Highlights of South America

South America is calling, book the trip! We recommend booking as soon as possible, this not only secures your spot on the trip, it also allows you the most time to pay for your trip. The closer we get to departure the more challenging securing your reservation becomes. 

You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you'll visit on your trip here. Simply type in the name of the tour and you'll see all of the entry requirements including passport validity, visas, and electronic transit authorizations. 

Note that this information will default to US passport holders. If you hold a passport from outside the US, please make sure to consult your country's immigration and travel site to determine the best documentation needed for your travels. To enter Machu Picchu, passports must be entered about 90 days prior to departure. If you will not have your passport by then, please call our enrollments team so that we can walk you through next steps.

Note: The visa needed to enter Brazil can have extended processing times. Please take this into consideration if you are booking under two months prior to the departure date.

This is South America on fast-forward—big moves, packed days, and a lot of ground to cover. You'll be hopping between climates (tropical beaches, roaring waterfalls, high-altitude mountains), time zones, and cultures, so flexibility is key. Expect early mornings for the best Machu Picchu experience and long travel days between countries. Pack layers for everything from Rio's beach heat to Cusco's chilly mountain nights, bring your stamina for full-day excursions, and be ready to embrace the chaos of city life and the serenity of ancient ruins all in one trip. If you're after the ultimate South American sampler platter with all the bucket-list boxes checked, this is the tour that delivers.

You must be at least 18 years old to travel and our tours are designed for ages up to 35. Generally, the average age of our tours is 27. This is the time to experience the world and make travel a habit. Whether you're a student, a young professional, everyone deserves a break.

It depends on the country and specific tour, but groups generally average around 26 travelers. The group size allows for plenty of opportunities to socialize and explore together, making it a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and form lasting connections. Whether you're a solo traveler or coming with friends, you'll find a supportive and energetic group atmosphere. Check out our Rules of the Road and the role all travelers play in creating a fun and inclusive group.

Traveling solo? Have no fear! Over 60% of our travelers join an Ultimate Break tour solo. It doesn't matter if you're an introvert, an extrovert, or anything in between - our tours are designed to build connections that will last a lifetime. You get to know the rest of the group through the EF Ultimate Break app before you even depart, and our EF Tour Director expertly helps the group get to know each other and bond during experiences like the welcome dinner, excursions, and throughout the tour. First time traveling with us? Check out our resources for first time travelers here.

When you book flights with us you’ll get:

• The ability to roll the cost of your airfare into our interest free monthly payment plan.
• One checked bag per traveler included.
• Expert guidance on how to work with the airline when flight delays and cancellations occur.
• Transfers to and from the airport on your tour's arrival and departure dates.
• Flexible rebooking options if your itinerary changes.
• Flexibility around your arrival and departure airports. You’ll have the option to fly in or out of most airports if you want to add any independent travel before or after your tour.
• Assurance that you will only be booked on airlines that meet our rigorous safety standards.

If you have preferences regarding an airline or are traveling with someone and wish to be on the same flight as them, you can read more about flying with your friend here. We're always happy to look into it however we can't guarantee we will always be able to accommodate.

Flight details are released for preview 60 days before departure and your e-ticket and confirmation number will be available 30 days before you depart.

When you book flights on your own, you’re responsible for:

• Transfers to and from the airport on your tour’s arrival and departure dates.
• Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your flight is cancelled or delayed.
• Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your itinerary changes or the tour is cancelled.
• Arriving and departing on time; no compensation will be provided for missed tour inclusions.

We recommend you avoid checking a bag, but if that’s not possible, you should ensure that you bring extra clothes and essentials in a carry-on bag as a precaution. You'll need to refer to your airline’s website for weight limits.

For more information on flying with Ultimate Break, check out the Flights section of our Help Center

Generally, expect to depart your home gateway in the morning on Day 1. All flights from the US to Colombia will arrive early to late evening on Day 1.

Worried about jetlag, delayed flights, or just want more time to explore, we strongly encourage extending your stay to arrive early or stay late. This way you can settle in without the stress of missing anything.

When you arrive at the airport, you'll head through baggage claim and customs before being greeted by your Tour Director. They'll set a designated place for you to meet as the trip gets closer. For travelers who booked flights through Ultimate Break, you'll then be transported to your first accommodation to freshen up before the Welcome Dinner. 

