South American Tours & Trips
From the Amazon to the Andes
- Destinations
- South America
Plan a South American Tour
Plan a tour of South America with Tourlane. Playing host to less than 6% of the world’s population, South America is a dream for nature lovers seeking extraordinary landscapes. The Andes (the world’s longest mountain range) runs alongside its western frontier from Venezuela all the way to Argentina. At the heart of South America is the Amazon, the world’s largest tropical rainforest and second-longest river. Trying to organize a multi-stop tour of this vast and largely rural continent isn’t easy. With Tourlane, our Travel Experts will organize all your transfers, guides, and accommodations in advance on your behalf—all you need to do is travel!
Useful Information for Your South America Trip
Official Languages
The most widely spoken languages in South America are Spanish and Portuguese, although some countries also speak Dutch, English, and French. The standard of English in South America is basic, so we recommend taking a decent phrase book to help you translate. You could even consider doing an evening language class or online course ahead of your trip.
Vaccinations
The kind of vaccinations that are recommend varies depending on the region of South America. Please speak to your Tourlane Travel Expert for more information during the trip planning process.
Official Currencies
Every country in South America uses its own currency, with the exception of Ecuador, which uses the U.S. Dollar ($). We recommend carrying some American currency with you during your trip, as this can be converted and may be accepted in case you run out of local currency.
Getting to South America
All of the major U.S. airlines have direct flights to South America, including American Airlines via Dallas-Fort Worth and Miami, United Airlines via Houston, and Delta Airlines via Atlanta. Alternatively, Copa Airlines offers many one-stop options to South America via Panama, and Avianca offers many one-stop options to South America via Bogota.
Time Zones
South America has five different time zones: UTC - 5, UTC - 4, UTC - 4:30, UTC - 3 and UTC - 2. Typically, South American countries are a few hours ahead of the U.S.
How Much Does It Cost to Go to South America?
There are a range of different trip types available to travelers. Speak to a Tourlane Travel Expert for a free consultation and quotation, based on your tastes and preferences. Less
Places to Include in a South America Vacation Package
Visit Argentina, Ecuador, and Chile on a Tour of South America
Argentina
From the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the glaciers of the Andes, Argentina is a visceral experience. Dance the tango in the capital city, or sip Malbec wine in the fertile vineyards of Mendoza. Watch the cascade of the Devil’s Throat waterfall in Iguazu National Park, and go to Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world. Wherever your Argentinian journey takes you, expect a real adventure, great food and wine, and mind-blowing scenery.
Chile
Chile is an extraordinary country full of contrasts, ranging from the scorching Atacama Desert to the bracing southerly regions, from the peaceful wine region to the bustling cities. Ride horses through the Elqui Valley and stargaze in the desert. Visit the colorful port city of Valparaiso, and the vibrant capital of Santiago.
Patagonia
Located at the southernmost tip of South America, Patagonia is a spectacular region of Argentina and Chile that leaves every visitor with a sense of awe and wonder. This is a remote paradise for the most adventurous of travelers, full of natural wonders. Hike up towering mountains, kayak around glaciers, and even try skiing!
Ecuador
Home to the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon rainforest, surf beaches on the Pacific, as well as beautiful colonial towns, Ecuador offers so much to travelers wishing to experience the best of South America. Its compact size, range of activities, and immense biodiversity make Ecuador an excellent choice for first time visitors to South America. Less
Other Places to Visit After Your South America Trip
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