Must-Visit Destinations for Solo Travelers in South America
Planning to visit South America as a solo traveler? Buddy up with like-minded people on these epic adventures.
Solo travel in South America is different to a road trip through North America or backpacking through Central America. The Andes and the Amazon all offer adventure opportunities that will challenge and change you for the better. Wander through pulsating cities one day, before laying eyes on one of the seven wonders of the modern world the next. See why solo travel in South America is unlike any other adventure when you visit these exciting destinations – bookable with Culture Trip.
Colombia's Caribbean coast, to canoe through mangrove forests and hike Tayrona National Park – TRIPS by Culture Trip
Instead of heading inland to the Andes, you could take some much-needed me-time on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Soak up the sun however you choose – though may we suggest canoeing through mangrove forests or hiking the beaches of Tayrona National Park? You can even hop between the idyllic Rosario Islands. Say “si” to all of the above and throw in a tubing ride down the Rio Don Diego on this eight-day solo trip along must-visit Colombia’s northern coast.
From US$1711
Next available from 9th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cartagena, Colombia
ENDS AT
Santa Marta, Colombia
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Ecuador, to venture into the Andes and the Amazon
The adventurer in your soul will appreciate an intrepid solo journey into the Amazon. Ecuador is a worthy entry point – particularly as it grants you the opportunity to trek the Andes alone. When it comes to whitewater rafting through the jungle and riding the Swing at the End of the World, however, it might be wise to have a helping hand nearby. Get to know Ecuador’s interior over the course of this eight-day discovery travel tour.
From US$1459
Next available from 9th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Quito, Ecuador
ENDS AT
Quito, Ecuador
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
The Galápagos, to swim and snorkel alongside endemic species
If you’re aiming to get away from it all, there are few places better to flock than the uninhabited islands of the must-visit Galápagos archipelago. These remote lands off the coast of Ecuador protect and preserve endemic species that you can walk, swim and snorkel alongside. If you don’t mind the company of other nature lovers, this five-day tour will turn your solo trip into an intimate group outing. Of course, you’ll still have opportunities to explore the islands alone at your leisure.
From US$1869
Next available from 6th Jan 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
ENDS AT
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Peru, to explore ancient cities and marvel at Machu Picchu
Tick one of the wonders of the world off your bucket list when you visit the magical Machu Picchu on our nine-day trip to Peru. But there’s so much more to this South American country than just this one iconic sight – you’ll also explore historic cities like Arequipa and Cusco, join a Peruvian cooking class and spot condors on a hike in the Colca Canyon.
From US$1824
Next available from 1st Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cusco, Peru
ENDS AT
Arequipa, Peru
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Brazil, for golden beaches and street art-covered cities
Every South American adventure should spend at least a little time in Brazil, and our nine-day trip covers all the bases in one go. Start in Sao Paulo, for street art and city parks, before heading to the coastal countryside. Explore the gorgeous old town of Paraty and the underwater delights of Paraty Bay before moving on to Rio, for four days filled with samba, sunset cocktails and plenty of time on the beach. The best part? Our small-groups of like-minded travellers, plus our friendly Local Insider, mean you can share the memories with newfound friends for life.
From US$2099
Next available from 8th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Sao Paulo, Brazil
ENDS AT
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Maja Proescholdt and Gethin Morgan contributed additional reporting to this article.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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