Your Tour Director is with you during your entire trip. They're part logistics master, making sure you get to see all that we have planned; part rockstar, sharing with your local hotspots; and part guru, sharing and inviting you into the culture. Our Tour Directors are fully trained and ready to support you in making your journey safe, seamless, and unforgettable!

In some locations you will be met by a local guide who will lead you through our traveler-inspired walking tour. You'll get some local history and culture while also making sure you hit the photo stops. You'll walk away with an insider's perspective and some great pictures.

We recommend budgeting $80-$100 per day to cover tipping, food, and shopping. You know your spending habits best, if you want to do it all budget on the higher end.  

You'll encounter quite a few types of currency while on this trip. 

For Brazil, you'll use the Brazilian real (BRL). Unlike other Latin American countries, U.S. dollars are not widely accepted so you will need Brazilian real (BRL) for nearly all transactions. Despite growing card acceptable, cash is king in Brazil and is essential for street vendors, public bathrooms, small restaurants, taxis, markets, and in remote areas. Smaller bills like R$10, R$20, R$50 notes are most useful for daily transactions where as R$100 bills can be hard to break at small vendors. Always ask for smaller bills when withdrawing from ATMs or exchanging. 

For Argentina, you'll use the Argentine Peso. Cards are widely accepted in Argentina, particularly in major cities and tourist areas. but you may need a bit more cash here as their usage of cards is still more up and coming. Taxis and small vendors may still be cash only and some places in Argentina may even offer a small discount if you pay in cash instead. U.S dollars are widely accepted and sometimes preferred, especially in tourist areas. Many businesses accept USD and may even give you a better rate than the official exchange rate. That said, you'll still need Argentine pesos for smaller purchases, markets, and taxis.

For Peru, the local currency is Peruvian Sol, or "soles" as commonly said. While credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in cities like Lima and Cusco, cash is still king—especially in markets, street food stalls, small shops, and rural areas like the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes (the town below Machu Picchu). ATMs are easy to find in major cities and dispense soles, but can be scarce in smaller towns, so withdraw cash before heading to remote areas. U.S. dollars are accepted at some tourist-focused businesses, but you'll get a better exchange rate using soles. Always carry small bills (10, 20, and 50 soles) for taxis, tips, snacks, and market purchases—vendors often don't have change for larger bills.

All in all, bring some USD as a back up but plan to use local currency for most purchases in all three countries.

We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards (ideally with a chip), which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed. Make sure to check with your bank or credit card company about withdrawal fees and/or foreign exchange fees. While better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, ordering currency from your local bank may be an option. 

On Plus trips, you will be in a room with one other traveler unless a single room upgrade is purchased. Roommates are assigned randomly based on gender unless a specific roommate is requested in advance. You can do this at the time of booking or in your online account up to 60 days before departure.

South America is considered safe for travelers, but like any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow basic safety guidelines. Pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious with strangers offering unsolicited help or deals.  

Here are a few additional points:

• Health and Safety: Talking with your healthcare provider about any vaccinations or medication you may want to consider. Here are some additional tips for traveling with medication and traveling with allergies.
• International Data Plan: In the event you need to get in touch with your Tour Director or Ultimate Break while abroad, it’s important to invest in an international data plan. Call your cell phone provider to understand their plans or look into purchasing a sim card.
• Transportation Safety: When getting a taxi, make sure to agree on a price before getting in. At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi, Uber or Uber like service, and always have cash on hand.
• Nightlife: As with anywhere in the world, watch your drink, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

 You can learn more about our safety commitment here.

Ultimate Break trips are a welcome environment for all. While we work hard to cultivate an inclusive environment in our groups, we recognize some people may have additional reservations based on their identity that they need to consider while traveling. Check out some resources on our identity and international travel page and reach out if you have any questions.

This is your classic sightseeing tour. Think lots of walking and taking in all the sites. On these tours, be prepared to:

• Walk a minimum of 10k steps per day (more if you add excursions)
• Use public transportation
• Climb on and off a motor coach or vehicle unassisted
• Manage your own luggage (including carrying luggage upstairs if no elevator)
• Climb occasional stairs, hills and navigate various terrains (think cobblestones) to different sites
• Stand for periods of time during guided commentary and photo stops

Excursions are available for purchase at a discounted rate prior to departure. Some excursions may be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app but are subject to availability and will be more expensive.  

We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.

When you travel with Ultimate Break, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.

Learn more about EF's Impact approach here.