Things to do in South America
Tantalising trekking
The Inca Trail is one of the world's great hikes, taking trekkers through extraordinary high-altitude Andean scenery via mountain passes, Quechua villages, Alpine tundra and humid cloud forests. There are several routes to choose from; the 43km classic route is usually completed in four or five days. Most of the trail follows original Incan stone paths, and leads to the "Sun Gate" – the most dramatic entry point to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.
For something just as rugged but dramatically different, hit Patagonia's wilderness: the granite towers of Torres del Paine or jagged peaks of the Fitzroy Range; multi-day treks adorned with fantastic glaciers; off-the-radar treks in Aysén and Tierra del Fuego (next stop: Antarctica).
Alternatively, consider forest hikes to the waterfalls of central Chile's Radal Siete Tazas National Park or the volcanic landscape around Nevados de Chillan (with hot springs to ease any aches), or explore the Lake Districts of either Chile or Argentina, where trails wind through lush alpine valleys and along pristine rivers. And if you're visiting Iguazu Falls, explore its surrounding forest trails.
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A wild continent
Close to four million species live within Brazil’s borders alone, making it the world's most bio-diverse nation. Hit the Pantanal, the wondrous wetland where 700 species of bird and 100 mammals hang out unobscured by jungle as in the Amazon.
Ecuador's phenomenal habitat diversity has wildlife to match: vicuñas and condors in the Andes; cloud forest birdlife; howler monkeys, sloths and anacondas in the Amazon; whales off the mainland; sea lions, iguanas and tortoises in the Galápagos. Peru's amazing species include giant otters, spectacled bears and pink river dolphins – along with 1,800 birds, the second highest of any country in the world.
Hemmed by the Andes, Pacific and Atacama desert, Chile hosts unique mammals like the pudu (pygmy deer) and colo-colo wildcat, alongside puma, king penguins, dolphins, giant blue whales plus soft-furred vicuna. Twitchers can spot gorgeous hummingbirds.
Be a culture vulture (or,
better, a culture condor)
better, a culture condor)
South America is one of the world's richest melting pots
Brazil alone has over 220 indigenous groups, complemented by African slave descendants and more willing global immigrants, each adding their traditions to a fantastic cultural stew. The Andean highlands are home to Aymara and Inca-descended Quechua, while Chile's Chinchorro mummies date back 7,000 years. Everywhere, colonial architecture recalls an Iberian influx. And on remote Easter Island, the Rapa Nui's brooding statues are among mankind's most potent icons.
Our South America Vacations
Galapagos cruise options, tailor made
The greatest wildlife experiences tailor made
From
£3250
8 days
ex flights
Peru and Galapagos vacation
An inspirational tour combining Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos
From
£5195
15 days
ex flights
Peru highlights tour, Inca trail, Titicaca and Nazca
Taste Peru's diverse landscapes and fascinating culture
From
US $2945 to US $3065
15 days
ex flights
Atacama and Patagonia hiking vacation
Explore Chile on foot Atacama Patagonia Walking Vacation
From
£4595 to £5170
14 days
ex flights
Southern Peru small group tour
Journey through south Peru, the heartland of the Inca Empire
From
£3198
14 days
ex flights
Tour of Patagonia, El Calafate & Torres del Paine
Patagonia's best - Torres del Paine and Perito Moreno Glacier.
From
US $790 to US $2095
5 days
ex flights
Ecuador ecolodge, Napo Wildlife Center
A luxurious eco-lodge in wildlife rich Ecuadorean Amazon
From
US $1467
4 days
ex flights
South America tour, coast to coast
Epic discovery journey across South America
From
£3098
19 days
ex flights
Hiking the Inca trail vacation
An unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery
From
US $1705 to US $1825
9 days
ex flights
Chile adventure vacation
Chile's best: the Atacama Desert, Lake District and Patagonia
From
US $4865 to US $5225
13 days
ex flights
Patagonia small group vacation
Explore Patagonia's National Parks by foot and small-ship.
