Home to the largest river in the world, the Amazon, the tallest waterfall, the Angel Falls in Venezuela, the highest capital, La Paz in Bolivia, and some of the most remote islands such as the Galapagos Islands and Easter Island, the superlative region of South America never ceases to amaze. Add to these the mystique of the gorgeous Inca ruins and Nazca Geoglyphs in Peru, the wildlife of the Amazon and the Pantanal, the breathtaking Iguazu Falls in Brazil, the stunning landscape of Torres del Paine in Chile, the idyllic beaches of Rio de Janeiro and Colombia, and the architectural wonders of Brasilia and Buenos Aires, and you’ve got yourself one of the best travel destinations on the planet.
Apart from these wondrous attractions, another factor which makes South America exceptional is its people with their age-old customs and traditions. The jungles of the Amazon are home to some of the most backward indigenous tribes in the world who have remained uncontacted despite the changing political scenario through the years. Tribes which have embraced the new world order still hold firm to age-old customs and rituals, showcased in their many festivals like the Inti Raymi in Cusco and Festival de la Candelaria in Bolivia. One of the biggest outdoor parties in the world is also celebrated in South America, the Rio Carnival which draws millions of visitors to this side of the planet each year.
Surrounded by five volcanoes, just below the Aguada Blancas National Park in south-west Peru, sits what was Peru’s capital once upon a time. Welcome to the now-relatively hidden gem of Arequipa, a.k.a. ‘White City. Not only is it now Peru’s second-largest city, but it’s also home to spectacular architecture, the lovely Socobaya river, and a…
At the port in Ushuaia in Argentine Patagonia, a sign reads: “Fin del Mundo, principio de todo,” which is Spanish for “End of the world, beginning of everything — and it’s true. Famed as the world’s southernmost city, it’s where the snow-dusted Andes mountains meet the wild Beagle Channel. It’s also famous as the gateway…
The first time we witnessed the sun setting in Bariloche, with the shimmering waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake sprawling below, we immediately understood the hype. Nestled within Argentina’s oldest national park, Bariloche has an Alpine vibe that feels a world away from Latin America. It’s renowned for its charming chalet-style buildings, delicious craft chocolate, and…
Forget everything you think you know about Medellín! Today, the “City of Eternal Spring” is blooming as South America’s most sophisticated travel destination. We’ve watched this valley transform from a mountain-ringed mystery into a global design capital, and in 2026, the luxury scene is more vibrant than ever. And with the fact that Medellín now…
At the southern tip of Argentina, Ushuaia is widely recognized as the world’s southernmost city and the main gateway to Antarctica. Set along the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Andes Mountains, it attracts travelers year-round for expeditions, cruises, skiing, and visits to Tierra del Fuego National Park. We’ve explored what the city has to…
Standing majestically at the meeting point of Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil is one of the most awe-inspiring sights on the planet, the Iguazú Falls. Visiting the falls is as astounding an experience as it is jaw-dropping and visceral, with the noise and the power of the cascades living forever in our memories. The best bit?…
Split between Bolivia and Peru, the magnificent Lake Titicaca makes for a majestic sight. In Andean beliefs, Titicaca is considered the birthplace of the sun. When it comes to the Incas, it’s revered as the sacred birthplace of human civilization. Whatever the cultural beliefs are, Lake Titicaca is South America’s largest lake and the world’s…
Oh, Santa Marta. Where else can you wake up steps from the Caribbean Sea, spend the afternoon wandering a 500-year-old colonial city, and fall asleep knowing the world’s tallest coastal mountain range rises behind you? As Colombia’s oldest surviving city, Santa Marta blends history, nature, and beach life in a way few destinations can. To…
Perched on the edge of the world’s highest navigable lake, Puno is far more than just a quick stopover. However, finding the best hotels in Puno Peru, to stay can be surprisingly tricky. One minute you’re excited about Lake Titicaca, and the next you’re dealing with freezing nights, altitude fatigue, and hotels that look great…
There’s just something magical about having the beach a stone’s throw away from where we’re staying, especially when that beach is in Santa Marta. This city, one of the oldest in South America (founded back in 1525), beautifully combines centuries of rich history with stunning Caribbean beaches and warm tropical weather that averages around 82°F…
