South America

South America Tours for Seniors

Learn the Samba in Rio and the tango in Buenos Aires, climb to Machu Picchu, go wine tasting in the vineyards outside of Santiago or explore the mysteries of the Galapagos Islands. Road Scholar’s adventures in South America are anything but ordinary. South America tours for seniors offer a range of experiences catering to your interests, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking to trek segments of the Andes Mountains or a history buff eager to discover ancient artifacts and landmarks in colonial sites like Quito or Cartagena. Browse our selection of tours in Latin America to find your next adventure.

Why Choose South America

South America is ripe with adventure, and there are countless reasons why tours of South America for seniors, solo travelers and families are worth adding to your bucket list. From rich history to otherworldly landscapes, here are some of the reasons to choose a South American adventure:

• Natural wonders: Whether you’re interested in South America hiking tours to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or South America bike tours that bring you around the Galápagos Islands, this region has it all. Discover some of the rarest animals in the world, making your way through the lush Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, or enjoy the incredible glacial landscapes of Patagonia in Argentina and Chile. Other geological marvels include Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s most intricate waterfall systems, and the Andes Mountains, the longest mountain range on Earth.
• Cultural experiences: What makes tours in South America so special is the ability to immerse yourself in the varied cultures of the countries in this region. Attend Brazil’s Carnival, Inti Raymi in Peru, or the countless local celebrations and music, dance and art festivals. Or, wander through colonial cities to discover unique architecture in cultural hubs like Cusco and Bogotá.
• Gastronomy: Each unique culture found in South America brings its own local cuisine and flavors. Through tours of South America, you can taste traditional dishes like ceviche in Peru, asado in Argentina or Cachaça in Brazil. You can also rehydrate with specialty drinks drawing on local ingredients like açaí from the Amazon or pisco in Chile.

With its biodiversity and varied ecosystems, from deserts to rainforests, savannas to wetlands, and major cities like Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro, there are more reasons than one to explore all that South America has to offer. Explore our South America guided tours to find an adventure that suits your interests.

Preparing for Your Trip

South America tours for seniors are filled with excitement and discovery. To make the most of your adventures, preparation is critical. First, understand the visa requirements for each country you plan on touring and ensure your passport is current. Then, check the vaccination requirements for each area, as vaccines for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid and Yellow Fever are common.

Once the logistics are taken care of, let the packing begin. Pack layers and rain gear to ensure you’re prepared for fluctuating weather and temperature conditions, especially when exploring areas at altitude. Then, brush up on basic Spanish and Portuguese phrases and research cultural etiquette and norms to show respect.

South America Tours and Adventures

From exploring the wild wonders of Patagonia to getting up close with seals and penguins in Antarctica, the best adventures await you on the Road Scholar South America tours. Learn the Samba in Rio and the tango in Buenos Aires, climb to Machu Picchu, go wine tasting in the vineyards outside of Santiago, or take an Amazon river cruise. 

Road Scholar’s South America tours are anything but ordinary. Do you have a passion for archeology? Take a trip to Easter Island and meet archaeologists who study the mysteries of the ancient moai statues.

Expeditions

South American Cruise 

All Aboard the MV Ocean Victory to explore the South American coasts of Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Panama and Costa Rica. On the Central Pacific Discovery expedition, you will get insight into the ancient and modern cultures of South America and the national parks known for howler monkeys, boobies, iguanas, crocodiles and more. 

Small Groups Travel to South America

For a more personalized vacation, Road Scholar’s small group travel offers tight-knit learning adventures for groups of 13 to 24 participants. The South American adventures above are designed for small groups and provide a more intimate experience. 

South American Odyssey

Explore exciting Rio de Janeiro and marvel at the Iguazu Falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian vantage points, walk among an ancient Inca civilization in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu on this epic 19-day journey. Road Scholar’s educational tours on the South American Odyssey will take you wine tasting in Santiago one day, and exploring the colorful neighborhoods of Buenos Aires the next. 

Easter Island Archeology

Ignite your inner archeologist in this dynamic tour where you will explore Easter Island’s most important archaeological sites. The Easter Island (Rapa Nui) expedition will have you walking the quarry where the massive moai were carved, which includes nearly 400 unfinished giants and spectacular petroglyphs. Connect with local Rapa Nui people. Become a local for an evening as you share a traditional meal with an Easter Island family. 

The Galápagos Islands Small Boat Cruise

This small ship voyage takes you on one of the planet's most unspoiled islands to explore the Blue-footed Boobies, Darwin finches, giant tortoises, and marine iguanas. On this 11-day exploration, you will swim with sea lions, snorkel off remote beaches in search of tropical marine life, and learn about the ecosystems of the Galápagos. 

Why Choose Road Scholar for South America

At Road Scholar, we offer a wide range of trips through the great continent of South America by land and sea. Through our collection of the best South American tours, you’ll be placed in a cohort of like-minded adventurers. Together, you’ll enjoy spirited conversations while learning more about the world’s cultures, history and traditions from local experts.

As you search to find an adventure, you can review our practical information to prepare for any of our South America group tours. Book your travel and learn more with Road Scholar today.