Are you planning to visit Colombia, Chile, Argentina? Check out our Ultimate South America Travel Guide to know more about South American destinations, including essential information and helpful travel tips.
Do you love culture and natural wonders? South America is the ultimate travel destination for you.
This continent is filled with well-loved tourist spots such as the Galapagos Islands, Rio de Janeiro, and Patagonia. There are also hidden gems waiting to be discovered by globetrotters, one of which is Peru’s Ayacucho.
South America is also teeming with good local food – think Tucomanas of Buenos Aires and fine chocolates from Ecuador!
Whichever part you end up visiting, make sure to check out all the best things to do in the area right here in our Ultimate South America Travel Guide.
If you need a shortlist of all the best accommodations in South America, check out our hotel features in every destination category.
From luxurious villas to glamping tents, you are sure to find the one that fits your idea of a South American getaway.
All the companies and products below are helpful to plan your trip. The travel experts of Universal Traveller use all of them because they make their lives easier.
Cusco is well connected with Puno. You can get from Puno to Cusco by bus, private transfer, or train. Located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Cusco dates back to pre-Incan times and has been a major center of culture, commerce, and religion for centuries. It is about 2,900 meters above sea level and has …
Cusco is well connected with Machu Picchu. You can get from Machu Picchu to Cusco by train! Cusco is an unforgettable place with a captivating history and an unforgettable atmosphere! The city is a cultural treasure, with gorgeous architecture and a dramatic setting at the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain. It features a destination of …
Arequipa is well connected with Cusco. You can get from Cusco to Arequipa by bus, private transfer, flight, or rental car. Arequipa is a city with a lot of history, where tradition, culture, and nature meet most spectacularly! It’s known as the White City, thanks to its whitewashed colonial buildings, which contrast with its volcanic …
Arequipa is well connected with Ica. You can get from Ica to Arequipa by bus, private transfer, or rental car. Arequipa is a city of wonderful beauty, which has remained relatively unaffected by time! It is a city full of tradition, charms, and magic. A place where you can get lost in time and take …
Jericoacoara is well connected with Fortaleza. You can get from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara by bus, shared minivan, private transfer, or rental car. If you’re looking for an exotic destination in Brazil, Jericoacoara is the perfect place! Surrounded by beautiful beaches and sand dunes, this tropical paradise will make you wish you could stay forever. As …
Foz Do Iguacu is well connected with Florianopolis. You can get from Florianopolis to Foz Do Iguacu by bus, private transfer, or rental car. Brazil is a country of natural wonders, and one of its most beautiful places is Foz do Iguaçu! A beautiful natural landscape, a wide variety of flora and fauna, and the …
Sao Paulo is well connected with Rio de Janeiro. You can get from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo by bus, private transfer, flight, or rental car. Sao Paulo, the largest Brazilian city and one of the most dynamic places in Latin America, might just be one of the best-kept secrets in this beautiful country! …
Sao Paulo is well connected with Paraty. You can get from Paraty to Sao Paulo by bus, shared minivan, private transfer, or rental car. Sao Paulo is the largest and one of the most dynamic cities in Brazil! This city might be one of Brazil’s best-kept secrets, but it’s time we shine a light on …
Rio de Janeiro is well connected with Paraty. You can get from Paraty to Rio de Janeiro by bus, shared minivan, private transfer, or rental car. Whether you’re going to Rio de Janeiro as part of your trip to Brazil or want to experience this beautiful city on its own, there are many ways to …
Sao Luis is well connected with Fortaleza. You can get from Fortaleza to Sao Luis by bus, private transfer, flight, or rental car. If you happen to be traveling to the Northeast of Brazil soon, São Luís should definitely make it on your list of things to see. So what makes this town so great? …
Salvador is well connected with Lencois. You can get from Lencois to Salvador by bus, private transfer, or rental car. If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Brazilian culture, head straight to Salvador! Salvador has a certain beauty that makes it worth planning a visit if you’re in Brazil. It’s unique in many ways, …
