When searching for the best South America travel agencies, a simple Google search yields hundreds of results. These agencies range from those offering group tours to those specializing in tailor-made and luxury experiences. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which ones are trustworthy, if their tours align with your travel needs, or if they provide good value for your money. So, how can you identify the top South American tour companies?
Amid the plethora of tour operators offering trips worldwide, we have handpicked some of the best travel companies that focus exclusively on South America, making them true experts in the region. We dedicated hours to scouring the Internet and comparing numerous agencies before selecting the top 10 South America tour companies. Our criteria for selection included the thoroughness of their website and the presence of online tour offers, whether the company caters to specific types of travelers, and their commitment to sustainability. However, the most crucial factor was the existence of local offices. Local offices ensure the lowest tour prices, provide in-depth knowledge of the destination, and offer quick and direct assistance during your trip to South America.
#10 South American Vacations
Operating out of Florida, South American Vacations specializes in organizing tours to six South American countries, along with Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Cuba, and Antarctica. While they lack physical offices in South and Central America, their network of local guides and experts ensures personalized and attentive service. Specializing in private and small group tours limited to 20 participants, they cater to individual travel needs with precision. The company caters particularly to outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide array of adventure-packed itineraries. From ziplining in Costa Rica to sea kayaking in Ecuador, their tours promise exhilarating experiences. For those preferring a more leisurely pace, opportunities for wildlife viewing in Brazil's Amazon or horseback riding in Peru await.
#9 Vaya
Based in California, Vaya operates with a team of American ex-pats, primarily catering to North American travelers. While they lack local offices, their exemplary customer care and service quality shine through their extensive connections with local guides across Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Committed to sustainable tourism, Vaya prioritizes small-scale, low-impact tours led by fairly compensated local guides, ensuring minimal environmental footprint and maximum benefit to local communities. They proudly endorse three organizations dedicated to sustainable tourism practices, ecosystem protection, and community livelihood improvement in the regions where Vaya conducts its tours.
#8 Southern Explorations
Headquartered in the US, Southern Explorations provides adventurous travelers with opportunities to ski, stand-up paddle, snowshoe, and camp in 12 countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay. This agency, known for its focus on adventure travel and sports, has crafted a bucket list of extraordinary experiences like trekking in Torres del Paine, rafting in Costa Rica, and cruising the Amazon. Committed to sustainability, Southern Explorations supports four different green travel initiatives and offers a carbon offset program, enabling travelers to minimize their environmental footprint while discovering some of the world's most stunning locations.
#7 SA Expeditions
SA Expeditions, a California-based travel agency, specializes in adventure travel and outdoor experiences that emphasize conservation and sustainable tourism across Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Antarctica. Their meticulously planned, low-impact tours explore the less-traveled regions of South America, offering a fresh perspective on these unique destinations. Ideal for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, SA Expeditions provides various trekking options, including the Great Inca Trail, where llamas can carry your luggage, preserving a traditional practice. Operating out of San Francisco, the agency is dedicated to protecting South America's vulnerable communities and ensuring fair income for local residents through responsible tourism initiatives.
#6 Chimu Adventures
Offering an extensive array of adventures, Australia-based Chimu Adventures caters to the intrepid traveler, providing tours to 22 captivating destinations spanning South America, Central America, Antarctica, and the Arctic. With diverse itineraries tailored to various travel preferences and ages, they offer everything from Polar cruises to exhilarating treks in Patagonia. Their user-friendly website is a treasure trove of essential information, covering everything from vaccination requirements to destination-specific packing lists. Committed to eco-conscious practices, Chimu Adventures generates local employment opportunities and prioritizes locally sourced meals on their tours. Embracing environmental sustainability, their Sydney and Lima offices operate paperlessly, while their MAD Project ensures that 10% of tour earnings are reinvested into local communities.
