Thrilling, beautiful and sometimes mysterious, South America is on many a traveller's bucket list. With some of the world's best beaches, an abundance of rare wildlife and a fascinating history, there's an endless list of places to visit, things to do and sights to see. From world-famous monuments in Brazil to quirky street art in Colombia, there's bound to be something to make you want to come back.
Read on to discover South America's 50 most unmissable experiences...
Undoubtedly one of the most popular spots in South America, Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest and highest salt desert, sitting at an altitude of almost 12,000 feet (3,700m) above sea level. Surrounded by Andean peaks, and at 25 times the size of Utah’s salt flats, it’s certainly an awe-inspiring spot. Don’t forget props for those amusing perspective photos: popular choices include toy dinosaurs and kitchen equipment.
There’s nothing quite like seeing a big cat in the wild, and where better to spot a puma than in the Chilean mountains? Visit during the winter months, when prey, and thus pumas, come further down the mountains and are easier to spot. Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia is a great place to view the cats hunting for food, while the mountainous landscape and caves with ancient paintings make for jaw-dropping scenery, whether you spot a puma or not.
One of South America’s most recognisable landmarks and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer stands atop the city’s Corcovado Mountain and is visited by millions of tourists every year. The largest Art Deco-style sculpture in the world, the statue towers over the city at 100 feet (30m) tall and nearly 91 feet (28m) wide. Don't just marvel at the enormous artwork though – look down to take in dramatic views of Rio.
If you’re into wildlife, you couldn’t go anywhere more breathtaking than the Galapagos Islands, the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. They’re home to countless species you can't find anywhere else on Earth, and 80% of the land birds, 97% of the reptiles and land mammals, over 30% of the plants and more than 20% of the marine species are endemic to the islands.
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It’s hard to match the sense of solitude and tranquillity you’ll find in Argentinian Patagonia – and there's no better way to experience this magnificent part of the world than by stepping into the boots of a gaucho. Live like a South American cowboy (or girl) by practicing river fishing gaucho-style, exploring a vast estancia (cattle ranch) on horseback, travelling to the dormant volcanic region of Cerro Negro and camping in the foothills of the Andes.
The 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary and was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The ancient city is not just remarkable for its extraordinarily well-preserved ruins, but for its dramatic setting in between two Andean peaks. Its exact former use remains a mystery to archaeologists and historians, which makes it all the more intriguing. If you're up for a challenge, consider trekking to the site, though you'll need to book well in advance.
A recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, the Pantanal is the largest continuous wetland on Earth. It’s also Latin America’s premier wildlife sanctuary, straddling the borders of Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay, and is home to 4,700 species. Lucky visitors could spot anything from adorable capybaras to prowling jaguars: after all, it’s the best region in the world to spot the big cat in the wild.
Once just a sleepy fishing village, Jose Ignacio has undergone a renaissance, emerging as one of South America’s most fashionable holiday destinations. The gorgeous beaches are frequented by the rich and famous, and if you tire of the heavenly views, there’s horseback riding, biking, trendy restaurants and even yoga studios to enjoy.
Standing with one foot in each hemisphere feels like a bucket-list achievement, but Quito's famed equatorial monument Mitad del Mundo, with a thick line running between each hemisphere, was actually built in the wrong spot. The real equator is several hundred feet away in Museo Solar Inti Nan. It’s still worth visiting Mitad del Mundo, though, if only to get that famous photo on the (wrong) equatorial line.
The fairy-tale old town of Cartagena is one of those places where all you need to do is walk and keep your eyes open to make the most of it. The walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is consistently beautiful, with colourful architecture, old colonial homes, enormous churches and vibrant street art. Don’t forget your camera.
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Thrill-seekers can't pick a much more high-octane adventure than climbing the tabletop mountain of Auyan-tepui and abseiling down the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls. Fifteen times higher than Niagara, and without the hordes of tourists, the waterfall, also called Kerepakupai Meru, is only witnessed by a few lucky travellers every year due to its remote location. Climb up to the summit and enjoy the vertiginous, two-day descent down the 3,200-foot (975m) falls on a 14-day tour.
Located a hundred miles (160km) northwest of Arequipa is one of the world’s deepest canyons, Colca Canyon. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon yet far less well-known, to call it a picturesque spot would be an enormous understatement. The colourful Andean valley, with pre-Incan roots, is a gorgeous place to watch the sunrise, while lucky visitors can spot flying Andean condors – one of the world's largest birds.
