South America Travel Guide

Destinations ยท South America

South America Travel Guide

Andes peaks, Amazon rainforest and colonial old towns, what to see and how to plan a trip across South America.

Best attractions

Don’t miss

  • Machu Picchu, Peru
  • Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
  • Rio de Janeiro’s beaches and Christ the Redeemer
  • The Amazon Rainforest
  • Salar de Uyuni salt flats, Bolivia
  • Cartagena’s old town, Colombia
Where to stay

Recommended hotels

  • Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco
  • Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro
  • Casa San Agustin, Cartagena
  • Awasi Patagonia, Chile

Getting around

Domestic flights cover the continent’s vast distances best; buses are affordable for shorter regional hops.

Safety tips

Use registered tour operators for remote treks, stay alert in city centers at night, and keep copies of key documents.

Best time to visit

Mayโ€“September (dry season) for the Andes and Amazon; Decemberโ€“March for Rio and the southern coast.

Budget advice

Bolivia, Peru and Colombia offer strong value; Argentina, Chile and Brazil’s major cities run higher.

Before you go

Visa requirements

Requirements vary by nationality and by country โ€” many travelers can enter countries like Peru, Argentina and Colombia visa-free for tourism, while others need a visa or reciprocity fee. Check requirements for each country on your itinerary before booking.

Money matters

Currency & payments

Each country has its own currency (Peruvian sol, Argentine peso, Brazilian real, Bolivian boliviano, and so on). US dollars are accepted in some tourist areas but aren’t reliable everywhere, so plan to carry local currency.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

It depends on your nationality and destination โ€” many nationalities can enter countries like Peru, Argentina and Colombia visa-free for short tourist stays, while others require a visa or reciprocity fee. Check per country before you travel.
Each country has its own currency. US dollars are accepted in some tourist spots but shouldn’t be relied on everywhere โ€” withdraw or exchange local currency after arrival.
Yes, at high-altitude destinations like Cusco or La Paz. Acclimatize gradually, stay hydrated, and consider spending a day at altitude before strenuous activity.
Mayโ€“September (dry season) suits Andes trekking best; the Amazon is accessible year-round but wetter from December to May.

Ready to plan your South America trip?