A South America trip built entirely around your dates, pace and interests, designed by a US-based travel team with direct access to experienced local specialists and operators across the continent.
“Tailor-made” gets used loosely in travel marketing to mean little more than “customizable.” At VA Expeditions, it means something more specific: every one of our 170+ itineraries is a starting point, not a fixed schedule, and can be rebuilt around a specific traveler before anything is booked. Rather than choosing between planning everything independently or booking a fixed package, a traveler gets an itinerary that’s already been tested in practice and can still be adjusted to their own preferences.
Such adaptability is characteristic of every country across South America. The journey to Peru may take an individual either to the Atacama Desert of Chile in the South or to the Galapagos in Ecuador in the North. A US-based travel team works directly with experienced local specialists and operators to arrange flights and lodging, so the trip feels seamless from one country to the next.
A clear, collaborative process to build the exact journey you want with zero stress.
Adventure, wildlife, food, a honeymoon, or a multigenerational family trip — whatever shapes the trip for you.
Drawing on existing routes and adjusting for your dates, the season, and how long you want in each country.
The pace, hotel standards, countries included in the program and the time spent in every country are changed according to your requests.
You have a direct line to your planner and to local guides throughout the trip.
From the pace of your days to the style of your stays, personalize every single detail.
Create extra time in your itinerary to incorporate a spare day after a long flight, take a more leisurely approach after an intense trekking day or speed through an area you already know.
Either combine two or three countries or delve deeply into just one area, as the itinerary is designed with your specific selections in mind.
Move up to a boutique or luxury property or keep a comfortable, simpler base — the same route works at more than one level.
Swap a demanding trek for an easier alternative reaching the same destination, or add a challenging activity in.
Pacing and accommodation adjust based on who’s actually traveling, a couple, a family or a multigenerational group.
Extend into a neighboring country, add extra nights somewhere you loved or build in a special-occasion dinner or private guide day.
On a group departure, the itinerary, pace and hotel level are typically fixed before booking. A private, tailor-made trip allows those same elements to be adjusted throughout planning. Group travel isn’t inherently worse — it’s usually more cost-efficient — but it offers less room to shape the trip around one group’s specific interests.
Every itinerary begins with a proven regional route, then adapts to your dream South America vacation.
Machu Picchu & BeyondMost first-time itineraries here include Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and the Sacred Valley.
Andes & IslandsMainland Andes scenery paired with a small-ship exploration of the Galápagos.
Patagonia & Wine CountryAn itinerary that has the city of Buenos Aires, Patagonia, and the well-known wine valley around Mendoza.
Desert to GlaciersFrom the observatories in the Atacama Desert to Torres Del Paine to the extreme South.
Colonial & CoffeeAn itinerary that combines the colonial old city of Cartagena with the coffee growing highlands.
High AltiplanoAn itinerary that covers the salt flats of Uyuni and the high Andes Altiplano.
Amazon & WildlifeAn itinerary that features the Amazon, Rio de Janeiro, and the wildlife-rich Pantanal marshes.
A tailor-made itinerary is highly appropriate for a honeymoon or anniversary trip, as it is all about rhythm and privacy rather than just seeing every attraction in the area. Some popular combinations are a nice boutique accommodation in the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu, or a comfortable stay in a Patagonia lodge with other nights in Buenos Aires. In addition, there’s usually some time left for a private dinner or a spa day or simply a lazy morning one can’t have while following every detail of the group itinerary.
Traveling with children, grandparents, or both changes what a good itinerary looks like — shorter travel days, hotels with more space, and activities that work across different fitness levels and ages. A tailor-made trip can swap in a less demanding route to the same destination, build in downtime after busy days, and choose hotels with connecting rooms or family suites.
Length and budget of a travel trip play a greater role than anticipated by most travelers. Here is how different timeframes translate into realistic South American routes:
Perfect for traveling around one region, such as the classic travel itinerary of Machu Picchu – Sacred Valley route in Cusco, Peru.
Makes it possible to visit two regions of Peru (such as Cusco & Lake Titicaca) or combine one region of Peru with immersive time in the Amazon rainforest.
A comprehensive multi-country expedition, for instance, combining Peru and Bolivia together or crossing the dramatic expanse of Patagonia in Argentina and Chile.
Transparent Pricing Note: Trip cost depends on destination mix, trip length, accommodation level, season, party size, and whether the itinerary includes any cruise or flight-heavy segments — Galápagos sailings and multi-country routing both add cost independent of hotel choice.
Real regional expertise, total personalization, and on-the-ground support at every step.
We prepare each itinerary around your travel dates rather than a set timetable of tour companies.
Designed by a US-based travel team with direct access to experienced local specialists and operators across South America, so guidance on routing, altitude and scheduling comes from people who work these routes directly.
The itinerary offered entails a well-planned route rather than a list of hotels you must book in advance.
It is always the same travel planner you communicate with throughout your trip. Your planner sequences the itinerary around available flight connections between countries and regions — international flights to South America are typically booked separately by the traveler.
Read genuine reviews from guests who experienced custom private journeys across South America.
Everything you need to know about designing, booking, and experiencing a private customized expedition.
A package tour consists of a set and inflexible itinerary, as well as fixed dates of departure. A tailor-made tour begins from a pre-made tour and is then customized according to the travel dates, speed and preferences of the person booking it.
Tell us about your dream trip. Our specialist will prepare a handcrafted draft itinerary tailored to your exact dates, passions, and budget.
Enjoy total flexibility. You can reschedule your trip at no extra cost up to 60 days before your departure date
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