Bus Tours in South America
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10 best Coach / Bus trips around South America
Compiled by
NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
Deluxe coaches connect major South American landmarks, from Lima's colonial center to Rio's Christ the Redeemer. Routes wind through diverse landscapes including Sacred Valley, Atacama Desert, and Iguazu Falls. Scenic paths lead past Lake Titicaca and through Andes Mountains.
Duration 21 days Destinations Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil Age Range 10 to 70 year olds Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator EUROLATINO Tour Operators From
- NZ$10,557
Private coaches wind through South America's diverse landscapes, from Cusco's Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo's ancient ruins. Smooth transitions between Puerto Maldonado's jungle lodges and Buenos Aires' cultural districts, connecting all 13 featured cities.
Duration 18 days Destinations Peru, Argentina, Brazil Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From $7,087
10% Off- NZ$6,378+$3,023 upfront costsYou save $709
Luxury coaches with Wi-Fi cruise from Rio's coastal roads to Sacred Valley's mountain paths. Comfortable transfers link 11 cities, including scenic drives through Iguassu National Park and along Argentina's pampas, with expert drivers navigating diverse terrains.
Duration 15 days Destinations Brazil, Argentina, Peru Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Costsaver From
10% Off- NZ$4,475+$2,194 upfront costs
Luxury coaches with Wi-Fi connect South America's most iconic sites. Rolling from Lima through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, aboard the panoramic Vistadome train, and around Lake Titicaca's floating islands. Includes professional driver service and all internal flights.
Duration 18 days Destinations Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Trafalgar From
10% Off- NZ$9,369+$7,956 upfront costs
South America unfolds from Santiago's historic districts to Rio's beaches. Premium coaches transport you between Valparaíso's UNESCO sites, Buenos Aires' Teatro Colón, and Iguassu Falls' viewing platforms, with transfers to premium hotels like Belmond das Cataratas.
Duration 12 days Destinations Chile, Argentina, Brazil Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Luxury Gold From
10% Off- NZ$16,466+$1,584 upfront costs
Buenos Aires to Rio
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Each place was a highlight! The location of all the hotels was great!”
Palma, traveled in November
Comfortable coaches cruise through South America, including coastal drive from Paraty to Angra dos Reis. Modern buses link major destinations, enhanced by domestic flights between Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, and São Paulo.
Duration 13 days Destinations Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Foz Do Iguacu, Sao Paulo, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From
10% Off- NZ$6,920
Quito to Lima: Surf Towns & Hot Springs
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was the best tour I have ever done. My favorite trip of all time and met a few lifetime friends.”
Brandon, traveled in December
Comfortable buses link Ecuador and Peru's highlights, from Quito's colonial streets to Lima's Barranco district. Three strategic overnight bus rides maximize daytime visits to Cuenca's art scene, Mancora's beaches, and Trujillo's archaeological wonders.
Duration 15 days Destinations Quito, Tena, Banos, Cuenca, Mancora, Trujillo, Lima Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator G Adventures From $2,539
20% Off- NZ$2,031You save $507
Living Peru
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent tour and excellent company.”
Rebecca, traveled in August
Modern coaches traverse South America, offering panoramic views from La Raya pass at 4,313m. Stops include Pucara Lithic Museum, Wiracocha Temple ruins, and Andahuaylillas Church with bilingual guide commentary.
Duration 11 days Destinations Lima, Arequipa, Canon del Colca, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Machu Picchu Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator LimaTours From $3,019
10% Off- NZ$2,718You save $301
The Heart of the Empire
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was beautiful, the guides so nice and helpful and VERY well organized!”
Jessica, traveled in November
Comfortable coaches roll through South America's Sacred Valley, from Cusco's historic center to Pisac's markets. Scenic rides reach Chinchero's textile workshops, with transfers to Ollantaytambo's Inca fortress and convenient hotel-to-station connections throughout Peru.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cusco, Sacred Valley, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator LimaTours From $1,703
10% Off- NZ$1,533You save $170
Highlights of Peru
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw so much in a short time. She handled stragglers with charm and finesse.”
