South America Tours & Small Ship Cruises
Travel made your way ™
| Trip Name | From | Days | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galapagos Southeast Islands | $3,233 | 5 | This affordable 5-day Galapagos cruise aboard the Coral I or II explores the southeastern and central islands of the Galapagos including San Cristobal, Española, Floreana & Santa Cruz. Encounter fearless wildlife like giant tortoises and marine iguanas, and snorkel in the crystalline Galapagos waters viewing colorful fish, sharks, rays, and sea turtles. |
| Western Islands | $5,200 | 6 | Embark the Alya on this 6-day catamaran cruise of the Western Galapagos Islands, visiting some of the most popular sites including the Tortoise Breeding Center on Santa Cruz, snorkeling in Elizabeth Bay on Isabela, kayaking around Urbina Bay at Fernandina, and hiking the Chinese Hat Islet near the southeast coast of Santiago, plus much more! |
| West Galapagos | $10,920 | 8 | Witness the greatest spectacle of evolution and dynamic volcanic terrains on this 8-day West Galapagos expedition from Santa Cruz Island to Baltra Island aboard Aqua Mare. Tour Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre, Punta Cormorant, Punta Moreno, Punta Espinoza, Puerto Egas, Rábida, North Seymour, and Mosquera. |
| Darwin's Odyssey | $8,495 | 7 | Embark on a 7-day Darwin's Odyssey cruise aboard Tribute through the Central and West Galapagos Islands. Explore Santa Cruz for giant tortoises, snorkel with playful sea creatures, hike Sierra Negra volcano, and witness unique wildlife like flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins. |
| Central East & Southern Islands | $12,995 | 8 | Explore Central East & Southern Islands on this 8-day cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Visit Baltra and meet giant tortoises. Enjoy geological wonders and encounter diverse wildlife on Rábida, Bartolomé, South Plaza, and Santa Fe. End at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center to see Galápagos tortoises and support conservation efforts. |
| Northwestern Islands | $12,995 | 8 | Embark on an 8-day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise in the Northwestern Galapagos Islands. Explore unique wildlife, including giant tortoises and lava tunnels. Visit Cerro Dragón, Chinese Hat, Genovesa, and more. Enjoy birdwatching, snorkeling, and diverse wildlife encounters. Finally, visit North Seymour before heading to Baltra for your flight home. |
| Central East Islands | $8,195 | 5 | Set sail on a 5-day cruise from Baltra to San Cristobal aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise in the Central East Galapagos Islands. Explore Santa Cruz's highlands and lava tunnels, Rábida's red sand beach, Bartolomé's volcanic panoramas, and South Plaza's land iguanas. Discover more flora and fauna while enjoying up-close wildlife encounters. |
| Western Islands | $6,100 | 8 | Embark on an 8-day cruise across the Galapagos Islands aboard Galaxy. Explore Santa Cruz's highlands, Isabela's Tintoreras, and Fernandina's Moreno Point. Encounter giant tortoises, marine iguanas, penguins, and blue-footed boobies. |
| West & Central Islands | $4,292 | 8 | Board the Galapagos Legend and set sail for an 8-day cruise adventure around the west and central islands of the Galapagos. This cruise allows you to experience all the wildlife, landscapes and highlights of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Santa Fe, Santiago, Isabela and Fernandina. |
| Eastern Islands | $4,292 | 8 | Sail the Eastern Galapagos Islands on an 8-day cruise aboard the Galapagos Legend. Encounter sea lions, giant tortoises, penguins, flamingos, and frigatebirds while exploring San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, and Bartolome. Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and cultural visits. |
| Trip Name | From | Days | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Discovery | $3,743 | 5 | Embark on an Amazon River cruise aboard the M/V Anakonda. This luxury small-ship vessel takes you to the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon to see the pink river dolphin, black caiman, and anaconda in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, monkeys, and hoatzins in the river. |
| Amazon Encounter - Low Water Season | $5,000 | 5 | Experience the Amazon on a 5-day cruise aboard Delfin III. Explore the Marañón, Yanallpa, Dorado, Pacaya, Magdalena, and Yarapa Rivers. Visit local communities, see pink dolphins, try piranha fishing, and witness the Amazon’s biodiversity. End in Iquitos with visits to a bee project and the Amazon Research Center. |
