South America

Untamed, Alive & Extraordinary

From the cloud citadels of the Inca to the thundering falls of Iguazú, South America is a continent that doesn't just impress — it overwhelms every sense.

Explore Destinations View Sample Itinerary
12
Countries
6
UNESCO Biospheres
40%
of World's Species
Colourful streets of Cartagena, Colombia
7,000km
Andes Mountain Chain
Why South America

A Continent That Pulses With Life

South America is the planet at its most dramatic. The Amazon basin holds more biodiversity than anywhere on Earth. The Andes form the longest continental mountain range. Patagonia's glaciers and steppes stretch to the end of the world.

But it's the warmth of the people — the music, the dance, the food shared on every corner — that makes this continent truly unforgettable. From the tango halls of Buenos Aires to the cloud forests of Ecuador, every day is an adventure.

Machu Picchu
Amazon Rainforest
Patagonia Glaciers
Iguazú Falls
Galápagos Islands
Buenos Aires Tango
Where to Go

Iconic Destinations

Every country offers a completely different character — Andean highlands, tropical coastlines, glacial wilderness, and cities that never sleep.

Machu Picchu ruins Peru
Peru
Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley
The Inca citadel in the clouds — one of the world's most extraordinary archaeological sites.
Iguazú Falls Argentina Brazil
Argentina & Brazil
Iguazú Falls
275 cascades spanning 2.7km — the most powerful waterfall system on the planet.
Patagonia mountains and glaciers
Argentina & Chile
Patagonia
Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno Glacier, and the wild end of the Earth.
Rio de Janeiro aerial view
Brazil
Rio de Janeiro & the Amazon
Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana, carnival energy — then deep into the world's greatest rainforest.
Galápagos Islands tortoise
Ecuador
Galápagos Islands
Walk among giant tortoises, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies on Darwin's living laboratory.
Unforgettable Moments

Ways to Experience the Continent

South America rewards the curious traveller with experiences that range from awe-inspiring to deeply intimate — often on the same day.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Adventure

The Inca Trail

Trek four days through cloud forest and ancient ruins to reach the Sun Gate at dawn — your first glimpse of Machu Picchu spread below.

Amazon rainforest canopy
Wildlife

Amazon River Lodge

Stay deep in the rainforest canopy. Spot pink river dolphins, howler monkeys, and toucans with expert indigenous guides.

Buenos Aires tango dance
Culture

Tango in Buenos Aires

Learn the steps in a San Telmo milonga, then dine on Argentine steak and Malbec in the city they call the Paris of South America.

Torres del Paine Patagonia hiking
Trekking

Patagonia's W Trek

Five days through Torres del Paine — glacier-blue lakes, granite towers, and guanaco herds on wind-swept steppes.

Salar de Uyuni salt flats Bolivia
Landscape

Salar de Uyuni

The world's largest salt flat transforms into a perfect mirror after rain — an otherworldly landscape in the Bolivian altiplano.

Galápagos Islands snorkelling
Nature

Galápagos Expedition

Cruise between volcanic islands, snorkel with sea lions, and walk alongside animals that show no fear of humans.

Natural Wonders

The Planet's Richest Ecosystems

South America holds 40% of the world's biodiversity and some of its most dramatic natural landmarks.

Amazon rainforest canopy

The Amazon

The world's largest rainforest — 5.5 million km² of unparalleled biodiversity spanning nine countries.

Andes mountains peaks

The Andes

The world's longest mountain range — 7,000km of volcanoes, glaciers, and highland cultures from Colombia to Patagonia.

Iguazú Falls power

Iguazú Falls

275 cascades roaring across the Argentina-Brazil border — more powerful and wider than Niagara or Victoria Falls.

Perito Moreno Glacier

Patagonian Ice Fields

Perito Moreno Glacier — one of the few advancing glaciers on Earth — calves house-sized blocks into turquoise lakes.

Taste the Continent

A Culinary Fiesta

From Peru's ceviche revolution to Argentina's asado tradition, South America's food scene is among the world's most exciting.

Peruvian ceviche with lime

Peruvian Ceviche

Fresh fish cured in lime juice with chilli, onion, and sweet potato — Lima is now a world gastronomy capital.

Argentine asado steak

Argentine Asado

Slow-grilled beef over wood fires, paired with chimichurri and Malbec — Argentina's sacred social ritual.

Brazilian street food

Brazilian Street Food

Pão de queijo, açaí bowls, feijoada, and caipirinhas — Brazil's diverse culinary culture is as vibrant as its people.

Plan Your Trip

When to Visit

South America spans the tropics to the sub-Antarctic — the best time depends entirely on where you're headed.

🌿

Dry Season (Andes)

May — October

The ideal window for Peru, Bolivia, and the Inca Trail. Clear skies over Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Cool nights at altitude.