Sao Paulo is well connected with Foz Do Iguacu. You can get from Foz Do Iguacu to Sao Paulo by bus, private transfer, flight, or rental car. São Paulo, or Sampa as it is also often called, is the largest city in Brazil and the capital of the Southeastern state of São Paulo. It’s a …
Rio de Janeiro is well connected with Brasilia. You can get from Brasilia to Rio de Janeiro by bus, private transfer, flight, or rental car. Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro is a top tourist destination with beautiful natural scenery, an eclectic culture, and some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Rio is a vibrant …
Rio de Janeiro is well connected with Buzios. You can get from Buzios to Rio de Janeiro by bus, shared minivan, private transfer, or rental car. Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s ex-capital and second largest city, filled with colorful sights, exotic food, and friendly people! The city has a long interracial history of Portuguese, Japanese, …
Rio de Janeiro is well connected with Ouro Preto. You can get from Ouro Preto to Rio de Janeiro by bus, private transfer, or rental car. By choosing Rio de Janeiro as your next traveling destination, you can be sure that you will experience a vibrant, bustling city with a diverse range of attractions. Rio …
Lima is well connected with Paracas. You can get from Lima to Paracas by bus, private transfer, on a guided tour, or by a rental car! Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventurer, or want a relaxing vacation, the coastal town of Paracas has plenty to keep you busy. From desert dunes to marine fauna, …
Ica is well connected with Cusco. You can get from Cusco to Ica by bus, private transfer, or rental car. Ica is a popular destination for people who want to experience Peru’s natural beauty, history, and cultural diversity! Here, you can discover all the incredible scenery the desert offers while visiting archaeological sites that will …
Lima is well connected with Cusco. You can get from Cusco to Lima by bus, private transfer, flight, or rental car. Lima, the City of Kings, is the vibrant capital of Peru and a beautiful city that boasts incredible historical landmarks, tasty food, and colorful seaside neighborhoods! There’s a lot to see and do here; …
Machu Picchu is well connected with Cusco. You can get from Cusco to Machu Picchu by train and with an organized guided tour! Machu Picchu is one of the world’s great wonders, loaded with history and natural beauty and unparalleled in its majesty. That alone makes it a must-see destination for any traveler to Peru! …
Lima is well connected with Chiclayo. You can get from Chiclayo to Lima by bus, private transfer, flight, or rental car. The capital of Peru-Lima is a fascinating city that truly offers something for everyone! The City of Kings is a place that never fails to surprise visitors, and its charm has attracted thousands of …
Ollantaytambo is well connected with Machu Picchu. You can get from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo by Tourist Train, Panoramic Train, or a First Class Train! Ollantaytambo, Peru, is touted as one of the best small towns in Peru and definitely a must-visit when you are in the Sacred Valley! This picturesque village, nestled in the …
Lima is well connected with Huaraz. You can get from Huaraz to Lima by bus, private transfer, flight, or rental car. The city of Lima blends traditional cultures and modernity with its incredible range of historical buildings, vibrant neighborhoods, and stunning contemporary architecture. This capital has its unique charm, which can be easily seen after …
Lima is well connected with Ica. You can get from Ica to Lima by bus, private transfer, or rental car. Lima is the latest destination to take visitors by storm, offering an extraordinary range of emotions and sensations. The city’s surroundings are so breathtakingly beautiful and visually stunning that you will leave with a new …
Nazca is well connected with Ica. You can get from Ica to Nazca by bus, private transfer, rental car, or taxi. Nazca is a fascinating part of Peru packed with mystery, ancient cultures, and ancient drawings. This city is a unique destination for travelers who want to peek into Peru’s rich history or anyone looking …
Paracas is well connected with Ica. You can get from Ica to Paracas by bus, private transfer, or rental car. A thriving vacation destination that offers some of Peru’s best attractions, Paracas is an idyllic retreat perfect for any traveler! A trip to Paracas will let you experience the beauty of the ocean and the …
Puno is well connected with La Paz. You can get from La Paz to Puno by bus, private transfer, or transfer + tour. Puno is a unique corner in southeastern Peru that serves as the gateway to Lake Titicaca’s many varied tours! The colorful scenery and friendly people will draw you in and make you …
