Best Things to Do in South America

1. Machu Picchu

A now abandoned 15th century Incan citadel, Machu Picchu is arguably the most recognizable and most well known attraction in South America. The ancient city is hidden high in the clouds of Andes in Peru, and has attracted travelers for years. It's famous for its advanced dry-stone walls, intriguing ruins, and sweeping mountain views.

This amazing site can be visited in a number of different ways, from day trips, to challenging multi-day hikes, to luxury train rides. Tours are offered from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and keep in mind, it can be chilly in the morning and very hot at midday, so dress appropriately. On your visit you should wear pants - not shorts - to avoid insect bites. It is recommended you enter the site with a guide, to avoid issues with security. To enter the site, you must present your passport along with your ticket, and you should ask to get your passport stamped to commemorate the visit. However you choose to visit Machu Picchu, it is sure to leave you speechless.

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2. Inca Trail

One of the most popular ways to get to Machu Piccu is via the Inca Trail. This ancient trek is a challenge, but generally doable if you are in basically good shape. Though it is ill-advised to attempt the Inca Trail after zero training. Make sure you have at least a few months of hiking or stairmaster under your belt, ideally practicing in an area of high altitude, as Machu PIcchu is 7,972 ft above sea level. The best way to get acclimated to the altitude, and avoid the effects of altitude sickness, is by spending a few days in Cusco before your trek up the Inca Trail.

The Inca Trail is by far the most famous trek in South America, and is considered by many to be one of the top 5 treks in the world. It is a spectacular experience, as you literally tread in the footsteps of the ancient Inca. Typically Inca Trail treks take between 3-4 days. It's important to note that traffic along the trail is heavily restricted and highly regulated. Only 500 people a day are permitted on the Inca Trail - this includes porters and guides - leaving room for roughly 300 tourists.

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3. Rio de Janeiro

Rio is a top "must see" destination for many traveling to South America. The large seaside city in Brazil is known for the recongnizable "Christ the Redeemer" statue at the top of Corcovado Mountain, as well as Sugarloaf Mountain, a granite peak with cable cars to its summit, and the famous "carnaval" festivities which feature elaborate floats, incredible costumes, and samba dancers. Rio is widely considered as somewhere that the party doesn't stop!

Still dangerous in some neighborhoods, Rio is definitely a place best visited on a tour. Plus, Spanish, French, and English might help you get to the restroom or order food, but the national language of Brazil is Portuguese, so having a guide can be especially helpful when getting around the city. Nearby are the musically immortilized Copacabana and Ipanema beaches - heavily touristed yet still a fun outing.

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4. Galapagos Islands

When one thinks of top attractions in South America, one may only consider the mainland continent. But one should reconsider. The Galapagos are without a doubt one of the most fascinating destinations on earth thanks to its unique and diverse wildlife. The historically significant Galapagos is best visited via small ship cruise, as air travel is limited to two small islands.

The Galapagos Islands share 54 land visitor sites, and 62 scuba-diving or snorkeling sites. Tours are limited to reduce impact on the area, and only small guided groups are allowed to visit the sites in 2-4 hour segments. The wildlife here has never had cause to fear humans, and have thrived for centuries - meaning that they literally roam about without ceremony (like they might if they had been trained). If wildlife is your thing, you couldn't ask for a better situation.

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5. Patagonia

Originally a remote backpacking destination, Patagonia has grown rapidly in popularity among travelers. Serious hikers are going to enjoy traveling here the most - many South America travel companies offer (or even specialize in) intense camping journeys through Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park. Patagonia can also be seen via boat, where you might catch a glimpse of the penguins, whales, seals, and other marine wildlife that make their home here.

Patagonia as a region is shared by Argentina and Chile. The Argentine side features dry steppes, grasslands, and deserts. While the Chilean side has glaciers and temperate rainforests. Patagonia is notable for its stunning formations of bright blue ice. Yet another attraction in South America that needs to be seen to be believed!

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6. Amazon River

The enigmatic Amazon, with its miles upon miles of dense jungle, hidden tribes, and diverse wildlife, is a sight to behold. Often visited via river cruise, the Amazon Rainforest is perfect for those travelers who are interested in nature, conservation, eco-friendly travel, and of course wildlife. The Amazon boasts over 40,000 species of plants, 1,500 species of birds, 400 species of mammals, and 2.5 million species of insects.

You can visit the Amazon any time of year, but the wet season (January-June) vs the dry season (July-December) will make a difference in what you see. The wet season means more byways are open for your river cruise vessel to traverse, and there is a higher possibility of swimming in the river. But, conversely some hiking opportunities may not be available because the ground is too wet.

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7. Cartagena

Like many cities in South America, Cartagena in Colombia once held a reputation for being unsafe for travelers. Today, the vibrant coastal city has shaken it's ugly past and is an extremely popular attraction in South America. Heavily influenced by Spanish colonialism, the Old Town of Cartagena is a small walled city with a distintly European feel, right down to the cobblestone streets. There's a reason for the saying "Castagena Hot," the high temperatures in Cartagena are on another level, especially when you add the 80-90% humidity. December-April is considered the dry season in Colombia, and it's also the peak tourist season.

Shops, churches, restaurants, and cafes mean you could spend your whole tour within these walls, but there's so much more to see! Take a boat ride to the white sand beaches for an afternoon of bliss, or venture outside the tourist district for a glimpse at local Colombian life (it is not advisable to do this without your guide).

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8. Iguassu Falls

Eleanor Roosevelt expressed her awe at seeing Iguazu by saying "poor Niagara!" That should tell you something! This incredible waterfall on the Iguazu River is the largest in the world. It is actually claimed by both Argentina and Brazil, as it spans the border. The falls can be reached from either Foz de Iguaçu in Brazil, Puerto Iguazú in Argentina, or Cuidad del Este in Paraguay. Helicopter rides are offered in Brazil for aerial views of the falls. Inflatable boat rides are offered in Argentina that take visitors close to falls. Otherwise you can reach the falls by walking or driving through Iguazú National Park.

Many walkways surround the falls offering a multitude of different vantage point for that perfect photograph. A common excursion for multi-day tours in South America, this one of those attractions you just have to see to believe!

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9. Bolivian Salt Flats

The Bolivian salt flats, called Salar de Uyuni, are the largest salt flats in the world. The temperature at the salt flats is relatively stable, with the highest temperatures in November-Janury, and the lowest in June. Salar de Uyuni serves as a breeding ground for several flamingo species, so wildlife lovers should bring their cameras!

You've seen the images of Salar de Uyuni. They show a sheer reflective surface, flat and stretching to the horizon, reflecting the sky such that people appear to be walking on air...literally. This optical illusion also allows for countless forced perspective shots - and they can get pretty creative! After rain, a thin layer of calm water turns the salt flat into a mirrored surface. Salar de Uyuni is famous for its photographic potential, but it is also great fun for jeep rides across the expansive empty landscape.

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10. Easter Island

Another enigmatic archaeological site in South America, Easter Island has puzzled historians for centuries. Recent discoveries have revealed that the nearly 1,000 large stone heads rising out of the ground on an island off the coast of Chile, were even larger than previously thought. These statues are called Moai, and they were created by the early Rapa Nui people.

Easter Island is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. Tours to Easter Island are generally one or two day excursions, and are often part of a larger tour that includes Patagonia and Chile. Visitors can even travel on horseback, and camp under the stars like the indiginous Rapa Nui.

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Unsure where to visit? Read more about the safest countries to visit in South America >>