| Luxury Amazon Discovery - High Water | $3,600 | 4 | Embark on a 4-day cruise on the Aria Amazon, starting in Iquitos with a city tour, followed by adventures along the Marañon River, featuring wildlife encounters and visits to local communities. Enjoy guided excursions and regional cuisine by renowned chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. |
| Authentic Amazon | $5,990 | 8 | Explore the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest aboard the M/V Anakonda for an 8-day tour of Amazon Tributaries. Explore isolated communities and rare, biodiverse habitats on a boat tour. Kayak through rivers and lakes with otters and turtles as your guides, climb observation towers to see the rainforest canopy up close and explore the jungle on foot while keeping an eye out for local species. |
| Ultimate Amazon | $5,990 | 8 | Board the M/V Anakonda for an 8-day unique cruise through the Ecuadorian Rainforest. Visit remote Amazonian villages, sail through unique and fragile ecosystems, and experience close encounters with the teeming wildlife of the Yasuni National Park. |
| Luxury Amazon Explorer - Low Water | $5,000 | 5 | Embark on a 5-day river cruise through the Peruvian Amazon aboard the Aria Amazon, beginning in Iquitos. Explore diverse wildlife, visit local villages, and enjoy activities like fishing and canoeing in the stunning Pacaya Samiria National Reserve before returning to Iquitos. |
| Luxury Amazon Discovery - High Water | $4,920 | 4 | Embark on this 4-day Amazon River luxury cruise on the Aqua Nera, from the Amazon port town of Iquitos. Your journey includes Yacapana Islands, Lake Clavero, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, and the major tributaries of Ucayali and Maranon. Keep your eyes open for the mysterious pink river dolphin along the way, and enjoy activities like hiking & kayaking. |
| Luxury Amazon Explorer - Low Water | $6,840 | 5 | Enjoy a luxurious 5-day cruise exploring the Amazon on the Aqua Nera. Expert guides take you each day by skiff to explore the flooded forest and local villages. Learn about the medicinal properties of the plants, spot the incredible wildlife, and experience the rainforest with activities like piranha fishing, trekking, and bird and monkey spotting. |
| Luxury Amazon Expedition - Low Water | $8,330 | 8 | Embark on an 8-day cruise through Peru's Amazon on the Aria Amazon, starting in Iquitos and exploring the Ucayali River, wildlife, and local villages. Finish your adventure with a visit to the Manatee Rescue Center before returning home. |
| Amazon Encounter - High Water Season | $5,600 | 5 | Explore Peru’s Amazon River on a 5-day cruise aboard Delfin III. Experience wildlife safaris, rainforest walks, and kayaking in places like Yanayacu Pucate, Yarapa, and Nauta Caño. Visit the San Jose community, learn from a shaman, and discover stingless bees at ARCOF. Enjoy intimate Amazon encounters with expert naturalist guides. |
| Trip Name | From | Days | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacha Lodge | $2,412 | 7 | Flying from Quito to the Amazonian city of Coca, board a canoe down the Napo River where we'll have four nights exploring the Amazon rainforest at Sacha Lodge. Luxury accommodations, gourmet cuisine, English-speaking naturalists & indigenous guides revealing monkeys, birds & Amazonian wildlife will make your weeklong trip to Ecuador unforgettable. |
| La Selva Lodge | $2,192 | 7 | Spend four nights in the Ecuadorian Amazon at the La Selva rainforest lodge with professional naturalists and indigenous guides. Paddle a canoe on black water lakes, spot monkeys and birds in the rainforest canopy, and relax away the evenings on one of the most luxurious experiences in the Amazon Rainforest. |
| Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon | $4,350 | 7 | Experience a 7-day Amazon River cruise on the M/Y Tucano, starting from Manaus and exploring the Rio Negro's untouched ecosystems. Engage in daily excursions, including rainforest walks while discovering diverse wildlife and learning from expert naturalists. |
| Hacienda Concepcion Rainforest Adventure | $502 | 4 | Experience a snapshot of the Amazon rainforest during your stay at the Hacienda Concepcion on this entrancing 4-day tour. Learn about the local farmers, listen to the sounds of the rainforest at night and look for footprints to track animals. You will also have the chance to canoe down the Madre de Dios River and meet local people. |
| Refugio Amazonas Adventure | $1,140 | 4 | Take your family on a Peruvian trip to the Amazon rainforest from the comfort of Refugio Amazonas on this exciting 4-day tour. Enjoy climbing a 30 meter canopy tower, take a catamaran around Lake Condenado and let your kids explore the trail for children as you immerse yourself in the stunning nature of this dense verdant jungle. |
