Things To Do & Best Places to Travel in South America: Your Next Epic Adventure

Hey There, Future South America Explorer!

So you’re thinking about South America? Oh man, you’re in for a treat! This continent is seriously one of those places that’ll blow your mind and probably ruin you for other destinations (in the best way possible). I’m talking about ancient ruins that’ll make you feel like Indiana Jones, cities that never sleep, and nature so incredible you’ll question if you’re still on planet Earth.

The best places to travel in South America are like a greatest hits album of everything awesome about traveling. Want towering mountains? Check. Pristine beaches that look like screensavers? Double check. Cities where you can dance until sunrise and eat your weight in amazing food? Triple check!

Whether you’re the type who gets excited about hiking through cloud forests, wants to party it up in Rio, or just needs to see some llamas in person (because honestly, who doesn’t?), South America’s got you covered. I’ve put together this guide to help you figure out where to go and what to do, so you can spend less time planning and more time actually having the adventure of a lifetime.

Ready to find out why everyone who visits South America comes back with that slightly annoying “you just had to be there” look in their eyes? Let’s dive into the best travel spots in South America that’ll have you booking flights before you finish reading this.

Best Places to Travel in South America

Why You’ll Fall Head Over Heels for South America

It’s Like Traveling Through Time and Space Simultaneously

Here’s the thing about South America – it’s like someone took all the world’s coolest cultures and decided to throw them into one massive, amazing party. You’ve got ancient Inca ruins that are older than most European cities, Afro-Brazilian communities that know how to celebrate life better than anyone, and indigenous traditions that have been passed down for literally thousands of years. It’s pretty mind-blowing when you think about it.

Nature That’ll Make Your Instagram Feed Look Epic

I’m not even exaggerating when I say South America has some of the most insane natural scenery on the planet. The Amazon rainforest alone covers like 60% of Peru and huge chunks of Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador – that’s basically nature’s equivalent of a massive VIP section. Then you’ve got the Andes Mountains running down the whole western side like the world’s most dramatic backbone, creating landscapes that look like they belong in a fantasy movie.

And don’t even get me started on Patagonia’s glaciers or Argentina’s wine valleys. It’s like Mother Nature was showing off when she designed this place.

Adventure Junkies, This Is Your Playground

If you’re someone who gets bored sitting on beaches (though they have amazing beaches too), South America is basically adventure travel paradise. You can trek the famous Inca Trail, surf some seriously good waves in Brazil, climb mountains that’ll test your limits, or go white-water rafting in Colombia. The variety is honestly ridiculous.

Food That’ll Ruin You for Life

Let’s talk about the food for a second because WOW. Peruvian ceviche that’s so fresh it practically swims to your table, Argentine steaks that are basically life-changing, Brazilian feijoada that’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, cities like Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Bogotá aren’t just pretty – they’re food scenes that rival anywhere in the world.

The Countries You Absolutely Can’t Miss

Argentina – Tango, Wine, and Epic Landscapes

Argentina is one of those countries that does everything well. Buenos Aires has this incredible energy where people are passionate about literally everything – their football, their beef, their tango. It’s infectious! Then you’ve got Mendoza, which is basically wine heaven if you’re into that (and even if you’re not, the scenery is gorgeous). The country stretches from tropical up north all the way down to glacial Patagonia, so you literally get every type of landscape imaginable.

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Brazil – The Life of the Party

Brazil is HUGE – like, really huge. It’s got the Amazon (obviously), but also beaches that look like they’re straight out of a movie, and cities that know how to have a good time. Rio is the obvious choice with Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Beach, but honestly, the Amazon part of Brazil is where the real magic happens if you want to see wildlife that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about nature.

Chile – Long, Skinny, and Absolutely Stunning

Chile is this weird, long, skinny country that somehow manages to pack in the world’s driest desert AND glaciers. I know, right? The Atacama Desert in the north looks like Mars (seriously, NASA tests stuff there), while down south you’ve got Patagonia with glaciers that are older than human civilization. It’s perfect for people who want variety but don’t want to travel to multiple countries.

