What to do on a vacation trip to South America? If you’re looking for an adventure like no other, look no further than South America. This continent is full of breathtaking landscapes and unique cultures, so why not explore its hidden gems? We’ve rounded up the best places to visit in South America–get ready to plan your next trip!
About South America
South America is a continent of amazing diversity, with vibrant culture, stunning scenery and exquisite cuisine. It is home to some of the most iconic sights in the world, from snow capped Andean peaks to plunging Caribbean waters.
South America has something for everyone, from beach resorts and luxury cruises to rugged mountain treks and wilderness areas teeming with wildlife. No matter what interests you, there is something here that is sure to captivate your imagination!
From Machu Picchu and Iguazu Falls in Peru to Angel Falls in Venezuela and Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil; South America offers traveler a myriad of incredible experiences.
Here you will find colorful colonial cities like Quito and Cartagena alongside modern urban centers such as San Paulo and Santiago.
With Amazon rainforest up north, Patagonia down south, Andes mountains running through its center; South America truly offers one of earth’s most diverse range of eco-systems.
Add this beguiling mix of cultures with harmonious music styles such as merengue and tango, delectable foods like chaufa or churrasco steak – You are sure to have an unforgettable adventure! So let’s get started exploring the best places to visit in South America!
Top Tourist Destinations in South America
South America is an incredibly diverse continent with a wealth of exciting destinations to explore. From spectacular natural wonders, vibrant cities and ancient ruins to awe-inspiring landscapes, South America has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for lively beaches, adrenaline-fueled adventures or culture and history, there’s always something new to discover.
Here are some of the top tourist destinations in South America that every traveler should experience:
- Machu Picchu – A cultural icon of Peru and one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites located high in the Andes mountains.
- Rio de Janeiro – Brazil’s bustling capital city that is home to stunning beaches, captivating hillsides and one of the world’s most iconic monuments – Christ The Redeemer.
- Patagonia – Incredible landscapes filled with glaciers, snowcapped mountains and stunning fjords set against an endless horizon along Argentina and Chile’s southern borders – perfect for trekking, horse riding and kayaking!
- Galapagos Islands – From granite peaks to coral gardens beneath turquoise waters these islands in Ecuador are packed with incredible wildlife like giant tortoises, whales and swimming iguanas!
- Iguazu Falls 2017 – Two countries (Argentina & Brazil) step aside at this majestic display of waterfalls that thunder over a mile-wide cliff! Combine with Amazon Basin jungle exploration here too!
- Salar de Uyuni – Bolivia’s surreal salt flats will leave you mesmerized under endless big blue skies as you play around on Bolivia’s vast mirror landscape!
- Cartagena – Colombia’s hottest city offers Caribbean culture & nightlife combined with colonial architecture & cobblestone streets.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation South America will not disappoint – so take your time explore the region at your own pace and don’t forget your camera!
South American Adventure Activities
South America is home to a wealth of thrilling adventure activities ranging from traditional experiences such as trekking, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking, to more extreme pursuits like skydiving, ice climbing and caving. No matter what you’re looking for, South America has something that will get your heart racing.
Popular adventure activities in South America include:
- Trekking – There are many popular trekking routes in South America including Patagonia’s W circuit ( Chile) on the Torres del Paine massif, the Colca Canyon trek in Peru’s Arequipa region, and the Quilotoa Loop Trail in Ecuador.
- White water rafting – Make your way through some of the most extreme terrain in South America while challenging yourself with advanced level white water rapids on Peru’s RÃo ApurÃmac or Costa Rica’s RÃo Pacuare.
- Mountaineering – Conquer some of South America’s highest peaks by climbing Aconcagua in Argentina (6,960 meters), Nevado Sajama in Bolivia (6,542 meters) and Huascarán mountain in Peru (6,746 meters). All these mountains offer breathtaking views which make difficult ascents completely worth it.
- Mountain biking – Take a thrilling downhill ride through different terrains – desert-like paths or jungle trails – or take part sprint races such as Cerro Paranal race near Valparaiso in Chile or Corralejas Race near Barichara in Colombia.