Mancora is well connected with Lima. You can get from Lima to Mancora by bus, flight + taxi, or rental car. If you’re looking to relax, soak up the sun or just add a little spice to your life, just come to Máncora and enjoy the quiet Peruvian beach life! This inviting seaside adventure destination …
Ollantaytambo is well connected with Cusco. You can get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by minivan, private transfer, rental car, or taxi. Ollantaytambo is a truly gorgeous village in Peru, especially for those wanting to explore the Sacred Valley! It’s a perfect place to take in the beauty of South America and is guaranteed to give …
Puerto Maldonado is well connected with Cusco. You can get from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado by bus, private transfer, flight, or rental car. Puerto Maldonado is a beautiful city located in Peru and the perfect base for wildlife lovers! It is the hub of activity in the southern Amazon and the gateway to the remote …
Puno is well connected with Cusco. You can get from Cusco to Puno by bus, train, private transfer, or rental car. There is no doubt that if you visit Lake Titicaca, Puno must be the place to go! Puno is a city full of joy and color that offers a great way to escape the …
Puno is well connected with Arequipa. You can get from Arequipa to Puno by bus, private transfer, guided tour, or rental car. Puno is a unique little town in southeast Peru and the starting point for many different tours to Lake Titicaca. Therefore, Puno is without a doubt the place to go if you’re planning …
Ica is well connected with Arequipa. You can get from Arequipa to Ica by bus, private transfer, or rental car. Nestled between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean, in central Peru’s Ica Valley stands the city of Ica. It is a beautiful desert landscape that has become a popular destination for amateur archaeologists, wine …
Cusco is well connected with Arequipa. You can get from Arequipa to Cusco by bus, flight, or rental car. If you’re planning a trip to Peru soon, it’s worth stopping in Cusco. You’ll find Peru’s historic capital, Cusco, a lovely place! The city is a cultural treasure, with gorgeous architecture and a dramatic setting at …
Nazca is well connected with Arequipa. You can get from Arequipa to Nazca by bus, private transfer, or rental car. A flight over the Nasca Lines is a must-do on any trip to Peru! The Nazca Lines are a collection of ancient etchings carved into the desert plains south of Lima. And what better way …
Medellin is well connected with Bogota. You can get from Bogota to Medellin by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, flight, rental car, or taxi. Medellin is the second-largest city in Colombia and shouldn’t be missing from your travel itinerary. Traveling between Bogota and Medellin is easy, and you can choose between a bus, shared shuttle, …
Galapagos Islands Hotels – I traveled to the Galapagos Islands on my own. Instead of sleeping on a boat, I booked hotels on the three main Islands Isabela, Santa Cruz, and San Cristobal. The Galapagos Islands offer not only spectacular nature but also very nice hotels to make your vacation even more special. During my …
San Cristobal Island rises from the water some 50 kilometers east of the other Galapagos islands. Find here the best things to do in San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands. Though not as large as Isla Isabela or as populated as Isla Santa Cruz, San Cristobal is definitely worth a stop. This island is actually one of …
Isla Isabela is the biggest island in the Galapagos. It actually accounts for over half of the entire archipelago’s landmass. Find here the best things to do on Isla Isabela, Galapagos Islands. But even so, the island is one of the least trafficked by travelers, and it’s home to just over 2000 of the 25,000 …
Santa Cruz is the second-largest island in the Galapagos and holds the islands’ largest village, Puerto Ayora. Check out the best things to do on Santa Cruz Island. The island was formed by a now dormant volcano left behind a stunning lava tunnel, which stretches a full two kilometers beneath the island’s surface. I spent …
Rio de Janeiro may well be the most famous city in Brazil—and maybe even in all of South America. Find here the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro. Many travelers actually mistake this majestic coastal city for the capital of Brazil. And that assumption’s not completely unfounded. The city was the capital of …
Hiking in Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia is one of the greatest adventures in South America. You can choose between different Torres del Paine national park hikes and enjoy breathtaking views. Written by Steph from Worldly Adventurer It’s the final few steps as the path careers back on itself and over the brow …
