Best Countries to Visit in South America
South America changed how I think about travel. I arrived in Peru expecting Machu Picchu and found a continent that demanded months, not weeks. The scale is overwhelming – the Amazon basin alone is larger than Western Europe. The Andes run the entire length like a spine, separating Pacific beaches from jungle lowlands. Each country has its own character: the tango halls of Buenos Aires, the Carnival chaos of Rio, the salt flats of Bolivia, the glaciers of Patagonia. This is not a continent you can rush.
I have spent cumulative months travelling from Colombia to Chile, and the best advice I can give is to pick a region and commit. Trying to see everything in one trip means seeing nothing properly. The distances are vast, the buses are long, and the experiences deserve time.
Best Countries to Visit
Peru
The classic South America destination for good reason. Machu Picchu is genuinely spectacular – the Inca citadel perched above cloud forest lives up to every photograph. But Peru offers much more: Lima has one of the world’s best food scenes, Cusco is a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial architecture, and Lake Titicaca sits at 3,800 metres with floating reed islands.
Best for: History, trekking, food, culture
Time needed: 2-3 weeks minimum
Brazil
The giant of South America – larger than the contiguous United States. Rio de Janeiro has the beaches, the mountains, and Christ the Redeemer overlooking it all. São Paulo is the cultural and economic powerhouse. The Amazon offers wildlife and indigenous communities. The northeast has colonial towns and quieter beaches.
Best for: Beaches, cities, Carnival, nature
Time needed: 3-4 weeks to scratch the surface
See our Brazil guide for detailed coverage.
Argentina
From the sophistication of Buenos Aires to the wilderness of Patagonia, Argentina covers extraordinary ground. The capital has world-class steak, tango, and European-style architecture. Mendoza produces excellent Malbec. Patagonia – shared with Chile – has glaciers, mountains, and some of the best trekking on earth.
Best for: Food, wine, tango, trekking, glaciers
Time needed: 2-4 weeks
Colombia
The transformation of Colombia over the past two decades is remarkable. Medellín went from the world’s most dangerous city to a model of urban renewal. Cartagena has beautifully preserved colonial architecture. The coffee region offers lush green hills and working fincas. The Caribbean coast has beaches and the lost city trek.
Best for: Cities, coffee, Caribbean coast, value
Time needed: 2-3 weeks
Chile
Long and thin, Chile stretches from the driest desert on earth (Atacama) to the glaciers of Patagonia. Santiago is underrated – good food, surrounded by mountains, with wine valleys an hour away. The Lake District has volcanoes and German-influenced towns. Torres del Paine is world-class trekking.
Best for: Landscapes, wine, trekking, stargazing
Time needed: 2-4 weeks
Ecuador
Small but remarkably diverse. The Galapagos Islands are the headline attraction – wildlife that has no fear of humans, unique species, volcanic landscapes. The mainland has Quito’s colonial centre, the Avenue of Volcanoes, and Amazon lodges at lower prices than Peru or Brazil.
Best for: Wildlife, volcanoes, value, Amazon access
Time needed: 2-3 weeks (including Galapagos)
Uruguay
Often overlooked, Uruguay is South America’s most relaxed country. Montevideo is low-key and liveable. Punta del Este draws the South American jet set in summer. Colonia del Sacramento is a charming colonial town an easy ferry ride from Buenos Aires. The interior has gaucho culture and empty beaches.
Best for: Relaxation, wine, beach towns, day trips from Buenos Aires
Time needed: 1-2 weeks
Venezuela
Venezuela has some of South America’s most dramatic landscapes – Angel Falls (the world’s highest waterfall), the tepuis (flat-topped mountains) of Canaima, Caribbean beaches, and the Andes. However, the ongoing political and economic crisis means tourism infrastructure has collapsed. Check travel advisories carefully before considering a visit.
Best for: (When stable) Waterfalls, tepuis, beaches, Caribbean islands
Current status: Extremely difficult for independent travel
When to Go
South America spans the equator and extends nearly to Antarctica, so seasons vary dramatically.