Peru – Where Ancient Meets Amazing

Peru is definitely one of the best places to go in South America if you’re into history and culture. I mean, it’s got Machu Picchu, which is basically the holy grail of bucket list destinations. But it’s not just about the ruins – the food scene is incredible, the people are super welcoming, and the landscapes are just stunning. Plus, there’s something pretty cool about walking through places where people lived thousands of years ago.

Colombia – The Comeback Kid

Colombia used to have a reputation, but let me tell you, it’s completely transformed. Now it’s one of those places where you get Caribbean beaches, Amazon rainforest, coffee plantations (the coffee is unreal), and colonial cities that look like they belong in a fairy tale. It’s also way more affordable than a lot of other places, which is always a win.

Ecuador & the Galápagos – Small but Mighty

Ecuador is like the perfect sampler pack of South America. You get Pacific beaches, Amazon rainforest, volcanic mountains, and the Galápagos Islands all in one relatively small country. The Galápagos are obviously the main draw – I mean, where else can you swim with sea lions and see giant tortoises just hanging out?

Bolivia – The Real Deal

Bolivia is for people who want authentic South American experiences without the tourist crowds. It’s got indigenous culture that’s still very much alive, the famous salt flats that create the most surreal photos you’ll ever take, and adventures that’ll test your limits (hello, altitude sickness). It’s not always easy, but it’s always rewarding.

The Experiences You’ll Be Talking About for Years

Hiking to Machu Picchu – The Classic for a Reason

Look, I know everyone and their mom has told you about Machu Picchu, but there’s a reason it’s famous. The classic Inca Trail is a four-day trek that ends with you watching the sunrise over one of the world’s most iconic sites. Just know that permits sell out faster than concert tickets, so book way in advance.

Getting Lost in the Amazon

The Amazon isn’t just a rainforest – it’s like entering a completely different world. Whether you access it from Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, or Colombia, you’ll see wildlife that seems too weird to be real and meet indigenous communities who know things about living with nature that the rest of us have forgotten.

Patagonia’s Torres del Paine – Drama Queen of National Parks

Torres del Paine in Chile is basically nature showing off. Those granite towers rising out of nowhere, glacial lakes that are the most intense blue you’ve ever seen, and wildlife that just wanders around like they own the place (which, let’s be honest, they do). You can do day hikes or multi-day treks depending on how hardcore you’re feeling.

Atacama Desert – Like Visiting Another Planet

The Atacama is the driest desert on Earth, which creates landscapes that look completely alien. Salt flats, geysers, colorful mineral deposits – it’s like a geology textbook came to life. Plus, because there’s basically no light pollution, the stargazing is absolutely insane.

Rio’s Carnival – The World’s Best Party

Rio’s Carnival is basically the Olympics of partying. It’s loud, it’s colorful, it’s completely over the top, and it’s absolutely amazing. If you can handle crowds and want to experience Brazilian culture at its most exuberant, this is it.

Galápagos Wildlife – Nature’s Greatest Hits

The Galápagos Islands are where you go to see animals that exist nowhere else on Earth. Giant tortoises that are older than your great-great-grandparents, marine iguanas that look like tiny dragons, and blue-footed boobies (yes, that’s really their name). It’s like a nature documentary come to life.

When to Go (Because Timing Is Everything)

Understanding the Seasons

Here’s something that trips up a lot of people – South America’s seasons are opposite to North America and Europe. So when it’s winter up north, it’s summer down there. This actually works out pretty well for escaping cold weather!

The Best Times for Different Places

Summer (December-March) is perfect for Patagonia and beach destinations, while winter (June-September) is ideal for hiking in Peru and exploring the northern countries. The weather is generally more stable during these times, which means less chance of your plans getting rained out.

Festival Season

If you want to experience major festivals like Carnival in Brazil or Inti Raymi in Peru, you’ll need to plan around specific times. Just know that these periods can be crowded and expensive, but the energy is incredible.

Planning Your Trip Without Going Crazy

Figure Out What You Actually Want to Do

This might sound obvious, but South America is huge, and you can’t do everything in one trip (trust me, I’ve tried). Adventure seekers should focus on Peru and Chile, beach lovers should hit up Brazil and Colombia’s Caribbean coast, and culture enthusiasts should spend time in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.

