The most unforgettable experiences you can have in South America

From the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the dense rainforests of the Amazon, and from vibrant cities to ancient ruins, the diverse landscapes of South America offer myriad possibilities for unforgettable experiences. Whether adventure, historical or cultural activities define your travel style, these 14 bucket list experiences across 12 nations will find a firm place in your memory bank

Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru

One of the most iconic adventures in the world, trekking to Machu Picchu is a must-do experience in South America. The Inca Trail is the most famous route, leading you through stunning Andean landscapes and past ancient ruins before arriving at the breathtaking Lost City of the Incas. For those looking for a less crowded option, the Salkantay or Lares treks offer equally rewarding journeys.

Highlights

Stunning mountain scenery, Inca ruins, the mystical sunrise at Machu Picchu.

Best time to visit

May to September, during the dry season.

Discover Peru’s other ancient ruins

Machu Picchu might be the most iconic ancient civilisation in Peru, but this country is a veritable treasure trove of ancient civilisations. Explore the vast ruins of the Nazca Lines, mysterious geoglyphs carved into the desert, or venture to the less-visited ruins of Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world. Kuelap, known as the “Machu Picchu of the North,” offers stunning views and a fascinating look into the Chachapoyas culture. Each site tells a different story of Peru’s rich and diverse history.

Highlights

Nazca Lines, Chan Chan, Kuelap, and the Sacred Valley.

Best time to visit

May to September for dry weather and optimal exploration conditions.

Hike the Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia is a hiker’s paradise, with jagged peaks, turquoise lakes and vast glaciers. The W Trek is the most popular route, offering incredible views of the Torres del Paine (Towers of Blue) and a chance to experience the park’s diverse ecosystems. For a more challenging adventure, the longer O Circuit takes you deeper into the wild.

Highlights

Views of the Torres del Paine, Grey Glacier, diverse wildlife.

Best time to visit

November to March, during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.

Journey to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), Colombia

Hidden deep in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Lost City of Teyuna (Ciudad Perdida) is older than Machu Picchu and one of Colombia’s most significant archaeological treasures. The multi-day trek to reach it takes you through dense jungle, across rivers, and up steep slopes, but the reward is exploring an ancient city with far fewer tourists than its Peruvian counterpart.

Highlights

Remote jungle trek, exploring ancient ruins, encounters with indigenous Kogi people.

Best time to visit

December to March, avoiding the rainy season.

Explore the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest, the world’s largest tropical rainforest, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Whether you choose to explore from Brazil, Peru, or Ecuador, you’ll encounter a staggering diversity of wildlife, from colorful macaws to elusive jaguars, and experience the unique way of life of indigenous communities. Better yet, opt to explore this incredible natural wonder from the water: you can sail down the Amazon River from the bustling city of Manaus in Brazil, taking you deep into the jungle, passing remote villages and spotting exotic wildlife along the way. Abercrombie & Kent, Seabourn and Aqua Expeditions are three luxury cruise lines that offer this route.

Highlights

Wildlife spotting, river cruises, staying in eco-lodges, visiting remote indigenous communities.

Best time to visit

June to November, during the dry season for easier access.

Marvel at Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil

Straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. The sheer scale and power of the falls are humbling, with over 275 individual cascades spread across more than three kilometres. Take a boat ride to the base of the falls or explore the surrounding rainforest trails for a close encounter with nature’s fury.

Highlights

Boat ride under the falls, panoramic views from the Brazilian side, close-up trails on the Argentine side.

Best time to visit

April to June and August to September, avoiding the peak rainy season.

Discover the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat, and it’s an otherworldly landscape that needs to be seen to be believed. In the dry season, the vast white expanse stretches to the horizon, creating surreal photo opportunities, while during the rainy season, a thin layer of water turns the salt flats into a giant mirror, reflecting the sky to create an ethereal wonderland.

Highlights

Salt flats mirror effect, visiting the Incahuasi Island, stargazing.

Best time to visit

May to October for dry season or February to April for the mirror effect.

Explore the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands are a bucket list destination for wildlife enthusiasts, famous for their incredible biodiversity and the studies of Charles Darwin. Getting up close and personal with unique wildlife – like snorkelling with sea lions, walking among giant tortoises, and observing blue-footed boobies – are just a handful of the unforgettable experiences you can have in this archipelago.

Highlights

Wildlife encounters, snorkeling, island hopping.

Best time to visit

December to May for warm weather and calm seas.

Visit the Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama Desert is the driest non-polar desert in the world, offering an alien landscape of salt flats, sand dunes and geysers. Stargazing here is unparalleled, thanks to the clear skies and minimal light pollution. Explore the Valley of the Moon, watch the sunrise at the El Tatio geysers, and bathe in natural hot springs for a truly immersive experience.

Highlights

Valley of the Moon, stargazing, geysers, hot springs.

Best time to visit

March to May and September to November, for mild weather.

Experience Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival is the world’s largest and most famous cultural festival – a five-day celebration of music, dance, and colour that attracts millions of visitors each year. The highlight is the Sambadrome parade, where samba schools compete in elaborate costumes and floats, but even if you miss this you probably won’t notice; the entire city comes alive with street parties, music and dancing, offering a truly once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience.

Highlights

Sambadrome parade, street parties (blocos), colourful costumes.

Best time to visit

Carnival usually takes place in February or March.

Dance the tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is the birthplace of tango, so it goes without saying, there’s no better place to experience this world-renowned, passionate dance. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete novice, take a tango lesson or visit a milonga (tango club) to immerse yourself in this quintessential Argentine tradition. The city’s vibrant neighborhoods, like San Telmo and La Boca, are steeped in tango culture, so don’t forget to head out for a taste of the city’s buzzing nightlife when you’re all danced out.

Highlights

Tango lessons, visiting a milonga, exploring Buenos Aires’ cultural sites.

Best time to visit

March to May and September to November, for mild weather and fewer crowds.