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, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- US$1,911
North Argentina Adventure (17 Days)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We experienced a fantastic holiday. We pushed the 'easy button' to avoid complex organizational arranging.”
Mark, 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, Iguazu Falls, San Miguel de Tucuman, Salta, Campo Quijano, San Antonio de los Cobres, Purmamarca, Tilcara, UquiaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator HI Travel South America From
- US$2,022
Quito & Galapagos Adventure Tour (7 Days)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The personal services to make sure we are safe while on tour, the flexibility and the attentiveness to little details.”
Lissie, traveled in October
Quito's UNESCO sites complement thrilling Galapagos adventures. Las Grietas snorkeling, Tortuga Bay kayaking, and Santa Fé Island trails await. Marine life viewing at Sharks Channel and lava formations round out this naturalist-guided tour.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Santa Fé Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cami Adventures From
- US$1,725
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, Yala, Purmamarca, Tilcara, Uquia, Humahuaca, San Salvador de Jujuy, Mendoza, Potrerillos, UspallataSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator HI Travel South America From
- US$3,199
The southernmost landscapes of South America begin at Tierra del Fuego National Park. The route includes Beagle Channel cruising to the Falklands' remote islands, South Georgia's wildlife havens, and Antarctic Peninsula's protected bays.
Duration 21 days Destinations Argentina, Falkland Islands, Antarctica Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Poseidon Expeditions From $23,695
15% Off- US$20,141You save $3,554
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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