| Ceiba Tops Amazon Lodge | $915 | 4 | Explore Peru's vast jungle with a 3-night stay at Ceiba Tops Lodge. Make your way to Iquitos, the headwaters of the Amazon, and travel down the river to your jungle home. Visit an indigenous community and view wildlife from the canopy during your stay. |
| Amazon Journey via Ucayali River | $1,890 | 4 | La Perla hosts this 4-day Amazon cruise from Iquitos. Explore the Amazon, Ucayali, and Pacaya Rivers on their way deep into the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. Trek into the dense jungle in search of Amazon wildlife and birds, take a night safari and guided trips, visit local villages, and learn about wildlife preservation efforts in Peru’s Amazonia. |
| Tambopata Research Center | $1,873 | 5 | Explore the Amazon rainforest on this 5-day tour from Puerto Maldonado. Hike on the floodplain trails, search for frogs at night, and look for the gleaming eyes of the caiman during your stay at the comfortable and enthralling Tambopata Research Center. |
| Trip Name | From | Days | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inca Trail Express | $1,938 | 5 | This 5-day trip spends 4 days hiking the Inca Trail then visits Machu Picchu for a full day exploring the ruins. Hike with expert guides and enjoy deluxe camping to assure the best possible experience. Travelers are required to spend a minimum of two nights at high altitude before the trek, usually in Cusco, Sacred Valley, or Lake Titicaca. |
| Rio Serrano Hotel & Spa - Torres del Paine | $2,376 | 5-6 | Enjoy a 5-day all-inclusive adventure along the Serrano River, a 38-km waterway colored by Southern Ice Field sediments. Located in Río Serrano village, the hotel is the largest in Torres del Paine and offers easy access to hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing, and mountain views. Just 86 km from Puerto Natales, enjoy daily guided excursions. |
| Torres del Paine Multisport | $5,180 | 6 | Explore Torres del Paine in this multisport tour of Patagonia's best while hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, and trekking! With EcoCamp as your home base, explore magnificent Patagonian mountains, glaciers lakes and rivers spotting guanacos and ostrich-like rheas. |
| Awasi Atacama Desert | $2,970 | 4 | Spend your nights in San Pedro de Atacama on these 3 to 5-night luxury Chile tours with flexible itineraries that explore the best of the Atacama like the Valley of the Moon, Lasana Valley, and the El Tatio geysers. |
| Estancia Cerro Guido Experience | $4,560 | 5 | On this 5-day tour, visit a traditional estancia built outside of Torres del Paine National Park. Immerse yourself in real estancia life by learning the traditions and daily work of the gauchos. Travel through the most incredible landscapes using a 4x4 vehicle, or enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds the ranch on foot or by horseback. |
| Explora Atacama | $2,800 | 5 | Immerse in an all-inclusive adventure in the heart of Atacama and witness geysers, salt flats, lagoons, volcanoes, and dunes. Experience Explora's cozy lodging, including its spa and gastronomic offerings, and various excursions like a trip to the observatory to witness some of the world’s clearest skies and thermal baths in Puritama hot springs. |
| Patagonia Camp - Torres del Paine | $2,040 | 4-8 | Patagonia Camp is located on the shores of enormous Lake Toro and facing the Paine Massif, only 15 km from the Torres Del Paine Park’s administration center and close to the the main attractions that have made Torres del Paine world famous. Enjoy trekking, light hiking, fishing, kayaking as you explore Chile's famed National Park. |
| The Complete Patagonia Experience: Culture and Nature | $5,631 | 8 | Join this 8-day Patagonia culture and nature adventure, a combination of unique wildlife, cultural immersion and spectacular scenery in the heart of Chilean Patagonia. Explore Torres del Paine National Park and choose your activities each day based on your preferences and interests. |
| Hotel Las Torres - Torres del Paine | $3,210 | 4-8 | Located near the base of the towers that give Torres del Paine its name, this hotel offers a range of activities. Enjoy trekking, light hiking, or horseback riding as you explore Chile's famed National Park. When you are ready to relax for the day you can rest in comfort at the Las Torres Patagonia hotel. |
