Best Things To Do In South America

Last updated: 12:40 PM ET, Thu March 16, 2023

South America is one of our favorite destinations to get our share of cultural and natural experiences. Each country on this beautiful continent offers something you can't find anywhere else.

In this post, we've shared some of the best things to do in South America to help make your next trip memorable.

Visit Machu Picchu (Peru)

For history fans, Machu Picchu is a must-see. We recommend paying this gem a visit for its impressive architecture and its rich history. There are plenty of ways to get there from Cusco. We enjoyed hiking up the Andes Mountains to experience the beautiful scenery.

Relax In Hot Springs (Ecuador)

Termas de Papallacta is located in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. It's a popular tourist destination to experience hot springs and spa treatments. Relax and enjoy the hot springs surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including snow-capped peaks and rushing rivers.

We enjoyed our stay at Termas de Papallacta. We highly recommend it to those who want spa treatments or an outdoor adventure.

Experience Carnival (Brazil)

For cultural enthusiasts, Carnival should be on your list to experience. It's one of the largest and most famous celebrations in the world.

Brazil knows how to celebrate with this music, dancing, and delicacies festival. It guarantees you'll find a party on every street in Rio de Janeiro.

Remember to book accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Visit The Iguazu Falls (Brazil And Argentina)

What a way to experience the border between Argentina and Brazil. This stunning scenery of the Iguazu Falls stretches an incredible 1.7 miles, making it one of the largest waterfalls in the world.

If you're looking for that perfect view shot, boat rides can take you to get close to these falls. If you're on Argentina's side of the border, remember to snap a photo of the powerful Devil's Throat waterfall.

Cruise Around The Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)

For wildlife enthusiasts, the Galapagos Islands must be on your list when visiting South America. It's a UNESCO site home to various wildlife species that aren't found anywhere else on earth.

We recommend cruising around these islands, but our favorite was snorkeling with the sea turtles.

Go On An Amazon Jungle Tour (Peru)

The Amazon rainforest is the largest and most diverse ecosystem in the world. Much of the fauna and flora found there aren't found anywhere else. So why miss out on the opportunity to explore this stunning location? There are jungle tours and river cruises to show you some of the best things the Amazon offers. These tours are an opportunity to take advantage of!

Go Wine Tasting In Mendoza (Argentina)

For wine lovers, Mendoza in Argentina is one of our top travel destinations to visit in Latin America. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience wines from one of the largest wine-producing regions in the world.

Mendoza is home to some of the best vineyards to visit in Argentina. Food lovers can also enjoy this location with a large variety of Argentine cuisine to try on your visit. All ingredients are grown in the surrounding countryside for a fresh tasting experience.

Visit The Salt Flat Of Uyuni (Bolivia)

The Salt flats of Uyuni are one of the world's most significant and unique landscapes. It covers 10,000 square kilometers and creates a vast, white, seemingly endless salt expanse.

We explored these and the surrounding landscapes with a 4x4 tour. Many colorful lagoons, hot springs, and geysers surround this landmark, creating an experience for various tastes.

Visit El Tatio Geysers (Chile)

Chile is home to one of the largest geyser fields in the world, the El Tatio Geysers. To view this gem, take a guided tour into the Atacama Desert.

The early morning is the best time to visit. You can get some dramatic shots of the geysers with the sunrise in the background. You can also enjoy some stargazing and hot spring soaking nearby at night.