South America · 1-DAY TOURS

1-Day Tours in South America: 15 Picked and Priced

86 tours  ·  from $26

The good 1-day tours fill first, and the cheap ones are not always the weak ones. Below: 15 of them, what each costs and how they differ.

Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco - The early pickup from your Cusco hotel
1-Day Tours, Day Trips in Peru, Machu Picchu Tours, Peru Tours, Tour Reviews

Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco

1.Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,644 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $336Our pick

Travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu by selected train, with hotel pickup, entrance fees, shuttle buses, and a local English or Spanish-speaking guide included. Choose Expedition, Vistadome, Executive Class 360, or Voyager service. Expect a very long day, a guided citadel visit of about 2.5 hours, and careful handoffs between each stage.

“I had an amazing experience absolutely enjoying it the weather was nice the guide was very knowledgeable and he help take plenty of pictures”

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From Salta: Full-Day Trip to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca - Purmamarca and the famous 7 Color Hill
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From Salta: Full-Day Trip to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca

2.Full-Day Trip to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 914 reviews · 13 hours · from $38Best value

Travel from Salta into Jujuy with an English- and Spanish-speaking guide such as Cesar, Monica, or Eduardo. Visit Purmamarca, 7 Color Hill, and the Salinas Grandes, with time for photos, shopping, and lunch. Expect a long day in a minivan, high mountain roads, strong sun, and possible extra fees at the sights.

“Amazing trip in the Jujuy Valley. Our guide Edu was fantastic, very well organized and he knew a lot of different facts about Argentina and Jujuy province, from social to geological knowledge. They picked up us at our hostel and they brought us home at the end of the day. Definitely worth for the money!”

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Day Trip to Uyuni Salt Flats - Starting at 10:00 for an 8-hour salt-flat day
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Day Trip to Uyuni Salt Flats

3.Day Trip to Uyuni Salt Flats

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 602 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $130

Spend a full day crossing the Uyuni Salt Flats by Toyota Land Cruiser, with stops at the Train Cemetery, Colchani, Playa Blanca, Cactus Island, and a sunset viewpoint. Red Planet Expedition includes lunch, wine tasting, hotel pickup from selected hotels, and help with the famous perspective photos. English and Spanish guide arrangements should be confirmed.

“This tour was truly excellent. While the English-speaking guide might have given us more information about what we were seeing, the overall experience of being on the salt flat was phenomenal. Lunch was excellent, the timing of each activity made sense, and ending the day by watching the sunset over the still, shallow waters was incredible. Highly recommended!”

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Santiago: Portillo and Laguna del Inca Day Trip with Picnic - Salto del Soldado and the story behind the rock
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Santiago: Portillo and Laguna del Inca Day Trip with Picnic

4.Portillo and Laguna del Inca Day Trip with Picnic

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 572 reviews · 10 hours · from $45

Travel by air-conditioned minivan from Santiago to Portillo and Laguna del Inca, with stops at Salto del Soldado and Ruta Los Caracoles. Your guide, such as Sebastián, Sol, Carlos, or Emilio, shares local stories in Spanish or Portuguese. You get mountain views, free time by the lagoon, and a simple picnic near Los Andes.

“As described and expected. The picnic is not much but fair for the price.”

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Andes Day Trip from Mendoza Including Aconcagua, Uspallata and Puente del Inca - Uspallata is the practical lunch break
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Andes Day Trip from Mendoza Including Aconcagua, Uspallata and Puente del Inca

5.Andes Day Trip from Mendoza Including Aconcagua, Uspallata and Puente del Inca

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 419 reviews · from $75

Ride from Mendoza into the Andes on a 12-hour guided coach trip along Route 7. Stop at Potrerillos Dam, Uspallata, Puente del Inca, Aconcagua and Pichueta. English help is provided at the main stops, while much of the commentary is in Spanish. Expect spectacular views, long hours on the road and a maximum group of 23.

“The tour was wonderful. Beautiful scenery. The only complaint was that the guide was not very friendly. We were given an address to meet up with the bus. When arrived, no one really had any information on the tour and were told it would bRead more”

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From Lima: Day trip to Paracas, Ica and Oasis Huacachina - Ballestas Islands and the El Candelabro
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From Lima: Day trip to Paracas, Ica and Oasis Huacachina

6.From Lima: Day trip to Paracas, Ica and Oasis Huacachina

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 409 reviews · 17h 30m · from $61

Leave Lima early for a speedboat ride around the Ballestas Islands, then continue to Ica for lunch and wine and pisco tasting. In Huacachina, ride a dune buggy and sandboard before returning to Lima late at night. English and Spanish guides include Alvaro, Giancarlo, Joel, and others, depending on the departure.

