Budget Tours to South America
Rio's Christ the Redeemer, walking through Buenos Aires' colorful La Boca neighborhood, and Iguazu Falls from both Argentina and Brazil because the views are different from each side. Wine tasting in Mendoza, Machu Picchu trek, and La Paz's markets high up in Bolivia. Cusco for acclimatizing, Amazon rainforest sections, and beach time in Brazil. Several countries on a budget - what an experience!
10 best Budget South America tour packages
Compiled by
NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
- Bolivia to Brazil: Highlands & Coastlines
- Atacama desert and Uyuni salt flat - Group Adventure - Bolivia Chile and Argentina
- Salt flats, sacred valleys, and tropical islands: Bolivia, Peru & Ecuador W/Galápagos
- Bolivia, Peru & Ecuador with Galápagos : The Spirit of the Andes & Islands
- Santiago to Buenos Aires via Lakes Region (17 Days)
- 33-day South America Tour: Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina & Brazil with Inca Trail & Patagonia
- Cartagena To Rio (19 Weeks) Kingdoms & Carnivals
- 13 Days Discovering Ecuador: A Journey Through History, Nature, and Culture
- 15 Days Exploring Ecuador's Wonders
- 14 Days Peruvian Andes & Galapagos Islands
Bolivia to Brazil: Highlands & Coastlines
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“An amazing trip that I will never forget. There have been so many highlights that I cannot even sum up the trip in a single paragraph.”
Jamie, traveled in May
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate this tour at approx. $190 per day, with simple hotels and hostels. The price includes 23 breakfasts, internal flights, and guided experiences. Transportation between 15 cities and optional free activities like hiking in Ilha Grande are included.
Duration 31 days Destinations Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $149 Operator G Adventures From $5,549
17% Off- US$4,606You save $943
At $156 per day, enjoy shared accommodations at Campo Base Hostel and salt refuges. Price includes 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners, plus guided Valle de la Luna tour and 4WD Uyuni expedition. Free time in Salta and San Pedro allows budget-friendly self-exploration of South America's wonders.
Duration 10 days Destinations Argentina, Chile, Bolivia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $156 Operator People Travel and Experience From
17% Off- US$1,560
Duration 17 days Destinations Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $476 Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From
17% Off- US$8,099
At around $190 per day, this 17-day trip includes stays at 4-star hotels in places like La Paz, Cusco, and Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos. Budget-friendly inclusions cover scenic train rides through the Sacred Valley, flights from La Paz to Uyuni and Cusco to Quito, and 16 breakfasts plus 5 lunches featuring regional specialties like fried trout on Lake Titicaca.
Duration 17 days Destinations Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $431 Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $9,149
20% Off- US$7,319You save $1,830
Duration 17 days Destinations Chile, Argentina, Uruguay Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $104 Operator Hi Travel Argentina From
20% Off- US$1,766
Duration 33 days Destinations Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil Age Range Ages 18-55 Price Per Day $182 Operator The Dragon Trip From $7,488
20% Off- US$5,991You save $1,498
Value package at approx. $60 per day covers transport, guides, and 40% of meals. Mixed camping and simple hotels included. Optional Nazca Lines flights and W-Trek available. Local payment of $3,000 required. Playa Blanca boat trip and jungle excursions included.
Duration 135 days Destinations Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $66 Operator Oasis Overland From
20% Off- US$8,874+$4,500 local payments
13 Days Discovering Ecuador: A Journey Through History, Nature, and Culture
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Ecuador is a undiscovered gem in terms of really wonderful mountain, old town charming city views, Waterfalls and interesting wildlife.”
Vivian, traveled in October
This 13-day South American tour costs approx. $180 per day, featuring Standard Category Hotels, bilingual guides, and entrance to major attractions. Visitors will see Quito's Historic Center, hike Cajas National Park, and enjoy included breakfasts.
Duration 13 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cuicocha Lake, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Guamote, Alausi, IngapircaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $183 Operator Responsible Travel South America From
20% Off- US$2,375
15 Days Exploring Ecuador's Wonders
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The vacation was wonderful and our contacts Joseph and Alvero in Ecuador were fantastic.”
Bohdan, traveled in October
This comprehensive tour at approx. $160 per day includes standard hotels, breakfast daily, and guided exploration of 12 cities. UNESCO sites, indigenous markets, and natural wonders await with included transportation and expert guides. The Devil's Nose train ride is available as an optional experience.
