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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.

Destinations in South America

RIO DE JANEIRO

PATAGONIA

BOLIVIA

PERU

LIMA PERU

CUSCO PERU

ECUADOR

QUITO ECUADOR

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

MEDELLIN COLOMBIA

BOGOTA COLOMBIA

BUENOS AIRES

SANTIAGO DE CHILE

Best Adventure Tours in South America

VISITING THE SALT FLATS OF BOLIVIA

CYCLING THE DEATH ROAD

TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

Machu Picchu

HIKE THE MORRO DIOS IRMAOS

HELICOPTER TOUR IN RIO DE JANEIRO

COLCA CANYON PERU TREK

CRUISING DOWN THE AMAZON RIVER

Book your vacation now!

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.

  • AgodaAgoda is an amazing website to book hotel rooms. When we are traveling in Asia we do not use any other website.

  • Booking.comBooking is another great platform to look for hotels. Low prices, great selection, and an easy-to-use interface!

  • HostelworldHostelworld is in our opinion the best website to search for hostels. You can find rooms and beds of more than 35.000 accommodations in 180 countries.

  • Get Your Guide helps you to find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s normally the first website that we check when we plan a trip to a new place.

  • RentalCarsRentalcars compares 900 companies at over 53,000 locations to guarantee you the best price.

  • Momondo – Momondo is the first website we use when we are looking for a cheap flight.

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 …

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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 …

Read More about How to get from Cusco to Arequipa, Peru

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 …

Read More about How to get from Florianopolis to Foz Do Iguacu, Brazil

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! …

Read More about How to get from Rio De Janeiro to Sao Paulo, Brazil

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 …

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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? …

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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, …

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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 …

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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, …

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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 …

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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 …

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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; …

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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! …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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