Best Places To Visit in South America for First-Time Travellers

New to South America? Home to the Amazon Rainforest, epic mountain peaks and two of the Seven Wonders of the World (Machu Picchu and Christ the Redeemer), this mighty continent makes an everlasting impression. Now is the time to tick off your travel bucket list once and for all, with experiences like climbing the Inca Trail and horseback riding with Gaucho cowboys waiting to be savoured… Although let’s face it, it’s only a matter of time before you come back for more!

And with a dozen countries to choose from, where do you even begin? Whether your dream trip involves once-in-a-lifetime hikes, heavenly stretches of golden sand or nightlife that keeps you partying until dawn, read on to find out the best places to visit in South America for first-time travellers. ‘Vamos!’ (‘Let’s go!’)

Best Places To Visit In South America For First-Timers 🌎

Peru

Best place to visit in South America for: travellers short on time ⏰

Peru is easily one of the best places for your first time in South America. Most famous for the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and the alluring Sacred Valley, Peru’s natural beauty is simply extraordinary. Candy-coloured mountains that come in every shade of the rainbow, amber sand dunes that glisten at golden hour, bright sapphire lakes with little islands dotted along the waters… is this what paradise looks like?

Whilst we recommend staying in Peru for as long as possible (2 to 3 weeks is the perfect length), this is the dream destination in South America for travellers short on time. You can discover Peru’s biggest highlights in just over a week, including the opportunity to complete the trek of a lifetime to see Machu Picchu for yourself. Our 5-day Journey to Machu Picchu - Trek or Train allows you to choose from the Lares Trek vs Inca Trail, or getting to know the city of Cusco better!

Peru Highlights:

• Uncover the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World!

• Choose your bucket list adventure, Lares Trek vs Inca Trail, inside the Sacred Valley

• Marvel at the mysterious Nazca Lines, estimated to be more than 2,000 years old

• Go sandboarding at sunset in the Huacachina Desert

• Get a taste of Lima’s legendary cuisine, making Peru an easy contender as one of the best destinations in the world for amazing food

Bolivia

Best place to visit in South America for: otherworldly scenery 😍

If you have the chance to explore two South American countries, Peru and Bolivia are the perfect pairing. From epic journeys to rugged wilderness, Bolivia is full of secrets and falling in love with this destination is the easiest feeling in the world. Get ready to experience landscapes that are truly unlike anywhere else on the planet as you drive around the unpolished stretches of the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, spot flamingos in the rosy waters of Laguna Colorada and soak in the one-of-a-kind views of Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley).

Part of what makes our Bolivia tours so memorable is that you get to truly immerse yourself in the local culture of one of South America’s most underrated destinations. Picture yourself exploring the breathtaking cobblestone streets of Sucre and Potosí, gazing out onto the mountaintops in the near distance. And who could forget about La Paz, the highest city in the entire world and a rising star in the food scene? Just when you think you have seen it all, Bolivia finds another way to amaze you!

Bolivia Highlights:

• Discover Salar de Uyuni, the world’s biggest salt flats, on a 4x4 adventure

• Marvel at the extraterrestrial landscapes of Bolivia’s Moon Valley

• Sail across the waters of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable body of water on the planet

• Explore the vibrant stalls of the Witches Market in La Paz

• Fall in love with Sucre and trace ancient dinosaur tracks right outside the city

Brazil

Best place to visit in South America for: tropical beaches 🌴

As South America’s biggest country, you could easily spend months exploring Brazil alone. From tropical rainforest where Amazonian wildlife thrives well off-the-beaten-path to vibrant melting pot cities, Brazil is a destination that has got it all. But if there is one thing that we have fallen head over heels for, it has to be Brazil’s heavenly shores.

Imagine wind-swept palm trees that curve along the coast, dotted with bronzed beaches everywhere the eye can see. Like treasure at the end of a rainbow, lush jungle leads you onto secluded beaches in Brazil. There is, quite literally, something in the bright turquoise waters, as you can snorkel alongside gorgeous marine life like sea turtles and colourful coral reefs!

And then, of course, there’s Copacabana, a beach so legendary it’s had songs written about it. Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach for a reason, this is the go-to location for playing volleyball and watching the sunset over Sugarloaf Mountain, before dipping into the heart of the city for a night you’ll never forget!

Brazil Highlights:

• Dance the night away at Rio’s beachside bars and nightclubs

• Tick Christ the Redeemer, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, off your Brazil bucket list

• Find tropical paradise on the sandy stretches of Paraty and Ilha Grande

• Discover a whole new world under the sea on a snorkelling adventure

• Plan your trip around Rio Carnival, where the parties are truly next level!

Argentina

Best place to visit in South America for: culture and city life 🌃

There is something electrifying about Argentina which invites you in right away. From the astonishing Iguazú Falls up north to Patagonia’s formidable glaciers and icy mountains down south, Argentina’s landscapes transform as you travel. A sweet spot in between has to be those iconic vineyards, starring endless rows of grape vines backed by valleys. So if wine, steak and horseback riding are your definition of ‘the good life’, say no more. Argentina is where your dreams will come true!

The longer you spend in Argentina, the better; but if you can only pick one place, it has to be its whirlwind capital, Buenos Aires. This city is all about living life to the fullest, whether that is catching a tango show on the streets or chanting in the crowds of a football (or ‘fútbol’) game. Nightlife in Buenos Aires is nothing short of legendary, with nightclubs opening late and parties lasting until beyond sunrise.

