South America Tours for Young Adults
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10 best trips for '18 to 30 Somethings' in South America
Compiled by
NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
- Epic South America
- Peru Inca Adventure
- Complete - Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristobal 8D/7N with Tintoreras
- 6 days Authentic Me Gusta Galapagos - Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands
- The Great South American Journey: Quito to Rio Adventure
- Lima to Rio: Coast to Coast
- Peru: Ancient Cities & the Andes
- Real Peru
- Real Peru to Bolivia
- Lima to La Paz: Sandboarding & Sunsets
Adventurous souls aged 18-29 trek Amazon jungles from Puerto Maldonado, conquer the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and ride San Pedro de Atacama's dunes. Nights come alive in La Paz, Buenos Aires' tango halls, and Rio's Copacabana Beach.
Duration 39 days Destinations Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$10,355
Peru Inca Adventure
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The whole tour was amazing I loved how nearly all the activities were included in the tour therefore not needing to worrying about massive extra costs.”
Louise, traveled in September
The Inca Trail beckons travelers aged 18+, averaging 29 years. Sacred Valley cycling and Cusco's nightlife complement traditional cooking classes, local market visits, and Pisco sour making sessions.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range up to 39 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Shared Operator TruTravels From $2,795
20% Off- NZ$2,236You save $559
Complete - Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristobal 8D/7N with Tintoreras
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I was pleased with each part of the program and would do it again. Mahalo and I will be a repeat customer.”
Lance, traveled in December
The crystalline waters of Kicker Rock teem with sharks, while Sierra Negra offers volcanic vistas. Scale Bartolomé's summit for panoramic views, glide through Las Tintoreras' coves, and watch giant tortoises roam Santa Cruz highlands from budget-friendly lodgings.
Duration 8 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, South Plaza Island, Seymour Norte, Santa Fé Island, Bartolomé Island, San Cristóbal Island, Lobos Island, Leon Dormido Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Me Gusta Galapagos From
20% Off- NZ$3,483
South America beckons travelers aged 20-35 with reef shark encounters at Las Tintoreras, hikes along Plaza Sur's dramatic cliffs, and ventures through Santa Cruz's lava tubes. Budget-friendly stays complement guided wildlife encounters.
Duration 6 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, South Plaza Island, Seymour Norte, Santa Fé Island, Bartolomé Island Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Me Gusta Galapagos From
20% Off- NZ$2,413
The Great South American Journey: Quito to Rio Adventure
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“If you're limited on time it's a good way to see a lot of places in a safe environment.”
Samantha, traveled in July
Adrenaline flows freely with sandboarding in Huacachina, canyoning in Baños, and scaling Rainbow Mountain near Cusco. The nightlife of Buenos Aires' Palermo district and beach scenes in Paraty round out this youth-focused adventure. Average age 29.
Duration 65 days Destinations Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Room Type Singles, Shared Operator G Adventures From $15,019
20% Off- NZ$12,015You save $3,003
Lima to Rio: Coast to Coast
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Because I enjoyed my trip and enjoy this style of traveling.”
Leonora, traveled in August
Active travelers aged 20-35 conquer Huacachina's dunes, reach Machu Picchu's Sun Gate, and dive into Cusco's nightlife. La Paz's Death Road biking, Paraty's surf, and Rio's pulsing clubs await. Intimate groups of 12-16 foster lasting friendships.
Duration 51 days Destinations Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Singles, Shared Operator G Adventures From $12,119
20% Off- NZ$9,695You save $2,423
Peru: Ancient Cities & the Andes
120 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic tour. The tour was a great experience.”
Katherine, traveled in August
South America's cultural tapestry unfolds for travelers aged 20-35, from Lima's Barranco district to Cusco's evening haunts. Venture through Colca Canyon, climb the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and immerse in local life with Ccaccaccollo homestays and Pachamanca feasts.
Duration 14 days Destinations Lima, Nazca, Arequipa, Canon del Colca, Chivay, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Singles, Shared Operator G Adventures From $3,699
20% Off- NZ$2,959You save $739
Real Peru
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Tours take away stress and organise everything for you but are definitely more expensive and less flexible.”
Anneliese, traveled in November
South American thrills await ages 18-29 in Lima's Miraflores nightlife and Puerto Maldonado's Amazon wildlife. The route conquers Dead Woman's Pass to Machu Picchu and includes authentic Lake Titicaca homestays with local families.
Duration 15 days Destinations Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Puno, Lake Titicaca Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- NZ$4,210
Real Peru to Bolivia
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We were the only group on this route and it was truly serene and breathtaking.”