The streets of Colombia’s capital, Bogota, are alive with colour in the form of detailed, vibrant, show-stopping graffiti. You can choose to wander the streets yourself, marvelling at the colourful pieces, or to take a graffiti tour guided by street artists and urban art experts. You’ll see some of the most impressive murals, learn about the development of the graffiti scene and hear about the political and social background behind some of the more famous paintings.
While Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia, La Paz is its de facto capital city – and is also the highest capital city in the world at 11,913 feet (3,631m) above sea level. There’s plenty to do while you’re there, from visiting the bustling food market of Mercado Uruguay to taking in the Bolivian art on the walls of the Museo Nacional de Arte, whose imposing, grand setting is a sight to behold in itself.
There’s no feeling of freedom quite like driving yourself through a remote, isolated wilderness, and Chile is a great place to do it. Driving down Chile’s Carretera Austral, a scenic route of over 600 miles (965km) of natural beauty at the southernmost tip of the world, is discovery at its best. You’ll see Patagonia at its most untouched, taking in different extremes along the way, from the rainforests of Queulat to the glaciers of the Patagonian ice fields.
To visit a waterfall that’s just as powerful and impressive as Niagara Falls or Iguazu Falls but with a fraction of the crowds and tourists, you need to head to Guyana’s Kaieteur Falls in the verdant Kaieteur National Park. Five times taller than Niagara, this is the world’s highest single-drop waterfall, and with 30,000 gallons of water thundering over the 820-foot (250m) cliff, visiting is a memorable, beautiful and noisy experience.
When it comes to beautiful natural phenomena, central Colombia’s Cano Cristales takes some beating. During certain times of the year, the 62-mile-long (100km) 'liquid rainbow' river changes colour thanks to an aquatic plant called macarenia clavigera, transforming with vibrant shades of yellow, pink, red, green, blue and orange. Until relatively recently it was too dangerous to visit due to guerrilla activity, but the area is now controlled by the Colombian military and tourists once again have access.
You may have noticed that South America is full of superlatives, and the Atacama Desert is no exception. The driest place on earth, the desert resembles Mars but has far more for tourists to do, from visiting the Salar de Atacama, Chile’s largest salt flat, to enjoying breathtaking stargazing once night falls. Plus, there’s great weather all year round, so there’s no need to pack a raincoat.
Machu Picchu certainly isn’t the only archaeological site worth visiting in Peru. Don’t miss out on the visual feast that is the "Machu Picchu of the North", Kuelap Fortress. Standing almost 10,000 feet (3,000m) above sea level, the fortress is the largest stone structure in South America, with around 450 stone houses. The fortress was built and developed between the 6th and 16th centuries by the Chachapoyas, known as the Cloud People, making it older than Machu Picchu.
Forget the playground swings you toyed with as a child; any true thrill-seeker will want to head to the Swing at the End of the World in Banos. The swing gives visitors beautiful views of the Tungurahua Volcano, and also the chance to earn some serious Instagram kudos. Plus, even though it looks like you could fall off and tumble over a cliff, the photos are misleading: you actually swing over a steep slope rather than a cliff edge. Scary, but not as perilous as it first seems.
Anyone with an interest in architecture should book a ticket straight to Narino, Colombia to see the dramatic Las Lajas Cathedral, or Las Lajas Sanctuary, built in the canyon of the Guaitara River. While the church is a popular place for pilgrims to visit, the Gothic style of the building and its striking location are just a few of the reasons it’s high on the list of things to see in Colombia, even if you’re not religious.
In stark contrast to the country’s parched Atacama Desert further north, Chile’s Lake District is verdant, with farmland, forests, volcanoes and, of course, lakes. It’s the perfect playground for outdoor activities, with hiking, biking, canyoning and rafting all popular pursuits. These aren't any ordinary sporting activities either, with stunning scenery to gawp at while you’re enjoying the exertion. Plus, when it all gets a bit much for your muscles, there are soothing thermal springs waiting.
Most TV shows depict penguins huddling together for warmth in the frozen wastes of Antarctica, but it's very simple to see these delightful birds without braving a difficult and expensive polar trip. Five species of penguin live in Patagonia – Magellanic, king, gentoo, Humboldt and southern rockhopper – each more charming and inquisitive than the last. Tourists have options for where to see these penguins, but the Patagonian peninsula of Punta Tombo and the southern islands of Tierra del Fuego are both popular choices.
There’s a fascinating collection of religious buildings in Paramaribo, a former Dutch colonial town that's now Suriname’s picture-perfect capital city. There’s the St Peter and Paul Cathedral, said to be the largest wooden structure in the Western Hemisphere; the Mosque Keizerstraat, the biggest mosque in the Caribbean; and the Neveh Shalom Synagogue, with its unique sandy floor which is said to be a reminder of the Hebrews' 40 years in the desert.