Argentina Highlights:

• Immerse yourself in the beauty of Iguazú Falls, from jungle trails to the ‘Devils Throat’ waterfall

• Dive into the nightlife of Buenos Aires, one of South America’s biggest party capitals

• Kick back at a vineyard, savouring the flavours of Argentina’s world-famous wine

• Soak in the enchanting views of the colourful Andes mountains in the north

• Take a trip to the ‘End of the World’ in Patagonia, from hiking trails to exploring Ushuaia, the southernmost city on the planet

Chile

Best place to visit in South America for: adventure travel 🏞️

Chile is South America’s very own ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, filled with extreme diversity and striking natural beauty. Yet despite breaking records as the longest and thinnest country in the world, stretching along the western edge of South America for more than 4,000km, much of Chile remains a mystery. Did you know that Earth’s oldest mummies were discovered in a region called the Atacama Desert?

From the moment you arrive, it feels as if you have stepped foot onto another planet. As the world’s driest desert, Atacama features steamy geysers, Mars-coloured sand dunes and unique rock formations that kiss the sky. This corner of Chile is also one of the best spots in the world for stargazing, with the Milky Way making a frequent appearance!

Chile Highlights:

• Discover ‘Mars on Earth’ in Atacama, the driest desert in the world

• Experience Atacama’s world-famous stargazing, keeping your eyes peeled for the Milky Way

• Visit Patagonia’s most recognisable landmark, Torres Del Paine National Park

• Get a taste of Santiago, Chile’s scenic capital where nature is never far away

• Fly over to the remote territory of Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Ecuador

Best place to visit in South America for: unique wildlife 🐢

To experience South America’s breathtaking biodiversity in all its glory, Ecuador is calling your name. This is the destination where bucket-list adventures become a reality, from homestays in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest to spotting pre-historic marine iguanas, aka the Galapagos’ own ‘dinosaurs’, out in the wild. You never forget the feeling of finding your first sloth or toucan in its natural habitat!

Sitting on the world’s equator, Ecuador delivers an incredible variety of landscapes. Each day you spend inside this country can look completely different to the next; emerald canyons, jaw-dropping waterfalls, rugged islands, volcanic peaks and endless stretches of jungle are all on offer in Ecuador. So it comes as no surprise that one of the biggest draws for travellers, other than the wildlife, has to be outdoor sports and adrenaline activities.

Ecuador Highlights:

• Experience life inside the Amazon Rainforest with a village homestay

• Spot some of the world’s most beautiful animals in Ecuador, including the Galapagos’ famous iguana and giant tortoise residents

• Enjoy an adrenaline rush in Baños, from whitewater rafting to mountain biking

• Uncover Cotopaxi National Park, enjoying volcano and glacier scenery

• Explore the gorgeous city of Cuenca, plus its nearby national parks and ancient ruins

Uruguay

Best place to visit in South America for: cowboy culture 🏇

Welcome to Uruguay, a tiny slice of paradise nestled between Argentina and Brazil, and one of South America’s best-kept secrets. This is where World Heritage villages, glamorous beachside getaways and cosy rural retreats collide, making Uruguay feel like a postcard come to life. Some call it the ‘Switzerland of South America’ after its riches, yet the cultural traditions here are distinct - from the musical rhythm of Candombe drums to a fierce adoration of football that gives Argentina a run for its money. Who else can brag that they hosted the world’s first ever FIFA World Cup except Uruguay, after all?

Gaucho culture runs deep in both Uruguay and Argentina, and so experiencing life on an estancia ranch as part of your travels is an absolute must. More than the opportunity of a lifetime to go horseback riding with cowboys, an estancia stay allows you to get to know Uruguay better first-hand. Spend your days riding across the secluded grassy plains and your evenings watching the sunset over a barbecue and music around the campfire… paired with some delicious empanadas, of course!

Uruguay Highlights:

• Get to know Gaucho culture at a traditional estancia stay with horseback riding

• Escape to the beachside retreat of Punta Del Este, famed for its surfer waves

• Step back in time while exploring the cobblestone laneways of Colonia Del Sacramento

• Visit the world’s first FIFA World Cup stadium in Montevideo

• Journey along Uruguay’s sun-kissed shores, with golden beaches stretching from coast to coast

First Time in South America: Our Top Tips 🌟

Learn some lingo 💬

Even just a few phrases can go a long way. Spanish is the official language of most countries in South America, whereas Brazil has the biggest Portuguese-speaking population in the world!

Go the distance 🛣️

The journey is the destination in South America, and part of what makes a trip here so memorable are the overlanding adventures. Aside from saving money on your adventures, overlanding allows you to really experience this continent beyond its major highlights. From catching glimpses of everyday life to discovering hidden gem scenery, there is no feeling quite like it!

Prepare for high altitudes ⛰️

While high altitudes are generally nothing to worry about, it is important to give your body time to rest and adapt to a new environment. It usually only takes a day or two to acclimatise, yet taking it easy for a day and staying hydrated will make a huge difference. Check out our guide on How to Prepare for Machu Picchu Altitude. 👈

Pack for all climates☀️

Depending on where you are travelling to in South America, you may need to pack a few different clothing items. Layers are key! For further assistance, we recommend reading over your pre-departure details and checking out our What to Take Travelling guide.

Have fun! 🎉

You’re about to embark on the trip of a lifetime, how exciting! And it’s not just about all the places you are going to see, but all the friendships and memories you will make along the way.

Feeling Inspired? 🗺️

There’s a first time for everything and now is your chance to tick a new continent off your bucket list, whether you’re looking for a shorter getaway or the ultimate experience. So it’s official, our South America tours are calling your name!