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South America

Luxury Tours to South America made for you

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A continent of unforgettable journeys

Immerse yourself in adventure, culture and wild beauty

From the dramatic, wind-swept peaks and colossal glaciers of Patagonia and the enigmatic ruins of Machu Picchu in the Andean highlands, to the unparalleled biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands and beyond, South America is an awe-inspiring continent. Ancient civilisations and dynamic cultures have flourished here with the most spectacular natural wonders as a backdrop.

Argentina is a dream destination, simply perfect for exploring. Visit thundering waterfalls, mighty glaciers, soaring mountains and dusty deserts. Its neighbour Chile may be narrow in comparison, but is home to incredibly diverse landscapes. Explore the lunar-like Atacama Desert in the north and the breathtaking icefields of Patagonia to the south. 

Bolivia is another country of natural extremes, with the majestic Andean highlands meeting vast salt flats and the lush Amazon jungle. Sharing its border is Peru, where you can immerse yourself in an enduring cultural heritage as you journey across inspiring landscapes.

Head north and you’ll reach Ecuador which invites you to explore more of the Andes, the cloud forests near the capital of Quito and venture into the Amazon for incredible wildlife viewing. Then main port city of Guayaquil is the gateway to the Galápagos Islands. The lack of large predators on these islands means that the wildlife here is a huge draw, including giant tortoises and brilliant birdlife. You’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to adventure activities like hiking, snorkeling and kayaking.

Relax on idyllic beaches, venture into the desert and move to the pulse of a thriving city in Colombia. For incredible art and history experiences, head to Medellin and Bogota, and visit charming farms in the Coffee Triangle. Then, to the east of the continent are Brazil and Uruguay. Rio de Janeiro promises a lively taste of Brazil’s spirit, while the vast wetlands of the Pantanal tempt with the possibility of jaguar sightings. And for more truly memorable wildlife viewing, the Brazilian Amazon is not to be missed. Finally, Uruguay boasts sun-drenched beaches, rolling vineyards and cobbled fishing village streets.

  • A jaguar photographed through foliage in the wetlands
  • Hexagonal salt flats with a mountain in the distance under a twilight sky.
  • The Amazon Brazil areal view
  • Panoramic photograph of Quechua indigenous women in traditional clothing with a boy sitting on an ancient Inca wall in Chinchero, Cusco Province, Peru.
  • A blue macaw perched on a tree branch in Brazil, showcasing its vibrant feathers as part of the country’s rich wildlife.
  • Colorful Bolivian textiles on a local art and craft market in La Paz, Bolivia,
  • Giant Tortoise Galapagos Islands
  • Colourful buildings in the La Boca neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
  • A woman crouched near a large giant tortoise in a grassy field with Jacada.
  • Person cooking potatoes over stones, with tongs holding a potato.
  • Blue and yellow macaw tropical BIRD flying
  • A white llama and a brown llama standing on a mountain slope against a foggy, mountainous backdrop.
  • A beautiful street with bright yellow Colonial-style buildings and a motorised tuk tuk on the road in Cartagena, Colombia
  • Stone terraces of an Inca ruin on a lush mountainside surrounded by clouds during luxury Inca Trail tours.

From our experts

Experiences picked by our South America specialists

Cruise the Galápagos on a luxury expedition ship

Take a luxury cruise through the Galápagos Islands seeing incredible wildlife and scenery along the way

Visit Mendoza's wineries on horseback

Discover some of the best award-winning wines Mendoza has to offer on horseback or bicycle, stopping at world-class restaurants

Eat your way through La Paz on a food tour

Embark on a gastronomic journey through Bolivia with visits to four distinct restaurants in La Paz, each offering a taste of the country’s diverse flavours

Roam the walled city of Cartagena

Explore the historic centre of Cartagena in Colombia, enjoying the Caribbean weather, browsing market stalls and experiencing local culture

Walk the cobblestones of Colonia del Sacramento

Stroll along the cobbled streets of Colonia del Sacramento, learning about the Uruguay’s naval and colonial history

A word from one of our experts

South America is a destination of breathtaking extremes, from the glacial peaks of Patagonia to the lush Amazon rainforest, offering a journey that is both grand in scale and deeply personal. I love creating itineraries here because every country is a world unto itself, allowing us to craft a truly unique and unforgettable adventure that perfectly matches your spirit of exploration.

