Search and compare 38 South America backpacking vacations,
get great deals booking your tour direct and share travel tips.
You are here: Home > South America > Backpacking
Hi! You can sign in here.
The cloistered Monasterio de Santa Catalina was built in 1580 in Arequipa, Peru. In 1970 the monastery was opened to the public to pay for the installation of electricity and running water and has now become Arequipa's prime tourist attraction.

A short guide about Backpacking travel to South America

South America has a mix of African, Indian and European influences.South America has a host of marvellous attractions, with many suitable for the whole family. There are science, nature and history exhibits throughout the continent as well as natural attractions like volcanoes, glaciers and strange animals. The continent offers incredible sights all along the Andes in Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia. The best known of these are probably the Nazca Lines, Chan chan, Trujillo, Machu Picchu (Cuzco) and Ciudad Perdida.

The Inca civilisation left archaeological finds and their language and culture is still alive. The lovers of architecture and history will find many stylish colonial churches and palaces. You will find the world's biggest rainforest (Amazon Jungle) and the longest river (Amazon River) in Brazil and there is great wildlife almost everywhere.

Places to relax, include the coast of Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil where there is great beaches and a very good atmosphere and fast paced big cities include, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires. Famous waterfalls include Angel Falls in Venezuela and Iguacu Falls (larger than Niagara Falls) in Brazil and Argentina. The world's second highest active volcano Cotopaxi (5897m) is situated about 50 km south of Quito, Ecuador.

Backpacking tours and packages to South America


Escorted Tours
38 Tours
Independent
0 Tours
Tailor Made
0 vacation
Packages
0 vacation
Short Breaks
0 vacation
Day Tours / Activities
0 Matches
Results 1 - 16 of 38 matches.Sort by:  

High Andes

Experience the sights, smells and tastes that characterise the Andes on this tantalising adventure. Bolivia is the home of the blinding white salt flats of Uyuni, the old mining town of Potosi and the highest capital city in the world, La Paz. Along the Andes we make for the waters of Lake Titicaca, before we arrive to discover the essence of the ancient Incas with visits to Cuzco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu. We travel out of... more info



About Tucan
Tour from La Paz to Lima
Vacation type: Adventure, Backpacking, Cultural, Nature / Wildlife / Safari, Youth (18-35)

29 Days |From US$1450 | Travel by Coach | map

Andean Trek

Starting this trip in sophisticated Santiago. Extensively covering five extremely different and diverse countries, this tour encompasses Pacific breaks, Panama hats, pristine peaks and Bolivian potions! We follow the Andes up the continent, taking in stunning scenery, rugged canyons, blistering peaks and Inca territories. If you've got the time to spare, we'll show you the adventure of a lifetime.



About Tucan
Tour from Santiago to Quito
Vacation type: Adventure, Backpacking, Cultural, Overland Expeditions, Scenic, Walking / Hiking / Trekking, Youth (18-35)

63 Days |From US$2673 | Travel by Coach | map

Peru Teaching & Building - 28 Days

Located high among the spectacular Andes Mountains, this project focuses on assisting a rural Peruvian village, leaving a lasting impact that will benefit generations to come. With time split between a building project and teaching at a local school, spend 28 memorable days getting to know a local community and working hard. Pitching in alongside local builders, staying in the community and spending time with the kids, youll make life-long... more info



About Intrepid
Tour from & return to Cuzco
Vacation type: Adventure, Backpacking, Cultural, Scenic, Special Interest

28 Days |From US$2290

South America Explorer

Explore the authentic South America and discover everything from ancient Inca ruins to cosmopolitan Latino cities. We visit many popular attractions and natural wonders, such as the Lost City of Machu Picchu, the world-renowned Iguazu Falls and the Amazon Jungle, and we also take you to some rural, out-of-the-way places to make your experience as 'real' as possible. If you have the time, we have the means to show you the adventure of your life... more info



About Tucan
Tour from Rio De Janeiro to Quito
Vacation type: Adventure, Backpacking, Cultural, Nature / Wildlife / Safari, Overland Expeditions

112 Days |From US$4830 | Travel by Coach | map

Altiplano Discovery

Get off the tourist trail on this extraordinary adventure through Bolivia and Chile. Uncover the rural history of Cochabamba and Potosi, explore the cities of La Paz and Sucre, and marvel at the landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni. Theres more amazing natural wonders at San Pedro de Atacama, a chance to chill on the beaches of La Serena, before arriving in vibrant Santiago. This overland journey really does have it all.



About Intrepid
Tour from La Paz to Santiago
Vacation type: Active, Backpacking, Cultural, Scenic

20 Days |From US$1185 | map

Pacific To Atlantic

From the pristine peaksof the Andes to the world's most famous beach city, and from one coast to another, this is an epic adventure if ever there was one! We'll take you through the ancient Inca Empire, across the Chaco of northern Argentina, up to the Iguazu Falls and Pantanal wetlands, and then we'll culminate on the coast of Brazil for the world's best party. From the Pacific to the Atlantic, you'll be immersed in the Latino way of life every... more info



About Tucan
Tour from Lima to Rio De Janeiro
Vacation type: Adventure, Backpacking, Cultural, Overland Expeditions, Scenic, Youth (18-35)

49 Days |From US$2050 | Travel by Coach | map

Unveil South America

Take the road less travelled from sky-high La Paz to party-ready Rio, stopping in at vibrant cities, small towns, incredible natural wonders and tropical beaches along the way. Discover the modern and traditional cultures of four amazing countries, meet wonderfully friendly locals and see the best of Latin America on this huge overland adventure.