Budget Reality Check

Here’s the good news – South America can work for pretty much any budget. If you’re backpacking, you can get by on $30-50 per day in most places. If you want to splurge, you can easily spend $200+ per day and live like royalty. Countries like Bolivia and Peru are super affordable, while Chile and Argentina will cost you more.

Getting Around

Buses are your best friend for budget travel – they connect pretty much everywhere and are way cheaper than flights. The overnight buses are actually pretty comfortable and save you on accommodation. For longer distances, domestic flights aren’t too expensive and save you tons of time.

Visa Stuff

Most countries let tourists from the US, Canada, and Europe just show up and get stamped in for 30-90 days. Just double-check before you go because rules can change.

Staying Safe

South America gets a bad rap sometimes, but it’s generally safe if you use common sense. Don’t flash expensive stuff around, research where you’re going, and trust your gut. Most locals are incredibly helpful and friendly.

Hidden Gems That’ll Make You Feel Like an Explorer

Salento and Cocora Valley, Colombia

This little coffee town is surrounded by the tallest palm trees you’ve ever seen – they look like something out of Dr. Seuss. You can tour coffee farms, hike through cloud forests, and experience Colombian culture without the tourist crowds.

El Chaltén, Argentina

Known as Argentina’s trekking capital, this tiny town sits at the base of some seriously dramatic mountains. It’s the perfect base for exploring Los Glaciares National Park and getting those epic mountain photos for your Instagram.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The world’s largest salt flat creates the most surreal mirror effects during rainy season and blindingly white landscapes during dry season. It’s one of those places that doesn’t look real even when you’re standing in it.

Mindo Cloud Forest, Ecuador

Just a few hours from Quito, this cloud forest is a bird lover’s paradise. Even if you’re not into birds, the whole ecosystem is pretty magical – it’s like being inside a nature documentary.

Pick Your Adventure Style

For the Adrenaline Junkies

Head to Peru for trekking, Chile for extreme sports, and Argentina for mountaineering. These countries have the infrastructure to support serious adventure activities while still being challenging enough to get your heart pumping.

Culture and History Nerds

Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador have the richest indigenous cultures and archaeological sites. Argentina and Brazil are better for colonial history and modern cultural scenes. You really can’t go wrong with any of these.

Nature Lovers

Brazil’s Amazon region, Chile’s national parks, and Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands showcase the best of South America’s incredible biodiversity. Each offers completely different ecosystems and wildlife experiences.

Beach Bums

Brazil’s coastline, Colombia’s Caribbean beaches, and Ecuador’s Pacific coast all offer amazing beach experiences. The water’s warm, the beaches are beautiful, and the beach culture is laid-back and welcoming.

First-Timer Tips That’ll Save Your Sanity

Money Matters

Most countries have their own currencies, but US dollars work in a lot of places. Credit cards are fine in big cities, but you’ll need cash for smaller towns and markets. ATMs are everywhere, but notify your bank before you go.

Language Stuff

Spanish is the main language (except in Brazil where it’s Portuguese), but don’t stress if you don’t speak it. Most people are super patient and helpful. Learning “please,” “thank you,” and “where’s the bathroom?” will get you pretty far.

Health Prep

Talk to a travel doctor about vaccines, especially if you’re heading to jungle areas. Yellow fever and malaria are real concerns in some places. Also, get travel insurance – trust me on this one.

Staying Connected

International roaming is expensive. Buy local SIM cards or get a portable WiFi device. Most places have decent internet, but don’t expect it to be as fast as home.

Why You Need to Go (Like, Yesterday)

South America is one of those places that changes you. It’s got this incredible mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure opportunities that you just can’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re watching the sunrise over Machu Picchu, dancing in the streets of Rio, or spotting wildlife in the Galápagos, every experience feels bigger and more meaningful.

The best places to travel in South America aren’t just destinations – they’re life experiences that’ll give you stories you’ll be telling for years. Whether you’re into mountains, beaches, ancient cultures, or modern cities, this continent delivers in ways that’ll exceed every expectation you have.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning that South American adventure and get ready to discover why this incredible continent captures the hearts of everyone who visits. Your journey through the best travel spots in South America is waiting, and trust me, it’s going to be absolutely unforgettable.

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