History and Culture Tour of South America | Small Group Tours South America

Our South American small group tour is a comprehensive and fully escorted introduction to Latin America. During 25 memorable days, we explore five key South American countries with our Odyssey Traveller Australia program leader and knowledgeable local guides.

This in-depth tour allows travellers to experience many of the jewels of Latin America. Together, we explore the dramatic contrasts of this great continent as we journey through Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil. We marvel at the ancient cultures and natural beauty of the Amazon. We experience the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains, the calm waters of Lake Titicaca, and the sapphire-sparkling waters of the beaches of Rio. Learn about the art of Tango dancing, the history of the ruins of Machu Picchu and the amazing biodiversity of the world's largest rainforest, the Amazon.

Itinerary & highlights for this South America small group tour

Our South American small group tour begins in Santiago. While here, we discover some of the city's highlights such as the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by an 18th-century cathedral, and the central market with its colourful display of fruits, fish and flowers. Afterward, we ascend the San Cristobal Hill for a panoramic view of the city. Our next stop is Lima City, Peru, where we take a walking tour of the city and visit Pachacamac, the pre-Inca sacred and ceremonial site. Here, pilgrims arrive to leave their offerings and consult the oracle of Pachacamac. The site is comprised of pyramidal temples and enclosures built by several Pre-Columbian cultures. The remainder of the tour explores other significant sites in Peru, before heading south to Buenos Aires, Argentina. We finish in the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

A standout highlight of this South American small group tour is the opportunity to explore the Peruvian stretch of the legendary Amazon River. We stay in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, venturing out in search of caimans—fascinating crocodilian creatures native to South America. We experience many Amazonian wonders, learning about its lush rainforests and exotic wildlife as well as native communities that inhabit the area. We also have the opportunity to take several great train journeys including one from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. In addition, we ride the Andean Explorer to Lake Titicaca. We will also marvel at the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, dramatically set high in the Andes beneath the peak of Huayna Picchu.

You can learn more about Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil with our country profiles. For more details on this tour, click the ‘Top 5’ or ‘Itinerary’ buttons above! If you’re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Or, to book, simply fill in the form on the right hand side of this page.

• Discovery
• Guaranteed departures
• Level 3 - Moderate to Challenging