The Prices of Wildlife Tours to South America
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For anyone who dreams of encountering majestic animals in their natural environments, wildlife tours around South America offer the ultimate opportunity to connect with the natural world. With knowledgeable guides, meticulously planned itineraries, and breathtaking locations, these tours make it easy to enjoy every moment without stressing over logistics.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the costs and prices of wildlife tours through South America, spotlight the best tour options, and share details about the most popular destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. After analyzing tour prices, destinations, and the quality of experiences offered, we've uncovered the best value options for all types of travelers. Whether you're after an affordable adventure or a luxurious wildlife safari, there's a tour that's perfect for you. So, grab your gear and get ready – your unforgettable wildlife journey in South America is about to begin!
Why does South America appeal to wildlife enthusiasts?
South America is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitats. Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguacu, and Florianopolis are world-renowned for hiking, with gorgeous trails and stunning natural landscapes. South America's diverse landscapes support a rich variety of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for those seeking up-close encounters with nature.
How much do wildlife tours to South America cost?
The average price per day for wildlife tours in South America is $370, based on our analysis of 81 tours. While the overall prices can vary greatly, when we look at the daily price of these tours, the costs range from $114 to $1,018 per day.
Budget-friendly tours average around $189 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $615 per day.
Budget tours will usually provide less luxurious accommodation, have larger group sizes, and visit less expensive destinations. They will also sometimes have you pay for more activities on your own instead of including everything up front.
Mid-range tours often provide a step up in accommodation and transportation, and include more guided activities.
Luxury tours usually provide the highest levels of service, luxury hotels, more gormet food choices, comfortable transportation, and offer more all-inclusive payment options.
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The Best Tours in South America
Budget-Friendly Tours
Budget-friendly and affordable wildlife tours in South America average $189 per day, with daily prices from $114 to $247. Budget tours usually include hotels, meals, and activities that are not quite as nice as other tours. Often, they might only include transportation, lodging, and some activities, leaving you on your own to pay for meals and other attractions during the tour. This can be a very convenient and economical way to visit France without spending too much money, as it gives you control over the amount you spend on meals and extra services. If you're looking for a really great option, check out Amazon to the Andes here.
Mid-Range Tours
For typical wildlife tours in South America that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $307 per day. Daily prices range from $255 to $360. Taking this step up in price from the cheaper tours to mid-range will often get you plenty of extra amenities and service for a great price. These tours usually include very comfortable hotels, meals at delicious local restaurants, comfortable transportation, knowledgable guides, and entry to many of the top attractions. One of the best tours is Galápagos Multisport.
Luxury Tours
Luxury wildlife tours in South America average around $307 per day, with daily costs ranging from $365 to $1,018. At this price, you'll be very well taken care of and pampered on your journey through the scenic destinations. Knowledgable guides, the best accommodation options, the finest restaurants, comfortable transportation, and quick entry into attractions are all part of the itinerary. Every luxury and detail has been planned and thought about so that you don't have to deal with any hassle, you simple show up and enjoy your vacation. One of the best luxury tours here is Galápagos — North, West & Central Islands aboard the Yolita.
Which tour companies offer wildlife tours?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer wildlife tours in South America. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Australia, Thailand, Tanzania, and Italy. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, wine tasting, snorkelling, kayaking, cooking classes, island hopping, white water rafting, surfing, horse riding, whale watching, and bird watching.
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G Adventures
G Adventures is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Thailand, Peru, South Africa, and Vietnam. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, island hopping, snorkelling, surfing, wine tasting, kayaking, cooking classes, water sports, jungle surfing, and canyoning.
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Collette
Collette is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Italy, Great Britain, and France. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, and camping.
Contiki
Contiki is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Great Britain, Italy, France, and Germany. Younger travelers looking for adventures love this company. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as island hopping, snorkelling, wine tasting, surfing, camping, whale watching, diving, rock climbing, white water rafting, and jet boat rides.
Wildlife Destinations in South America
Wondering where wildlife tours visit in South America? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a world famous megacity that is filled with colorful neighborhoods and a population that knows how to have fun. The city has iconic beaches such as Copacabana and countless urban hikes that take you to dramatic mountain peaks. At night, people come out to party, and you're sure to have a good time, particularly during the Carnival season.
Foz Do Iguacu
Foz do Iguaçu is the main hub for visitors going to the waterfall on the Brazilian side. Iguaçu Falls is the largest waterfall in the world and it sits on the border between Brazil and Argentina. The are many separate cascades as well as walkways and trails around the falls. Devil's Throat is the tallest of the cascades.
Salvador
Salvador is the capital city of the state of Bahia. It has a historic area that is filled with colonial architecture that dates back to the Portuguese colonial period. Today the city's culture still reflects its Afro-Brazilian roots. The city also runs along the coastline and is home to several beautiful, sandy beaches.
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Other popular destinations for wildlife tours through South America include Quito, Lima, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, and Ollantaytambo.
Wildlife Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
If you're debating whether to plan your trip solo or join a guided tour, take some time to reflect on the pros and cons of both options.
Organized Tours
Pros- Many guided tours include local wildlife experts, so you can learn about the regional ecosystems.
- Guided tours often know the best spots where your chances of seeing rare animals may increase.
- Groups have more eyes, so someone is more likely to spot that elusive species that might be hiding.
- Some guided tours offer specialized off-road vehicles that can give you access to areas you might not otherwise see.
- Groups might be loud, which can scare of the animals.
- Guided tours usually have set itineraries, so there's less flexibility, making your chance of seeing some animals less.
- Some natural areas are difficult to access with larger vehicles, so you may be limited in where you can go.
Independent Travel
Pros- Local wildlife may be scared off by larger, louder groups.
- Independent travelers can move at their own pace and wildlife spotting often requires a lot of patience.
- Many group tours avoid the longest and most strenuous hikes, but these often offer the best chances of seeing local widlife.
- Off-the-beaten-path destinations often have the best wildlife, but these are sometimes skipped over with group tours.
- It can be difficult to know where to see the best local wildlife.
- For wildlife viewing, many independent travelers end up booking day tours.
- Local wildlife is usually concentrated in natural areas, which can be difficult to access if you're relying on public transportation or even your own vehicle.
- Some wildlife parks have additional entrance fees which may be discounted through a guided tour.
Which is cheaper?
Are guided wildlife tours worth the money compared to independent travel? It depends on the specifics. Tours combine accommodations, meals, transport, tickets, and activities into a single cost, while independent travelers manage and pay for these individually. To determine which is more affordable, compare the tour's total price with what you'd spend booking everything separately. Preferences like staying in low-cost lodging or indulging in fine dining can influence whether a tour costs more or less. Make sure to check out the tour package to see what is included, or not, very carefully before deciding.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
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