Peru, Patagonia, the Amazon and the Galápagos — Inca citadels, glaciated peaks, the world's greatest rainforest, and cities that pulse with tango and samba.
Peru, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador — a continent of Inca citadels, glaciated peaks, the world's greatest rainforest, and cities that pulse with tango, samba and street food.
South America rewards the adventurous like nowhere else. Trek to Machu Picchu through Andean passes, hike beneath Patagonia's granite towers, cruise the Amazon, snorkel with sea lions in the Galápagos, and dance until dawn in Buenos Aires or Rio. And for Australians it's superb value.
Family-run since 1974, Cooee handles the flights, permits, altitude and logistics so this vast, thrilling continent feels effortless.
The headline experiences — combine two or three on a longer journey.
Mostly no. Peru, Argentina, Chile and Colombia are visa-free for Australians (90–183 days). The big change is Brazil, which reinstated an e-Visa in April 2025 (~USD $81, applied online). A yellow-fever certificate is recommended for the Amazon. See our getting there & visas guide.
The dry season, May–September, suits most of the continent and lines up with the Australian winter — ideal for Peru and the Inca Trail. Patagonia is best in the southern summer, November–March. The Amazon is year-round. See our best time to visit guide.
Fly to Cusco (via Lima), spend a day or two acclimatising, then reach Machu Picchu by the classic Inca Trail trek (4 days, permits limited and booked up to a year ahead) or by scenic train to Aguas Calientes. Entry is now by timed ticket. See our Machu Picchu guide.
The main tourist regions are very rewarding with reasonable precautions — use registered taxis or ride apps, keep valuables low-key, and check Smartraveller.gov.au for specific areas. Travelling with a good operator and guides makes it easy and safe. See our itineraries guide.
Allow 2–3 weeks to do it justice given the distances. A classic loop is Lima → Cusco → Machu Picchu → Buenos Aires → Patagonia. Add the Galápagos or the Amazon for a trip of a lifetime. See our Peru itinerary.