South America Things To See

South America is a top continent for organized tours thanks to its dramatic landscapes, rich cultures and well-established travel routes that link diverse attractions. From dense rainforests and soaring Andes to icy fjords and colorful coastal cities, its regions offer clear thematic itineraries suitable for every traveler.

Andean Highlands

• What makes it special: High-altitude cultures, archaeological sites and mountain scenery across Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia.
• Typical tours: Inca Trail and Machu Picchu treks, Lake Titicaca excursions, Huaraz/Ausangate trekking, cultural tours in Cuzco, Colca Canyon photography trips.

Amazon Basin

• What makes it special: Vast rainforest corridors, extraordinary biodiversity and river-based lodges and cruises.
• Typical tours: River cruises from Manaus, lodge stays in Peruvian Amazon, nocturnal wildlife safaris, indigenous community visits, birdwatching expeditions.

Patagonia & the Southern Cone

• What makes it special: Wild glaciers, sweeping steppes and dramatic trekking in Argentina and Chile.
• Typical tours: Fitz Roy and Torres del Paine treks, cruises around Tierra del Fuego, Perito Moreno glacier day trips, ice trekking and wildlife photography tours.

Pacific Coast & Galápagos

• What makes it special: Rich marine life, unique island ecosystems and excellent snorkeling/diving.
• Typical tours: Galápagos cruises, diving safaris, coastal wildlife boat trips, surf camps and UNESCO cultural-site visits.

Brazilian Highlands, Atlantic Forest & Pantanal

• What makes it special: From vibrant cities and Atlantic coastlines to the world's largest freshwater wetlands — outstanding wildlife and culture.
• Typical tours: Pantanal wildlife safaris, Serra da Mantiqueira eco-tours, Rio de Janeiro city and beach tours, Atlantic Forest conservation visits.

Wine regions & Pampas

• What makes it special: Mendoza, Cafayate and central Chile offer world-class wineries, scenic plains and gaucho traditions.
• Typical tours: Vineyard tastings and cellar visits, multi-day wine routes, estancia stays with horseback riding, culinary workshops.

South America offers a huge variety of tour types — from cultural routes and wine tastings to wilderness expeditions and brisk city walks. Tours vary by pace, duration and focus, so travelers can choose experiences for couples, families or hardcore adventurers.

Cultural & Historical

• Usually include guided visits to archaeological sites, colonial cities and museums with historical context and local storytelling.
• Examples (countries/regions): Peru (Cuzco, Nazca), Bolivia (La Paz, Tiwanaku), Colombia (Cartagena, Bogota), Ecuador (Quito), Brazil (Ouro Preto), Argentina (Salta).

Nature & Adventure

• Focused on activity: trekking, rafting, climbing and wildlife watching, often combined with camping or lodge stays.
• Examples: Patagonia (Torres del Paine), Amazon (Peru/Brazil), Andes (Inca Trail), Atacama Desert expeditions, Pantanal safaris, Galápagos diving trips.

Food & Wine

• Gastronomy tours include markets, cooking classes and wine routes — perfect for lovers of local cuisine and fine wines.
• Examples: Mendoza (Argentina), Cafayate, Santiago and Casablanca Valley (Chile), Lima (Peru), São Paulo (Brazil), Uruguay wine regions.

Cruises

• Both river and coastal cruises: Amazon expeditions, Patagonian fjord cruises, and Galápagos liveaboards with expert naturalists.
• Examples: Amazon river cruises, Tierra del Fuego voyages, Galápagos liveaboards, Peruvian and Chilean coastal wildlife cruises.

City Walking

• Short urban itineraries combining history, architecture and culinary stops — ideal for travelers short on time.
• Examples: Lima, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Rio de Janeiro, Bogotá, Quito, Cartagena, Salvador.

Multi-Country Circuits

• Planned routes linking several countries or major regions, typically combining overland and air transfers for efficient travel.
• Examples: Peru–Bolivia (Machu Picchu + Uyuni salt flats), Andean circuits through Colombia–Ecuador–Peru, Southern Cone combinations (Brazil–Argentina–Paraguay).

South America offers many excellent day trips from major cities and nature hubs — perfect for travelers with limited time who still want to experience highlights. The examples below cover nature, culture and food, with brief notes on duration, transport and theme.

• From Cuzco: Sacred Valley & Ollantaytambo
  Duration: full day. Transport: minibus or train. Theme: archaeology, local communities and Inca ruins before visiting Machu Picchu.
• From Lima: Paracas & Ballestas Islands
  Duration: full day. Transport: bus and boat. Theme: marine wildlife (sea birds, sea lions), desert landscapes and coastal scenery.
• From Quito: Otavalo Market & Highlands
  Duration: full day. Transport: bus. Theme: artisan markets, Andean villages and nearby volcano sights like Quilotoa or Cotopaxi.
• From Buenos Aires: Tigre Delta
  Duration: half to full day. Transport: train and boat. Theme: river islands, stilt houses and relaxing boat rides.
• From Santiago: Valparaíso & Viña del Mar
  Duration: full day. Transport: bus. Theme: colorful hillside neighborhoods, coastal walks and nearby wineries.
• From Rio de Janeiro: Tijuca National Park & Sugarloaf
  Duration: half to full day. Transport: short drive and cable car/hike. Theme: urban rainforest, waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints.
• From Manaus: Meeting of the Waters
  Duration: half to full day. Transport: boat. Theme: natural river phenomenon, river cruises and wildlife observation.
• From El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier
  Duration: full day. Transport: bus. Theme: spectacular glacier walls, boardwalks and optional boat rides.
• From Salta: Cafayate & Quebrada de las Conchas
  Duration: full day. Transport: bus. Theme: wine region visits, dramatic red-rock formations and short hikes.
• From Cartagena: Rosario Islands
  Duration: full day. Transport: boat. Theme: beaches, snorkeling and island relaxation close to the city.