Machu Picchu is doubtless the most famous place in Peru. However, the country has way more to offer for adventurous travelers like the Colca Canyon Trek. Peru is a great country for adventurous travelers. The first thing that might come to your mind is Machu Pichu and the Inca trail. Read also: Best Trips for …
Cruising down the Amazon River on a slow boat is a unique way for travelers to experience nature on the world’s largest river. This journey is an awesome adventure but is not the kind of adventure travelers often picture. There are not many roads crossing through the dense jungle of the Amazon, and the river …
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with an abundance of things to do. It has miles of beautiful white sand beaches, beautiful people, amazing history, culture, and gorgeous mountains surrounding it. Read also: Best Adventure Tours & Trips. One of the best hikes in Rio De Janeiro is …
Salar de Uyuni, the Salts Flats in Bolivia, is one of the places you must visit in South America. This article tells you everything you need to know to plan your Bolivia Salt Flats Tour in Uyuni. Imagine an other-worldly place. A desert that stretches out in front of you, perfectly flat, for what seems …
Where are the Galapagos Islands located, and what makes them so unique? This post explains the Galapagos Islands’ location. If you are thinking about traveling to the Galapagos Islands, you probably want to know the exact location of the Galapagos Islands. This post will show you where the Islands are and tell you why this …
Ultimate 10 Day Land-Based Itinerary Galapagos Islands including Galapagos Hotels and best Galapagos Tours. The Galapagos Islands are almost as famous as their name is fun to say. Some 1400 hundred miles off the coast of its mother country, Ecuador, this one-of-a-kind archipelago juts up from the depths of the Pacific Ocean. The islands’ isolated …
When you imagine Rio de Janeiro, your mind might not jump to spinning blades and the familiar whir of a hovering helicopter. Instead, you probably picture one of the countless iconic views of the city—from the Christ Redeemer to Copacabana Beach and the picturesque mesh and weave of urban sprawl with jungle wilderness like nowhere …
Lined with golden sand along the eastern and southern extremities, Rio de Janeiro beaches, among them the Ipanema beach and Copacabana, inform its social make-up, fashion, and leisure. A stream of vendors hauls from barbecued cheese and iced tea to trays of cocktails, maintaining the buzz much alive. Jogging, beach volley, surfing, swimming, and an …
If you are looking for an adventure in Ecuador, I highly recommend you to visit Baños. There is a reason why it is also called the adventure capital of Ecuador. As you might know, I like to combine adventurous activities during the day with a luxury hotel that offers good food, spa treatments and a …
Stretching from north of the Equator to as close to Antarctica as you can get (without getting your feet wet), the best places to visit in South America hold plenty of opportunities for every type of traveler. South America is one of the most varied and culturally rich continents on the planet. The continent has …
Join one of the greatest adventures and cycle the Death Road Bolivia (North Yungas Road), one of the most dangerous roads in the world. Deep within the Andes, Death Road, Bolivia winds its way along with narrow cliff faces and harrowing blind curves. Sheer rock and mountain climb hundreds of meters into the air to …
Bolivia lies landlocked between Chile, Peru, Brazil, and Paraguay. But even without an attractive coastline or beaches, the country holds countless things for savvy travelers to see and do. Ecologically, the country holds an almost unbelievable array of environmental diversity, especially for a country its size: it is home to the rich Amazonian rainforest, snow-capped …
If you’re in Ecuador and looking for an adventure (or at the very least, a very lively weekend), I recommend a visit to Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador. This jungle mountain town is named for its thermal baths. Each day, hundreds of locals and travelers flock to these healing mineral waters to enjoy their soothing …
Show someone a picture from Patagonia—perhaps a snapshot of the imposing Monte San Valentin or precious Perito Moreno Glacier, and chances are they’ll guess it’s a photo from somewhere else: British Columbia, maybe, or the Alps or Himalayas. Fair or not, South America isn’t the first place most of us think of when we picture …
