South America for 18-30-somethings Treks Treks

An 18-30s tour is a small-group trip designed specifically for travellers aged between 18 and 39. The itineraries, pace, accommodation, and free time are all built around what this age group tends to want — a mix of culture, adventure, and a good social side to the trip, without needing to plan any of the logistics yourself.

Not necessarily. Our 18-30s tours attract a mix of solo travellers, pairs of friends, and couples — but everyone is in the same 18-39 age bracket, and the tours are designed to be just as welcoming whether you're travelling alone or with someone.

No — these tours are about the age group and travel style, not relationship status. Couples and friends travelling together are just as welcome as solo travellers.

Group sizes vary by tour and destination, but they're kept deliberately small so you get a proper local experience and it's easy to get to know everyone in your group. You'll find the exact group size listed on each individual tour page.

It varies by tour and destination, and could include hostels, budget hotels, or guesthouses, depending on the itinerary. Accommodation is chosen to suit the pace and style of an 18-30s trip — comfortable and well-located, without unnecessary extra cost. Full details are listed on each tour page.

Yes, travel insurance is required for all our tours. It's your responsibility to arrange cover before you travel, and your tour leader may ask to see your policy details at the start of the trip.

Our itineraries strike a balance between guided activities and free time. You'll have a local expert showing you the highlights and taking care of logistics, plus time built in to explore independently, try local food on your own, or just relax.

Yes, in most cases. If you'd like to add extra nights before or after your tour, or extend your trip to see more of the region, get in touch with our team and we can help you build that in.

Our overland routes — like La Paz to Buenos Aires, Lima to Rio de Janeiro, and Quito to Rio — link multiple countries into one continuous itinerary, so you get a broad sweep of South America's highlights in a single trip. Our single-country tours, currently available in Peru, let you slow down and focus on one destination in more depth.

It depends on the route. La Paz to Buenos Aires typically passes through Bolivia, northern Chile and Argentina, Lima to Rio de Janeiro crosses Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, and Quito to Rio covers Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. Exact countries and stops vary by itinerary, so check the individual tour page for the full route.

Our Galapagos adventures for 18-30s use public inter-island speedboats rather than a private yacht or cruise, which keeps the cost significantly lower while still getting you to the islands' key wildlife spots. It's a more budget-friendly way to experience the Galapagos without missing out on the giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and snorkelling the islands are famous for.

Requirements vary by nationality and by country, and can change, so it's worth checking current entry requirements for each country on your specific route before you travel. UK passport holders typically don't need a visa in advance for short stays in most South American countries, but this isn't universal across the continent.

Since most overland routes cross several countries, you'll likely need more than one currency — for example, Bolivian bolivianos and Argentine pesos on the La Paz to Buenos Aires route. We'd recommend carrying a mix of local cash and a card, and your tour leader can advise on the best way to access money in each country.

It varies by itinerary. Multi-country overland routes involve a fair amount of travel time between stops, while options like the Inca Trail in Peru are more physically demanding treks. Each tour page lists a physical rating so you can check what to expect before booking.

Yes, on some. Routes that include La Paz, the Bolivian salt flats, Cusco, or the Inca Trail reach high altitude, and it's worth allowing time to acclimatise and speaking to your GP or travel clinic before you go. Your tour leader will also factor acclimatisation into the itinerary where relevant.