The Best Hiking & Trekking Guided Tours in South America
Guided Group Tours, Vacation Packages, or Planned Itineraries
Step into the wilderness and embark on a journey of discovery with one of these exceptional hiking and trekking tours to South America. We've carefully evaluated numerous tour options based on key criteria such as activities, prices, destinations, guest ratings, service, and more in order to find the absolute best hiking tours to South America. Prepare to be enchanted by the awe-inspiring beauty of nature as you traverse diverse landscapes with gorgeous scenery. The expert guides provided by the experienced tour companies will lead you along well-established trails and hidden paths, sharing their knowledge and stories of the natural wonders that surround you. One of these organized tours, holiday packages, or tour packages could be the perfect option for your next hiking and trekking adventure, so let's get started.
The Best Hiking Tours through South America
Including guided tours, organized tours, holiday packages, all-inclusive vacations, and guided itineraries.
All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.
Why does South America appeal to hikers?
South America is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, offering diverse trails through breathtaking landscapes and charming cultural areas. Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguacu, and Florianopolis are world-renowned for hiking, with gorgeous trails and stunning natural landscapes. Rio de Janeiro is known for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Sao Paulo are foodie destinations with fantastic cuisine and world-class restaurants. South America's terrific trails and overall beauty make it an exciting and rewarding destination for hikers of all levels.
How much do hiking tours in South America cost?
The average daily price of Hiking Tours in South America is $252 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of Hiking Tours in South America here.
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Which Tour Companies Offer Hiking Tours?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer hiking and trekking 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.
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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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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Unu Raymi Expeditions
Unu Raymi Expeditions offers local hiking tours through Peru, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, and others. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 1 day to 6 weeks. Traveling with Unu Raymi Expeditions provides for a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 12 people. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Many of their tours explore the outdoors, giving you opportunities to hike, trek, or spot local wildlife.
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Adventure Journeys
Focusing on Ecuador, Adventure Journeys is a smaller tour company which provides a personalized level of service to customers. Despite being priced a bit higher, the small group sizes create a more personal and unique experience for travelers. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. With a focus on wildlife viewing tours, they ensure you'll have a fantastic experience.
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Hiking & Trekking Destinations in South America
Wondering where hiking & trekking 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.
Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.
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.
There's a network of trails and walkways at the foot of the falls as well as above the falls. You can also venture into the surrounding rainforest or hike to Devil's Throat for a great view.
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Other popular destinations for hiking & trekking tours through South America include Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Lima, and Pisac.
Hiking Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
Choosing whether to join a guided tour or organize your own adventure? Be sure to think about the unique benefits of each option.
Organized Tours
- Some hikes may not be well marked, so having a local guide is helpful for safety and accessibility.
- Local experts know the best trails and they understand the regional weather conditions. This allows them to offer the best experience for hikers.
- Stay on the best trails and hidden spots.
- All logistics like permits and equipment are handled.
- Guides provide first aid and emergency support.
- Travel with like-minded people for a social experience.
- Group dynamic fosters motivation during the hike.
- Discover places you might not find on your own.
- Larger groups may have a variety of skill levels so it can be hard to meet the needs of all hikers.
- Many group tours are limited on time, so some of the hiking may feel rushed or impersonal.
- Less solitude if you prefer to hike alone.
- May have to adjust to group preferences.
Independent Travel
- Independent travel allows you to move at your own pace, and choose trails that are appropriate for your skill level.
- For many, hiking is an activity that is best enjoyed in peace, which may not happen with a larger group.
- Flexibility is key when it comes to the weather and skill levels. Many guided tours have set itineraries and don't allow for much freedom or flexibility.
- Many hiking trails are located far from public transit, so unless you have your own vehicle, you may have trouble reaching some of the best places.
- Independent travelers may have to buy their own gear, some of which might be provided in guided tours.
- Requires more research to find the best routes.
- Risk of getting lost without proper navigation skills.
- Need to handle permits and bookings independently.
- You may miss out on local insights or tips.
- Safety concerns without a guide in case of emergency.
Which is cheaper?
Is traveling independently less expensive than taking guided hiking and trekking tours? The answer isn't straightforward. Guided tours often include services like hotels, transportation, meals, entry tickets, guides, and activities, all of which you would need to arrange and pay for individually if traveling on your own. To determine the cost difference, you'd need to compare the total cost of the tour package with the cost of booking everything separately. You may prefer a less expensive hotel or splurge on dining, so the cost of a tour could either save you money or cost you more. Be sure to review what's included in the tour package before making your comparison.
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.
More Tour Options
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