South America covers more than 17 million square kilometers, so the best way to plan a trip is to treat it as several smaller regions. Pick one or two for a typical two- to three-week visit, and save the rest for later.
Three ways to divide the continent
The Andes (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia). This is where you find Inca ruins, colonial towns and high-altitude landscapes. Peru has Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley around Cusco, and Lake Titicaca on the Bolivian border. Bolivia adds La Paz and the Uyuni salt flats. Ecuador is compact, with Quito’s historic center and the Galápagos Islands, which require a separate flight and a park fee. Colombia is a good mix of Andean cities such as Bogotá and Medellín with Caribbean coast towns like Cartagena. The dry season in the Andes runs from about May to September, which is the easiest period for trekking, although nights are cold.
Brazil. Brazil is large enough to count as its own region. Rio de Janeiro combines beaches and mountains, Salvador and the Bahia coast have Afro-Brazilian culture, and Iguaçu Falls sit on the border with Argentina. The Pantanal wetlands, in the southwest, offer some of the best wildlife viewing on the continent, especially from June to October when the water falls and animals gather. Brazil’s summer, from December to March, is hot and humid, and it is also the peak season for Carnaval, which is in February or early March depending on the year.
The Southern Cone (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay). This region covers Buenos Aires, Santiago, the wine regions of Mendoza and the Chilean Central Valley, and Patagonia. The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is excellent for stargazing and high-altitude lagoons. Patagonian hiking is best from November to March.
What to prioritize
Landscapes. Patagonia’s national parks, Peru’s Sacred Valley and the Uyuni salt flats are the most photographed sights. Book accommodation and permits well ahead for Torres del Paine and the Inca Trail. Day hikes around El Chaltén in Argentina are simpler to arrange.
Culture and cities. Cusco, Quito, Cartagena, Buenos Aires and Salvador each have a distinct personality. Buenos Aires is a good city for food and late nights, while Cartagena and Cusco have well-preserved historic centers. Free walking tours are a practical way to get oriented in many South American cities.
Active trips. Trekking, kayaking, rafting and volcano climbs are widely available. Bariloche and Pucón in the Lakes District have good outdoor options, and Mendoza has Andean hiking and rafting alongside its wineries. Choose licensed operators and ask about guide qualifications, group size and safety equipment.
When to go
There is no single best month, because the continent spans both hemispheres. A rough guide:
- December to March: Best for Patagonia, Argentina and Chile. Hot and rainy in much of Brazil and the Amazon.
- May to September: Dry season in the Andes, Pantanal and much of Colombia. Winter in the Southern Cone, which means snow in the mountains and skiing in Chile and Argentina from June to September.
- April–May and September–October: Quieter shoulder months in many regions, with milder weather and fewer crowds.
Getting around
Long-distance buses are comfortable and inexpensive in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, with reclining seats and meal service on overnight routes. Elsewhere, flights are often better value for your time. Budget airlines and regional carriers connect most major cities. Check baggage allowances, because they vary widely. When crossing borders, carry your passport, and check entry requirements, including any proof of vaccination or onward travel.
Safety and health
- Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps rather than hailing cars on the street at night.
- Keep your phone and valuables out of sight in crowded places, and leave spare cards and your passport in the hotel safe.
- Altitude sickness affects many visitors to Cusco, La Paz and Quito. Allow time to adjust and ask your doctor about preventive medication.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended or required for some areas, including parts of the Amazon basin. Check current guidance at least six weeks before you travel.
- Travel insurance with medical cover and evacuation is worth having, especially if you plan to trek or travel to remote areas.
The short version
Choose a region, travel in its dry or mild season, and build in extra days for weather and altitude. A trip that covers two countries well is more enjoyable than one that races through five.