“This was the best spontaneous booking I ever did. Gabby was so patient in translating everything for me even though I’m the only one that doesn’t speak spanish. Transpo is a huge bus so no problem on leg space. Def do not skip on riding the buggies. SO MUCH FUN! Lunch menu is a little bit pricy but should be fine as they provide you snacks on your way back to lima(surprise) Easy and straightforward pick up-just go to the place agreed upon and they def will be there. Keep in mind that this is a long travel through the dessert so bring something to keep yourself busy or just…”

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From Rio: Arraial do Cabo Day Trip with Boat Tour - The morning road trip from Rio
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From Rio: Arraial do Cabo Day Trip with Boat Tour

7.Arraial do Cabo Day Trip with Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 400 reviews · 14 hours · from $65

Set aside 14 hours for this Rio day trip to Arraial do Cabo. Ride an air-conditioned vehicle to the Costa do Sol, then board a traditional schooner for Ilha do Farol, Prainhas do Pontal, Gruta Azul, and Praia do Forno. Guides such as Vicente, Publio, and Andrea Vento have been praised for clear communication and calm handling of changes.

“We got on time to the meeting point but the bus that was supposed to pick us up had an issue. Luckily the guide contacted us straight away and kept us in touch and in the end we re-arranged the pick up a few hours later. Despite the delay the whole activity still went ahead and we managed to visit all the beaches. Just know that there might be a lot of people on the beaches you visit (that is out of your control though) but overall it's quite well organised and we got enough time to swim and enjoy the natural beaches we visited. Make sure to bring some…”

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La Paz: Full Day Trip to Copacabana and Isla del Sol - Leaving La Paz by Peru Hop bus
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La Paz: Full Day Trip to Copacabana and Isla del Sol

8.La Paz: Full Day Trip to Copacabana and Isla del Sol

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 400 reviews · 1 day · from $59

Travel from La Paz to Lake Titicaca by Peru Hop bus, cross the lake by ferry, visit Copacabana, then take a speedboat to Isla del Sol. A bilingual guide such as Emerson, Ivan, Abner, or Peter leads the day. Expect striking views, a short high-altitude walk, and a late return to La Paz.

“Apart from the amazing views, Luis, our tour guide did a great job in keeping everybody together and informed!”

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Arraial do Cabo Day Trip from Rio de Janeiro: Boat Tour & Beach - Arriving in Arraial do Cabo and boarding the schooner
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Arraial do Cabo Day Trip from Rio de Janeiro: Boat Tour & Beach

9.Arraial do Cabo Day Trip from Rio de Janeiro: Boat Tour & Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 390 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $70

Travel from Rio to Arraial do Cabo for a schooner cruise along Brazil’s Costa do Sol. Swim at Ilha do Farol and Praia do Forno, photograph Pontal do Atalaia, Gruta Azul, Fenda de Nossa Senhora, and Pedra do Gorila, then eat at a local buffet. Guides may include Newton, Andrea, or Karla.

“Tour was BEYOND terrible: 1. Tour was not in English tho I asked for English. Tour Guide barely acknowledged me and never explained anything. Very rude, unprofessional, bad energy. I had to ask other ppl what this ignorant woman was saying. 2. There is a 4 hour drive from Copacabana that is not mentioned. Then another 2 hours boat ride. 3. No stopping at a beach. You only stop for an hour for ppl to jump in the water. It’s lame and boring. You basically pay and travel 6 hours to in water for an hour. 4. Boat is very loud and cheesy. Boat staff does not speak any English.…”

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Medellin: Guatapé Day Trip & Boat to Pablo Escobar's Estate - Riding the colorful bus from El Poblado
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Medellin: Guatapé Day Trip & Boat to Pablo Escobar’s Estate

10.Guatapé Day Trip & Boat to Pablo Escobar’s Estate

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 365 reviews · 10h 30m · from $64

From El Poblado, ride a colorful bilingual tour bus to Guatapé, climb or photograph El Peñol, cruise the reservoir, and visit Hacienda La Manuela by boat. Guides such as Mario, César, Naomi, and Sebastián are praised for lively explanations. Optional ATVs, jet skis, paintball, and an overnight return make this a flexible but very long day.

“A day filled with great places, much information and lots of laughter. Thanks to our amazing guide Juanito!”

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Iguassu Waterfalls: 1 Day Tour Brazil and Argentina's sides - Starting in Argentina with the longer walk
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Iguassu Waterfalls: 1 Day Tour Brazil and Argentina’s sides

11.Iguassu Waterfalls: 1 Day Tour Brazil and Argentina’s sides

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 353 reviews · 9 hours · from $48Top rated

Spend nine hours crossing between Brazil and Argentina with a small group of up to 14. Guides such as Bruno, Diego, and Andre lead the 4 km Argentine trail and 1 km Brazilian panorama walk, explain the Atlantic rain forest, and help with border procedures. Add the Macuco Safari boat ride if time and park conditions allow.

“Amazing day. Great guide in Bruno who went above and beyond. Spoke English Spanish and of course Portuguese perfectly. He gave us all a clear understanding of what we saw. Really happy we chose this tour, he even helped us add on an extra that we wanted to do and helped us sort transportation. Excellent knowledge and service. Thank you Bruno!”