Right in the heart of Brazil’s Bahia is the stunning national park of Chapada Diamantina, arguably Brazil's most impressive national park. Nature lovers won’t be able to stay away, with the topography of the park – deep valleys, towering peaks, sprawling plains and shady canyons – contributing to a real sense of rugged beauty. There’s plenty to do, from hiking and exploring caves to bathing in natural swimming pools and gaping at picturesque waterfalls.
Who needs snow when you have sand? The desert oasis of Huacachina in southwestern Peru is the perfect place to strap on a sandboard and put your skills to the test over the undulating sand dunes. If you’d rather sit in a vehicle, climb on board a dune buggy to take in the mesmerising views without the adrenaline rush.
It might be one to miss if you’re scared of heights, but the Canopy Walkway buried deep within Guyana’s most remote rainforest, the Iwokrama Rainforest, is more than worth a walk for wildlife lovers. Perched a hundred feet (30m) above the forest floor, you’ll be able to hear and spot rare birds, howler monkeys and even the odd reptile.
If you’re interested in discovering more about the Incas, look beyond Machu Picchu: in particular, take the spectacular nearly-40-mile (64km) trek to Choquequirao, one of the last refuges of the Incas. With far fewer crowds than Machu Picchu, this set of ruins is said to be three times the size of the more famous lost city. It’s a perfect spot for those who love discovery, as the enormous archaeological complex abandoned in the 16th century is still being excavated today.
Known as the 'St Tropez of Uruguay', the resort city of Punta del Este comes alive in the summer months of December to February, with tourists from South America and the rest of the world piling in to make the most of the gorgeous beaches, swanky hotels, posh restaurants, buzzing nightclubs and pricey yachts. Join the party in high season, but be prepared to pay the price – it can be pretty expensive. The city has a much sleepier, but still fun vibe out of season, and is far more affordable.
One of the oldest mountain formations on Earth, the otherworldly Mount Roraima sits at the junction of the borders of Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana. With its 1,300-foot-tall (400m) cliffs, often atmospherically shrouded in cloud, and its tabletop formation, it might seem like a floating island, but really it's a spectacular mountain dating back two billion years. Trekking to the top takes about six days, with incredible views and scenery along the way.
Said to be one of the tallest wooden structures in the world, St George's Cathedral in Georgetown is one of Guyana’s most impressive buildings. The Gothic-style cathedral is built entirely of timber apart from the foundation walls, and stands at just over 140 feet (43m) high.
There ain’t no party like a Rio de Janeiro party – specifically the Rio Carnival which takes place each year in February. The biggest carnival in the world, this enormous celebration sees two million people spilling onto the streets every day to sing, dance and gawp at the festivities. Plus, when you’re not enjoying the samba parade and street parties, there are the incredible beaches of Rio to flop onto.
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The Yungas – also known as the Bolivian Amazon – is where the Andean mountains meet the Amazon. Wildlife enthusiasts should head for the Madidi National Park. It’s one of the largest protected areas in the world at nearly 7,300 square miles (18,900sq km) – almost the size of New Jersey. Inside the park, you can find everything from caiman crocodiles and anacondas to capybaras, giant anteaters, many bird species and even jaguars.
The sophisticated, sensual dance that is the tango is synonymous with Argentina, and, indeed, with its cosmopolitan capital Buenos Aires. It’s easy to get stuck into a tango no matter how shy and retiring you are: watch a show from the sidelines, book a private or group lesson or visit a milonga, a traditional tango hall, to get a taste of the scene.
Close to the borders with Chile and Argentina, and at Bolivia’s southernmost tip, you can see some of the planet’s most colourful, striking landscapes in the form of the fiery Laguna Colorado and the emerald Laguna Verde. Both aesthetic marvels, the lakes have turned their striking colours thanks to fortuitous geographical occurrences.
Uruguay isn’t all about the beaches and parties in trendy Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio; don’t miss the picturesque colonial town of Colonia. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded by the Portuguese in 1680 and maintains a well-preserved architectural landscape with influences from the Portuguese, Spanish and post-colonial styles. Don’t forget your camera as you make your way through the cobbled streets and leafy plazas.
One of Medellin’s most photographed areas, the exquisite Plaza Botero, or Plaza de Las Esculturas, is a delightful space full of sculptures by Colombian artist and sculptor Fernando Botero. There are 23 of the bronze sculptures, depicting large, curvaceous, exaggerated figures, in the 80,729 square feet (7,500sqm) of space in front of the Museo Antioquia.
