Travelling to South America is a bucket list adventure for many and for good reason. Here visitors will find a ton of intriguing activities, unique attractions and breathtaking surroundings at every twist and turn. Being less commercialised than some of the other favoured tourist destinations, South America is great for those looking to immerse themselves in culture and exploration.
Whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, unmatched surfing opportunities, diverse terrains or stunning natural beauty, South America has something for all. Spend your time scouring the Amazon Jungle or visit bustling cities offering a ton of amazing things to do and see.
When looking for the best way to travel to South America, you’ll discover several ways to get around this magnificent part of the world. In this article, we’re going to take you through some top tips for your next voyage. Keep reading to learn more about the best times to visit, where to go, what to do and much more.
Those planning to go backpacking in South America will discover an array of incredible experiences at every turn. This destination is ideal for adventurers seeking their next voyage off the beaten path. The diverse landscapes provide plenty of opportunities to get out and explore, meaning you’ll find yourself needing more time just to see all that South America has in store.
Spend your time in South America swimming in the sea, hiking mighty mountains, marvelling over intriguing wildlife, trekking through dense jungles, climbing volcanoes, scouring vibrant cities and much more. The abundance of activities and attractions here makes it an excellent destination for all types of travellers, providing something for varying backpacking itineraries.
Before planning your next adventure, we recommend assessing the best times to visit South America. This way you can choose a season that best suits your schedule, allowing you to get the most out of your stay. Keep reading to learn more about the varying weather conditions and differing attractions in South America throughout the year.
Spring in South America often starts in June and ends in November. During this time, visitors will encounter endless wildflowers, newborn animals, fewer tourists and mild weather. This is an excellent season for those looking to get out on the trails as the crowds begin to disperse making it easier to navigate some of the favoured destinations in South America.
A trip to South America in spring also brings a ton of incredible wildlife as many of the animals begin to birth their young. Plus, as the climate calms, you’ll find ample opportunities to get out and active during this time of year.
If you’re planning to visit South America in summer, you’ll experience hot temperatures and more rainfall than at any other time of the year. The season lasts from December through February and is a great time for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere with lots to see and do.
Summer in South America is great for anyone planning to visit the sandy shores, immerse themselves in the carnival season or simply soak up the lively atmosphere in many of the cities during this time. It’s worth noting that many of the favoured tourist destinations are busier in South America in summer. So, if you’re seeking a little serenity, you might want to consider one of the quieter seasons.
Autumn in South America offers a peaceful setting with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures and often starts in March and ends in May. This makes it great for adventurers looking to get out and active in a comfortable climate with less hustle and bustle.
The autumn season is considered one of the best times to visit South America as it allows you to see all that the tourist attractions have to offer before the winter arrives. Plus, with fewer tourists, it makes it easier to navigate some of the most popular landmarks during this time. Spend your days at the many wine-tasting spots around Argentina in autumn or enjoy the endless hiking trails in Patagonia without the crowds.
Those visiting South America between June and August will experience all that the winter season has in store. With much colder temperatures and some countries falling below freezing, this makes for an icy adventure for many.
Although South America has a harsh winter climate, there are still plenty of incredible experiences to enjoy during these months. Go skiing in Patagonia, visit the renowned Machu Picchu or scour the many cities without the tourist traffic. No matter how you choose to spend your time here, winter offers an excellent season for those looking for unique experiences and a ton of impressive adventures.
Now you know a bit more about visiting South America, alongside the varying seasons here, you’re likely looking for some of the best things to do. Check out some of the favoured activities and attractions to enjoy when embarking on your next voyage in this outstanding part of the world.
South America is brimming with incredible beaches, allowing visitors to discover their tranquil escape at every twist and turn. The variety of shores here also makes it great for all types of travellers. Whether you’re looking for a little serenity, a vibrant atmosphere or somewhere surrounded by rugged wilderness, you’ll find beaches for all in South America.
The type of beach you experience will vary depending on where you visit in South America. However, visitors can expect tropical shores in Brazil, stunning Fjords in Chile and exceptional surfing opportunities in Ecuador. There are also a ton of hidden gems scattered throughout South America, great for those looking to head off the beaten path.
No trip to South America is complete without experiencing all that the iconic Machu Picchu has to offer. The UNESCO World Heritage Site provides visitors with an excellent opportunity to marvel over Inca engineering and architecture in stunning surroundings.
You will find Machu Picchu in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba of the Andes Mountains in Peru, allowing you to witness the beauty of this impressive country at the same time. With its outstanding natural surroundings including an extensive trail system, adventurers are sure to be impressed by a trip to Machu Picchu.
Visiting Machu Picchu also allows for an insight into Peruvian culture, cuisine and traditions, alongside opportunities to explore other nearby historical sites.