About Intrepid
Tour from La Paz to Rio De Janeiro
Vacation type: Active, Backpacking, Cultural, Scenic

48 Days |From US$3240 | map

Andean Trek

Starting this trip in sophisticated Santiago. Extensively covering four extremely different and diverse countries, this tour encompasses Pacific breaks, pristine peaks and Bolivian potions! We follow the Andes up the continent, taking in stunning scenery, rugged canyons, blistering peaks and Inca territories. If you've got the time to spare, we'll show you the adventure of a lifetime.



About Tucan
Tour from Santiago to Lima
Vacation type: Adventure, Backpacking, Cultural, Overland Expeditions, Scenic, Walking / Hiking / Trekking, Youth (18-35)

42 Days |From US$1890 | Travel by Coach | map

Best Of South America

Uncover hidden gems and vibrant cultures on this South American adventure from Quito to Buenos Aires. Travel through landscapes as diverse as the lush Amazon Jungle and sandy beaches of Peru, the vast altiplano and soaring Andean mountains, and mix with locals off-the-beaten-track. Throw in a host of happening Latin cities, famous South American nightlife and highlights such as the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu - and youve got one unforgettable... more info



About Intrepid
Tour from Quito to Buenos Aires
Vacation type: Active, Backpacking, Cultural, Scenic

67 Days |From US$4340 | map

Iguazu Unplugged - Buenos Aires To Rio

Hit two of South Americas most exciting cities, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro and discover their wild nightlife, friendly residents and cultural charms. On the way, explore bays filled with natural beauty, quaint villages with cobblestone streets and beachside getaways in idyllic surrounds. Be moved by the passion of the people, stand in awe at the might of Iguazu Falls and let your hips sway in time to the samba beat on this epic adventure... more info



About Intrepid
Tour from Buenos Aires to Santa Teresa
Vacation type: Adventure, Backpacking, Cultural, Scenic

17 Days |From US$1610 | map

Iguazu Unplugged - Rio To Buenos Aires

Venture on this extraordinary adventure through Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. From the buzzing hub of Rio to the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, explore the tropical beaches of southern Brazil, see the towering might of Iguazu Falls and meet the locals in Uruguays laid-back capital Montevideo. From samba to tango and caipirinhas to crowded steak houses, experience the exciting cultures of these three fascinating countries.



About Intrepid
Tour from Rio De Janeiro to La Plata
Vacation type: Adventure, Backpacking, Cultural, Scenic

17 Days |From US$1610 | map

Peru Teaching & Building - 14 Days

Located high among the spectacular Andes Mountains, this project focuses on assisting a rural Peruvian village, leaving a lasting impact that will benefit generations to come. With time split between a building project and teaching at a local school, spend 14 memorable days getting to know a local community and working hard. Pitching in alongside local builders, staying in the community and spending time with the kids, youll make life-long... more info



About Intrepid
Tour from & return to Cuzco
Vacation type: Adventure, Backpacking, Cultural, Scenic, Special Interest

14 Days |From US$1665

Peru Teaching & Building - 42 Days

Join a group of like-minded volunteers to experience and to contribute to daily life in a rural Peruvian village. Located high among the spectacular Andes Mountains, our projects focus on assisting children and impoverished communities who, despite their harsh living conditions, always have a big smile ready. Split your time between a building project and teaching at a local school on this 42-day project. Working alongside local builders, staying... more info



About Intrepid
Tour from & return to Cuzco
Vacation type: Adventure, Backpacking, Cultural, Scenic, Special Interest

42 Days |From US$2920

Spirit Of The Tango

Venture off the tourist track on this extraordinary adventure through Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. From the historic mines of Potosi, the beachside life in La Serena and the weird desert landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni to the distinctive cities of La Paz, Santiago and Buenos Aires, this trip reveals some of the best, and little known, corners of the continent. Discover places of astounding natural beauty, visit vibrant and colourful cities, and... more info



About Intrepid
Tour from La Paz to Buenos Aires
Vacation type: Active, Backpacking, Cultural, Scenic

32 Days |From US$1880 | map

Southern Adventure - La Paz To Rio

Experience the best of Bolivia and Brazil on this overland adventure through the heart of South America. See the heady heights of the Andes, the vast ice-white plains of Salar de Uyuni and explore the Pantanals magnificent wildlife before reaching the sandy shores of Rio. From the spectacular Iguazu Falls to the chilled out beaches of Ilha Grande, this awesome adventure combines the best locations with plenty of time for independent exploration,... more info



About Intrepid
Tour from La Paz to Rio De Janeiro
Vacation type: Adventure, Backpacking, Cultural, Scenic

26 Days |From US$2150 | map

Amazon Trail

Starting from exciting Rio. Discover the culture and diversity that abounds in this exciting part of South America, and live and breathe the Brazilian spirit every step of the way. You'll encounter the best beaches in the world, quaint colonial towns, caves and rock formations, immense waterfalls, and the mighty Amazon Jungle - not to mention beautiful Brazilian beats, bodies and bootyshakers! Immerse yourself in the fire and passion that... more info



About Tucan
Tour from Rio De Janeiro to Caracas
Vacation type: Adventure, Backpacking, Cultural, Overland Expeditions, Scenic, Youth (18-35)

56 Days |From US$2460 | Travel by Coach | map
    1  2 3       Next