- Skydiving/Paragliding – Challenge yourself with sky diving over Argentina’s spectacular Iguazú Falls or enjoy a relaxing paraglide above Los Andes mountain range at Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands!
- Cave exploration – Explore Southernmost tip of Latin America with an excursion into one of the multiple marked caves in Chile’s Magallanes region. Or rappel down into Cueva del Indio near Guatemala City for an even more exciting experience!
Wildlife Experiences in South America
South America is a wild and diverse continent, packed with amazing wildlife experiences. From the rich biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest to the spectacular Andean peaks stretching up into the clouds, South America offers a wide array of opportunities for travelers looking to explore its astounding wildlife. Here are some of the best places to discover in South America:
- Amazon Rainforest: The Amazon is one of the greatest reserves of biodiversity on Earth and home to thousands of species of plants and animals like jaguars, giant river otters, ocelots and pink river dolphins. There are several ways to explore this unique ecosystem: trek through the jungle, canoe down rivers or stay in one of its many remote villages.
- Torres del Paine National Park, Chile: One of South America’s most iconic parks, Torres del Paine is home to some of the continent’s most breathtaking landscape – including glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped mountains and vast pampas (grasslands). Hiking through Patagonia’s rugged terrain allows travelers to spot its wide variety of native wildlife such as Guanacos (a small llama-like animal), Foxes and condors.
- Galápagos Islands: Straddling both Bieno Biogeographic Zones between Ecuador’s western coast and the Pacific Ocean, these islands became famous thanks to the wealth of cultural and natural resources among which the emblematic galapagos tortoises stands out. In addition, an exotic land and marine fauna and flora endemic to the islands will illustrate the voyage. Animals you will find only in the Galapagos islands include Marine Iguanas, Seals, Nazca Boobies, Teller flycatchers and many other birds, surrounded by other species all living together in a harmonious symbiosis. This situation and strange realities are caused by the typical of a wilderness, and biotic contaminations are held to an minimum which helps to preserve the exceptional condition imposed by the government’s ecological program, where visitors will be privileged to witness some of the world’s gems.
Cultural Experiences in South America
South America is a place full of diversity. From indigenous peoples to unique and vibrant cultures, travelers can explore new places, learn and discover the wonders that each country has to offer. From ancient architectures to wildlife encounters, there is something for everyone in this remarkable part of the world.
- Cultural Tourism – Visitors can explore the colorful streets of Rio de Janeiro, take a walk down Bogotá’s Calle 7 or ride the cable cars in Valparaiso, Chile, among other experiences. Other popular cultural activities include biking through Lima’s coconut market full of fruits and spices; taking cruises down Amazon River; visiting Machu Picchu in Peru and discovering traditional religions such as Umbanda in Brazil.
- Food Tourism – When it comes to food, South America has some of the best dishes around like arepas from Colombia or Venezuelan tequeños with cachapas from Venezuela – both are delicious! Then there’s feijoada (Brazilian black beans stew) and pisco sours from Peru! With plenty of options for vegetarians as well as carnivores – not to mention fried ants from Ecuador! For a more relaxed experience one can visit colonial towns like Goiás Velho or Samaipata (Bolivia): home of pre-Inca ruins carved into large rocks with breathtaking views all around them.
There is no shortage when it comes to cultural experiences in south America: visit churches, synagogues and mosques; see some astounding street art; listen to music on city squares; enjoy folklore dance performances; learn about artisanal techniques or get lost on small towns lost in time. It’s simply an unforgettable experience!
Shopping and Dining Experiences in South America
South America is known for its unique and diverse range of shopping and dining experiences. From bustling urban markets to chic restaurants, this region has something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a quick look at some of the best places deservingly noted for their excellent shopping and dining experiences in South America:
- Brazil – When thinking of shopping in South America, Brazil is probably the first place that comes to mind. From beautiful crafted crafts in Rio de Janeiro such as handcrafted leather bags or the iconic embroidered hats, you can find it all here. In addition to its amazing shopping scene, Brazil is home to some of the best food you can find in South America. Whether it’s true Brazilian steak houses or beach pubs with fresh seafood dishes, you’re sure to have a great time wining and dining while visiting this country!
