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 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 or 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.

If you’re into wildlife, you couldn’t go anywhere more breathtaking than the Galápagos 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 over 20% of the marine species are endemic to the islands.

It’s hard to match the sense of solitude and tranquility you’ll find in Argentinian Patagonia – and there's no better way to experience this magnificent part of the world than stepping into the boots of a gaucho. Live like a South American cowboy (or girl) and practice river fishing gaucho style, explore a vast estancia on horseback and on foot, travel to the dormant volcanic region of Cerro Negro, and camp at the foothills of the Andes.

The 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary, but was also 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 primary 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.

Thrillseekers can't pick a much more high-octane adventure than climbing the tabletop mountain of Auyán-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 few lucky travellers due to the remoteness of its location. Climb up to the summit of the dramatic tepui and enjoy the vertiginous, two-day descent over the 3,200-foot Angel Falls.

The streets of Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, 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 street art, or to take a graffiti tour guided by street artists and urban art experts. You’ll get to 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 famous paintings.

There’s no feeling of freedom quite like driving yourself through a remote location, so why not pick a Chilean adventure? Driving down Chile’s Carretera Austral, a scenic route of over 600 miles of natural beauty at the southernmost tip of the world, is discovery at its best. You’ll see Patagonia at its most remote and untouched, taking in different extremes along the way, from the rainforests of Queulat to the glaciers of the Patagonian ice fields.  

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.

In stark contrast to the country’s parched Atacama Desert further north, Chile’s Lake District is verdant, with farmland, forest, 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.

Right in the heart of Brazil’s Bahia is the stunning national park of Chapada Diamantina, Brazil's biggest national park. Nature lovers won’t be able to stay away, with the topography of the park – with its 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.

If you’re interested in discovering more about the Incas, look further than Machu Picchu: in particular, take the spectacular nearly-40-mile 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 the element of discovery, as the enormous archaeological complex abandoned in the 16th century is still under excavation today.

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 cliffs, often atmospherically shrouded in clouds, and its tabletop formation, it might seem like a floating island, but it really is a spectacular mountain dating back to two billion years ago. Trekking to the top takes about six days, with incredible views and scenery along the way.

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 – 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. 

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 to the Clouds" – which passes through some of the region’s most beautiful scenery, and visit the multi-coloured canyons of the Calchaquí Valleys.

The spectacular natural wonder that is the Iguazú Falls is one of South America’s most awe-inspiring highlights. Lying between Brazil and Argentina, the hundreds of thundering waterfalls that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site can also be accessed from Paraguay. The waterfalls span nearly two miles, and have vertical drops of up to 260 feet. 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. 

Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, is home to one of the most important opera houses in the world: the Teatro Colón. 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.