South America is a continent of superlatives - home to the world’s largest rainforest, the longest mountain range, and some of the richest biodiversity on Earth.

But what makes it truly special is the way nature and culture are so deeply intertwined. Indigenous traditions are not relics of the past here. They’re alive and thriving, and woven into daily life from the high Andes to the Amazon basin.

Whether you’re drawn to dramatic landscapes, off-the-grid adventures, or open-hearted cities where music, food, and conversation flow freely, South America offers a unique mix of raw beauty and cultural depth.

Below, you'll find all the South American countries we've explored, along with our favourite experiences in each. Each country links to our travel guides to help you plan your next adventure.

Overview: Exciting Countries to Visit in South America

Amazing Travel Destinations in South America

1. Argentina

Best for food & wine / local cultural experiences / scenic landscapes / music & dance

Neat rows of vineyards stretch toward the Andes, bathed in pink light from the sunrise in Mendoza, Argentina.
Packed stands of El Monumental stadium erupt with cheers during a high-energy football rivalry game in Buenos Aires.
Rivalry football match in Buenos Aires

Every experience feels rich with tradition in Argentina.

A simple afternoon might turn into a carne asada - a slow, social barbecue with sizzling cuts of beef cooked over open flames and shared with friends. In Buenos Aires, tango is everywhere, from elegant performances in historic theatres to social dances at milongas.

Football is like a religion, with locals gathering in bars or stadiums to cheer and chant with unmatched passion. And in Mendoza, sun-drenched vineyards at the foot of the Andes invite you to sip bold Malbecs.

It’s a place where food, dancing, music and sport bring people together - and where nearly every moment feels like a shared celebration.

Our 3 Top Travel Experiences in Argentina:

🍷 Tasting Malbecs in the Mendoza wine region, surrounded by vineyards and sweeping views of the Andes.

⚽️ Feeling the roaring energy at a rival football match in Buenos Aires, where every chant and cheer spills into the streets.

💃 Experiencing the magic of tango - watching powerful live performances and dancing among locals at a late-night milonga.

See our Argentina travel guides.

2. Brazil

Best for tropical beaches / music / lively social scene / unique biodiversity

Sugarloaf Mountain rises above the Rio de Janeiro coastline, with sailboats in the bay and the city stretching below.
Crowds gather on Ipanema Beach at sunset, as Cec in a beach cover-up relaxes in the sand facing Rio’s golden horizon.
Rio de Janeiro

Brazil radiates energy, colour, and rhythm. From the lush depths of the Amazon to the golden beaches of Rio, it’s a place where nature, music, and culture collide in unique ways.

You’ll find street parties that last all night, locals who welcome you like family, and a contagious love of life that fills every corner - from samba clubs to city beaches.

Travellers who look for local cultural experiences, social connection, tropical scenery, and a little bit of chaos in the best way will feel right at home in Brazil.

Our 3 Top Travel Experiences in Brazil:

🌅 Swimming and watching the sunset over Ipanema Beach.

🍻 Stumbling into spontaneous street parties in Rio, where a casual drink at a local bar turns into dancing, live music, and the whole street coming alive around you.

🎶 Listening to live Bossa Nova in one of the genre’s historic clubs, then dancing to samba shoulder-to-shoulder with locals at parties.

Check out our Brazil travel guides.

3. Chile

Best for extreme landscapes / road trips / hiking / stargazing

Sharp granite towers loom above a turquoise glacial lake in Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park, Chile.
Cec gazes up at the Hand of the Desert, a massive hand sculpture emerging from Chile’s Atacama Desert floor at sunset.
Exploring Chile's extreme landscapes

Chile’s dramatic geographic diversity makes it one of the most unique travel destinations in the world. Stretching from the driest desert on Earth to the glaciers and windswept peaks of Patagonia, it feels like crossing multiple continents in a single country.

In the Atacama Desert, you’ll find Mars-like landscapes and some of the clearest night skies on the planet.

Further south, road trips lead through the mystical Elqui Valley with its cacti-covered mountains and pisco distilleries, the vine-covered slopes of wine country, and into the rugged wilderness of Patagonia.

Chile is a destination for curious travellers who crave adventure and love to explore extraordinary landscapes.

Our 3 Top Travel Experiences in Chile:

🥾 Hiking the W Trek in Patagonia and reaching the base of the iconic Torres del Paine.

🎨 Exploring Valparaiso, a gritty, artistic port city alive with street art, colour, and a thriving creative scene.

🌌 Driving the quiet, Mars-like roads of the Atacama Desert and stargazing under some of the clearest skies on Earth.

Explore our Chile travel guides.

4. Peru

Best for ancient ruins / rich culture/ hiking / world-class cuisine

Ancient stone ruins of Machu Picchu rise above cloud forest, with mist clinging to steep peaks in Peru’s Sacred Valley.
Three horses stand on a grassy slope beneath the snowy Salkantay Mountain, a dramatic stop along Peru’s scenic Salkantay Trek.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Shaped by ancient stories, bold flavours and soaring mountain landscapes, Peru offers a travel experience that feels both deeply rooted and full of discovery.

From the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu to mysterious sites like the Nazca Lines, it’s a dream for travellers drawn to ancient civilizations.

Food lovers will find one of the most exciting culinary scenes in the world here, where Indigenous, European, Japanese, Chinese, Arab and African influences come together to create flavourful dishes.

And for those who crave natural beauty and cultural depth, Peru’s Andean landscapes are breathtaking - not just for their scenery, but for the living Indigenous traditions woven into life across the highlands.

Our 3 Top Travel Experiences in Peru:

🥾 Hiking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - reaching Salkantay Pass at 4,630 metres, passing turquoise glacial lakes and trekking through the jungle to arrive at the ancient Incan citadel.

🦙 Stepping into Machu Picchu at sunrise as the morning fog lifted to reveal the ruins nestled between the peaks.

💐 Exchanging vows in an Andean wedding ceremony surrounded by the four elements - earth, air, fire, and water - at 3,900 metres, with Mount Salkantay rising behind us.

Check out our Peru guides.