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.
Ecuador & Galapagos tailor made tour
Private in-depth tour of Ecuador and The Galapagos
From
£6800 to £7900
22 days
ex flights
Peru 2 week tour
Lima, Colca, Titicaca & Machu Picchu in a customisable tour
From
£2065
14 days
ex flights
Small group adventure vacation to Patagonia
Explore the spectacular wilderness and mountains of Patagonia
From
£4900
20 days
ex flights
Galapagos and Machu Picchu vacation
Cusco, Short Inca Trail & Galapagos Island Hopping
From
£3595
14 days
ex flights
Highlights of Brazil and Peru vacation
Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Iguazu, Rio
From
£3875
14 days
ex flights
South America tour, coast to coast
Epic discovery journey across South America
From
£4226
19 days
ex flights
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.
Our top trip
Ecuador & Galapagos tailor made tour
Private in-depth tour of Ecuador and The Galapagos
From
£6800 to £7900
22 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Travel Team
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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.
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 South America articles
The best time to visit much of South America is outside of the Jan-March rains. Remember in the southern hemisphere, seasons are reversed...
We take you trekking, bushwhacking, rafting and salsa-ing your way across this thrilling continent, from Amazon depths to Andean peaks...
Our map helps you choose which places to visit in South America, whether you're enjoying an epic overland tour or a relaxing two-week vacation...
There are very few places that hold such significance for life on earth as Ecuador's Galapagos Islands, a paradise for wildlife watchers.
Towering walls of glacial ice, windswept open steppe and spectacular miradores with views of majestic jagged mountains are Patagonia’s calling cards.
From jaguars to Andean condors, monkeys to anacondas, the wildlife in South America has been thrilling scientists and explorers, and beguiling travelers, for centuries.
Latinos are famously welcoming towards children, and will be delighted to share folklore, street food, language and dance with any curious visitor...
We share some expert tips on the best way to explore Patagonia, the Amazon vs the Pantanal, what to do in the Lake District and (very importantly) where to find the best street food...
Social media has encouraged a worrying trend in images of tourists holding and feeding wild animals - NGO World Animal Protection campaigns to stop this.
Across the continent there are issues with the displacement, deforestation and deep set poverty. Our guide helps you make wise - and kind - choices...
Find all of our South America guides in one place, for particular places in South America such as Bolivia, Patagonia, the Galapagos Islands, or Peru.
