South America · FULL-DAY

Full-Day Tours in South America: 15 That Fill a Day Properly

162 tours  ·  from $18

Prices, durations and what travellers said, for 15 full-day tours. The top entry is there for a reason, so start at it and work down.

Small-Group Cajón del Maipo Full-Day Tour and Picnic - The drive through Cajón del Maipo
Chile Tours, Full-Day, Santiago Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Small-Group Cajón del Maipo Full-Day Tour and Picnic

1.Small-Group Cajón del Maipo Full-Day Tour and Picnic

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,277 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $41Our pick

Leave Santiago early for Cajón del Maipo and the high-altitude El Yeso Reservoir. This small-group trip combines mountain scenery, rural villages, optional food stops, a cheese visit, chocolate shop, picnic, wine, and folk dancing. Guides such as Francisco and Edison have earned praise, but pickup times and the day’s exact stops can change.

“Enjoyed seeing the mountains and lake. El Yeso tkts were NOT included as stated. Also we did not go to the Tunel Ferraviorio del Tinoco as listed. We stopped for lunch and you had no choice but to purchase something as there was no place to sit unless you were at one of their tables. Driver got a kickback from the restaurant i'm sure. Same with the Chocolate factory. They picked up over an hour before the tickets stated at 555am. Too early.”

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From Lima: Paracas and Huacachina Oasis Full Day Guided Tour - The early coach ride south from Lima
Full-Day, Guided, Paracas & Ica Tours, Peru Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Lima: Paracas and Huacachina Oasis Full Day Guided Tour

2.From Lima: Paracas and Huacachina Oasis Full Day Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,780 reviews · 18 hours · from $59

Leave Lima early for Paracas and Huacachina with a bilingual guide such as Franklin, Fio, Aymeth, or Diego. The day includes a two-hour Ballestas Islands boat trip, a vineyard visit with pisco tasting, and an optional dune buggy and sandboarding ride. Expect a comfortable coach, a restroom onboard, and a return to Lima near midnight.

“Long but super fun day! Would definitely recommend bringing approx 100 soles pp for incident expenses such as meals, bandanas, waters, etc”

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From Cusco: Full-Day Group Tour of Machu Picchu - The early bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
Full-Day, Machu Picchu Tours, Peru Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Cusco: Full-Day Group Tour of Machu Picchu

3.From Cusco: Full-Day Group Tour of Machu Picchu

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,767 reviews · 12 hours · from $321

Travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu by tourist bus and panoramic train, then join a guided citadel visit with a certified local guide. Guides such as Uriel, Hector, Ruth, and Christian have been praised for patient explanations and helpful photos. The $321 price covers transport, entrance, and the guide, but not meals.

“We had an incredible experience seeing Machu Picchu. At first we were a little disappointed as the time slot we had booked was full so we were put on a later schedule, however this turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the weather turned out better in the afternoon and we ended up with a private tour as it was less crowded. Our tour guide, Darcy, was exceptional! He had incredible knowledge of the history and his English was perfect. We're not normally fans of tours but he kept it very interesting and took us to some viewpoints that other groups didn't have access to to get a…”

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Full-Day Rosario Islands Including Barú, Bocachica & Playa Blanca - Isla Grande and the snorkeling stop
Cartagena Tours, Colombia Tours, Full-Day, Rosario Islands Tours, Tour Reviews

Full-Day Rosario Islands Including Barú, Bocachica & Playa Blanca

4.Full-Day Rosario Islands Including Barú, Bocachica & Playa Blanca

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,729 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $88

Spend about eight hours island-hopping from Cartagena by boat, with a stop at San Fernando fort, snorkeling near Isla Grande, a party stop at Cholón, lunch at Playa Blanca, and time at Anaho Beach Club. Guides such as Franklin, Angel, Milton, Cesar, and Nicher have earned warm praise for their care and energy. Confirm your package, since snorkeling is listed as VIP-only.

“We had an great time. Our guide Mike was simply amazing, He was so personable, very helpful, and extremely knowledgeable. Mike definitely made this experience worth it. The island hopping tour was exactly like the advertisements. I will advise that on the actual islands you pay close attention to your belongs, your surrounds, and your charges if you use a card especially if you do not speak fluent Spanish. Some of the locals can be extremely aggressive and persistent. And some of the guys seemed to be too touchy feely.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Full-Day Tour - Lagoa Azul and the first swim
Brazil Tours, Full-Day, Ilha Grande Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Full-Day Tour

5.Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,673 reviews · 14 hours · from $77

Travel from Rio to Angra dos Reis by comfortable coach, then spend about five hours by boat around Ilha Grande. Swim at Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, visit Cataguases and Freguesia de Santana, and eat at a buffet in Japariz. Guides such as Marcelo, Fabio, Nayt, and Tiago have led this multilingual tour.