☀️

Summer (Patagonia)

November — March

The only season for Patagonia trekking. Long daylight hours, wildflowers, and accessible mountain passes. Still expect wind and rain.

🌴

Year-Round (Tropics)

Any Month

The Galápagos, Amazon, and Colombian coast are warm year-round. June–November is best for Galápagos marine life. Amazon is lush in wet season.

🎭

Festival Season

February — March

Rio Carnival (Feb/Mar), Oruro Carnival in Bolivia, and Inti Raymi in Cusco (June). Plan around festivals for unforgettable cultural immersion.

Sample Journey

16-Day Peru, Argentina & Brazil

Our most popular South American route — ancient Inca ruins, Patagonian glaciers, Iguazú Falls, and the rhythm of Rio.

01

Arrive in Lima

Welcome to Peru's cosmopolitan capital. Explore the historic centre, Miraflores, and dine at one of the world's top restaurants.

02

Fly to Cusco

Acclimatise at 3,400m. Wander the cobblestone streets, visit the Cathedral, and explore the ancient Inca walls of Sacsayhuamán.

03

Sacred Valley

Full day exploring Ollantaytambo, Pisac markets, and Moray's circular terraces. Lunch with a local family. Overnight in the valley.

04

Machu Picchu

Train to Aguas Calientes and ascend to the citadel at dawn. Guided tour of the ruins, free time to explore, and the iconic Sun Gate hike.

05

Return to Cusco

Morning at Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu summit. Afternoon train back to Cusco. Evening free for San Blas neighbourhood dining.

06

Fly to Buenos Aires

Arrive in Argentina's elegant capital. Evening walking tour of La Boca, San Telmo, and a traditional tango show with dinner.

07

Buenos Aires

Explore Recoleta Cemetery, the grand avenues, and Puerto Madero. Lunch at a classic parrilla. Afternoon at leisure or Tigre Delta cruise.

08

Fly to El Calafate

Gateway to Patagonia. Afternoon visit to Perito Moreno Glacier — watch immense ice blocks calve into Lago Argentino from the walkways.

09

Perito Moreno — Ice Trekking

Optional mini-trekking on the glacier itself. Walk on ancient blue ice with crampons, then toast with glacier whisky on the shore.

10

Fly to El Chaltén (optional)

Hiking capital of Argentina. Day trek to Laguna de los Tres for the iconic view of Mount Fitz Roy's granite spires.

11

Return to Buenos Aires

Fly back to Buenos Aires. Free afternoon for shopping on Florida Street or exploring Palermo's parks and restaurants.

12

Fly to Iguazú Falls

Argentine side — walk the catwalks above and below the falls. The Devil's Throat is 80m of roaring, misty power.

13

Iguazú — Brazilian Side

Cross into Brazil for panoramic views of the entire falls system. Optional zodiac boat ride into the cascades.

14

Fly to Rio de Janeiro

Arrive in the Cidade Maravilhosa. Afternoon at Copacabana or Ipanema Beach. Evening caipirinha with sunset views.

15

Cristo Redentor & Sugarloaf

Ascend Corcovado to Christ the Redeemer, then cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain. Tour Santa Teresa and the Selarón Steps.

16

Depart Rio de Janeiro

Final morning at leisure. Transfer to the airport — or extend to the Amazon, Galápagos, or Colombia for more adventure.

Before You Go

Essential Travel Tips

Practical advice to help you navigate South America's vast distances, diverse climates, and vibrant cultures.

🏔️

Altitude Acclimatisation

Cusco sits at 3,400m and La Paz at 3,640m. Arrive a day early, drink coca tea, stay hydrated, and take it slow for the first 24 hours.

💉

Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccination is required for the Amazon regions of Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. Consult your travel doctor 6–8 weeks before departure.

💰

Multiple Currencies

Each country has its own currency. US dollars are widely accepted as backup. ATMs are available in cities but unreliable in remote areas — carry cash.

🗣️

Learn Basic Spanish

English is limited outside major tourist areas. A few phrases go a long way — locals genuinely appreciate the effort. Brazil speaks Portuguese.

✈️

Book Internal Flights Early

Distances are enormous — Lima to Buenos Aires is a 4-hour flight. Domestic flights sell out in peak season. Book early for the best fares.

🧴

Sun & Insect Protection

UV is intense at altitude and in the tropics. Pack strong sunscreen, insect repellent with DEET, and lightweight long sleeves for the Amazon.

🎒

Pack for All Climates

You may experience tropical heat, desert cold, and glacial wind in a single trip. Layers are essential — bring a quality rain jacket.

🛡️

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive cover is essential. Ensure it includes altitude sickness, adventure activities, and medical evacuation from remote areas.

Your South American Adventure Starts Here

Let our specialists craft a bespoke journey through the Andes, the Amazon, and beyond — tailored to your pace, interests, and sense of adventure.

Start Planning Your Trip