What are the top ten things to do in South America?
From imposing glaciers and vast deserts to endless salt flats and roaring waterfalls – South America has several diverse delights to offer. There’s history, culture, adventure, stunning natural vistas, and delectable cuisine to savor – something to satisfy every single type of traveler.
While Peru attracts with its ancient Incan culture, Chile is known for its diverse charms and Brazil beckons with its flamboyant delights! The capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, Peru’s capital Lima boasts one of the most eclectic global dining scenes, and Quito, the capital of Ecuador has a charming historic appeal.
The Iguazu Falls are a must-see delight, as are the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu, the wildlife attractions of the Galapagos, the staggering beauty of South America’s various National parks such as Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, Torres del Paine National Park, Iguazu National Park and Cotopaxi National Park among others!
If you are wondering when is the best time to plan a trip to South America or how you should Here is a list of the top things to do in South America, curated by our Enchanting Travels specialists, which should definitely be part of your South America travel guide!
Dream Carefree
Go ahead and dream big. Enchanting Travels experts are here to help you plan the ultimate escape. Tell us your vision for the trip of a lifetime and we’ll make it a reality.
Plan Carefree
One of our destination experts will reach out to craft a completely customized itinerary. Book your personalized journey and know that our flexible policies have you covered.
Travel Carefree
Relax and prepare for takeoff, knowing that your trip is perfectly planned and you have a personal concierge on call 24/7. Our experts are here to keep you safe and handle the details.
1Discover the Iguazu Falls
Set on the border of Brazil and Argentina, the roaring Iguazu Falls never fails to impress! On the Argentinean side, get up close to the infamous ‘Garganta del Diablo’ or ‘Devil’s Throat‘ and if you are feeling brave enough, you can take a boat ride right up to gushing cascades.
The Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls on the other hand, offers awe-inspiring panoramic views of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
2 Explore the Sights of Patagonia
For nature lovers and hikers alike, there is no greater playground than Patagonia. Admire the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier, wander amid majestic landscapes of El Chalten, and be enchanted by the snow-capped peaks and sparkling lakes of Torres del Paine National Park.
With so much natural beauty on offer, Patagonia features high on our list of things to do in South America!
3Visit La Paz in Bolivia
No other city in South America offers as much insight into the indigenous culture as La Paz, the capital city of Bolivia. Carefully juxtaposed against modern, metropolitan life, take a stroll through the famous Witches Market and marvel at exotic merchandise sold by traditionally attired locals.
4Explore the Atacama Desert and Salar de Uyuni
If you are still wondering about what other things to do in South America, why not start at Salar de Uyuni and travel all the way to the incredible Atacama Desert in Chile? Set on the border of Bolivia and Chile, Salar de Uyuni offers the largest salt flats in the world!
Here is your chance to discover hot springs, hissing geysers and colorful lagoons adorned by thousands of beautiful flamingos.
5Marvel at Lake Titicaca and the Floating Islands
The highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca in Peru and Bolivia is home to the Uros, who have lived on handmade islands of reed for centuries and preserved their ancient cultural traditions to this day!
On Isla del Sol, indulge in authentic encounters with indigenous culture and travel back in time: an intrinsic part of Inca mythology, the island is home to several ancient ruins.
6Explore Machu Picchu
The pride and joy of Peru, Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the most impressive legacy left behind by the Incas. Built in the 15th century at an altitude of almost 2500 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu is one of the best-preserved Inca ruins to date. The best way to discover Machu Picchu is to hike on the famous Incan Trail that will take you through the Andes in Peru.
Witness spectacular views of this UNESCO World Heritage site from Wayna Picchu in Peru.
7Discover Valparaiso
This Chilean port town has boasted Bohemian flair since time immemorial! Countless colorful villas adorn the hilly cityscape, best accessed through Valparaiso’s steep funiculars.
8Spend Time in Lively Rio de Janeiro
What is a South American vacation without a visit to Brazil’s vibrant, Rio de Janeiro? Rio de Janeiro offers all that your heart desires: endless beaches, fantastic views of the Sugar Loaf and Corcovado, endless Brazilian joie de vivre, and of course, the world-famous Carnival with all the samba delights of Brazil!
Another South American city that is a must-visit is Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. There’s much to see and savor in Buenos Aires, from its European architecture to its world-famous beef!
9Discover the Natural World of the Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are a dream destination for nature lovers from all over the world. It is here that Charles Darwin discovered the first clues to his theory of evolution.
Expect a fabulous volcanic landscape, numerous endemic species, a colorful underwater world and naturally, the giant tortoises!
10Marvel at the Enigmatic Easter Island
The stone sculptures left behind by the Moai on Easter Island continue to mystify researchers till this date! Rapa Nui welcomes only a handful of visitors each year, so you can have this extraordinarily beautiful and mystical island nearly to yourself!
With our destination expertise, local presence and passion for travel, our Travel Consultants are happy to help you design your dream trip to soak in these incredible highlights of South America. Contact us today for your personalized and obligation-free itinerary.
Our top 10 Haciendas and Estancias in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay
Discover why a tour in Argentina, Uruguay and Chile is incomplete without a stay in the charming estancias and haciendas that these countries are known for.
Raw & 100% Authentic: Bolivia Travel
Include a taste of the enchanting in your customized South America tours. Jacqueline Spencer captures the heart of an uncharted territory with an account of her recent trip and highlights exactly Bolivia travel is a must.
Peru and Bolivia: Ancient Cultures
14 Days: $ 6,090 / person
When traveling abroad in a foreign land, the experience is greatly heightened when you have experienced drivers and guides. Just being picked up from the airport gives the traveler a sense of security and welcome that is greatly appreciated. The drivers and guides become your temporary family.
Enchanting Travels really exceeded our expectations! We used it for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. It was amazing to sit back, relax, and enjoy all of the amazing sites and activities without worrying about the less enjoyable aspects of trip planning and execution!
We had an amazing trip booked through Enchanting Travels. 12 people traveling throughout Peru. The tours, guides, transportation and hotels were all excellent choices, picked for comfort and location. We had excellent support for several unexpected travel delays, which were handled very professionally. Our coordinator, Amelia checked up on us frequently to see if we needed anything. I would highly recommend Enchanting Travels.
Do you have a vacation in mind? Personalize your itinerary with our Trip Builder