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.