| Ecuador Highlights | $2,159 | 9 | Begin and end your nine-day trip discovering the best of Ecuador high in the Andes where we'll explore the colonial capital city of Quito. Then, bargain with colorfully-dressed indigenous women in the Otavalo Market, visit the Bellavista Cloud Forest, Cotopaxi Volcano & National Park and the town of Baños on this tour of the best of the Ecuadorian Andes. |
| Ship Name | Max Passengers | From | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas Mawson | 154 | $8,795 | Introducing the Douglas Mawson, Aurora Expeditions' latest small ship for global exploration. With sustainability features and luxurious amenities, it accommodates up to 154 adventurers, offering unique itineraries including East Antarctica and Subantarctic Islands explorations. |
| Sylvia Earle | 126 | $7,195 | Designed for low-impact voyages featuring a fuel-efficient Ulstein X-Bow®, reduced air emissions and light pollution, and virtual anchoring for protection of the sea floor. The ship honors the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. This ship will channel her marine-conservation ethos into a fully immersive on-board guest experience, not only in the Polar regions but in other destinations as the ship sails between the Arctic and the Antarctic. |
| Greg Mortimer | 132 | $12,195 | With only 132 passengers on board, Greg Mortimer reimagines Arctic expedition, tropical, and European cruises for the future. Modern, comfortable, and designed with guests in mind, this ship represents a significant increase in sailing capability. |
| Royal Clipper | 227 | $1,260 | The Royal Clipper is the largest full-rigged sailing ship in the world, carrying just 227 privileged guests aboard. She offers the ultimate tall ship sailing experience, balancing the grandeur, adventure, and tradition of sailing with the superb service, amenities, and accommodations of the finest modern yacht. . |
| Galapagos Legend | 100 | $2,019 | With four decks, this cruise ship is one of the biggest boats in the Galapagos, offering plenty of amenities and features onboard, but still managing to balance that with a feeling of intimacy and proximity to the natural charms of the Islands. Guests enjoy a casual atmosphere, with only the highest standards of comfort and service. |
| Corals | 36 | $2,426 | These twin motor yachts will take you on an authentic Galapagos adventure in comfort and style. Panoramic windows, a sun deck, and a shadow deck allow you to experience the Islands in the most intimate way possible. Guests enjoy air- conditioned cabins with private bathrooms. |
| Ocean Explorer | 138 | $10,695 | Ocean Explorer, purpose-built for polar exploration, is a striking vessel accommodating 138 passengers. This modern and elegant ship boasts state-of-the-art technologies, including the innovative ULSTEIN X-BOW® for a smooth and stable ride in challenging seas. Enjoy panoramic ocean views in the two-story bow library, and experience modern Scandinavian-designed cabins with verandas for most. The ship offers a spacious gym, sauna, two outdoor Jacuzzis for relaxation, ample outdoor viewing areas, and multi-height outer decks. With 15 Zodiacs for off-ship adventures and sustainability features like fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines, Ocean Explorer is an eco-friendly choice for polar exploration. |
| Ultramarine | 199 | $6,495 | The Ultramarine is designed with an ice rating of 1A+, PC6, making it one of the most capable polar exploring vessels on the planet. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. |
| Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise | 20 | $6,195 | Hermes Mega Catamaran defines the future of Galapagos’ luxury cruising through a perfect balance of comfort, unparalleled service, and memorable experiences aboard, on land, and in the water. It challenges the notion that you must compromise comfort on a large cruise ship for intimacy on a small vessel. |
| Star Clipper | 170 | $1,740 | Star Clipper is a 170-passenger vessel designed to provide a unique traveling experience unlike any other cruise vacation. Step aboard and discover a new age of sailing, where the traditions of the past are happily married to the comforts and amenities of the present day. |
No word better captures the atmosphere of South America than "diversity." Between stunning biodiversity, geography stretching from the steamy Amazon to frozen Patagonia, amiable cultures, and a rich history, this corner of the world has it all. Every country has its own distinct identity and personality, but the warm spirit of hospitality for which South America is known permeates the whole continent. As you get to know each of these cultures & people, you'll also delight in the natural wonders held in this vast land.