One of the highlights for outdoor enthusiasts visiting South America is a trip to Patagonia. This impressive destination is known for being one of the last untouched wilderness spots on the planet, great for those looking for a true sense of adventure.
With its awe-inspiring landscapes, towering mountains, unique wildlife and endless opportunities for exploration, there are more than enough things to see and do in Patagonia. Spend your time here visiting iconic locations such as Torres del Paine, or head off the beaten path for a little serenity and fantastic wilderness.
When looking for the best things to do in South America, a trip to Parque Nacional da Tijuca in Brazil should certainly be on your list. This unique destination is part of the Atlantic rainforest encompassing Rio de Janeiro. Not only will visitors experience endless tropical jungles here, but it also provides an excellent opportunity to explore the nearby famed city of Rio de Janeiro.
With its lush greenery, mountainous terrain, cascading waterfalls and excellent hiking trails, a trip to Parque Nacional da Tijuca is a great option for outdoor lovers. Plus, if you’re looking to challenge yourself in South America, you can also attempt to climb Pico da Tijuca, standing at an impressive 1,012m.
Those travelling in South America should also include a trip to Buenos Aires on their itinerary. The capital city of Argentina has much to offer an array of travellers, making it a great option for all. Favoured for its mouthwatering cuisine, lively atmosphere and rich culture, those visiting Buenos Aires are sure to enjoy a true taste of South America.
With so many amazing places to explore, you’re likely asking yourself what is the best country in South America to visit? It’s difficult to narrow this down as there are options here to suit an array of tastes and preferences, however, below are some of the most popular spots to help get your planning process started.
With famed destinations such as Buenos Aires, Bariloche and Mendoza, there are a ton of incredible places to explore in Argentina. Plus with its outstanding natural surroundings including lush vineyards, jaw-dropping mountains and much more, you’ll find an excellent blend of things to do and see here.
Head off the beaten path in Argentina to uncover some of the country’s intriguing wildlife and natural wonders or spend some time in the culturally rich capital of Buenos Aires. No matter what you plan to do during your stay, you’ll find yourself needing more time just to see all that this fantastic part of South America has in store for you.
Brazil offers a diverse mix of people, culture and breathtaking landscapes. It is also home to the best biodiversity in the world, alongside lively cities and a vibrant atmosphere.
If you’re looking for exceptional surfing spots, traditional festivals, impressive natural wonders such as Iguazu Falls and much more, Brazil is the place for you. This eclectic country has everything you could want from a trip to South America, offering an array of wilderness, legendary parties, welcoming locals and much more.
Offering a variety of landscapes including pretty coastlines, mighty mountains, remote deserts, dense jungles and more, Colombia is an incredibly versatile country with a ton of interesting places to explore. This fantastic part of South America also displays a rich culture with vibrant cities such as Cali, Bogota and Medellin.
This makes Colombia one of the best destinations for luxury travel in South America for those looking to immerse themselves in all that this stunning part of the world has to offer.
If you’re looking for a true sense of adventure, Chile won’t disappoint. This beautiful country has much to offer an array of travellers, making it a great destination for all types of travel itineraries. With its diverse landscapes and endless open spaces, there are more than enough places to uncover throughout Chile.
Head to the Atacama Desert or the lakes and mountains in Patagonia for unmatched wilderness in Chile, or simply sit back and soak up the rich culture surrounding this outstanding part of South America.
Peru is rapidly growing as a favoured travel destination and for good reason. The country offers a diverse mix of experiences with its rich culture and traditions and outstanding natural wonders.
A trip to Peru is great for anyone looking to get out and explore the impressive landscapes in South America. With opportunities to marvel over the iconic Machu Picchu and Inca Trail or head to the historic cities of Cuenca and Cuzco, there are more than enough amazing places to uncover throughout Peru. What’s more, the diverse terrain consisting of pristine coastlines and mighty mountains means that there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country.
We hope that after reading this article you now have more insight into visiting South America. With so many incredible places to see and unique things to do, you’re sure to find something here to suit an array of travel itineraries. Plus, those looking to travel around South America will discover an unbeatable adventure, alongside memories to last a lifetime.
If you’re an avid traveller looking for your next adventure, you’ve come to the right place. Backpacker Boy offers an array of travel guides to destinations throughout the world. These resources are packed with information, helping you make the most out of your next voyage. Browse the collection and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we can earn a small commission when our visitors click on them. This helps us to keep our content free and accessible for everyone, but you’ll never be charged for engaging with them.
© 2009-2025 – BACKPACKERBOY
WEBSITE DESIGN BY SEO TRAVEL
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we can earn a small commission when our visitors click on them. This helps us to keep our content free and accessible for everyone, but you’ll never be charged for engaging with them.
The Top 9 Ski Resorts in France 