Planning a trip to Mendoza sounds simple until you try to choose where to stay. With hundreds of wineries spread across multiple regions and high-end hotels ranging from remote vineyard lodges to city-based five-star resorts, it’s easy to book the wrong place. We ran into this exact problem while planning our own Mendoza itinerary, so…
Cartagena is an enchanting destination, and travelers rarely take long to fall under its spell. As Colombia’s undisputed crown jewel of tourism, the city stretches along more than 13 miles (21 km) of Caribbean coastline, blending centuries of history with modern luxury. To match that appeal, Cartagena offers an impressive range of beachfront hotels designed…
Surrounded by steep escarpments and lush verdure and shrouded in swirling mist, the sprawling Inca ‘Lost City’ citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru is everything we’d ever dreamt of — and then some. Perched high in the Andes mountains, the spectacular bucket-list marvel is probably the most famous archaeological site on the planet, drawing slack-jawed…
With so many beachfront hotels in Rio de Janeiro, we thought choosing the right hotel was easy, until we realized how much the right (or wrong) location can affect an entire trip. Rio has over 90 km (65 miles) of coastline, yet not every ocean-view property actually sits on the sand. We found that staying…
Nestled at the heart of the Amazon rainforest, a region that covers over 5.5 million square kilometers, Manaus is one of the most unique travel destinations on the planet, and it’s rapidly climbing the ranks of South America’s must-visit spots. But here’s the thing: finding the right place to stay can make or break your…
Landing in Sao Paulo can feel exhilarating, and a little overwhelming if we’re being brutally honest. As Brazil’s largest city and the beating heart of its business, food, and culture scenes, Sao Paulo welcomes more than 15 million travelers a year, many of whom pass through Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). We’ve been there: arriving late…
Florianopolis isn’t the kind of destination where you can book any nice-looking hotel and figure the rest out later. Stay on the wrong side of the island, and you could spend hours stuck in traffic, miles from the beaches you actually want to visit, or worse, surrounded by quiet residential streets when you were expecting…
There’s no place on the earth as mystifying as the Amazon rainforest. Whether it’s the dense, verdant foliage, the towering canopies, the avian symphonies, or the nucleus of it all — the formidable Amazon River — the place elicits a sense of wonder. So, when we went looking for hotels in the Amazon rainforest, Brazil,…
In Rio de Janeiro, the beach isn’t just an attraction. It’s the main event and the reason why people love this city. If you haven’t been there, you should add visiting Rio to your New Year’s resolutions. With over 90 km (56 miles) of coastline, numerous gorgeous beaches, and year-round warm weather averaging around 25°C…
On the northern coast of Colombia, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the gorgeous city of Cartagena, officially Cartagena de Indias, is a blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty. It’s transformed from an indigenous fishing village into Colombia’s crown coastal jewel. That’s why we found a plethora of options for beach resorts in Cartagena, Colombia. Not…
The first time we arrived in Recife, we didn’t expect it to feel so immediately livable. Within a day, we were walking along Boa Viagem Beach, crossing bridges that cut through the city, and hopping between colonial buildings and modern cafés. Recife is often called the “Venice of Brazil” because of its rivers and bridges,…
Brazil has so many incredible spots, but Paraty is truly something special. We had a blast exploring the car-free Old Town, with all its colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. That being said, as Instagrammable as the town is, getting around can be a bit of a workout. Dragging our suitcases over those bumpy 18th-century…
Barranquilla doesn’t always get the spotlight, but trust us, once you land in Colombia’s vibrant Caribbean gateway, you’ll wonder why you waited so long. We love how this lively port city, where the Magdalena River meets the Caribbean Sea, blends culture, business, and laid-back coastal energy. We’re talking about a city known for its UNESCO-recognized…
When most travelers think of five-star luxury, Manaus rarely tops the list, and that’s exactly why we wanted to dig deeper. Hidden in the heart of the Amazon, this fascinating city doesn’t offer an endless supply of high-end stays, but what it does have may surprise you. While Manaus is home to only a small…