Itineraries
You can’t expect to fit everything South America has to offer into one trip – or two or three or four, to be fair – and we don’t suggest you try. This selection of itineraries will guide you through the different countries and regions, picking out a few of the best places and major attractions along the way. For those taking a big, extended trip around the continent you could join a few together, but remember that the distances you’ll be covering can be vast. There is, of course, much to discover off the beaten track, so if you have the time it’s worth exploring smaller towns, villages and wilderness areas further afield, finding your own perfect hill town, deserted beach or just a place you love to rest up and chill out.
SOUTHERN BRAZIL
Rio de Janeiro The beaches, the samba, the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer looming over it all – Rio has every base covered to kick off your trip in style.
Costa Verde Backed by forested mountain peaks, the coastline between Rio and São Paulo contains hidden gems like colonial Paraty and spectacular beaches at Ilha Grande.
Minas Gerais This state inland from Rio offers some of Brazil’s most stunning historic towns – none more attractive than Ouro Preto.
Brasília Come see the vision of the future, circa 1960, courtesy of Oscar Niemeyer’s Modernist architecture.
The Pantanal If you’re not going to make it out to the Galápagos during your travels, consider checking out the huge array of wildlife in this vast wetland.
Ilha Santa Catarina Some of the best beaches in the country can be found on the coast near Florianópolis.
Serra Gaúcha The mountain bases of Canela and Gramado serve two nearby parks with crashing falls and challenging climbs and hikes.
NORTHERN ARGENTINA, PARAGUAY AND URUGUAY
Buenos Aires The most cosmopolitan of all South American cities, worth a few days of anyone’s time.
Colonia del Sacramento If you’re just going to dip into Uruguay, you can’t do better than the historic centre of this charming town.
Eastern beaches, Uruguay Beach getaways to suit every budget, from quiet Cabo Polonio with no roads or electricity to the flashy surf resort of Punta del Este.
Rosario The perfect spot to launch yourself into the Paraná Delta.
Córdoba Wander from the colonial centre to Nuevo Córdoba, a neighbourhood chock-a-block with cool bars and restaurants in converted mansions.
Mendoza Undoubtedly the best stop for wine-lovers, a sophisticated city with great restaurants and hundreds of nearby bodegas.
Cerro Aconcagua Whether you take two weeks to scale the summit or just see a section on a day-hike, the tallest mountain in the western hemisphere will sear itself into your memory.
Salta Its central plaza is a lovely place to begin an evening stroll.
Parque Nacional el Rey The lush cloudforests here hold colourful toucans, as well as other exotic fauna and flora.
Iguazú Falls Better to see the crashing waters from the trails and catwalks on the Argentina side.
The Ruta Jesuítica Visit Paraguay’s famous Jesuit ruins; Trinidad and Jesús are a four- to five-hour coach ride from Iguazú Falls.
CHILE AND ARGENTINA: THE LAKE DISTRICTS AND PATAGONIA
Volcán Villarrica Skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering – you can experience the smouldering volcano up close.
Lago Llanquihue A sparkling blue lake with volcanoes, white-water rafting and waterfalls.
Western and southern Chiloé The protected areas have some great coastal hiking through fishing villages, forests and beaches.
San Martín de los Andes A lower-key version of Bariloche and a hub for getting out to the nearby lakes and Parque Lanín.
Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi Well-marked trails, plentiful campsites and huts, crystal-clear lakes and much more make this the most popular Patagonian park on the Argentine side.
Península Valdés Consider an eastern detour here to see abundant birdlife, a sea-lion colony and – if you time it right – whales on their migration route.
Perito Moreno Glacier The unquestioned highlight of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, a calving glacier that provides theatrical drama for onlookers.
Parque Nacional Torres del Paine The most famous destination on the Chilean side of Patagonia – and perhaps the best trekking in the entire region.
Ushuaia If you’ve made it here you’re practically at the end of the world – send a postcard, eat some seafood, ski in winter and dream of Antarctica, 1000km away.
NORTHERN CHILE AND SOUTHERN BOLIVIA
Santiago Relatively developed Santiago is a gentle introduction to South America, with some interesting museums and neighbourhoods to explore.
Valparaíso Ride the ascensores (funiculars) around the hilly streets by day, then eat, drink and carouse in the gritty port area at night.
Pisco Elqui This charming village, with views over the Elqui valley, is the perfect place to sample a pisco sour.
Parque Nacional Nevado de Tres Cruces Drive by arid salt flats, spot vicuñas and guanacos, and stay by a lake populated with colourful flamingos.
San Pedro de Atacama An oasis town chock-full of natural attractions in the surrounding altiplano wilderness.
Salar de Uyuni You’ll have to go on a tour, but it’s worth the trip to see the flat, white salt “lake”, perfectly reflective in summer when covered with water.