South America draws adventure seekers with high mountains, dense jungle, vast wetlands and icy plateaus that cater to every activity level. Seasonal variations and local logistics allow for short adventures or serious expeditions.

The Andes (Trekking & Mountaineering)

• Typical routes: Inca Trail (4 days), Ausangate and Huaraz treks. Durations range from day hikes to multi-day expeditions.
• Best seasons: dry season (May–September) for more stable weather and clear views.

The Amazon (Jungle expeditions)

• Typical routes: multi-day lodge stays and river expeditions from Manaus, Iquitos or Leticia. Activities include night spotting, kayaking and guided forest walks.
• Best seasons: depends on river levels — dry season easier for trekking, high-water season better for boat access.

Galápagos (Diving & Snorkeling)

• Typical routes: liveaboard cruises or day trips focused on underwater encounters with endemic species.
• Best seasons: year-round diving opportunities; visibility and species sightings vary by month.

Patagonia (Glacier & Alpine trekking)

• Typical routes: W and O circuits in Torres del Paine, glacier expeditions and high-altitude climbs. Durations: single-day hikes to week-long treks.
• Best seasons: southern hemisphere summer (Nov–Mar) for longer daylight and better access.

Pantanal (Wetland wildlife safaris)

• Typical routes: guided safaris, jaguar-spotting tours, boat trips and walking safaris across wet and dry zones.
• Best seasons: dry season (May–September) concentrates wildlife and improves sightings.

Atacama Desert (Desert expeditions & Stargazing)

• Typical routes: day tours to moonlike valleys and geysers, night observatory visits, biking and ATV excursions.
• Best seasons: arid climate allows excellent stargazing most of the year; nights are colder in winter.

South America is woven with deep cultural heritage — from ancient civilizations to colonial architecture and a vibrant contemporary arts scene. Thematic tours let travelers focus on specific interests, whether archaeological depth or culinary delights.

Ancient Civilizations

• Peru (Machu Picchu & Inca sites) — monumental architecture and ancient road systems.
• Bolivia (Salar de Uyuni & Tiwanaku) — archaeological mysteries and highland contexts.
• Colombia (San Agustín) — pre-Columbian stone sculptures and tombs.
• Ecuador (highland communities) — pre-Inca cultural traditions and crafts.

Colonial History

• Colonial centers: Cartagena, Cuzco, Quito, Ouro Preto — baroque churches and historic plazas.
• Tours include museums, old marketplaces and culinary traditions preserved since colonial times.

Religious Heritage

• Peru & Bolivia (sacred peaks and pilgrimages) — blending of pre-Columbian and Catholic rites.
• Brazil (festivals and processions), Argentina (local Catholic traditions and shrines).

Art & Architecture

• Brazil (São Paulo, Brasília) — modern and contemporary art, murals and iconic architecture tours.
• Argentina (Buenos Aires) — museums, galleries and stylistic walks from Belle Époque to modernism.

Wine & Gastronomy

• Mendoza & Cafayate (Argentina) — wine tastings focused on Malbec and boutique wineries.
• Lima (Peru) — world-class culinary scene, ceviche workshops and market tours.
• Chile (Colchagua Valley) — vineyard visits and farm-to-table experiences.

Planning tours across multiple South American countries requires attention to logistics, seasonal differences and local rules. A solid plan and a reliable operator will smooth border crossings and deliver a safer, more enjoyable trip.

• Visas & border crossings
  Check visa requirements and current border rules for each country; some crossings have special vehicle or entry procedures.
• Local operators
  Use reputable local guides and agencies with strong reviews — they know terrain, seasonal challenges and can customize routes.
• Transport logistics
  Combine flights, overnight buses and local trains for efficiency; allow buffer time for transfers and delays.
• Multi-day packages
  For remote areas (Amazon, Patagonia) prefer full packages that include lodging, transfers and guides.
• Average costs
  Research typical price ranges by region; remote adventures and private guides cost more than group tours.
• Seasonal differences
  Plan according to regional seasons: dry season for the Andes and Patagonia; different considerations for the Amazon rainy season.
• Best booking platforms
  Use a mix of international platforms and local agencies; read reviews and check cancellation policies.
• Travel insurance
  Always buy insurance covering high-risk activities (trekking, diving, rafting) and potential medical evacuation.
• Guide languages
  Confirm guide language options; many operators provide English, Spanish and Portuguese-speaking guides.
• Safety
  Check destination safety advice, avoid risky areas at night and keep documents and cash secure.
• Payments & cash
  Bring cash for remote regions; verify card acceptance and obtain local currency in advance when possible.
• Flexibility & backup plans
  Build spare days into your itinerary for weather, road closures or transport delays.