The city of Salta exudes charm, with spectacular buildings, streets throbbing with locals and plenty of restaurants offering the beef Argentina is so famous for. From Salta journey north, where you’ll find the beautiful Tren de las Nubes – or 'Train of the Clouds' – which passes through some of the region’s most beautiful scenery, and visit the multi-coloured canyons of the Calchaqui Valleys.
The intriguing Chiloe Island is less than two miles (3.2km) off the coast of Chile, but it feels like another planet, with its own distinctive cuisine, customs and architecture. There’s plenty to do, from spotting penguins to shopping at bustling local markets. Don’t forget to take in the postcard-perfect architecture, from the houses mounted on stilts to the many wooden churches, 16 of which make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Known colloquially as 'El Camino de la Muerte', or 'Death Road', the utterly terrifying drive down Bolivia’s Yungas Road is not for the faint-hearted. Connecting La Paz with Yungas in the Amazonian rainforest, those brave enough to make the journey must navigate their way down the narrow, vertiginous road along with many other cyclists and motorists. Between 200 and 300 people die on the road each year, so think carefully before booking.
The spectacular natural wonder that is the Iguazu Falls is one of South America’s most awe-inspiring highlights. Lying between Brazil and Argentina, the hundreds of thundering waterfalls that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site can also be accessed from Paraguay. The waterfalls span nearly two miles (3.2km), and have vertical drops of up to 260 feet (79m). The landscape is so dramatic it’s been used in a number of films, from Miami Vice to Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
If you don't mind a bit of pushing and shoving, head to Paramaribo’s Central Market, where you can pick up meat, fruit, vegetables, fish and clothes in the frantic atmosphere. There’s also the more unusual 'Witch’s Market', or Maroon Market, where you can see the herbs, bones, sticks, tonics and shells used for Aymara rituals. Photography is not allowed.
South America is by no means just about warm weather, beach towels and bikinis. The continent is also home to a variety of excellent ski resorts, the most exciting of which is Chile’s Ski Pucon, located on Villarrica Volcano, an active volcano. While the ski-obsessed may prefer to opt for a larger resort like Argentina’s Cerro Catedral, visitors that are also into nature should head to Ski Pucon to enjoy fantastic views of all five of southern Chile’s major lakes.
The Marathon des Sables is one of the world's most notorious races – a six-day, 160-mile (250km) ultramarathon through the Sahara Desert that involves running one regular marathon each day. South America's edition is slightly more merciful: the so-called Half Marathon des Sables allows participants to choose between three different distances, the longest of which is 75 miles (120km), split into three stages. The event is still gruelling beyond belief, but comes with stunning panoramas of the Peruvian desert.
Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, is home to one of the most important opera houses in the world: the Teatro Colon. With grand architecture and excellent acoustics, it’s a world-class institution. The likes of Maria Callas and Luciano Pavarotti have taken to its stage, and it’s always packed, so if you fancy a night at the opera be sure to book ahead.
With its colourful buildings, loud street art and crumbling charm, Valparaiso is a bohemian port city that’s ripe for exploring. A World Heritage City, there’s plenty to discover, from surprise staircases to hills with dazzling lookouts. Don’t miss hopping aboard one of its famous funiculars – elevators built on rail tracks – to enjoy fantastic views of the quirky city from great heights.
Paraguay is home to two sprawling UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jesuit missions: La Santisima Trinidad de Parana and Jesus de Tavarangue, established by the Society of Jesus during the 17th and 18th centuries. Located six miles (10km) apart, the quiet archaeological ruins can be explored in a relatively crowd-free setting.
Discovered less than a hundred years ago, the spellbinding Gruta Do Lago Azul, or the Blue Lake Grotto, in Bonito, Brazil, is dazzling with its astoundingly clear water and cavernous structure. It’s not only beautiful, but intriguing: the grotto is home to thousands of prehistoric animal bones that once belonged to a variety of creatures, from giant sloths to sabre-toothed tigers.
There’s nothing tourists love more than a mystery, and mysteries don’t get much more puzzling than the stone heads of Chile’s Easter Island, or Rapa Nui to its native Polynesian inhabitants. Like Stonehenge, the monolithic statues, or moai, have mystified archaeologists for years. How did they come to be there? How were they carved? If you ever tire of puzzling over the majestic statues, explore the rest of what the island has to offer, from horseback riding and cycling to diving and surfing.
Thought to be the birthplace of the sun in Andean culture, Lake Titicaca is South America’s largest lake. Make Puno your base, and once you've explored the bustling markets of this 'folklore capital', head out on a ferry to visit some of the many islands. A homestay here offers an insight into local agrarian life on the lake.
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