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Santiago: 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Cable Car Ticket - Start at Parque Arauco and plan your route
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Santiago: 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Cable Car Ticket

12.1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Cable Car Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 332 reviews · 1 day · from $60

See Santiago by London-style double-decker bus, then ride the Teleférico and historic Funicular up Cerro San Cristóbal. You can hop off at 10 stops for Plaza de Armas, La Moneda, Santa Lucía Hill, major malls, parks, and Providencia. Recorded commentary comes in six languages, while the Turistik app shows stops and bus locations.

“The tour was fine. It takes you around to the places that are important in the city, but the only two that were really worth getting off in my opinion are the plaza de armas and cable car.”

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Gaucho Day Trip from Buenos Aires: Santa Susana Ranch - Carriage rides, horses, and open farmland
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Gaucho Day Trip from Buenos Aires: Santa Susana Ranch

13.Gaucho Day Trip from Buenos Aires: Santa Susana Ranch

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 272 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $313

Leave Buenos Aires for Estancia Santa Susana, a historic ranch near Los Cardales. You’ll tour the chapel, museum, and grounds, enjoy empanadas, unlimited barbecue, wine, tango, folk music, and gaucho skill demonstrations. A horse-drawn carriage ride is included, while horseback riding may be brief and tightly guided. Downtown hotel pickup is provided, with central drop-off.

“The place was very nice and cosy (even if it was big and with 300 guests). The gauche show as well as the gaucho show was good. The horseback riding on the other hand was lousy. We expected to be allowed to ride the horses, not to go on a ride at horses with their head in the arse of the horse in front.”

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Lima: Paracas & Huacachina Oasis Day Trip with Wine & Dunes - The 4:00 am start from Lima
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Lima: Paracas & Huacachina Oasis Day Trip with Wine & Dunes

14.Lima: Paracas & Huacachina Oasis Day Trip with Wine & Dunes

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 266 reviews · 16h 30m · from $100

Leave Lima around 4:00 to 5:00 am for a full-day trip to Paracas and Huacachina. See sea lions and penguins from a speed boat, visit CulturPisco for pisco and wine tastings, then ride a dune buggy and sandboard in the desert. English and Spanish guides such as Miguel Angel, Mayer, and Raúl lead the day.

“My daughter and I loved the fact we were picked up at our hotel, provided with breakfast and lunch. Our guide was bilingual and was educational. This trip was a all in one!”

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From Cusco: 2-Day Trip to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu - Pisac reveals the working side of the Inca world
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From Cusco: 2-Day Trip to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

15.From Cusco: 2-Day Trip to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 265 reviews · 2 days · from $370

Travel from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Pisac and Ollantaytambo, then ride the train to Aguas Calientes for an early Machu Picchu visit. English and Spanish guides, hotel pickup, buses, trains, entrance tickets, and accommodation are arranged for you. Guides such as William, Wally, and Uriel have earned special praise for clear explanations and warm help.

“Great! Our guide was wonderful and the accommodation was nice! Many great things to see.”

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New in 1-Day Tours

★ 4.5Private Tiwanaku and Titicaca Day Trip from La PazFrom $20062 reviews
★ 5.0Private Day trip: Both sides of Iguazu FallsFrom $150102 reviews
★ 4.5Rainbown mountain cusco 1 DayFrom $2772 reviews
★ 4.5Machu picchu one day by train all includedFrom $31553 reviews
★ 5.0Rafting & Zip line Urubamba River 1 DayFrom $7975 reviews
★ 5.01 Day Tour to Palccoyo (Alternative Rainbow Mtn) from Cusco, PeruFrom $15353 reviews
★ 5.0Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour from Cusco by TrainFrom $35544 reviews
★ 4.5Sacred Valley (VIP) – Full Day TripFrom $5571 reviews
★ 5.0Machu Picchu in 1 Day from CuscoFrom $44398 reviews
★ 5.0Machu Picchu full day trip from CuscoFrom $490102 reviews
★ 5.0Private Machu Picchu day trip from CuscoFrom $54049 reviews
★ 5.0Day Trip to Machu Picchu from CuscoFrom $33563 reviews
★ 5.0Excursion to Machu Picchu in 1 day from Cusco with Vogager Train Inca RailFrom $47535 reviews
★ 5.0Machu Picchu Day Trip from CuzcoFrom $38076 reviews
★ 5.0Pantanal Day Trip – All Inclusive – Leaving Campo GrandeFrom $19562 reviews

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Explore South America

Pick a coastline, an altitude or a kitchen.

The Andes

Machu PicchuSacred ValleyRainbow MountainColca CanyonTrekking Routes

Water and islands

Days Under WayLakes and LagunasSnorkelling the ReefsSchooner DaysSand and Surf

Around a table

Eating ToursWine TastingsCoffee-Farm MorningsKitchen ClassesStreet Eating

Wild places

The AmazonGalápagosGlaciersPenguin ColoniesWaterfalls