6 Reasons to Visit
South America

Machu Picchu in Peru

As the home of the Inca Empire, South America holds ruins that provide an integral glimpse into the past. Machu Picchu is the most iconic ancient landmark, but Cusco and the Sacred Valley of Peru also hold a number of temples and monuments. In Lima, the “City of Kings”, you can discover catacombs and the ruins of a pre-Inca pyramid. 

Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado & Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro

Rising from the Tijuca Forest, Corcovado is a towering peak, visible from all over Rio de Janeiro. Climb aboard a cogwheel train and make the journey to the summit, where you’ll find the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Marvel at this 38-meter sculpture and soak up the spectacular views of the city. OR Journey high above Guanabara Bay and summit Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for a 'pinch me moment' of inspiring bay and city views.

Iguazu Falls in Argentina & Brazil

The raging waterfalls of Iguassu National Park rival those of Niagara Falls. And the moss-covered, fog-shrouded cloud forests feel like a magical realm. Stretching across Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazu Falls are a monumental feat of nature. It’s the largest waterfall system in the world, and you can take an eco-train through the rainforest and along the catwalks to see the thundering waters.

The Southern Patagonian Ice Field

The Patagonia region has been carved by glaciers, leaving behind stunning fjords and glacial lakes. Occasionally, a glacier ruptures when pressurized water breaks through the ice barrier and, rupturing, overflows into the surrounding bodies of water. When the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina ruptures every four or five years, it's considered one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the world. Plus, Brüggen Glacier, or Pío XI Glacier, in southern Chile, is the longest glacier in the southern hemisphere outside Antarctica. 

South America’s unique ecosystems—especially the Amazon rainforest and the continent’s mist-covered cloud forests—provide habitats for an incredibly diverse array of plants and animals. Nature reserves throughout South America offer travelers an opportunity to see wildlife up-close-and-personal in their natural setting. You might spot llamas, sloths, jaguars, penguins, capybaras, tree frogs, capuchin monkeys, or the Andean Condor.

You’ll eat well in South America: Arepas, ceviche, empanadas, fried plantains, matambre, dulce de leche, gaucho-style asado—hearty and savory dishes best served authentic, right at the source. South America also boasts incredible New World wines. Mendoza in Argentina is famous for producing the world’s best Malbec; the major Argentinean white wine is Torrontés. Patagonia is an emerging region that’s putting out top-notch Pinot Noir. And Chile produces two French grape varieties—Carménère and Cabernet Sauvignon—that rival those of Bordeaux.

Dance is one of South America’s major cultural exports. Brazil is the birthplace of samba, and Rio de Janeiro’s vivacious Carnival—essentially the Super Bowl of samba—is the world’s largest dance-centric festival. Make sure to see the home of the Rio Carnival, the Sambodromo.

The tango sprung out of the clubs of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. Visitors can learn the steps themselves or watch performances of the sensuous dance style. And Medellín, Colombia is a world capital for salsa dancing; again, the city’s salsa clubs invite visitors to learn.

The best South American vacations will allow you to cross a few items off the bucket list. There are a wealth of eco-adventures to be had, whether you want to try zip-lining, whitewater rafting, canyoneering, kayaking or a canopy walk. You can hike up a volcano, take a dip in natural hot springs, or explore a massive glacier.