Whether you are after relaxation on the tropical beaches, want to traverse the high altitude salt flats, explore the. largest rainforest in the world, or enjoy some of the wildest festivals in the world, then South America certainly delivers! If you dream of backpacking South America, view my top tips and start planning an epic adventure today.
South America Travel Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
South America Tours
Due to the language barrier, huge distances and also safest concerns, I recommend to consider booking small group tours with operators G Adventures or Contiki. Both companies offer amazing trips throughout South America, you can visit individual countries, or go overland for weeks/months taking in the highlights of the continent.
Best Places to Go
South America is huge, and I mean huge! If you are planning a trip for the first time and want to discover the highlights, these are some of the countries I recommend adding to your itinerary:
• Argentina
• Brazil
• Bolivia
• Chile
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Peru
Off the beaten track lesser visited destinations if you are looking for a proper adventure include:
• Guyana
• Paraguay
• Uruguay
• Venezuela
Popular Cities & Destinations
Check out my guides to popular towns, cities and locations:
• Rio de Janeiro
• Buenos Aires
• Santiago
• Sao Paulo
• Lima
• Montevideo
• Patagonia
• Galapagos Islands
Best Things to Do in South America
Discover Rio de Janeiro
Is there a more spectacular city in the world than Rio de Janeiro? I struggle to think of one. Commonly known as just Rio, this exciting destination is the second largest city in Brazil with a population of 6.7 million (though it’s not the capital, pub quiz fans). Famed for its breathtaking views, chilled beach culture and annual carnival – the biggest carnival in the world, with two million people filling the streets every day. If you like a party – and who doesn’t? You don’t want to miss this city.
Feel the Spray of Iguazu Falls
Photos do not do the Iguazu Falls justice. Bordering Argentina and Brazil, these mighty waterfalls put Niagara Falls to shame and have to be seen in real life. Made up of 275 falls, Iguazu is a beast, the tallest of these called Devil’s Throat with a drop of more than 80 metres. You can visit both sides of the falls and even take a boat out. Just remember to pack your poncho. This really is one of the top places to see in South America, with staggering beauty and nature.
Snorkel with Sea Lions in the Galapagos Islands
One of the most incredible wildlife experiences to be had, the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador are home to a huge amount of wildlife species, many endemic to the islands themselves. A highlight here are the playful sea lions, who inhabit a number of the islands. Snorkel in the water and you will often be joined by a number of inquisitive sea lions as well as other marine life.
See the Perito Moreno Glacier
Perito Moreno is special for a number of reasons. Not only is it one of the only glaciers still growing, it is situated in one of the most beautiful regions in the world, Patagonia. Spanning over 240 feet above the water you can stand on the viewing platforms and if you are lucky, see a huge chunk of ice calve off into the turquoise water below.
Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Peru is home to a huge amount of experiences of a lifetime. Spending the night in the Amazon Jungle, visiting Lake Titicaca, or exploring the sand dunes in Huacachina, the list is endless. However, one of the main reasons for people wanting to travel to Peru, is to see the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. Some people get the train, some take the Lares Valley Trek, but for us, the top way to get to Machu Picchu is by following in the footsteps of the Incas on the Inca Trail Trek. Four days of hiking and camping along the way, is all worth it when you reach the Sun Gate and see Machu Picchu spread out in front of you.
Trek to the Lost City in Colombia
If you’re reading this you’ve heard of the Inca Trail, the trek to Kilimanjaro and the many trails of Yosemite National Park to name a few…but an undiscovered gem that is not to be missed is the 4-5 day hike to the Lost City in Colombia. Take off on an unforgettable 28 mile adventure through the jungles and river valleys of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and learn about the sacred indigenous culture of the Wiwa community. It’s not for the faint hearted, but well worth it for the experience and sense of accomplishment hat you get when you reach the top of those lush jungle views that can only be reached by foot.
Admire the “out of this world” Valle de la Luna in Chile
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a different planet, the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) landscape in Chile might just be the closest thing. The unique area is located in the Atacama Desert, the driest place on earth where it’s thought that some areas have received no rainfall in hundreds of years! The landscape is a result of millions of years of unforgiving weather, creating unique sand and rock formations that have been artistically carved by the wind. The impressive canvas is somewhat similar to the surface of the moon, forming an otherworldly experience for those lucky enough to visit. In fact, a prototype for the Mars rover was tested on the terrain because of its incredibly dry and hostile environment. On a clear day, with the vibrant blue sky looking over the orange and red hued rocks and sand dunes, you’ll momentarily forget which planet you are in fact on.
