---

🎧 Listen to the full Stories Across South America podcast episode: Episode10: Falling for South America: A Journey That Never Really Ended – South American Tours for Seniors

---

Am I still up for a trip like this, Maria?

If you’re in your 60s or 70s or 80s and wondering whether a journey through South America might be too physically demanding, you’re not alone. Many senior travelers share this hesitation in our first call before discovering just how perfectly tailored this continent can be for active, curious older adults.

And this is the Story of Julie and Tom.

Julie and Tom are a retired couple from the US who chose to keep exploring while staying active. Julie retired three years ago, and Tom five. They’ve made travel — especially through South America — part of their lifestyle and wellness routine. Julie shared that these trips not only keep her connected to the world but also motivate her to stay in shape at home.

“I’m training for the Camino de Santiago, but these South America trips have already been my best training — mentally and physically.“

What started as one trip quickly turned into two, with plans for more. For Julie, having an upcoming journey inspires her to stay healthy, focused, and filled with purpose.

So if you’re wondering whether you’re still the kind of traveler who can explore ancient ruins, snorkel in the Galapagos Islands, or take in the rich history of cities like Buenos Aires and Quito — this story is for you.

In our newest podcast episode, Julie shares what it’s like to snorkel in the Galapagos, hike in the Sacred Valley, walk through colonial towns, and slow down enough to fall in love with birdwatching — all without ever feeling rushed or out of her depth.

Read on to discover how South America offers the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and comfort for senior couples like Julie and Tom.

Let their journey inspire your next chapter.

---

South American Tours For Seniors: The Story of Julie and Tom

In September 2022, Julie and her husband Tom booked flights from Denver to Buenos Aires. I could already picture them in Patagonia — wandering Bariloche’s charming streets, tasting Malbec at a boutique winery, and standing in awe before the Perito Moreno Glacier with their private guide.

We’d planned a stay at my favorite lodge in Torres del Paine, with its unforgettable views of the Paine peaks. And for a finale: the thunder of Iguazú Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world. Tom got sick partway through, but we reshuffled the itinerary on the spot — and the magic never stopped.

Then, in February 2024, my inbox lit up again:
“María, we’re thinking Galapagos, Machu Picchu, and Cusco…”

So off we went: an exclusive yacht in the Galapagos Islands with friends, a few quiet days in the Peruvian Amazon, and finally, that moment everyone dreams of — standing at Machu Picchu at sunrise.

Afterward, Julie told me:

“We didn’t just see South America. We felt it — thanks to every detail you planned.”

🌎 That’s what we do. As a women-led, boutique family company with over 20 years of experience, we don’t offer cookie-cutter tours. We handcraft journeys with thought, care, and heart — tailored to the spirit of each traveler. For Julie and Tom, it meant two very different trips, both unforgettable. For you, it will mean something just as unique.

---

---

Why South America for Seniors?

Julie kept coming back to one simple truth: South America just feels different.

Every country seems to carry its own heartbeat. The culture, the politics, the art, even the food — it all shifts in fascinating ways from place to place. One moment she was standing in a church painted by indigenous artists who had quietly woven their own symbols into colonial masterpieces. The next, she was tasting Japanese-Peruvian fusion in Lima, realizing that a single dish could tell the story of migration and tradition colliding. For Julie, these weren’t just travel highlights — they were lessons, little reminders that travel here is as much about perspective as it is about sightseeing.

Julie also mentioned the logistics for someone traveling from the US:

She put it best herself:

“We’ve done Africa, Europe, New Zealand… but going to South America felt logistically easier. The flights were shorter, the time zones were similar, and we didn’t lose days recovering from jet lag. It didn’t feel like a long-haul trip — even though it technically was.”

From Buenos Aires to Lima, Quito, and Santiago, you can step off the plane and feel ready to explore almost immediately. No endless jet lag. No disorienting time shifts. Just a warm welcome and the chance to dive right in. For senior travelers who want meaningful cultural experiences without the exhaustion of marathon travel days, South America is a great place to start — or to keep the adventure going.

---

Watch the full Story of July and Tom on YouTube here 👇

---

Exploring South America’s Outdoors at Your Own Pace

Julie and Tom’s itinerary was crafted with their love for nature and gentle movement in mind — and the result was a trip filled with unforgettable experiences.

Rather than rushing through destinations, they were able to move at their own pace, truly connecting with the landscapes, wildlife, and people around them.

Here are a few of the outdoor highlights from their journey:

Gentle Day Hikes in the Andes and the Sacred Valley

The Andes Mountains are a breathtaking backdrop for any adventure — but you don’t need to be a mountaineer to enjoy them. Julie and Tom took leisurely day-long hikes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where ancient ruins and agricultural terraces dot the highland landscape. Their private guide made sure they had plenty of time to acclimate to the altitude, and each hike was designed to match their fitness level. These moments became not just about the destination, but about pausing along the way — to breathe, to take photos, and to listen to the wind echoing through the Andes..

Wildlife Encounters in the Galapagos Islands

One of the most magical parts of Julie and Tom’s trip was their time in the Galapagos Islands, a natural wonder teeming with life found nowhere else on Earth. They watched marine iguanas bask on volcanic rocks, marveled at blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises, and soaked in landscapes that felt otherworldly.

But the real highlight?

Julie captured a once-in-a-lifetime moment on her iPhone — a slow-motion video of a shark leaping out of the water, spinning in the air, and crashing back into the sea. Even their guide, a seasoned naturalist, admitted he had never witnessed such a sight. It was the kind of unscripted, awe-inspiring experience that defines travel at its best.