“Super fun! Eventhough it rained the water was warm and overall a great day activity”

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Iguazu Falls: Full-Day Tour of Brazil & Argentina Sides - Pickup, transport, and the international border
Brazil Tours, Foz do Iguaçu Tours, Full-Day, Iguazu Falls Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Iguazu Falls: Full-Day Tour of Brazil & Argentina Sides

6.Iguazu Falls: Full-Day Tour of Brazil & Argentina Sides

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,542 reviews · 10 hours · from $63Top rated

Spend about 10 hours visiting Iguazu Falls from both countries with hotel pickup in Foz do Iguaçu or Puerto Iguazú. Guides such as Roberto, Jefferson, Pablo, and Henrique handle border crossings, park logistics, and timing. Expect long walks, wet viewpoints, extra park fees, and an optional Argentina-side boat ride.

“It was amazing! We saw the waterfalls from both sides and had the option to go by boat too. I would suggest to include all the entrance tickets too.”

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From Arequipa: Colca Canyon Full-Day Guided Tour with Meals - Breakfast in Chivay and the first mountain views
Arequipa Tours, Colca Canyon Tours, Full-Day, Guided, Peru Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Arequipa: Colca Canyon Full-Day Guided Tour with Meals

7.From Arequipa: Colca Canyon Full-Day Guided Tour with Meals

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 982 reviews · 14 hours · from $42

Start before dawn from Arequipa and spend a full day exploring the Colca region with an English or Spanish-speaking guide such as Nelson, Angel, or Walter. See condors at Cruz del Cóndor, alpacas and vicuñas, pre-Inca terraces, hot springs, Andean viewpoints, and a buffet lunch. Expect a long but well-packed day.

“It was a well-organized day trip. We saw condors, did a short hike, had a delicious lunch. I would strongly recommend this tour!”

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Machu Picchu: Full-Day Tour from Cusco with Optional Lunch - The early van ride to Ollantaytambo
Full-Day, Machu Picchu Tours, Peru Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Machu Picchu: Full-Day Tour from Cusco with Optional Lunch

8.Machu Picchu: Full-Day Tour from Cusco with Optional Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 927 reviews · 15 hours - 2 days · from $283

You’ll leave Cusco before sunrise, ride from Ollantaytambo through the Andes to Aguas Calientes, then visit Machu Picchu with a local guide. William, Williams, Santos, and Milton have all been praised for clear explanations and thoughtful help. Choose the lunch option for a three-course meal at Cafe Inkaterra.

“We had a FANTASTIC day! Our guide, William, did make sure that our experience of Machu Picchu was fabulous. He was very knowledgeable, professional and it really felt he liked his job. We will forever be thankful to William for this lifetime experience. The entire day was very well organized. It is a long ride from Cusco to the train station and then almost two hours to the village connecting the railway to Machu Picchu. But the train ride is very beautiful and when in the village you’ll have a very good three course lunch before the guiding of the Machu Picchu. We are very satisfied with this activity.”

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From El Calafate: Full-Day Tour to El Chaltén - La Leona adds a welcome break
Argentina Tours, El Calafate Tours, Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours

From El Calafate: Full-Day Tour to El Chaltén

9.Full-Day Tour to El Chaltén

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 926 reviews · 11 hours · from $130

Travel 220 km from El Calafate to El Chaltén with an English and Spanish speaking guide. Stop at La Leona, hike to Mirador de los Cóndores, walk through lenga forest to Chorrillo del Salto, and enjoy free time in town. Guides such as Veronica and Tobias are known for helpful commentary and steady support on the trails.

“I recommend this tour to nature lovers and those that like to hike. I would suggest a moderate fitness level as it is uphill. The hike took us 1hr in total with multiple stops. Veronica did a great job at guiding us and educating us on the history of El Chalten. It was very windy and it was so strong at the top that we had to sit down. With that said, the view was worth it. It was very cloudy and started to rain so we couldn’t see mount FitzRoy. The waterfall was so beautiful and tranquil. I would suggest warm clothes and good shoes (some areas have a…”

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From Salta: Full-Day Trip to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca - Purmamarca and the famous 7 Color Hill
1-Day Tours, Argentina Tours, Day Trips in Argentina, Full-Day, Salta Tours, Tour Reviews

From Salta: Full-Day Trip to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca

10.Full-Day Trip to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca

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

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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Full Day Paracas Ica and Huacachina from Lima All Included - Ballestas Islands and the Candelabro
Full-Day, Paracas & Ica Tours, Peru Tours, Tour Reviews

Full Day Paracas Ica and Huacachina from Lima All Included

11.Full Day Paracas Ica and Huacachina from Lima All Included

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 623 reviews · 16 hours (approx.) · from $85

Leave Lima at 5 a.m. for a packed day at the Ballestas Islands, a pisco and wine tasting in Ica, and Huacachina’s dunes. Expect sea lions, Humboldt penguins, a boat ride, lunch at your own cost, sand buggies, and beginner sandboarding. Guides such as Mayer, Alvaro, Anthony, and Jeancarlo have earned praise for keeping the long day moving.