December to March: Summer in the south. Best for Patagonia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay. High season and higher prices. Hot and humid in Brazil.
June to September: Winter in the south, dry season in much of the tropics. Best for Peru, Bolivia, Amazon regions. Cold in Patagonia (many services close). Peak season for Machu Picchu.
April-May, October-November: Shoulder seasons. Often the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices.
Carnival: February/March (dates vary). Rio’s famous celebration, but celebrated across Brazil and in other countries. Book far ahead and expect premium prices.
Getting Around
Flights: Distances are vast. Lima to Buenos Aires is 3,000km. Budget airlines (Sky, JetSmart, Gol) have improved options, but domestic flights remain expensive in some countries.
Buses: The main form of long-distance transport. Quality varies from basic to “cama” (fully reclining sleeper seats). Argentina and Chile have excellent bus networks; Brazil’s are comfortable for the distances involved. Journeys of 15-24 hours are common.
Overland borders: Most can be crossed by bus. Some borders are remote and time-consuming. Check visa requirements for each country you’ll enter.
Costs
South America is cheaper than Europe but more expensive than Southeast Asia. Costs vary significantly by country.
Budget daily costs (hostels, street food, buses):
- Bolivia: £20-30
- Peru: £25-40
- Colombia: £30-45
- Ecuador: £30-45
- Argentina: £35-50 (volatile currency)
- Brazil: £40-60
- Chile: £45-65
- Uruguay: £50-70
Patagonia, the Galapagos, and Carnival season are significantly more expensive.
Safety
South America has a reputation for crime, and caution is warranted in cities. Petty theft is common in tourist areas. Avoid displaying expensive items, use ATMs inside banks, and take registered taxis at night.
That said, millions of tourists visit safely every year. The main tourist routes are well-travelled. Rural areas are generally safer than cities. Venezuela is currently the exception – the security situation is genuinely dangerous.
Visas
UK citizens can enter most South American countries visa-free for 90 days:
- Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay: No visa needed
- Bolivia: Visa on arrival or e-visa
- Venezuela: Visa required
Always check current requirements before travel.
Altitude
Much of Andean South America sits above 2,500 metres. Cusco is at 3,400m, La Paz at 3,650m, and many treks go higher. Altitude sickness is real – take time to acclimatise, stay hydrated, and consider medication (acetazolamide) for higher elevations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit South America?
UK citizens can enter most South American countries visa-free for 90 days, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay. Bolivia requires a visa on arrival or e-visa. Venezuela requires a visa. Always check current requirements as they can change.
What is the best time to visit South America?
It depends on the region. June to September is best for Peru, Bolivia, and the Amazon (dry season). December to March is summer in the south and best for Patagonia, Argentina, and Chile. Shoulder months (April-May, October-November) often offer the best balance across the continent.
What currency is used in South America?
Each country has its own currency. Peru uses the Sol, Brazil the Real, Argentina the Peso (highly volatile), Chile the Peso, Colombia the Peso, and so on. US dollars are widely accepted in Ecuador and useful as backup elsewhere. ATMs are available in cities but can be unreliable in rural areas.
Is South America safe for tourists?
Generally yes, with sensible precautions. Petty theft is common in cities – avoid displaying expensive items, use ATMs inside banks, take registered taxis at night. Rural areas and main tourist routes are typically safe. Venezuela is currently an exception due to the ongoing crisis.
How expensive is South America?
Cheaper than Europe but more than Southeast Asia. Bolivia and Peru offer the best value (£20-40/day budget travel). Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil are more expensive (£45-70/day). Argentina’s costs fluctuate with the currency. Patagonia and the Galapagos are premium destinations regardless of country.
Do I need vaccinations for South America?
Yellow fever vaccination is required or recommended for travel to tropical regions including the Amazon, parts of Brazil, and some border areas. Consult a travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure for personalised advice on yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, and other recommended vaccinations.
Countries to Explore
Andes & Pacific
Atlantic Coast
Other Destinations
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