Our South America Travel Guide is here to help you discover all the magic of this beautiful continent. Keep reading to learn the best places to travel during your next trip to South America!
South America is a continent of contrasts, from lush rainforests and towering mountains to vibrant cities and ancient ruins. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or a culture lover, South America has something for everyone. This guide will take you through the best places to travel in South America, showcasing the must-see destinations across the continent.
Northern South America
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is a coastal gem popular for its beautiful colonial architecture and lively culture. Walking through the streets of the Walled City feels like stepping back in time. The colorful buildings, charming plazas, and historic churches create a picturesque setting. Don’t miss the impressive Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress that offers stunning views of the city and the Caribbean Sea. Nearby, the Rosario Islands are perfect for a day trip to enjoy crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches.
The local cuisine in Cartagena is a delicious blend of flavors. Try arepas, a type of cornbread, and bandeja paisa, a hearty platter that includes beans, rice, meat, and plantains. Seafood lovers will delight in the fresh catches available throughout the city. Cartagena also hosts vibrant events like the Cartagena International Music Festival and the Hay Festival Cartagena, which celebrate literature and arts.
Quito, Ecuador
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is famous for its well-preserved colonial center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Historic Center is full of beautiful churches, monasteries, and plazas. A visit to the TelefériQo, a cable car that takes you up the Pichincha volcano, offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains. Another must-see is Mitad del Mundo, where you can stand on the equator and have one foot in each hemisphere.
Ecuadorian cuisine is diverse and flavorful. Locro, a potato soup with cheese and avocado, and ceviche, a dish made with fresh seafood marinated in citrus juices, are local favorites. The city’s festivals, such as Fiestas de Quito and La Diablada de Píllaro, showcase traditional dances, music, and parades, providing a great opportunity to experience Ecuadorian culture.
Amazon Basin
The Amazon Rainforest (Brazil, Peru, Colombia)
The Amazon Rainforest is the world’s largest tropical rainforest, spreading across Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and other South American country. It is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife and plants. Visiting the Amazon is a unique adventure where you can explore dense forests, cruise along winding rivers, and witness the extraordinary biodiversity. Dry season (July-December) is the best time to visit this region as the weather is drier and less humid.
Major gateways to the Amazon include Manaus in Brazil, Iquitos in Peru, and Leticia in Colombia. Each of these cities offers various tours and activities, such as wildlife safaris, river cruises, and canopy tours. You can spot exotic animals like jaguars, sloths, and a multitude of bird species. The local cuisine features exotic fruits, fresh fish dishes, and traditional meals like tacacá, a flavorful soup made with jambú leaves.
Andes Mountain Region
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world, is nestled high in the Andes Mountain of Peru. This ancient Incan citadel is renowned for its breathtaking setting and well-preserved ruins. Visiting Machu Picchu is like stepping into history, with its terraced slopes, ceremonial centers, and intricate stone constructions.
To reach Machu Picchu, many travelers hike the Inca Trail, a multi-day trek that offers stunning views and a sense of accomplishment. For a less strenuous option, you can take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and then a bus to the site. Local cuisine in the region includes dishes like ceviche, a refreshing seafood dish, and lomo saltado, a stir-fry with beef, vegetables, and potatoes. The Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) and Cusco Carnival are vibrant events that celebrate Peruvian culture with music, dance, and colorful costumes.
Santiago, Chile
Santiago, the capital of Chile, is a city of contrasts, blending modern skyscrapers with colonial architecture. Surrounded by the Andes Mountains, Santiago offers stunning natural scenery and a dynamic urban environment. Key attractions include San Cristobal Hill, which provides panoramic views of the city, and Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of Santiago. The La Moneda Palace, the seat of the President of Chile, is also a significant landmark.
Chilean cuisine features dishes like pastel de choclo, a corn pie with meat and vegetables, and empanadas, savory pastries filled with cheese, meat, or seafood. Santiago hosts several notable festivals, such as Santiago a Mil, an international theater festival, and the Grape Harvest Festival, celebrating Chile’s wine industry with tastings and traditional music.
Southern South America
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is popular for its vibrant culture, European-style architecture, and passionate tango music and dance. The city’s neighborhoods each have their own unique charm. Recoleta is famous for its grand cemetery, where many notable figures are buried, while La Boca is known for its colorful buildings and lively street performances. Palermo is a trendy area with parks, cafes, and boutiques.
Argentinian cuisine is a carnivore’s delight, with dishes like asado (barbecue), empanadas (filled pastries), and Malbec wine. Buenos Aires hosts a range of cultural events, including the Tango Festival, which celebrates the city’s famous dance, and the Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema, showcasing films from around the world.
Patagonia (Argentina & Chile)
Patagonia, a region shared by Argentina and Chile, showcases its stunning natural wonders and landscapes. It is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers, offering everything from vast glaciers and towering mountains to pristine lakes and dense forests. Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is famous for its dramatic scenery and diverse wildlife. In Argentina, the Perito Moreno Glacier is a must-see, known for its massive ice formations and spectacular icefalls.
Activities in Patagonia include hiking, wildlife viewing, and glacier tours. The region’s cuisine features Patagonian lamb, king crab, and mate tea, a traditional South American drink. Visiting Patagonia is an unforgettable experience, with its unspoiled beauty and wide-open spaces.
Eastern South America
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, often called “Rio,” is one of the most vibrant and famous cities in the world. Known for its stunning beaches, lively culture, and festive atmosphere, Rio is a must-visit destination. The city’s most iconic landmark is the Christ the Redeemer statue, which offers breathtaking views from atop Corcovado Mountain. Sugarloaf Mountain is another popular attraction, providing panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Rio’s beaches, such as Copacabana Beach and Ipanema, are famous for their beauty and lively scenes. The local cuisine includes feijoada, a black bean stew with pork, churrasco, a Brazilian barbecue, and caipirinha, a refreshing cocktail made with cachaça, sugar, and lime. Rio Carnival is one of the largest and most famous festivals globally, featuring parades, music, and dance. Another major event is New Year’s Eve at Copacabana Beach, where millions gather to celebrate and watch fireworks.
Adventure Awaits
South America is a continent of endless wonders, offering diverse travel experiences that cater to every interest. From the historic streets of Cartagena and Quito to the natural beauty of the Amazon Rainforest and Patagonia, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins at Machu Picchu or enjoying the vibrant culture of Rio de Janeiro, South America promises unforgettable adventures.
Ready to explore South America? Contact Postcards and Pints today to start planning your dream trip! Whether a family vacation or a solo culture trip, your travel agent will help you find the best deals and create you a personalized itinerary for an incredible journey.
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