“This was an excellent tour. We had a lot of fun. For the dessert: Wear comfortable clothing. Bring water to hydrate Bring sunglasses and scarf”

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Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club Full Day Experience - Swimming, paddling, and time by the water
Beach Tours, Beach Tours in Cartagena, Cartagena Tours, Colombia Tours, Full-Day, Tour Reviews

Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club Full Day Experience

12.Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club Full Day Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 606 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $116

Meet at La Bodeguita Pier at 7:30 a.m. for a 45-minute speedboat ride to Bora Bora Beach Club on Isla Grande. Your day includes a beach bed, welcome cocktail, Colombian lunch, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, music, and a return boat around 3 p.m. Bring cash or a card for drinks, towels, pier tax, and upgrades.

“Everything went smoothly. The lines at the port to get our arm bands for entry were somewhat long. All the staff was great. The water was clear and pretty. We could see baby fish! The food was just okay but it was included in the ticket price so no big deal. All the waiters were friendly and catered to us. The bathrooms at the beach club were surprisingly clean. We got a very warm welcome. All was good. I’d definitely go back.”

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Piedras Rojas, Altiplanics Lagoons & Salar Full-Day Tour - The 6:00 AM pickup and the ride into the highlands
Chile Tours, Full-Day, Lake Tours in Chile, Lake Tours in San Pedro de Atacama, Lakes & Lagoons, San Pedro de Atacama Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Piedras Rojas, Altiplanics Lagoons & Salar Full-Day Tour

13.Piedras Rojas, Altiplanics Lagoons & Salar Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 592 reviews · 10 hours · from $85

Leave San Pedro around 6:00 AM for Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, Piedras Rojas, Chaxa Lagoon, Socaire, and Toconao. A bilingual guide such as Cheryl, Camila, or Denny leads the small group, with breakfast and lunch included. Expect striking scenery, wildlife stops, cold mornings, hot sun, and altitude above 4,100 meters.

“All in all it was a great tour with a great guide and group.”

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From Salta: Full-Day Tour to Cafayate with Wine Tasting - From Salta’s tobacco fields to Alemania
Argentina Tours, Food & Drink, Food Tours in Argentina, Full-Day, Salta Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Argentina

From Salta: Full-Day Tour to Cafayate with Wine Tasting

14.Full-Day Tour to Cafayate with Wine Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 478 reviews · 13 hours · from $29Best value

Travel from Salta to Cafayate by air-conditioned minibus, stopping at tobacco country, Alemania, Devil’s Throat, and other red-rock formations. A bilingual guide such as Monica, Julio, or Eduardo explains the geology in Spanish and English. In Cafayate, visit a winery, taste local wine, eat lunch at your own cost, and return by a different route.

“Eduardo was an amazing guide! He was so passionate and shared a lot about the history and geography of Quebrada de las Conchas and Cafayate. He was also really great with providing the tour in Spanish and English. I feel like a lot of tour guides leave out information when they translate in English and this wasn't the case with Eduardo. The energy was great and the views were amazing. This was my favourite out of all the tours I did from Salta.”

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Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Grand Island - Cais de Santa Luzia and the start of the schooner ride
Brazil Tours, Full-Day, Ilha Grande Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Grand Island

15.Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Grand Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 469 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $90

Leave Rio around 7 a.m. for Angra dos Reis, then board a schooner toward Ilha Grande. Swim at Lagoa Azul, visit quiet beaches, stop at the Green Lagoon, and eat a buffet lunch at Japariz. Guides such as Nayt, Elainne, Felipe, and Flavia have led this trip. Expect a full 14-hour day, plus possible traffic delays.

“We ended up not going on this tour after the operator (less than 24 hours before the tour and after the cancellation period had passed) unilaterally changed the pickup place and then repeatedly insulted us for not agreeing to the new pick up location. We also were informed at the last minute that the included lunch would not be provided until late in the afternoon. We also realized that the advertising failed to explicitly advise us of an almost 3 hour bus ride each way to the boat. After repeatedly insulting us and questioning our motives, they finally agreed to pick us up at the agreed time and place. By…”

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