From
US $4850 to US $6275
11 days
ex flights
Brazil wildlife vacation, tailor made
From the world’s largest jungle to the world’s largest swamp
From
£4500
14 days
inc UK flights
Small group adventure vacation to Patagonia
Explore the spectacular wilderness and mountains of Patagonia
From
£3631 to £3657
21 days
ex flights
South America overland tour
A cross-continental South America adventure
From
US $5080
45 days
ex flights
Galapagos & Amazon wildlife vacation, Ecuador
The ultimate wildlife trip to the Amazon and Galapagos
From
US $6190
16 days
ex flights
Patagonia luxury adventure vacation
Luxury hotels and adventure in Patagonia
From
US $3644 to US $3883
11 days
ex flights
Peru tour, off the beaten track
An cultural small group tour to the Northern region of Peru.
From
£2695
14 days
ex flights
Tailor made vacation in Brazil
Emerald Coast, the Pantanal & Iguacu Falls
From
£3500
15 days
inc UK flights
Patagonian adventure vacation
Explore the highlights of Argentine and Chilean Patagonia
From
US $3327 to US $3511
15 days
ex flights
La Paz to Buenos Aires overland truck tour
Overland from the Altiplano to Argentina's grasslands
From
US $800 to US $1020
21 days
ex flights
Buenos Aires & Iguazu Falls vacation in Argentina
Adventures in Buenos Aires and the spectacular Iguazu Falls
From
US $920 to US $2215
6 days
ex flights
Ecuador activity vacation
Join an active tour of Ecuador
From
US $1145 to US $1455
7 days
ex flights
Patagonian adventure vacation in Chile and Argentina
Discover stunning Patagonia
From
£2954
12 days
ex flights
Argentina highlights vacation, tailor made
Enjoy memorable adventures in Patagonia and Iguazu Falls
From
US $2265 to US $4555
12 days
ex flights
Rainforest conservation in the Amazon, Peru
Conservation in the Amazon
From
£1695
14 days
ex flights
Antarctic cruise and hiking in Chile
Walk in Atacama and Patagonia before cruising Antarctica
From
£13725
4 weeks
ex flights
Extend your reach...
Be greedy when dipping into South America's selection box!
Why stick to one brilliant country when there's another quite different but equally brilliant one next door? If you can make the time, South America amply rewards crossing borders for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to taste as much as you can of the continent's feast for mind and senses. Pair Brazil with Argentina, or contrast Chile's modernity with Bolivia's rustic awesomeness. Galapagos, meanwhile, is a different world to its parent country Ecuador. South America overland is the way to go.
More about South America
Our South America travel guide takes you trekking, bushwhacking, rafting, climbing and salsa-ing your way across this thrilling continent, from the depths of the Amazon up to the high peaks of the Andes, the icy reaches of Patagonia to the astonishing ruins of Machu Picchu.
The best time to visit South America, particularly Peru, is any time outside of the rainy season which takes place between January and March.
This beguiling continent is made up of 12 countries, each with their own unique quirks, culture, landscapes and history.
It's not just the most fearless of families that will enjoy traveling in South America with kids.
The best way to explore Patagonia, the Amazon vs the Pantanal, what to do in the Lake District and where to find the best street food - our destination specialists from our partner vacation companies share their top South America travel tips to help you plan your vacation of a lifetime.
The continent has done well for itself in terms of responsible tourism in South America - there are vast wildlife reserves, endless opportunities for cultural interaction, superb mountain and naturalist guides and a celebration of traditions from food to dance.
Find all of our South America guides in one place, for particular places in South America such as Bolivia, the Galapagos or Peru.
Our top South America Vacation
Galapagos adventure vacation
An active island adventure
From
US $4599
10 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 4 May, 18 May, 1 Jun, 8 Jun, 15 Jun, 29 Jun, 13 Jul, 20 Jul, 27 Jul, 10 Aug, 24 Aug, 7 Sep, 21 Sep, 5 Oct, 19 Oct, 2 Nov, 16 Nov, 30 Nov, 14 Dec, 23 Dec, 29 Dec
2018: 4 May, 18 May, 1 Jun, 8 Jun, 15 Jun, 29 Jun, 13 Jul, 20 Jul, 27 Jul, 10 Aug, 24 Aug, 7 Sep, 21 Sep, 5 Oct, 19 Oct, 2 Nov, 16 Nov, 30 Nov, 14 Dec, 23 Dec, 29 Dec
