South America Travel Guide – Explore Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Chile & Beyond
South America is one of the world's most exciting regions to explore, offering an extraordinary mixture of spectacular landscapes, ancient civilisations, colourful cities, incredible wildlife, beaches, mountains, rainforests and distinctive local cultures.
Whether you're dreaming of hiking to Machu Picchu, exploring the Amazon rainforest, relaxing on the beaches of Brazil, crossing Bolivia's enormous salt flats or travelling through Patagonia, South America offers something for almost every type of traveller.
This South America travel forum is the place to ask questions, share experiences and get advice about travelling throughout Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Here is an introduction to each country and some of the places worth considering on your South American adventure.
Argentina
Argentina is a huge and remarkably diverse country stretching from subtropical regions in the north to the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia in the south.Buenos Aires is usually the starting point for international visitors. Argentina's capital combines grand European-influenced architecture with neighbourhood cafés, markets, nightlife and one of the world's most famous tango cultures.
Popular areas include San Telmo, Palermo, Recoleta and colourful La Boca.
Wine lovers should consider travelling west to Mendoza, situated close to the Andes and surrounded by some of Argentina's most famous vineyards.
Further south, Patagonia provides spectacular scenery around destinations such as Bariloche, El Calafate and El Chaltén. Argentina also shares the magnificent Iguazú Falls with neighbouring Brazil.
Popular Argentina experiences include:
- Exploring Buenos Aires
- Watching or learning tango
- Visiting Mendoza's wineries
- Hiking in Patagonia
- Seeing the Perito Moreno Glacier
- Visiting Iguazú Falls
- Exploring the landscapes around Salta and northwest Argentina
Bolivia
Bolivia can feel like one of South America's great adventures.Perhaps its most famous attraction is Salar de Uyuni, the enormous salt flat in southwest Bolivia. During certain conditions, a thin layer of water can create the famous mirror effect that seems to merge the ground and sky.
Multi-day tours through the region can also include volcanoes, colourful lagoons, flamingos and surreal desert landscapes.
La Paz is another fascinating destination. Built high in the Andes, the city is known for its dramatic geography, busy markets and cable-car transport system.
Travellers can also explore Lake Titicaca, colonial Sucre, the historic mining city of Potosí and some of the country's remote mountain regions.
Because many destinations are at very high altitude, it can be sensible to allow yourself time to acclimatise rather than immediately beginning strenuous activities.
Brazil
Brazil is South America's largest country and offers an enormous variety of travel experiences.Rio de Janeiro is one of the continent's most recognisable destinations. Visitors come for Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana, Ipanema and the city's spectacular setting between mountains and ocean.
Brazil is also one of the gateways to the Amazon rainforest. Trips from cities such as Manaus can take travellers deep into the rainforest and along its vast river network.
In Bahia, historic Salvador offers colourful colonial architecture, music, food and strong Afro-Brazilian cultural influences.
Elsewhere you'll find everything from the beaches of Florianópolis to the wetlands and wildlife of the Pantanal.
And, of course, Brazil is famous for its football, samba and enormous Carnival celebrations.
Chile
Chile stretches for thousands of kilometres between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, creating an extraordinary range of landscapes.In the north you'll find the Atacama Desert, one of the driest regions on Earth. Its salt flats, volcanoes, geysers and exceptionally clear night skies make it unlike almost anywhere else.
Santiago provides a modern city base surrounded by mountains, while nearby destinations include wineries and the colourful port city of Valparaíso.
Travel south and the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic.
Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia is famous for its mountains, glaciers, lakes and some of South America's finest hiking.
Chile is also the gateway to remote Rapa Nui (Easter Island), home to the famous moai statues.
Colombia
Colombia has become an increasingly popular destination for travellers attracted by its Caribbean coastline, historic cities, mountains, coffee regions and lively culture.The walled city of Cartagena is one of Colombia's best-known destinations, with colourful colonial buildings, plazas and cobbled streets overlooking the Caribbean.
Medellín sits in a mountain valley and has developed into one of the country's most interesting urban destinations.
The Coffee Triangle, including areas around Salento, Armenia and Manizales, gives visitors an opportunity to see coffee farms and experience Colombia's lush highland scenery.
Nature lovers may also want to consider Tayrona National Natural Park, while Bogotá offers museums, restaurants, markets and historic neighbourhoods.
Ecuador
Ecuador may be relatively small, but it contains an impressive range of landscapes.Its most internationally famous destination is undoubtedly the Galápagos Islands, where visitors can encounter giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins and many other remarkable species.
On the mainland, the capital Quito sits high in the Andes and has an impressive historic centre filled with churches, plazas and colonial-era buildings.
Other possibilities include the colourful markets around Otavalo, the volcanoes and mountains of the Andes, the Amazon region and the beaches of Ecuador's Pacific coastline.
Its relatively compact size can make Ecuador particularly appealing to travellers wanting to experience several different environments during one trip.
Guyana
Guyana offers a very different South American travel experience.English is the country's official language, and culturally it combines South American, Caribbean and indigenous influences.
Much of Guyana remains covered by rainforest, making it particularly appealing to adventurous travellers interested in wilderness and wildlife.
The country's standout natural attraction is Kaieteur Falls, a spectacular waterfall surrounded by rainforest that can be reached on organised excursions.
The capital, Georgetown, provides a very different experience with markets, wooden colonial architecture and a distinctive Caribbean atmosphere.
