South America Must-Sees: Machu Picchu, Patagonia, the Amazon and Rio
The four big sights for a first trip to South America, three routes that connect them sensibly, and advice on altitude, distances and permits.
Category
South America
14 guidesBest Time to Visit the Andes: Dry Season Windows for Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador
When to go for clear skies, safe trails and open roads in the Andes, with country-by-country timing and altitude tips.
Andes Must-See: Machu Picchu, La Paz, Quito and the Uyuni Salt Flat
Four Andean highlights worth the effort, plus compact routes and acclimatization advice for people who don't want altitude to spoil the trip.
Top Destinations in the Andes: Cusco, Quito, La Paz and Uyuni
The best-known stops in Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia, plus three routes that build altitude gradually so the trip stays enjoyable.
Top Destinations in Brazil: Rio, Iguaçu Falls, Salvador and Paraty
Four Brazilian stops that cover beaches, waterfalls, Afro-Brazilian culture and colonial history, with sample routes for one to two weeks.
Best Time to Visit Brazil: Rio, Bahia and Iguaçu Falls by Season
Brazil's climate changes sharply from region to region. Here is when to go to Rio, Salvador, the Amazon, the Pantanal and the waterfalls, and how Carnival affects planning.
Brazil Must-See: Rio, Iguaçu Falls, Salvador and Paraty
The Brazilian sights most worth your time, from Christ the Redeemer to Pelourinho, with routes that keep flights and transfers manageable.
Best Time to Visit Caribbean South America: Cartagena, Tayrona and the Coast
When to go to Colombia's and Venezuela's Caribbean coast for sunshine, calm seas and open trails, with notes on the rainy season and hurricane risk.
Colombia's Caribbean Coast: Five Places Worth the Trip
Walled Cartagena, the Tayrona beaches, Santa Marta's mountain backdrop and the Rosario Islands, with notes on timing, transfers and safety.
Planning Colombia's Caribbean Coast: Where to Base Yourself
How to split 7–10 days between Cartagena, Santa Marta, Minca and Tayrona, plus extensions to San Andrés, Mompox and La Guajira.
Planning a South America Trip: Regions, Seasons and Safety
How to divide South America into manageable regions, what each one offers, the best months for hiking and the Amazon, and basic safety and transport advice.
When to Visit the Southern Cone: Patagonia, Wine Harvest and City Seasons
The best months for trekking in Patagonia, harvest in Mendoza and Chile's valleys, and visiting Buenos Aires and Santiago, with weather, crowds and packing notes.
Top Southern Cone Destinations: Buenos Aires, Santiago, Mendoza and Patagonia
Where to go in Argentina and Chile, how the cities, wine regions and Patagonian trekking bases fit together, and two itineraries of 7 to 12 days with transport times.
Southern Cone Must-Sees: Patagonia Treks, Buenos Aires, Santiago and Mendoza
The sights and experiences worth planning around in Argentina and Chile: Patagonia's best hikes, Buenos Aires neighborhoods, Santiago museums and Mendoza wineries.