South America - Private Tours
If you would like to experience the treasures of South America at your own pace and in your own private travelling party, we can tailor-make the perfect holiday for you and your friends or family based on what you want from your trip. Witness the majesty of the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu at dawn, marvel at the natural forces of Iguazu Falls, learn to Tango in Buenos Aires, explore the stunning landscapes of Patagonia or get up close and personal to the resident wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, all at a level of comfort chosen by you.
To get you started we have selected 12 of our favourite private journeys through Peru, Ecuador, Chile and Argentina. Each of our private South America itineraries offers a classic journey, taking in the most popular tourist spots and famous sights, and a more in-depth itinerary travelling more widely throughout the country and seeing more of the wonders on offer. We’ve also included an itinerary in each country to inspire you – take you off the beaten track and see regions of South America that are less-visited but equally as rich in archaeological treasures, cultural experiences or natural wonders, learning something new about the country as you travel.
Explore South America with On The Go Tours
Our selection of private South America tours can be adapted to suit your needs – choose from standard, superior or deluxe accommodation, either modern properties with excellent facilities or heritage and boutique properties that offer something a little different. Add an extra night here or there extending your stay in either Peru, Ecuador, Chile or Argentina or combine two or more of our itineraries to create the adventure of a lifetime through South America.
If you have something specific in mind, our widely travelled team of tailor-made consultants can help create your dream trip. Let us know what inspires you and we will suggest an itinerary to suit. Perhaps you’re a history buff and want to visit northern Peru’s pre-Incan archaeological sites or perhaps you’re a nature lover looking for a luxury retreat in Ecuador’s Cloud Forests. Whatever your interests or tastes, On the Go Tours are here to turn that dream of yours into a reality.
Way to Rio - 8 days
Set out from Iguazu on an 8 day adventure that takes you to the beautiful city of Curibita, historic Morretes, buzzing Sao Paulo and the legendary Rio de Janeiro. Get a real local experience using public transport between cities and spend your time doing the things you want to do at your own pace with lots of free time!
Into the Incan Empire - 8 days
This classic journey through the Inca heartland of Peru takes you from elegant Lima to Cuzco and its archaeological riches. Explore megalithic fortresses and ancient terraces, traditional Andean villages and colourful markets before culminating in the spectacular ‘Lost City’ of Machu Picchu.
Darwin’s Eden - 9 days
Travel to the islands that gave birth to Darwin’s theory of evolution with this classic tour of Quito and the Galápagos. Snorkel in marine-rich waters, hike through fragrant forests, trek across barren fields of hard lava and keep those binoculars to hand for the staggering array of wildlife waiting to greet you.
Highlights of Bolivia - 9 days
Travel from southern Peru into Bolivia, visit the Bolivian Highlands, colonial Potosi and the incredible salt flats in Uyuni where you stay in a hotel made entirely of salt! Explore the famous rock formations of the Valley of the Giants before finishing up in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile!
Atacama & the North - 10 Days
Get off the beaten track in Chile’s northern reaches with this unique adventure through the Atacama Desert. Kicking off in Santiago discover fascinating museums, lunar-like landscapes of geysers and rock formations, pre-Hispanic ruins and gigantic geoglyphs, mammoth copper mines and abandoned ghost towns with plenty of natural beauty to boot.
End of the World - 10 days
Find yourself seduced by elegant Buenos Aires and thoroughly captivated by Argentina’s share of Patagonia. Marvel at the icy walls of Perito Moreno, cruise the marine-rich Beagle Channel and discover the Land of Fire at the southern-most edge of Argentina on this 10 day adventure.
El Norte Grande - 12 days
Take a journey through Argentina’s great rugged northwest, a land of infinite variety from ochre deserts to snow-capped mountains. Explore colonial towns, traditional Indian villages and pre-Inca ruins along the way with spectacular gorges to feast your eyes on.
Avenue of the Volcanoes - 13 days
Discover the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes with this adventure from colonial Quito to coastal Guayaquil taking in the market town of Otavalo, impressive Cotopaxi National Park and its snow-capped volcanoes, the glittering Quilotoa crater, gorgeous Cuenca and a thrilling ride on the ‘Devil’s Nose’ train.
Chimu, Sican & Surf - 14 days
Explore Peru’s less-visited yet archaeologically-rich northern regions in this unique tour. From Lima and its surrounding treasures, head north to colonial Trujillo and the colossal Chan Chan ruins, continuing to Chiclayo and the magnificent Valley of the Pyramids.Finish with sun, sea and sand in the trendy beach resort of Mancora.
Santiago to Patagonia - 14 days
Discover Chile in all its glorious natural beauty from the glittering lakes of Puerto Varas, the scenic archipelago of Chiloé, the panoramic views from Punta Arenas and the jagged granite peaks of the Paine massif. Along the way visit traditional fishing villages, observe comical penguins and explore Torres del Paine national park in your way.
Vines Lakes & Volcan Escapes - 14 days
Get behind the wheel for this classic self-drive tour of Chile from vibrant Santiago and its neighbouring vineyards to the famed Lake District for outdoor adventure and vistas of pure beauty. Sample world-class wines, admire crystal clear lakes and the backdrop of impressive volcanoes and explore the native rainforest of Huilo Huilo.
Waterfalls Wine & Wilderness - 14 days
Sample Argentina’s great outdoors with this trip from the magnificent Iguazu Falls to the awe-inspiring glacier of Perito Moreno. Passing through wine country for a tipple continue to Bariloche for forays into the wild cordillera.
Wilds of Ecuador - 16 days
Embark on an incredible adventure through the wilds of Ecuador from the lush Amazon rainforest to the volcanic islands of the Galápagos, teeming with endemic species. Explore colonial Quito, cross the Equator, shop till you drop at Otavalo market and soak up the grandeur of Cuenca.
Canyon Deep, Aymara High - 17 days
Discover the treasures of Peru from the spectacular depths of Colca Canyon to the dizzying heights of Machu Picchu and the Incan citadel. Take in the floating islands of Lake Titicaca staying with the local Aymara people before delving into the exotic Amazon Rainforest for a jungle experience.
- Way to Rio8 days
- Into the Incan Empire8 days
- Darwin’s Eden9 days
- Highlights of Bolivia9 days
- Atacama & the North10 Days
- End of the World10 days
- El Norte Grande12 days
- Avenue of the Volcanoes13 days
- Chimu, Sican & Surf14 days
- Santiago to Patagonia14 days
- Vines Lakes & Volcan Escapes14 days
- Waterfalls Wine & Wilderness14 days
- Wilds of Ecuador16 days
- Canyon Deep, Aymara High17 days