Guyana receives far fewer tourists than countries such as Brazil or Peru, making it interesting for travellers looking for somewhere less frequently visited.
Paraguay
Paraguay is often overlooked by travellers making their way around South America, but that can be part of its appeal.The capital Asunción offers historic buildings, markets and insight into everyday Paraguayan life without the level of international tourism found in many neighbouring capitals.
Both Spanish and Guaraní are widely spoken, and indigenous Guaraní culture continues to have a strong influence on Paraguayan identity.
Travellers interested in history can explore the country's Jesuit missions, while nature enthusiasts may be attracted to the remote Gran Chaco region.
Paraguay can be particularly rewarding for travellers who enjoy getting away from the major tourist routes.
Peru
Peru is one of South America's most famous travel destinations, combining ancient history, mountain scenery, distinctive cuisine and remarkable archaeological sites.For many visitors the highlight is Machu Picchu, the spectacular Inca citadel set among the mountains above the Urubamba Valley.
Nearby Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, is another essential stop and often serves as the base for exploring the Sacred Valley.
But Peru offers much more than Machu Picchu.
Travellers can explore Lake Titicaca, see the mysterious Nazca Lines, visit the colonial city of Arequipa, hike through the Andes or travel into the Peruvian Amazon.
The capital Lima has also developed an international reputation for its food scene and is an excellent place to discover Peruvian cuisine.
Suriname
Suriname is another destination that many international travellers know relatively little about.The country has a fascinating mixture of South American, Caribbean, Dutch, African, Indian, Javanese and indigenous influences.
Its capital, Paramaribo, is known for its distinctive wooden architecture, markets, restaurants and multicultural atmosphere.
Beyond the capital lies an enormous interior dominated by tropical rainforest.
Nature reserves and river journeys provide opportunities to experience wildlife, remote communities and landscapes far removed from mainstream tourism.
For travellers interested in lesser-known destinations, Suriname offers one of South America's more unusual travel experiences.
Uruguay
Sitting between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay is relatively small and easy to explore.Its capital, Montevideo, combines historic neighbourhoods, beaches, markets and an extensive waterfront.
A short distance away, Colonia del Sacramento is known for its picturesque historic quarter and cobbled streets and is easily reached from Buenos Aires by ferry.
During summer, Uruguay's Atlantic coastline becomes a major attraction.
Punta del Este is the best-known resort, while smaller coastal towns provide quieter alternatives.
Uruguay is also renowned for beef, wine and the traditional South American drink mate.
Venezuela
Venezuela has some extraordinary landscapes, from Caribbean beaches and mountains to vast plains and rainforest.Its most famous natural attraction is Angel Falls, which plunges from the dramatic tabletop mountains of Canaima National Park.
The country also includes Caribbean islands, Andean scenery and extensive wilderness areas.
Travellers considering Venezuela should pay particularly close attention to current government travel advice, entry requirements, transport conditions and local security information before making plans, as circumstances can change.
Some of South America's Greatest Travel Experiences
Choosing where to go can be difficult because the continent offers such an enormous variety of experiences.Some of the most memorable possibilities include:
Machu Picchu, Peru – Discover one of the world's most famous archaeological sites.
Patagonia, Argentina & Chile – Explore glaciers, mountains, lakes and incredible hiking country.
Amazon Rainforest – Experience one of the world's greatest ecosystems through Brazil, Peru, Ecuador or neighbouring Amazonian regions.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador – Encounter extraordinary wildlife found nowhere else.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia – Cross the world's largest salt flat.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Combine beaches, nightlife, mountains and famous landmarks.
Atacama Desert, Chile – Discover desert landscapes and some of the world's finest stargazing.
Iguazú Falls, Argentina & Brazil – Experience one of the world's most spectacular waterfall systems.
Cartagena, Colombia – Explore a colourful Caribbean colonial city.
Buenos Aires, Argentina – Enjoy tango, food, architecture and one of South America's great cities.
Planning a Trip Around South America
South America is enormous, so one of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors can make is attempting to see too much in too little time.Distances between destinations can be significant.
If you have two or three weeks, concentrating on one or two countries will often provide a better experience than rushing through several.
Travellers with several months available can combine countries and travel overland between many destinations.
Popular multi-country combinations include:
- Peru and Bolivia
- Argentina and Chile
- Colombia and Ecuador
- Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay
- Peru, Bolivia and Chile
- Brazil and Argentina
️ When Is the Best Time to Visit South America?
There isn't one perfect time to visit the entire continent.South America crosses several climate zones, and conditions can differ dramatically between the Amazon, Andes, Patagonia, Caribbean coast and Atacama Desert.
For example, the best period for hiking in the Peruvian Andes may not be the best time to visit Patagonia.
Before travelling, check the seasonal conditions for the specific countries and regions on your itinerary rather than relying on a single South America-wide recommendation.
Join the South America Travel Discussion
Have you travelled around South America, or are you planning your first trip?Join the discussion and share your questions, recommendations and experiences.
Tell us about:
- Your favourite South American country
- Places that exceeded your expectations
- Hidden gems other travellers should know about
- Suggested itineraries
- Backpacking routes
- Hotels and accommodation
- Public transport and getting around
- Food and restaurants
- Tours and activities
- Border crossings
- Safety tips
- Solo travel
- Family travel
- Budget travel
Which country in South America would you most like to visit – and why?
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