Lydia, traveled in July
Lima's Miraflores district kicks off this South American adventure for ages 20-35. Wildlife spotting in Puerto Maldonado's Amazon and Inca Trail trekking to Machu Picchu complement Cusco's legendary nightlife before reaching La Paz.
Duration 15 days Destinations Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Puno, Lake Titicaca, La Paz Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- NZ$3,925
Lima to La Paz: Sandboarding & Sunsets
121 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I had an awesome time, learned a lot about Peru and made many new friends.”
Lukas, traveled in September
The continent's highlights await energetic souls aged 20-35. Ride Huacachina's massive dunes, revel in Cusco's San Blas quarter, master the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and embrace Lake Titicaca's culture before La Paz's nightlife beckons.
Duration 21 days Destinations Lima, Ica, Nazca, Arequipa, Canon del Colca, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Puno, Lake TiticacaSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Room Type Singles, Shared Operator G Adventures From $4,719
20% Off- NZ$3,775You save $943
What people love about South America Tours for Young Adults
- Peru: Ancient Cities & the Andes
Great guide but too much draining travel - would be nice to stay in fewer places but for longer
- Real Peru
Really good tour! I enjoyed it a lot, I also travelled around Peru without tour. Comparing both these experiences tours take away stress and organise everything for you but are definitely more expensive and less flexible. However it was really well done
- Lima to La Paz: Sandboarding & Sunsets
This was my 1st group tour and couldn't recommend it highly enough. It was jam-packed from start to finish with activities! Our guide Manuel was excellent, he put 100% into it with information, helping with sickness and lost baggage, and extra little ideas/plans that added to the experience! Hotels were great for a basic tour, clean etc... My only very minor niggle would b tipping bus drivers and local guides along the way added to the expense but was only a small thing if I had to say anything bad.
What our customers ask about South America Tours for Young Adults
What are the best destinations in South America for first-time young travelers?
First-time visitors to South America often start with three key destinations. Peru's Machu Picchu offers ancient ruins and treks along the Inca Trail with stays at places like the Jungle Lodge in Puerto Maldonado. Rio de Janeiro draws travelers to Copacabana Beach and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Buenos Aires rounds out the trio with colorful areas like La Boca and the historic San Telmo district. A recent TourRadar traveler described Argentina: "A mix of colonial architecture beautiful mountainous landscapes and a very active city full of touristic experiences."
Which South American cities have the best nightlife for young travelers?
The nightlife energy centers on Rio de Janeiro and Medellin. Rio's Lapa and Copacabana districts fill with music and dancing while Medellin's El Poblado area draws crowds to its salsa clubs. In Buenos Aires the Palermo neighborhood offers spots like Sky Bar and authentic tango performances. One TourRadar visitor put it simply: "Medellin's nightlife may well be the best in Colombia!"
What's the best time of year for young adults to visit South America?
Weather patterns vary across the continent. Peru and Bolivia's dry season from May to October provides clear conditions for hiking Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. Brazil and Argentina shine from December through March with perfect beach days in Rio and Buenos Aires. Carnival brings excitement in February and March but needs early planning. For comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds at places like JC Lodge in Cusco aim for spring (September-November) or fall (March-May).
How much spending money should I budget per day as a young traveler in South America?
Daily costs beyond tour expenses typically run 50-80 USD. This covers meals drinks extras and activities. Major cities like Buenos Aires or Lima charge about 15-25 USD for dinner 5-10 USD for lunch and 5-8 USD for drinks. Adventure activities such as white water rafting in Cusco or hang gliding in Rio cost between 50-150 USD. Budget accommodations like Milhouse Hostel in Salta offer beds for 20-30 USD per night outside of organized tours.
What are the must-do activities for young adults in South America?
Key experiences include trekking the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu exploring the Amazon from bases like Ceiba Tops Lodge joining Rio's Carnival celebrations and learning tango steps in Buenos Aires. Active travelers often add white water rafting on Peru's Urubamba River or walks through Colombia's Cocora Valley. One TourRadar participant noted about Peru: "Great range of things to do - Tejo Tubing Surfing Hiking - very much recommended."
What type of accommodation can young adults expect on South American tours?
Lodging ranges from standard hotels like the Novotel Cusco to distinctive options including Amazon jungle lodges and family homestays near Lake Titicaca. Most tours mix 3-4 star city hotels with basic but authentic rural accommodations. Social spaces like Milhouse in Argentina create natural meeting points for travelers. As one TourRadar guest shared: "The hostel is very complete clean and comfortable. The service excellent!"
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