Jan, traveled in October
Luxury coaches and Vistadome trains connect South American wonders. Routes include UNESCO sites like Lima's Historic Center and Machu Picchu, with guided tours of Ollantaytambo fortress and Cusco's colonial streets.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Trafalgar From
10% Off- NZ$5,625
South America Coach / Bus Tour Reviews
- Quito to Lima: Surf Towns & Hot Springs
Absolutely amazing experience. I was so nervous about going on a tour by myself but I had nothing to worry about. The tour guide was brilliant and everything was very well organised. It was perfect for me as a young traveler wanting an adventure! A highlight for me was the homestay in the amazon jungle - the family were so welcoming and willing to share their lifestyle with us. I would go again in a heartbeat!
- Living Peru
Excellent tour and excellent company.
- The Heart of the Empire
This was an absolutely amazing tour! Everything was beautiful, the guides so nice and helpful and VERY well organized!
What our customers ask about Bus Tours in South America
What are the key attractions typically covered on South American coach tours?
South American coach tours take visitors to leading destinations across the continent. In Rio de Janeiro travelers explore Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Beach. The route continues to Iguazu Falls where tours view the cascades from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. City highlights include Buenos Aires' historic Recoleta Cemetery and the bohemian San Telmo district. Many tours extend to Peru's Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. As one TourRadar traveler noted from their Buenos Aires to Rio tour: "The trip was a good blend of city and small places with spectacular stops at Iguazu Falls which completely lived up to expectations." Accommodations range from the upscale Belmond Copacabana Palace in Rio to the well-appointed Casa Andina Premium in Lima.
What type of accommodation can I expect on a South American coach tour?
Most South American coach tours provide 3-4 star hotels in central locations near key attractions. Rio de Janeiro properties like the Windsor Plaza Copacabana place visitors steps from the beach while Buenos Aires options such as the Kenton Palace offer easy access to main sites. One TourRadar traveler reported: "The hotels were very good quality and without exception perfectly located - like the luxurious Belmond das Cataratas right next to Iguazu Falls the only hotel inside the National Park." Standard amenities include air conditioning restaurants and WiFi though comfort levels differ between tour categories.
What's the best time of year to take a coach tour in South America?
September to November brings favorable weather to most South American destinations. Rio de Janeiro sees mild spring temperatures with less rainfall during these months. Peru's dry season from May through October works well for Machu Picchu visits. According to a TourRadar traveler at the Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel: "October was perfect - comfortable temperatures and clear skies for sightseeing." While tours run year-round special events like Rio's Carnival happen in February/March.
What are the typical daily driving times and distances covered on South American coach tours?
Daily routes on South American coach tours typically span 250-400 km with 4-8 hours of drive time. The Cusco to Puno journey covers 360 km in 6-7 hours through the Andes while Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls runs about 300 km over 5-6 hours. TourRadar travelers note "the guides were excellent at making sure we were well taken care of from beginning to end." Modern coaches with WiFi help pass the time. Regular stops occur every 2-3 hours at viewpoints like La Raya Pass or local villages.
How many countries/destinations can I typically visit on a South American coach tour?
Standard South American coach tours cover 2-3 countries in 10-15 days. The South America Discovery tour visits Brazil Argentina and Peru over 15 days. Other options like the Colorful Ecuador tour focus on one country exploring 6 cities in 7 days. TourRadar data shows most itineraries include 4-7 major cities and multiple UNESCO sites along routes designed for efficient coach travel.
How does the tour handle high-altitude destinations in South America?
Tours use gradual acclimatization for high-altitude locations especially in Peru and Bolivia. Itineraries often start in Lima at sea level before heading to higher cities like Cusco at 11152 feet. A TourRadar guest at Hotel La Casona de Yucay shared: "Our guide was very knowledgeable about altitude adjustment and made sure we took it easy the first few days." Coaches carry oxygen in high-altitude areas and schedules begin with lighter activities as travelers adjust.
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