Snorkeling in the Galapagos was also unforgettable.

Julie had snorkeled in many places before, but here she realized she was a better snorkeler than she thought. The waters were more dynamic than she expected, yet she felt supported every step of the way. Swimming alongside playful sea lions and colorful fish became not just an adventure, but a source of confidence and joy. As she put it:

“The Galapagos helped me discover new strengths I didn’t know I had.”

Immersion in the Amazon Rainforest

Few places awaken the senses like the Amazon Rainforest. For Julie and Tom, this was their first time in such an environment, and it turned out to be one of their favorite parts of the trip. With the help of local specialists, they explored jungle trails at a relaxed pace, learning about indigenous plants, wildlife, and local tradition.

Their boutique eco-lodge was set on a peaceful river, surrounded by the sounds of the forest. One morning, a birdwatching walk turned into a quiet revelation: Julie realized she had become fascinated with birds — something she never expected. The Amazon gave them not just memories, but a new hobby.

Watching Condors in Tierra del Fuego

Toward the end of their trip, Julie and Tom stayed at a boutique hotel near a bird refuge in Tierra del Fuego National Park, close to Punta Arenas. The hotel owner himself took them on a private excursion to spot Andean condors — majestic birds with wingspans stretching over 10 feet. They hiked out to a remote lookout point and waited as the condors began to soar in the afternoon light. This experience was quiet, simple, and profound. As Julie later shared, it was in moments like these — surrounded by natural beauty, far from major cities — that she felt most connected to herself and the world around her.

👉 Watch Julie and Tom Condor Experience HERE

Glaciers, Lakes, and the End of the World

No South American adventure would be complete without visiting Patagonia. Julie and Tom explored parts of this remote region from El Calafate to Puerto Natales, where they saw the immense Perito Moreno Glacier, cruised past towering ice walls, and wandered along scenic trails with views of turquoise lakes and snowcapped peaks. These weren’t endurance tests — they were gentle walks and short hikes that offered rich sensory rewards. It’s easy to feel small in the face of such landscapes, but for Julie and Tom, these moments expanded their sense of possibility.

“We’re not extreme athletes, but we love to move. The trip let us explore without overdoing it.”

With private transport, customized pacing, and attention to weather conditions and activity levels, Julie and Tom experienced the best of South America’s outdoors — proof that adventure doesn’t have to mean exhaustion.

Culinary Experiences: A Taste of Culture

Travel is always about taste — and Julie and Tom’s journey through South America included food experiences that delighted and surprised them at every turn.

In Peru, they tried Chifa (a Chinese-Peruvian fusion cuisine), experienced fine dining in Lima, and sampled traditional dishes in the city center of Cusco. Yes, that included guinea pig.

“You sit down to a meal in Peru, and you know you’re about to eat a story.”

Their wine tasting experience in Mendoza brought them closer to local cultures and traditions passed down for generations. Meanwhile, meals in Chile and Ecuador reflected a rich diversity of ingredients, histories, and creative presentation — served everywhere from boutique hotels to small town eateries.

Whether you’re eating ceviche in Quito, tasting empanadas in Buenos Aires, or sipping wine with a local specialist in El Calafate, the region offers an unmatched mix of local tradition, ancient history, and modern flair. It’s no surprise that more and more older adults are choosing Latin America tours for the food alone.

---

---

The People of South America

For Julie and Tom, what truly elevated their travel experience wasn’t just the landscapes or the food — it was the people.

Across every destination, they were welcomed with genuine warmth, curiosity, and generosity. Whether it was their local guides sharing personal stories, a boutique hotel owner who led them to a hidden bird sanctuary, or the artist in Santiago who hand-delivered a print to Julie’s sister at a café — South Americans left an unforgettable mark.

These weren’t just service providers; they were storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and often, new friends. As Julie reflected, the human connection is what turned a great trip into a profoundly enjoyable experience — one that stayed with her long after returning home.

Is This the Right Time for You?

Traveling in your 50s, 60s, or 70s isn’t about proving anything. It’s about feeling alive. It’s about connection — with yourself, your travel partner, and the places you’ve always wanted to know more deeply.

“South America reminded me that I’m still curious, still active, still growing. And I want more of that.”

If you’ve ever felt like the traditional travel model doesn’t fit you anymore… you’re not alone. We’ve heard this from so many older adults who crave meaningful travel, but at their own rhythm.

Let us show you what’s possible.

Listen to the full Episode and learn from Sally and Paul about their Chile and Argentina Itinerary

Listen and Watch on Spotify here 👇

---

The Magic of Co-Creation

There’s something special about co-creating a trip. Julie talks about this a lot in the episode: how much she enjoyed dreaming, adjusting, and refining the itinerary with our team.

“Planning the trip became part of the joy. You made us feel like collaborators — like it was our story, not just a tour.”

That kind of collaboration is rare with traditional tour operators. But for us, it’s the heart of what we do. You’re not just going on a vacation. You’re creating something that reflects who you are now — your tastes, your energy, your sense of purpose.

That’s the difference between a trip that fades from memory… and one that stays with you forever.

Want to start planning your own journey through South America—but not sure where to begin?
👉 Book a consultation call with Clara and Maria.

Let’s talk about your travel dreams and begin shaping your one-of-a-kind itinerary.
With warmth,
Maria ❤️

---

More Great SOUTH AMERICA Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to SOUTH AMERICA? Check out our suggested itineraries for South America.

---

✨ Ask Across — Real Q&A from Women Who Get It