Top Tips and Handy Hints for Touring South America
18/04/2025
Have you got South America on your mind? You’re not alone! More and more people are making their holiday dreams a reality and booking a South American touring holiday. So, we’re helping you make the jump too! Here’s everything you need to know, from the best places to visit in South America, what to pack, and even top tour companies to consider.
Why Tour South America?
Whether you're cruising the Amazon, dancing through the streets of Rio, or exploring the wonders of Machu Picchu, touring South America is an experience you’ll never forget. For some, South America can seem a little daunting. But we’re here to banish those worries.
With our expert tours and epic experiences available throughout the region, you can travel to the must-see sights and experience cultures up close in a stress-free, safe environment. Because let’s face it, there’s nowhere else on earth that has glaciers, beaches, jungles, deserts, and mystic mountain tops all in one place. Plus, the irresistible rhythms and sizzling adventures are a cherry on top.
Where are the Best Touring Destinations in South America?
From coastlines to mountain tops, with so many different places to explore, it can feel overwhelming to decide where to go in South America. So, here are some of our favourite touring stops that should be on your South America travel list.
Brazil
The Ultimate Carnival of Culture, Coastlines & Caipirinhas
Top Stops: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo & Salvador
Why Visit Brazil on Tour: Brazil isn’t just a country—it’s a whole vibe. Think samba in the streets, golden beaches for days, and jaw-dropping natural wonders like the mighty Iguazu Falls. From the rhythm of Rio to the heart of the Amazon, every stop offers something wild, warm, and totally unforgettable. Touring makes it easy to soak up all the best bits—no stress, just sunshine, sensational sights, and maybe a cheeky Caipirinha or two.
Peru
Where Ancient Worlds, Mystic Mountains & Epic Hikes Collide
Top Stops: Lima, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Why Visit Peru on Tour: If Peru isn’t on your bucket list yet, let’s fix that. This place is next-level when it comes to adventure. Explore mystical Inca ruins, wander colourful highland markets, and climb (or train!) your way to the iconic Machu Picchu. Touring Peru means skipping the travel headaches and heading straight for the good stuff, with expert guides who know all the best stories. Bonus: the food? Ceviche and alpaca steak, anyone?
Galapagos Islands
Darwin was right. This is Nature’s Real-Life Fantasy Land
Top Stops: Santa Cruz, Isabela Island & San Cristóbal
Why Visit the Galápagos on Tour: Calling all wildlife lovers and Attenborough enthusiasts—this is your moment. The Galápagos are like stepping into nature’s VIP section, where sea lions nap on benches, marine iguanas sunbathe like pros, and giant tortoises casually roam. Touring here means guided boat trips, expert-led nature walks, and front-row seats to the kind of wildlife encounters you’ll be talking about for years. Trust us.
What to Pack for a South America Tour?
With a touring holiday that takes care of all the little travel details the biggest thing you need to worry about is what to pack!
1. Lightweight Clothing: Light buildable layers are your best friend.
2. Comfortable Footwear: Whether you’re trekking through jungles or wandering city streets, comfy shoes are a must!
3. Travel Insurance: Whether you're ziplining over the rainforest or exploring the tango dancing in Buenos Aires, make sure you’ve got travel insurance that covers everything from lost luggage to medical care.
4. Sense of Adventure: Yeah, we know, this one is a given. But seriously, embrace the adventure in South America... and bug spray.
What are the Top Sights in South America?
Not every touring holiday needs to be booked based on a destination. Sometimes your perfect tour can centre around a wish list sight!
Iguazu Falls
Waterfalls? More like water-WHOA. Iguazu Falls isn’t just one cascade—it’s 275 of them crashing through lush rainforest like Mother Nature’s dramatic mic drop. Whether you're team Brazil or team Argentina, you're in for major goosebumps.
Top Tip: Bring a poncho or wear something you don’t mind getting totally soaked—because you will get a front-row splash zone experience.
Insider Info: The Devil’s Throat (yes, that’s its actual name) is the biggest and most thunderous section—prepare to be wowed.
Amazon Rainforest
Welcome to the lungs of the Earth, where monkeys swing, macaws squawk, and the Wi-Fi is blissfully non-existent (sorry social media addicts, the pics will have to be posted, post adventure). Whether you're gliding along jungle rivers or spotting sloths in the treetops, the Amazon is a full-on sensory overload (in the best way).
Top Tip: Pack light but don’t forget the mozzie spray—it’s basically jungle perfume.
Insider Info: Pink dolphins are real. They’re adorable. And yes, you might spot one on your river cruise.
Perito Moreno
Ever think you’d see a glacier in sizzling South America? Perito Moreno is a wall of shimmering blue ice that actually moves. Like, it creaks, crashes, and occasionally sends massive chunks tumbling into the lake below. It’s basically a live-action nature show. And its a show-stopped you don't want to miss.
Top Tip: Time your visit for late morning or early afternoon—sunlight makes the glacier glow (hello, perfect photo op).
Insider Info: Unlike most glaciers, Perito Moreno is still growing.
How Much Does It Cost to Travel South America?
Now, onto the big question, the question you’re all wondering: how much will a touring adventure cost? Well, it depends on where you go, who you go with, and your travel style!
At Hays Travel we work with hundreds of suppliers and operators like Intrepid, G Adventures, Titan and more to find you the best deals and most amazing touring itineraries on the market. From epic luxury adventures to pocket-friendly packages that take you into the heart of local gems, we have it all. Looking for some stand out tours to get you started? Check some of our South America favourites.
But before you go, here's a quick breakdown of average costs for things you may want to indulge in outside your tour price.
Ready for a Touring Holiday to South America?
Check out our latest touring deals, speak to our holiday experts, and make this the year you say "yes" to an epic adventure. Go on, you know you want to!