South America Travel Guide
South America is a continent of superlatives that sweeps from Amazonian rainforests to Andean peaks, from tango-lit boulevards to beach towns that never sleep. Spanish and Portuguese are dominant, yet Indigenous languages like Quechua and Guarani color daily life. Whether you are chasing wildlife in the Pantanal, cuisine in Lima, glaciers in Patagonia, or culture in Bogotá, South America rewards slow travel, open curiosity, and a big appetite for nature and cities alike.
When To Visit South America?
Seasons flip across hemispheres and climates vary wildly by altitude and latitude. December to March is great for Patagonia trekking and Brazilian beaches, while May to September offers drier skies in the Andes for Machu Picchu and the Salt Flats. The Amazon is lush year round with shifting water levels that change how you explore by boat or on foot. Time your trip around iconic festivities like Carnival or Inti Raymi, but book early and expect higher prices during peak events. Curious about timing by region and interest? Read the full When to Visit South America guide for month by month tips.
How To Get To South America?
Major gateways include São Paulo GRU, Buenos Aires EZE, Lima LIM, Bogotá BOG, and Santiago SCL with extensive connections from North America and Europe. Regional networks are robust, so consider multi city tickets to avoid backtracking. Long distance buses remain affordable for cross border routes, while domestic flights save days on vast itineraries. Trains are limited except for scenic lines in Peru and Argentina. Planning a smart route that strings highlights without wasting time in transit is key. See our detailed How to Get to South America guide for route ideas and sample itineraries.
What To Do In South America?
- Hike Patagonia: Tackle Torres del Paine’s W or El Chaltén’s day trails for serrated granite and blue glaciers.
- Sail the Amazon: Sleep in a river lodge or cruise between Manaus and Iquitos to spot pink dolphins and macaws.
- Marvel at Machu Picchu: Catch sunrise from the Guardhouse and pair with the Sacred Valley’s markets and ruins.
- Chase waterfalls at Iguazú: Walk the Devil’s Throat catwalks and take a boat to feel the spray.
- Explore the Atacama: Stargaze under world class skies and roam Moon Valley, geysers, and salt flats.
- Taste Lima: Book a ceviche crawl in Barranco and Miraflores, then try Nikkei tasting menus.
- Feel Rio: Ride up Corcovado and Sugarloaf, relax on Ipanema, then samba in Lapa after dark.
- Discover Colombia’s contrasts: Street art in Bogotá, coffee fincas in the Zona Cafetera, colonial Cartagena.
- Go wild in the Pantanal: Spot jaguars on photo safaris and paddle among caimans at dusk.
- Venture to the Uyuni Salt Flats: Sunrise mirror reflections after rare rains are otherworldly.
What To Eat In South America?
Eat your way across the continent: ceviche and causa in Peru, asado and empanadas in Argentina, feijoada and pão de queijo in Brazil, arepas and ajiaco in Colombia, pastel de choclo in Chile, moqueca on the coast, and dulce de leche everywhere. Pair with Malbec in Mendoza, Carménère in Chile, and craft coffee from Colombia or Brazil. Street food shines too, from anticuchos in Lima to choripán at stadiums. Hungry for a deeper dive with neighborhood picks and must try dishes by country? Continue to our What to Eat in South America guide for a curated foodie map.
What To Buy From South America?
Look for baby alpaca textiles in Peru and Bolivia, mate gourds and bombillas in Argentina and Uruguay, hand painted ceramics in Colombia, leather goods in Argentina, lapis lazuli and copper crafts in Chile, and cacao or specialty coffee beans across the region. Markets like La Paz’s Witches’ Market or Otavalo in Ecuador are treasure troves. Want specific shops and market days to time your shopping runs? Check our What to Buy in South America guide for insider addresses.
South America Nightlife
From Rio’s samba rodas and São Paulo’s rooftop bars to Buenos Aires milongas and Bogotá’s Zona T clubs, nights start late and pulse with live music. In Lima, cocktail temples spotlight pisco while in Santiago, Bellavista hums with patio bars. Always ride share late at night and keep valuables minimal. For the best venues and weekly calendars by city, pop over to our South America Nightlife guide to plan unforgettable evenings.
South America Festivals and Fairs
| Event | Month | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival Brazil | Feb or Mar | Samba parades and blocos from Rio to Salvador with citywide street parties. |
| Inti Raymi Peru | June | Inca Sun Festival in Cusco with processions and traditional rites. |
| Vendimia Argentina | March | Mendoza’s wine harvest with tastings, parades, and the National Grape Harvest show. |
| Parintins Folklore Festival Brazil | June | Amazonian bumba meu boi spectacle with vibrant dances and floats. |
| Día de los Muertos Ecuador and Bolivia | Nov | Altars, breads, and cemetery gatherings honoring ancestors. |
| Rock in Rio Brazil | Variable | Mega music festival drawing global headliners. |
South America Important Days and Holidays
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year’s Day across the continent |
| Late Mar or Apr | Holy Week with processions and closures in many cities |
| May 1 | Labor Day with marches and some service reductions |
| Sept 18 | Chile Independence Day with ramadas and cueca |
| July 28 | Peru Independence Day with parades and closures |
| Sept 7 | Brazil Independence Day with civic events and parties |
| July 20 | Colombia Independence Day with concerts and flags everywhere |
Things To Know Before Traveling South America
- Distances are vast: Build buffer days and avoid overstuffed itineraries.
- Altitude awareness: Acclimatize in Cusco or La Paz, hydrate, and consider soroche remedies.
- Weather by altitude and latitude: Pack layers for the Andes even in summer.
- Safety basics: Use official taxis or ride share, keep valuables discreet, and ask locals about safe areas.
- Money: Cards are common in big cities yet carry cash for markets and remote areas. ATMs may have limits.
- Connectivity: eSIMs work widely, but expect patchy signal in jungles and highlands.
- Language: Spanish or Portuguese helps. Learn basics for smoother travel.
- Responsible travel: Support community run tours and respect wildlife viewing distances.
- Border formalities: Check visa rules per nationality and carry onward tickets when required.
South America rewards curiosity with wild landscapes, magnetic cities, and cuisines that linger in memory long after the trip. If this sparked ideas for your route, continue your planning with our Places to Visit in South America guide for region by region highlights and smart routing tips.