Duration 15 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Guamote, Cuenca, El Cajas National Park, Guayaquil, Puerto LopezSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $196 Operator Responsible Travel South America From
20% Off- US$2,940
Luxury tour at approx. $250 per day features premium accommodations across Peru and Ecuador. Package includes guided tours, most meals, and selected hotels. Additional costs include $100 Galapagos fee and domestic flights from $500.
Duration 14 days Destinations Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Guayaquil, Puerto Ayora, Puerto Villamil Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $251 Operator Responsible Travel South America From
20% Off- US$3,517
What people love about Budget Tours in South America
I was pleasantly surprised at how organized the tour is....with Ronni as the tour manager, I always felt looked after. He picked great hotels with knowledgeable staff that kept you in the loop about the next day activities. He was great during the booking process and letting me know if there were any issues before and after the tour. The various tour guides were local operators which spoke English and was able to provide local insight into the culture. What I loved about the tour is that the freedom to have a partially organized tour and free time to explore as you wish. Ecuador is a undiscovered gem in terms of really wonderful mountain, old town charming city views, Waterfalls and interesting wildlife.
13 Days Discovering Ecuador: A Journey Through History, Nature, and Culture
- 15 Days Exploring Ecuador's Wonders
Thank you. Everything went super well and as planned. The vacation was wonderful and our contacts Joseph and Alvero in Ecuador were fantastic.
This was an excellent A to B self guided tour that had a few well placed day tours included such as the Iguazu Falls Brazil and Argentina side, horse riding, tango show and city tours. Excellent value for money and perfect for people who do not want to be stuck in a 'tour group' for long period of time. The Tour radar online staff led by Cristian were absolutely amazing and always there in the other end with support and assistance when required. I definitely recommend this tour to anyone who is thinking about doing it. A trip of a lifetime!!
Rio de Janeiro to Santiago de Chile - 17 Days
What our customers ask about Budget Tours to South America
When is the most affordable time to visit South America?
The best deals in South America can be found during April-June and September-November. These shoulder seasons bring mild weather and fewer tourists which means better rates on flights and hotels. Travelers can save up to 20% compared to peak seasons by visiting major sites like Machu Picchu in April or the Uyuni Salt Flats in September. The busiest and most expensive periods are December-February (summer high season) and July-August (winter high season) when prices can spike significantly.
What are some good budget-friendly areas to visit in South America?
Bolivia stands out as one of South America's best values with affordable food lodging and activities in cities like La Paz and Sucre. The famous Salar de Uyuni tours remain reasonably priced despite their popularity. Northern Argentina particularly around Salta delivers authentic experiences without the premium prices of more touristy regions. In Peru smaller Sacred Valley towns such as Ollantaytambo and Pisac offer similar cultural richness to Cusco but at lower prices that stretch travel budgets further.
What type of accommodation can I expect on budget tours in South America?
Budget accommodations range from basic hostels to distinctive local stays. Near Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flats guests sleep in hotels built from salt blocks while Lake Titicaca offers homestays with local families. The Oasis Overland tour features camping in the Atacama Desert and stays at mid-range hotels like Casa Andina Standard in Cusco. While amenities are simple the lodgings are clean comfortable and provide genuine local experiences at reasonable rates.
What is the average daily budget needed for expenses not included in South American budget tours?
Budget 30-45 USD daily for meals activities and personal expenses not covered by tours. Local meals cost 5-10 USD in Peru and 10-15 USD in Argentina. Additional activities remain affordable with sandboarding in Huacachina at 15 USD and Baños hot springs for 4 USD. Recent G Adventures tour participants reported spending about 35 USD per day on extra expenses when choosing local eateries and markets over tourist restaurants.
What essential tips help save money while traveling through South America on a budget?
For a 2-3 week tour plan 300-500 USD for optional activities. Popular choices include sandboarding in Huacachina for 15 USD wine tasting tours in Mendoza at 50 USD and Bolivia's Death Road bike adventure for 125 USD. This budget allows flexibility to join most offered activities while maintaining reasonable spending limits.
How much should I budget for entrance fees to attractions in South America?
Reserve 300-500 USD for activity fees and entrance costs. Common expenses include Huacachina sandboarding at 30 USD Rainbow Mountain treks for 40 USD and Lake Titicaca boat excursions at 35 USD. This amount typically covers most desired activities during a standard multi-week tour without requiring strict budgeting.
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