#5 South America Travel Centre
Embark on a bespoke journey with this Australian-owned travel company, tailored to any destination in South America, Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, or Antarctica. Renowned for their focus on private experiences, they specialize in crafting personalized trips where you travel exclusively with your own group and private guide. While South America Travel Centre operates primarily from their Melbourne office, they ensure round-the-clock support through local partners once you reach your destination. Committed to giving back, they support various charities, including Sol Y Luna, dedicated to children's education in Peru, and Halo Trust, funding landmine removal in Colombia.
#4 Journey Latin America
Recipient of multiple British Travel Awards and other esteemed accolades, Journey Latin America specializes in crafting both group and private tours for British travelers across 23 South and Central American countries, along with Antarctica. With over four decades of expertise, this operator leads the charge in leveraging sustainable travel to enhance a country’s development while preserving its rich culture and heritage. Committed to responsible tourism, Journey Latin America actively supports various conservation initiatives across the region, including the LATA Foundation and Water To Go. Their website features detailed information on eco-conscious accommodation options, empowering travelers to make informed choices. While their headquarters is in London, their responsive live chat ensures prompt assistance during office hours.
#3 Latin Excursions
As a member of Traveller Made, a network of luxury travel designers, Latin Excursions provides bespoke and authentic experiences in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, the Galapagos, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay. This premier South American travel operator offers both pre-designed and custom journeys. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or stylish family time, all tours are private. Latin Excursions believes that private tours grant access to exclusive locations that are typically out of reach for most tourists. Traveling with Latin Excursions also supports several impactful organizations, including Foundation La Vecina, Tomas De Berlanga School, Morrinho Art Project, and Mantay, all of which work to create safe and supportive environments in communities throughout South America.
#2 Totally Latin America
Tailoring experiences for luxury travelers with an unwavering commitment to service and excellence, Totally Latin America meticulously crafts each itinerary with meticulous attention to detail. Partnering with Zicasso, a company specializing in matching travelers with the perfect experts, Totally Latin America ensures personalized experiences from trip planning to execution. Their journeys span five countries—Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru—with a local office in Cusco. Explore their Travelogue section for destination insights and accommodation recommendations presented in blog format. Traveling with Totally Latin America signifies a commitment to responsible travel and the preservation of Latin America's rich diversity.
Boasting 9 local offices across South America's top tourist destinations, Latin Discoveries ensures on-the-ground support for all your travel needs. Their team comprises predominantly local South American experts, well-versed in every facet of the destinations they promote. Since 1997, they've been crafting private and custom tours for an international clientele, expanding their services online from luxury to adventure. With over 300 customized tours, Latin Discoveries attracts hundreds of travelers annually. For the intrepid, they offer multi-country tours spanning up to six destinations in one itinerary. Their extensive selection of Amazon lodge and cruise tours in Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru is unmatched. Plus, don't miss out on their exceptional Galapagos cruise offer with over 30 carefully selected small ships, promising an unforgettable exploration of this unique archipelago. Moreover, a portion of every tour purchase goes to Nature and Culture International, aiding in the preservation of South America's endangered ecosystems. With numerous top South American travel agencies to choose from, you're spoilt for choice. To streamline your decision-making process and ensure the perfect fit for your needs, we suggest reaching out to three agencies. Take the time to explore each agency's website, peruse their tour offerings, and engage with their travel consultants. Assess their responsiveness, professionalism, and the comprehensiveness of their itineraries, including pricing details. Armed with this information, you'll be well-equipped to select the South American travel company that best aligns with your preferences. Once decided, you'll be ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to South America!
With numerous top South American travel agencies to choose from, you're spoilt for choice. To streamline your decision-making process and ensure the perfect fit for your needs, we suggest reaching out to three agencies. Take the time to explore each agency's website, peruse their tour offerings, and engage with their travel consultants. Assess their responsiveness, professionalism, and the comprehensiveness of their itineraries, including pricing details. Armed with this information, you'll be well-equipped to select the South American travel company that best aligns with your preferences. Once decided, you'll be ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to South America!