- Chile – Chile offers one-stop window shopping experience with traditional artisan stores exhibiting items like alpaca blankets and colorful art pieces stitched by women indigenous communities along the coastline. For those looking for modern designer items such as clothing or cosmetics you can find them here at malls like Costanera Center that caters to all ages with restaurants of all different types scattered about inside the mall along with its leading cinemas where locals go to watch blockbuster films from around the globe.
- Peru – If you need a bit more adventure when shopping Peru is definitely an excellent choice due to its vast traditional markets located around Lima – filled with artifacts from generations before yours. You can also find high quality textiles there found nowhere else on earth made by master craftspeople working out their storied designs on intricate weaving machines—ranging from bedspreads, shawls, hand towels etc—you name it! In Peru there are many local cuisine specialties like ceviche which are enjoyed every day so make sure to take advantage during your visit!
Accommodation Options in South America
When planning a trip to South America, one of the most important considerations is where you’ll stay. Accommodation options in the region vary widely and can range from budget options up to luxury hotels.
In many parts of the continent, major modern cities offer extensive hotel chains that provide all the familiar amenities expected by travelers used to western-style lodging. Smaller towns and villages often have less plentiful options with no international chains available.
But don’t let this dissuade you – these can be some of the most interesting places in which to stay! Locally-owned guesthouses and hostels are almost always open to visitors and they offer a unique chance to experience local culture rather than just observe it from a large chain establishment.
For the adventurous traveler, camping is an option in many parts of South America if you have your own equipment. There are also many self-catering apartments or similar rentals available in cities across Latin American countries. While slightly more expensive upfront compared to hotels, renting an apartment allows you more freedom over how long you need accommodation for as well as offering a unique way to immerse yourself in local culture during your travels.
No matter what type of accommodation appeals most for your particular trip, there are sure to be plenty of excellent options across South America – research around for a chance at finding something uniquely suited for your vacation needs!
Tips for Visiting South America
South America is an amazing continent with a wide array of different countries to visit. From the majestic Andes Mountains to the spectacular jungle and rain forests, there is something for everyone to enjoy. When planning a trip to South America, it’s important to consider what type of experience you are seeking as well as research the best places to visit in each region. Here are some tips for visiting South America:
- Weather: The weather varies greatly across South America during different times of year. Research the seasons before making your trip so you know when will be best suited for your plans.
- Culture: Each country has its own unique culture and traditions, so be sure to learn about them before visiting a particular area. Ask locals and read up on the culture in order to get a better sense of where you’re going and how respectful you should be while there.
- Safety: Make safety your top priority while travelling abroad. Research potential risks ahead of time and check with the US State Department for information on safety guidelines during your travel period. Make sure to lock all doors, carry limited bags in crowded areas, and never walk alone at night or leave valuable items unattended.
- Nature: Many parts of South America boast beautiful landscapes that can add so much color and life to any trip! Plan accordingly by packing sun protection items such as hats, sunscreen, bug spray, long sleeve shirts, long pants etc., along with comfortable shoes that can handle rough terrain such as sand or mud if needed.
- Activities: A variety of activities await travelers in South America from zip lining in Africa rainforest to hikes thrilling party spots like Cartagena or Iguazu Falls surrounded by perfect nature scenery! Do some research beforehand on which attractions may interest you most and make a plan accordingly!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best place to visit in South America?
Machu Picchu in Peru is widely considered to be the best place to visit in South America. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its unique architecture and majestic views.
What other places should I visit in South America?
Besides Machu Picchu, there are many other places worth visiting in South America such as the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, Angel Falls in Venezuela, Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil, and the Incan ruins of Cuzco, Peru.
What is the best time of year to visit South America?
The best time of year to visit South America depends on where you want to go and what type of weather you prefer. Generally, the winter months (June-August) are the best time to visit the northern part of South America, while the summer months (December-February) are the best time to visit the southern part.
