Ancient civilizations, fascinating regional cultures, vibrant nightlife and delicious exotic foods — if you can dream of it, there’s every chance it can be found in South America. With a dozen countries stretching over nearly seven million square miles of the most stunning land on Earth, from the Atacama Desert to the Amazon Rainforest and Tierra Del Fuego to the Panama Canal, there’s no place quite as diverse or multifaceted as this vast continent.
In fact, with so much to choose from, it can be a challenge to know where to start with South America. Luckily, you don’t have to: as a AAA member, you can access some of the top vacation packages taking travelers to South American destinations from Antarctica to the Pacific.
Plus, with useful extras like their Trip Canvas tool, top discounts and extras and always-available customer support, you’ll be sure to have the time of your life when you head south. Below, we’ve selected a few of our favorite South American vacation deals for you to consider when you’re ready to plan the vacation of a lifetime.
Expedition To Antarctica - Glaciers + Penguins
·Price: Starting from $7,399
·Operator: Alexander + Roberts
·Length: 8 nights accommodation
Nowhere on the planet comes quite as close to Antarctica as South America’s Southern Cone. If you’ve always wanted to see the world’s most remote continent, this is the vacation package for you. Starting in Ushuaia, the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province and the southernmost city in the world. Spend a day exploring this fascinating port before embarking for the Beagle Channel — named for the ship which carried Charles Darwin to the Pacific on his famous expedition — aboard the MV Ushuaia.
Over the following days, you’ll witness whales, icebergs and rare seabirds as you traverse the Drake Passage, stop at locales only visited by a handful of people over the centuries, including the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel and the Lemaire Channel and enjoy opportunities to spot vast penguin colonies around the Antarctic Sound and Graham Land. On the journey, naturalists will accompany you to offer thought-provoking lectures and point out some of the rare and wonderful wildlife of the icy south.
Grand South America
·Price: Starting from $13,997
·Operator: Luxury Gold Tours
·Length: 22 nights accommodation
For those with a true thirst for adventure, this vacation package ranges across Chile, Peru, Argentina and Brazil, giving you a first-hand experience of some of the best South America has to offer. Upon arriving in Lima, the bustling capital of Peru, you’ll explore the city’s UNESCO-listed historic center, the bohemian Barranco district and take in some of Peru’s most fascinating modern art. From there, travel by air to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, to visit Peru’s Sacred Valley, learn about Quechua culture — including the fabulously-colored textiles they’re known for — and finally see Machu Picchu.
After exploring more of Peru, including Lake Titicaca, travelers will head to Santiago and on to the UNESCO-listed port of Valparaíso. Next, a flight to Buenos Aires will allow you to sample world-famous Argentine beef and wine before striking out for the Pampas and the Iguazú Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, unwind by relaxing in the sun in Rio de Janeiro, with plenty of time to sample the local cuisine and exploring Brazil’s rich cultural heritage.
Easter Island + Patagonia
·Price: Starting from $9,499
·Operator: Alexander + Roberts
·Length: 11 nights accommodation
There may be nowhere else on Earth quite as intriguing and mysterious as Easter Island. A territory of Chile for over a century, today it’s home to the descendants of the ancient Indigenous Rapa Nui people and Rapa Nui National Park, where you can witness the remains of the once-vast civilization found there.
But that’s only the beginning of this unforgettable vacation package. From Hanga Roa, you’ll return to Santiago on the mainland to begin a Patagonian adventure, passing through Chile's famed wine region to reach Torres del Paine National Park. There, you can indulge in horseback riding, fishing, hiking, boating and insights into the Southern Cone’s unique flora and fauna. After three nights in this unique region, return to Santiago via Punta Arenas to unwind and prepare for your next adventure.
Quito & The Galapagos
·Price: Starting from $7,999
·Operator: Alexander + Roberts
·Length: 8 nights accommodation
For many travelers, Ecuador is a dream South American destination, with portions of the Amazon and the Andes within its borders as well as fine food, a unique culture and a population renowned for being friendly and welcoming. As if that wasn’t enough, the Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also fall within Ecuador’s borders.
Upon arrival in Quito, you’ll have several full leisurely days to explore one of the highest capital cities in the world, from its architectural treasures to its culinary heritage through a live demonstration. On day four, fly to Baltra Island at the heart of the Galápagos archipelago before boarding a ship to reach South Plaza Island, with lunch served along the way. Look for rare cactuses, sea lions, exotic tropical seabirds and the famous Galápagos iguanas as you make your way through the islands.
Next up is Santa Fe Island, where a naturalist will give you insights into the local wildlife. Plus, you can get a first-hand view of the surrounding waters while snorkeling or riding in a glass-bottomed boat. From Santa Fe, you’ll head to San Cristobal Island to meet the famous giant Galápagos tortoises at the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve. Your final stop in the archipelago is Española Island, home to thousands of endemic birds found nowhere else in the world, before heading back to Quito or Guayaquil for your next journey.
When you’re ready to embark on the South American adventure of a lifetime, book one of the top vacation packages on offer from AAA. With over a dozen South American destinations to choose from, you’re sure to find unforgettable experiences and make lasting memories.
When you book with AAA, you’ll get exclusive access to additional tour options, unbeatable discounts, 24/7 customer support and much more. Ready to get started? Then get in touch with AAA Vacations® to start planning your South American getaway today.