The Natural Highlights of South America
The Amazon- Between Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil, this dense jungle is home to more species of birds, plant life, & other endemic wildlife than any other part of the world, and it comes to vivid life for you as you explore the unspoiled wilderness where there are still uncontacted tribes, friendly river dolphins that swim among piranhas, and curious monkeys swinging through the canopy above.
The Galapagos Islands- Off the golden coast of Ecuador, you'll fine the sun-kissed Galapagos Islands, where Darwin himself first postulated his theories of evolution. A cruise to these pristine islands will show you the same fascinating creatures that Darwin saw, like the Giant Tortoise, Marine Iguanas, Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, a rainbow of tropical fish, and an array of the most stunning bird species in the world.
Patagonia- In the beating heart of Argentina you'll find the expansive landscapes of Patagonia, which has inspired travelers and explorers for centuries. From the bustling metropolitan center of Buenos Aires, you will embark on an adventure across sub-Antarctic forests, past glacial lakes, and up the steep mountains & rolling hills to get absolutely incredible panoramic vistas.
Machu Picchu- Nowhere else quite captures the grandeur of the ancient Incan Empire as well as the breathtaking citadel at Machu Picchu. These well preserved ruins in the Peruvian Andes demonstrate the astonishing engineering feats that the Inca were able to accomplish. Your guide will explain how each part of the city was specially designed as a functional tribute to nature and the gods that watched over this ancient civilization.
Weather in South AmericaThe weather in South America changes a lot from one region to another because the continent stretches from the equator to near Antarctica. In the north, countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil have a tropical climate—hot and humid year-round with heavy rains from December to May. The Andes Mountains, which run down the center of the continent, have cooler temperatures that drop sharply with altitude. In the south, Argentina and Chile experience a temperate climate with distinct seasons, while Patagonia can be windy and cold even in summer.
Best Time to Travel to South America
The best time to travel to South America depends on where you’re going. If you’re heading to the Amazon or the tropical north, May to October is the drier and more comfortable season. For the Andes and Machu Picchu region, June to August offers clear skies but chilly nights. Southern regions like Chilean Patagonia and southern Argentina are best visited from October to April when roads and hiking trails are open.
Travel Tip
Seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are opposite those in the north—summer runs from December to February, and winter from June to August. Be aware of El Niño and La Niña years, which can bring unexpected rain or droughts. Checking local forecasts before your trip helps you plan clothing and activities more efficiently.
South America is incredibly diverse, offering a wide range of cultures, climates, and natural landscapes. Travelers can explore the lush Amazon rainforest, trek through the towering Andes Mountains, and experience vibrant local traditions across countries like Brazil, Peru, and Argentina. Its rich biodiversity, ancient ruins, and scenic beauty make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike.
Brazil is a vast and vibrant country that covers nearly half of South America. It offers an exciting mix of stunning beaches, exotic rainforests like the Amazon, and dynamic cities such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. This diversity makes Brazil ideal for travelers seeking both natural beauty and urban adventure.
Often overlooked, Uruguay offers a unique travel experience just across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, it’s the safest country in South America according to the GPI ranking. The capital, Montevideo, boasts stunning architecture and beautiful beaches, making it a peaceful and charming destination.
Peru is perfect for first-time visitors with its diverse attractions suited for every type of traveler. Whether you're into nature, adventure, or food, this incredible country has it all. Explore stunning landscapes, savor delicious cuisine, and embark on exciting activities like hiking to Machu Picchu or exploring the Sacred Valley.
Most travellers to South America will inarguably plan for a trip that lasts somewhere between three and five weeks, whether they have a specific interest in mind (like hiking extensively through Patagonia) or are first-time visitors wishing to tick off what we call 'South America's Big 5': Machu Picchu.