The city’s first European settlers and sailors named Buenos Aires, or “good airs,” chose the name thanks to the strong winds that brought them to the South American continent. As the capital of Argentina, some 14 million people call Buenos Aires home. It’s actually the second most visited city in Latin America (and the first …
I asked a bunch of travel bloggers for their ultimate best things to in Ecuador and Ecuador tourist attractions. The Republic of Ecuador is a country that has long captivated travelers. The first indigenous peoples settled here around 12,000 years ago, and since then, the land has hosted a rich human history. Today the artifacts …
Quito, Ecuador, is a sprawling city that lines the rolling hills and slopes of the Guayllabamba basin. At nearly 3000 meters above sea level, Quito is one of the highest national capitals in South America and the world. Home to nearly 3 million inhabitants and 32 districts, Quito has a rich history. The city was …
There are many fun things to do in Santiago, Chile. Like most large cities, Santiago has great food and some awesome things to see and do. If you’re spending a few days in Santiago and are looking for some great experiences, we’ve got you covered. Nestled within the Santiago Valley and surrounded by majestic snow-capped …
Machu Picchu is easily accessible, and there a several ways visitors get there. Check out our guide on how to get to Machu Picchu, Peru. Machu Picchu is, hands down, one of the coolest places on the planet. Nestled high in the Andean mountains, some eighty miles from Cusco, it’s perhaps the most recognizable archaeological …
Lima has been deemed the gastronomic capital of the Americas. And that’s for a good reason — the Peruvian capital city has three of the world’s 50 best restaurants. But Lima has so much more to offer than great eats: stunning ocean views, opportunities for unforgettable adventures, and an immersive history seen nowhere else. The …
Peru is a stunning country rich in both cultural history and natural wonders. Those looking for the best things to do in Peru will find that the country holds a bit of everything, from sand dunes and desert caravans to one-of-a-kind ecology and island life and a truly unique cultural heritage. Those familiar with Peru’s …
Cusco is an ancient and intriguing city. One of the only major cities in the world located at above 11,000 feet, the city would be a marvel in modern times. But Cusco’s history makes it even more impressive. Cusco is an ancient capital. Nestled high in the Andean mountains, it served as the seat of …
Imagine a bus trip without the hassle, a bus trip where missing a ride or extending your stay in a city for a day (or week!) wouldn’t automatically break your budget. How does it work? Peru Hop, an unorthodox bus tour company founded by two Irish ex-pats who now live in Peru, has made this …
Medellín, Colombia, a city nestled high within the Colombian mountains, has a rich cultural history. Its architecture is stunning, spanning from Spanish colonial to works of modern renown. The city has also received acclaim as an emerging eco-tourism hotspot. But, unfortunately, when most international travelers think of Medellín, they jump to the city’s darker past. …
Bogotá is the heart of modern Colombia and, with 8 million inhabitants, the largest and most populated city. It was regarded as unsafe for tourists and is now home to a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene, a beautiful colonial quarter with impressive architecture, and world-class museums. I have asked a bunch of bloggers about their …
I just finished traveling around South America for ten months. Besides the fact that the entire experience was incredible, one country really stood out for me – Colombia! Colombia is a country that has managed to shed its previous reputation by welcoming travelers with open arms to explore what is not only a beautiful place …
What to do in Cartagena besides exploring the historic city center? Escape from the colonial city and go diving! The magnificent archipel Rosario Island Nationalpark is one of the 46 Nationalparks of Colombia. It consists of about 30 small islands and is located around 1 hour bout ride away from them mainland. Secluded beaches and …
Only a few walking minutes from the well-known historic center of Cartagena in Colombia, you find the Getsemani barrio, which turns out to be the new hip and urban place to be in Cartagena. Getsemani served as the slave’s barrio, buildings have hardly been renovated, there are not many fancy hotels, but Getsemani counts to Cartagena’s …
Over the years, Cartagena de Indias became a favorite destination for romantic weekends with its cobbled streets, historic center, romantic sunsets, and colorful buildings. Staying in a Boutique Hotel will round off your romantic experience in Cartagena. Read here my Luxury Hotel Review – LM Luxury Boutique Hotel Cartagena. Behind the immense white wooden walls of …