South America is an intrepid traveller's dream, rich in spirit and full of wonders of both the natural and cultural kind, from the sensual and energetic Brazilian samba or the stirring panpipes of the Andes to the extraordinary Amazon forests and sacred pilgrimage sites such as Las Lajas in Colombia.
Many travellers booking flights to South America are headed for one of the continent's two largest countries: Brazil or Argentina. Brazil is an exotic blend of cultures: Portuguese, native Indian, African, European, Middle Eastern and Asian. In Argentina, European influences dominate the country's art, architecture, literature and lifestyle. Both nations share a border on the Iguazú river leading to the spectacular sight of the Iguazú Falls - 275 cascading waterfalls spread 2.7km along the river, which are taller and wider than Niagara Falls.
North of Argentina, Bolivia is nestled between the Andes and the Amazon rainforests. Its isolation has meant the country has retained its ancient traditions, making it an intriguing place to visit. Neighbouring Peru is just as captivating, with a history dating back to the Inca Empire. Its most famous site is the spectacular Machu Picchu, the ruins of an Inca city built high up in the Andes.
In the north, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela have an inimitable natural beauty, with spectacular landscapes, tropical rainforests and pristine beaches.
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South America can be split into four climatic zones: tropical, dry, cold and temperate. Elevation, rain, wind and other climate variations can make the weather unpredictable and erratic in some parts.
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Peak season in Brazil and Argentina runs from mid-December to early March, when the weather is hot and humid, but it's obviously cheaper and less crowded to go in winter. Central and southern Chile gets heavy snowfall from June to September, while the north is pleasant year-round.
Two distinct - wet and dry - apply to the Andean countries, including Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia and Peru. Depending on altitude and proximity to the equator, their peak seasons differ slightly.
Bolivia's topography and altitude cause the most unpredictable weather in South America, so generally it’s best to visit is during the dry season (May and October). Peru's elevation and close proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes summer the best time to visit, when days are hot and humid.
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Domestic flights around South America are the most convenient way to get around but not necessarily the cheapest, so do your homework. Brazil's domestic flights are notoriously expensive. It is cheaper to get a Brazil Pass, entitling you to take several internal flights, than paying for each leg individually. For travel between Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, a Mercosur Air Pass allows for two stops in each country.
Buses provide a cheaper alternative to flying (in some cases are the only option) and can be a great way to see the country. However taking overnight buses is not always advisable, especially in Ecuador and Peru, where there are often armed robberies on night buses.
Apart from being expensive, hiring a car and driving around can be inconvenient and dangerous. Taxis are available in most major cities and can be hired for longer trips.
Given the often-poor quality of the roads, cycling isn’t encouraged in the majority of South American countries – particularly in Colombia and Guyana.
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- Take an unforgettable journey to the mountainous region of Patagonia in Southern Argentina, where you can explore the Andean national parks and see wildlife or visit the fascinating colonial city of Carmen de Patagones.
- Discover the magnificent wildlife of Brazil in the Pantanal, the world's largest flood plain, which is home to the endangered Hyancinth Macaw, jaguars, caimans, giant otters, giant armadillos, capybara and the Brazilian Tapir.
- On the border of Peru and Bolivia, you can visit the birthplace of the Inca civilization in Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. On the Bolivian side of the lake, you’ll find the ruins of Pilko Kaina and the Chincana complex on the Isla Del Sol. On the Peruvian side, the Las Islas Flotantes, or floating islands, are handmade from totora reeds and home to the Uros tribe.
- In Ecuador's legendary Galápagos Islands, you can snorkel with the penguins, swim around the rocks with the sea lions or just observe the mockingbirds from the summit of Pinnacle Rock, on the remote Isla Bartolomé.
- The small colonial village of San Pedro de Atacama is one of Chile's most popular tourist destinations. The town’s archaeological museum boasts well-preserved artefacts, and you can wander around the boiling geysers, sand dunes and canyons.
- Wander through the cobbled streets of Cartagena, on Colombia's Caribbean coast, exploring colonial mansions, historic monasteries, 17th century forts and cathedrals. The picturesque city is now a World Heritage Site.
- The Iwokrama Forest, in Central Guyana, is a 371,000-hectare virgin rain forest that is a sanctuary to some of the world’s largest freshwater fish, otters, freshwater turtles, the Anaconda, bats and caimans. It is also home to South America’s largest cat, the jaguar.
- Visit the ruins of Southern Paraguay's World Heritage-listed former Jesuit mission settlements of La Santisima Trinidad de Parana and Jesús de Tavarange. Well-preserved Baroque ruins include 18th century monuments and churches.
- In Venezuela, see the world’s tallest waterfall, Angel Falls, in the Canaima National Park. Pick up some indigenous crafts from the Makunaima Arte Indígena in Canaima.
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