Potosí The colonial architecture and lively cafés make an uneasy contrast with the tragic legacy of the nearby silver mines at Cerro Rico.
Santa Cruz One of the rare places in Bolivia known for its excellent restaurant and club scene.
ECUADOR, PERU AND NORTHERN BOLIVIA
Guayaquil An alternative introduction to Ecuador than more traditional Quito; the Malecón and nearby beaches make it seem like a different land entirely.
Otavalo Few can resist the town’s famous Saturday market, the ultimate place to purchase a hammock or woodcarving as a keepsake.
Quito Base yourself in the old town, where plaza after plaza provides a vantage point for historic churches and narrow walkways.
The Quilotoa Loop Hike for a few days around the peaceful waters of a volcanic crater lake.
Nariz del Diablo train ride A five-hour journey starting in Riobamba and slicing its glorious way through the Andes.
Cuenca Ecuador’s third-largest city and possibly its most beautiful, with cobbled streets and the vibe of an Andean town.
Huaraz This lively city, nestled in a valley, affords you an approach to trekking in both the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash.
Lima Love it or hate it, you can nevertheless find plenty to occupy you in the Peruvian capital, and the proximity to the sea makes it a great place to try out ceviche.
Trails to Machu Picchu Discover less expensive and less crowded alternative Inca Trails deep in the imposing jungle.
Cusco As much of a hub as Lima and closer to many of the country’s highlights – though its plazas, museums, restaurants and nightlife certainly stand on their own.
Lago Titicaca Whether you visit the Uros islands on the Peru side or the sacred Isla del Sol in the Bolivian section, you’re certain to be awed by the high-altitude lake.
La Paz Now this is what an Andean capital city should be: delightfully situated high up in a canyon, full of interesting and inexpensive places to eat, drink and stay, and with an undeniable energy all its own.
Sucre The official capital’s beautifully maintained colonial architecture accounts for the nickname “White City”, but don’t overlook this pretty town’s excellent bars.
COLOMBIA AND VENEZUELA
Before undertaking this itinerary, note that Venezuela is in a state of crisis, that security (from crime) is a big problem in the country, that Western governments such as the UK’s Foreign Office and US State Department were advising against all but essential travel there, and that you should therefore check out the latest situation before deciding whether to go there.
Bogotá Colombia’s densely packed, cosmopolitan capital divides opinion, but is a worthwhile first or last stop for its colonial architecture and raucous nightlife.
San Agustín A crazy array of monolithic statues, with a lovely mountain landscape serving as a backdrop.
Cali This might be Colombia’s most fun and freewheeling city, with plenty of salsa clubs and streetlife to balance out the sober array of churches.
Medellín From Cali you can travel up to Medellín – an attractive, modern city that’s had quite a makeover in the past decade – via Colombia’s coffee country.
Cartagena The jewel of the Caribbean coast, a gorgeous colonial city and a must on any Colombia trip.
Parque Nacional Tayrona Beautiful beaches, lush flora and pre-Columbian ruins are the highlights of this pristine coastal park, accessed from Santa Marta.
San Gil Colombia’s best spot for adventure sports is known for its white-water rafting, but you can also try out paragliding, kayaking, abseiling and more in the mountains north of Bogotá.
Villa de Leyva Under an hour from San Gil, this is a thoroughly unmodern and relaxed colonial town; from Villa de Leyva or San Gil you can loop back to Bucaramanga for buses to the border with Venezuela at Cúcuta, though don’t linger here.
Mérida Contemplate adventures to nearby mountains, a trip to wildlife-rich Los Llanos or just chill out in this laidback city.
Ciudad Bolívar Venezuela’s most lovely colonial town and the gateway to Angel Falls and the Orinoco Delta.
Angel Falls Journey by boat and on foot to reach this towering waterfall.
Orinoco Delta Visit the delta jungle region for a truly mind-blowing experience.
Parque Nacional Henri Pittier A great mix of beaches, wildlife and walking trails – and it’s relatively near Caracas, which makes your exit or travel connections easier.
NORTHERN BRAZIL AND THE AMAZON
Chapada Diamantina Some of the best hiking and waterfall hunting in the country is to be found in this canyon-filled national park.
Salvador For candomblé, capoeira or Carnaval, Bahia’s capital is practically the country’s capital. Seek out fine beaches, diving and surf at nearby Morro de São Paulo.
Olinda You won’t find a prettier array of churches, plazas and houses anywhere in the north of the country.
Fortaleza The central market is a sure bet to buy a hammock; take it with you to Jericoara, the best beach in the area.
Belém Great restaurants and bars, but the main reason to come is its location at the mouth of the Amazon.
Manaus After seeing the astounding Teatro Amazonas, grab some of the fine street food on offer and head to the lively port area.
Amazon river trip Float along the Rio Negro to a jungle lodge or even just a clearing where you can string up a hammock – or head along the Amazon all the way to Iquitos in Peru.