Charles Kronsten Senior Travel Designer

Luxury Accommodation in South America

There are many incredible places to stay in South America. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Why book with Jacada?

  • Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

  • Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

  • Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Trip inspiration

Get inspired with our South America example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

13 days From $23,639

Peru Highlands Explorer

Explore the living history and breathtaking scenery of the Peruvian highlands on this incredible adventure, as you visit some of the country’s most rewarding m…

Explore trip

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Whatever you want from your South America tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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Explore South America

Meet your Latin America team

When to visit

The climates on this vast continent vary dramatically by region. If you’re visiting the Andean Highlands (Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador), you’ll find the most pleasant weather between May and September, ideal for hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. November to March offers long days and mild temperatures in Patagonia (Southern Argentina and Chile) making for great wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures. For hiking, visit the Brazilian Amazon and Pantanal from June to November, and for the Andes and Caribbean coast in Colombia, aim for December to March.

Hiking and walking

May–September

Wildlife viewing

November–March

On the water

December–May

When Is The Best Time to Visit South America?

South America Travel Guides

Plan your trip to South America

Whatever you want from your adventure in South America, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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Ask our experts

What is the difference between Central and South America?

Although they are both culturally part of Latin America, there are several differences between Central and South America. Comprising seven countries, Central America is a narrow bridge of land between North and South America covered by dense jungle and active volcanoes. South America is a large continent containing 12 independent countries, encompassing a wide range of landscapes and climates.

What are the most beautiful countries in South America?

The most beautiful countries in South America are often considered to be Argentina and Chile, for the captivating natural wonders of Patagonia, including Torres del Paine and Perito Moreno glacier, and Peru for its soaring mountains, blue lakes and ancient ruins. South America is home to a wide range of beautiful countries, encompassing desert, mountains, waterfalls, rainforest and beaches.

What are the best months to go to South America?

The best months to go to South America depend on what you’d like to do. For hiking in Patagonia, the best months to go are from December to March, but for hiking in Peru, including Machu Picchu, the best months to visit are May to October. For Brazil’s beaches, visit from December to March, which includes the famous Rio de Janeiro carnival period.

What are the best places for adventure trips in South America?

The best places for adventure trips in South America are Chile and Argentina because they offer a wide range of outdoor activities and landscapes. Take a boat trip to the mouth of Iguazu Falls, go kayaking or cycling in the Chilean Lake District, ride horses with gauchos in Argentina’s Pampas region and hike to glaciers, mountains and lakes in the Patagonia region.

Where are the best beaches in South America?

Some of the best beaches in South America are in Brazil and Colombia. In Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is famous for lively beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema, but smaller towns such as Florianopolis and Buzios are also home to stunning tropical beaches. In Colombia, the best beaches are found on the Caribbean coast, in places such as Cartagena and Tayrona.

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“We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada…”

We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada and it surely won't be our last! Every detail and moment of our trip was perfectly planned. We were met every step of the way with courteous and knowledgeable drivers and guides. We really appreciated the local guides and the commitment they had to make every day special. Thank you Jacada for the…

Amy Schulz Trustpilot ★★★★★

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My wife and I used Jacada to plan our honeymoon to French Polynesia. Working with the Jacada team was fantastic and effortless. Every question was quickly answered. Every hiccup was quickly addressed. We felt like we were in the hands of experts who are equally passionate about travel, and who were committed to helping us have the trip of a…

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“Jacada Travel has been outstanding”

We enjoy traveling and we have used Jacada Travel for some wonderful trips over several years. We have never been disappointed. In 2024 we took a Safari in Botswana Africa and walked with the gorillas in Rwanda planned by Jacada and the itinerary was amazing. In 2025 we had planned a trip to Antartica ( with another company ) but…

Lisa Schrage Trustpilot ★★★★★

“Communication and organization were…”

Communication and organization were excellent. The Jacada team was helpful and genuinely interested in our experience. The guides were personable, knowledgeable, and clearly enjoy their work. Vehicles were spotless, timely, and coordinators managed our every need brilliantly. I will recommend Jacada to friends and family. The only way to travel!

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We had a wonderful trip planned through Jacada. We enjoyed the venues and the excursions. This is a beautiful place we'd recommend to anyone who wants to go on a new adventure.

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Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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