Immerse yourself in adventure, culture and wild beauty
From the dramatic, wind-swept peaks and colossal glaciers of Patagonia and the enigmatic ruins of Machu Picchu in the Andean highlands, to the unparalleled biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands and beyond, South America is an awe-inspiring continent. Ancient civilisations and dynamic cultures have flourished here with the most spectacular natural wonders as a backdrop.
Argentina is a dream destination, simply perfect for exploring. Visit thundering waterfalls, mighty glaciers, soaring mountains and dusty deserts. Its neighbour Chile may be narrow in comparison, but is home to incredibly diverse landscapes. Explore the lunar-like Atacama Desert in the north and the breathtaking icefields of Patagonia to the south.
Bolivia is another country of natural extremes, with the majestic Andean highlands meeting vast salt flats and the lush Amazon jungle. Sharing its border is Peru, where you can immerse yourself in an enduring cultural heritage as you journey across inspiring landscapes.
Head north and you’ll reach Ecuador which invites you to explore more of the Andes, the cloud forests near the capital of Quito and venture into the Amazon for incredible wildlife viewing. Then main port city of Guayaquil is the gateway to the Galápagos Islands. The lack of large predators on these islands means that the wildlife here is a huge draw, including giant tortoises and brilliant birdlife. You’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to adventure activities like hiking, snorkeling and kayaking.
Relax on idyllic beaches, venture into the desert and move to the pulse of a thriving city in Colombia. For incredible art and history experiences, head to Medellin and Bogota, and visit charming farms in the Coffee Triangle. Then, to the east of the continent are Brazil and Uruguay. Rio de Janeiro promises a lively taste of Brazil’s spirit, while the vast wetlands of the Pantanal tempt with the possibility of jaguar sightings. And for more truly memorable wildlife viewing, the Brazilian Amazon is not to be missed. Finally, Uruguay boasts sun-drenched beaches, rolling vineyards and cobbled fishing village streets.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
South America is a destination of breathtaking extremes, from the glacial peaks of Patagonia to the lush Amazon rainforest, offering a journey that is both grand in scale and deeply personal. I love creating itineraries here because every country is a world unto itself, allowing us to craft a truly unique and unforgettable adventure that perfectly matches your spirit of exploration.
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury Accommodation in South America
There are many incredible places to stay in South America. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
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Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
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Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our South America example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
Explore South America
Argentina
From thundering waterfalls and mighty glaciers to soaring mountains and the dusty desert, Argentina is a true heavyweight when it comes to natural beauty, and there is so much to do.
Bolivia
Bolivia is surrounded by some of South America’s giants, both in terms of size and popularity. However, it more than holds it own thanks to its incredibly diverse landscapes.
Brazil
Whether you’re looking to relax on beautiful beaches, explore pretty towns, adventure into the rainforest, party in world-famous festivities or search for wildlife, Brazil has it all.
Chile
It may be narrow and small compared to some of its colossal neighbours, but Chile is home to some of South America’s most dramatic landscapes.
Colombia
Prepare to be amazed by Colombia's staggering diversity: picture yourself relaxing on golden beaches, exploring arid deserts, venturing into lush rainforests and exploring vibrant cities.
Ecuador
Ecuador is a beautiful and exceptionally varied country with a range of distinct geographical environments.
Galapagos
Surely one of the most amazing places on Earth, the Galápagos Islands are perhaps the only place in the world where you can see wildlife so close up.
Peru
A land where the echoes of ancient empires resonate through sky-piercing peaks, and the mighty Amazon snakes through lush jungle, Peru invites you to embark on a journey across breathtaking landscapes and immerse yourself in its enduring cultural heritage.
Uruguay
Uruguay is often overlooked by tourists, but this compact country packs enough of a cultural and aesthetic punch to warrant greater attention.
Meet your Latin America team
When to visit
The climates on this vast continent vary dramatically by region. If you’re visiting the Andean Highlands (Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador), you’ll find the most pleasant weather between May and September, ideal for hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. November to March offers long days and mild temperatures in Patagonia (Southern Argentina and Chile) making for great wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures. For hiking, visit the Brazilian Amazon and Pantanal from June to November, and for the Andes and Caribbean coast in Colombia, aim for December to March.
Hiking and walking
May–September
Wildlife viewing
November–March
On the water
December–May
South America Travel Guides
Plan your trip to South America
Whatever you want from your adventure in South America, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Ask our experts
What is the difference between Central and South America?
Although they are both culturally part of Latin America, there are several differences between Central and South America. Comprising seven countries, Central America is a narrow bridge of land between North and South America covered by dense jungle and active volcanoes. South America is a large continent containing 12 independent countries, encompassing a wide range of landscapes and climates.
What are the most beautiful countries in South America?
The most beautiful countries in South America are often considered to be Argentina and Chile, for the captivating natural wonders of Patagonia, including Torres del Paine and Perito Moreno glacier, and Peru for its soaring mountains, blue lakes and ancient ruins. South America is home to a wide range of beautiful countries, encompassing desert, mountains, waterfalls, rainforest and beaches.
What are the best months to go to South America?
The best months to go to South America depend on what you’d like to do. For hiking in Patagonia, the best months to go are from December to March, but for hiking in Peru, including Machu Picchu, the best months to visit are May to October. For Brazil’s beaches, visit from December to March, which includes the famous Rio de Janeiro carnival period.
What are the best places for adventure trips in South America?
The best places for adventure trips in South America are Chile and Argentina because they offer a wide range of outdoor activities and landscapes. Take a boat trip to the mouth of Iguazu Falls, go kayaking or cycling in the Chilean Lake District, ride horses with gauchos in Argentina’s Pampas region and hike to glaciers, mountains and lakes in the Patagonia region.
Where are the best beaches in South America?
Some of the best beaches in South America are in Brazil and Colombia. In Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is famous for lively beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema, but smaller towns such as Florianopolis and Buzios are also home to stunning tropical beaches. In Colombia, the best beaches are found on the Caribbean coast, in places such as Cartagena and Tayrona.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