Pose for Photos on the Uyuni Salt Flats
The magical Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia are a must-see for anyone visiting South America. The largest of the world’s salt flats, they stretch out as far as the eye can see and tend to be a photographer’s dream. It is perfect for an optic illusion photo, with the reflections and the light bouncing off the floor of the salt flats.
Cycle Death Road in Bolivia
Do you like living life on the edge? We mean literally on the edge? Then hop on a bike and cycle the infamous death road! Once known as the most dangerous road in the world, construction of a newer section started in 2006 and barriers were also put in place, making it considerably safer than in the past. Nevertheless, it remains a thrilling adventure with precarious cliff side drops, and offers multiple views along the way.
South America Travel Tips
Language
Be sure to learn the basics of Spanish (or Portuguese for Brazil). This will help travelling here much easier, as you will be surprised how few people actually speak English. I wrote a list of useful Spanish phrases for travel which you might want to check out.
Getting Around
Short on time? Book flights (if you have the money). On a budget, use local buses. Although sometimes slow and unreliable, there is a great service connecting the continent (view my tips for bus travel in South America). Worried about safety, meeting others or just want an easy way to go to the best places, search tours.
Budget
South America is really cheap compared to North America and Europe for example, but you can still spend a lot of money especially when sightseeing. Hostels here are super cheap and the best place to stay in South America on a budget. Be sure to eat street food and at local cafes and restaurants. The major cities in South America, especially São Paulo and Rio, are really expensive compared to other locations.
Safety
South America has a reputation, and of course it’s wise to be cautious but try to enjoy the experience of backpacking here and do not let safety concerns stop your enjoyment. Bad things can happen anywhere and most people you encounter here will be very open and friendly, especially if you speak Spanish/Portuguese. Some simple tips include not wandering around new locations at night by yourself, don’t flash valuables, don’t get unlicensed taxi’s and arrive at destination in the morning/day rather than late at night.
Solo Travel in South America
Going on a solo adventure in this region can be an incredible experience, go where you want, where you want at your own pace. Hostels, language classes and group tours are a great way to meet others if you are worried about being lonely.
Food to Try
Pisco Sour (Peru or Chile)
If you’re after a drink for a virtual party with your friends then the Pisco Sour is the one. The drink originates from Peru but is also often found on menus in Chile. Its main ingredients are the Peruvian liquor “Pisco” and lime juice, hence the name Pisco Sour. While it may not sound groundbreaking, it’s a refreshing and delicious drink that will make you feel like you’re sat in one of Lima’s colonial bars with the wind of the pacific ocean running through your hair. Be warned, if you can easily taste liquor you might want to adjust the measurements. Try making one serving first and add more lime or sugar syrup to adjust it to your tolerance levels.
Arepas (Colombia)
Arepas – a classic Colombian and Venezuelan dish that can be found in many South American countries. They are made from cornflour and formed similar to a round flatbread, which is then stuffed with a wide variety of fillings. More traditional fillings usually include beef, black beans, rice and plantain. Arepas might not look like much but oh boy, once you’ve tried them you will not be able to go back. You’ll even disregard how messy it can be to eat them. The good thing is that you can stuff your arepas with whatever healthy (or unhealthy) fillings you like.
Caipirinhas (Brazil)
If you like alcohol try caipirinhas in Brazil, this is a national cocktail made with rum, lime juice and sugar. Check out my simple caipirinha recipe if you would like to try this at home.
Spotlight: The Incas
By visiting South America you will get to learn more about the Inca’s and the history and tradition of this continent. Here is a brief background.
The Incas developed the largest and most complex pre-Colombian (i.e. before Columbus) state anywhere in North or South America, reaching its peak in the early 1500s when it stretched from the present-day borders of Ecuador and Colombia as far south as northern Chile and Argentina, including Bolivia and parts of Amazonia.
The huge growth of the empire was directed by its most outstanding emperor (or inca), Pachacuti, who came to power in 1438, and whose own Quechua-speaking tribe rapidly conquered and subsumed the smaller states along the coast and around the margins, imposing their language and cultural values on their subjects. Cusco was their capital, created by military decree, the surrounding villages cleared away for construction.
The Incas never developed the wheel or the domestication of the horse – or gunpowder – but the empire was highly developed, economically, with a network of roads and trails reaching every corner, of which today’s “Inca Trail” is just one example. By the time of the conquistadors’ arrival, however, Pachacuti’s successors were fighting a civil war, making their subjugation by the Europeans, armed with new technology, relatively simple.
I love South America, its my home continent so I am slightly biased, but every time I travel, there is always somewhere different to experience. Now go explore it yourself!