South America tailor-made holidays
Overview
South America was made for travel and adventure. The continent is complex, contrasting, challenging and ultimately exhilerating. Wherever you pitch up, South America embraces and engulfs you, whether you fall for the pulsing rhythms, intense aromas or delicious food and drink.
Iconic cities such as Buenos Aires in Argentina, Cartagena in Colombia and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil provide ideal introductions. Ancient sites such as Ciudad Perdida in Colombia and Machu Picchu in Peru offer iconic alternatives and have world-renowned treks such as the Inca Trail to walk in order to get a more intimate feel for the landscape and the cultures that once thrived here.
Outside of the urban areas, the continent boasts a wealth of natrural wonders, meaning that you're spoilt for choice, whether you explore the Amazon in Brazil, the Atacama Desert in Chile, the Galapagos Islands off Ecuador, Kaletur Falls in Guyana, Lake Titicaca in Peru, the Pantanal in Brazil, Patagonia in Argentina or the salt pans of Uyuni in Bolivia.
With so much to see and do, your biggest challenge will be deciding what to focus on and working out how to cram as much of the continent into your itinerary as possible.
Popular countries in South America
Essential experiences in South America
South America is a continent of superlatives and the natural wonders of South America are as spectacular as anywhere in the world, with rainforests, mountains, canyons, lakes and glaciers in countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Peru vying for your attention.
The Amazon River is South America's mightiest river. An Amazon cruise in either Brazil or Peru allows you to access the rainforest on an alternative wildlife holiday and see sights that otherwise would be off limits to overland travellers.
South America exploration cruises are great ways to discover the coasts and scenery of Brazil, Chile and Peru as well as remote icons such as Easter Island and the Galapagos Islands.
South America cruises are about getting off the beaten track. Explore the landscapes that stretch from the tropics to the sub-Antarctic and discover an enormous variety and diversity of destinations.
Wildlife holidays in South America are exceptional. The Amazon rainforest in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana and Peru is home to enormous ammounts of animals, Whilst the Galapagos Islands boast a number of unique species.
Although some of South America isn't suitable for a self-drive holiday, both Argentina and Chile offer plenty of opportunities for exploring by car or camper van.
Colourful and vibrant, South America is a honeymoon destination with a difference. Travel to Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and more for activity and adventure, glorious beaches and a wealth of history and culture.
South America conjures up images of lost cities and otherworldly cultures; travel to Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru to discover sites such as Machu Picchu for yourself and see the breathtaking remains of the Inca's endeavours.
Although the infrastructure in South America doesn't lend itself to great railway journeys, there are still some exceptional train journeys in Peru, to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, and also in Ecuador.
In South America, learn about the Incas, access the Amazon, spot wildlife and encounter local traditions on an escorted tour of Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru amongst others.
Although not especially known for its beach holidays, South America still has some excellent places to kick back and relax, especially in Brazil and Peru, where you can also pair beach holidays with wildlife holidays, culture and history trips and stunning city breaks.
There are some iconic activity and adventure experiences associated with South America. Travel to Argentina, Brazil, Chile or Peru amongst others to discover what's available for the intrepid traveller to try.
Our South America brochure
Top itineraries in South America
offer
Save up to GBP2,400 per couple
Book by: 30 April 2017
Witness breathtaking landscapes ranging from the vast expanses of the Atacama Desert in the north, through the verdant central plains and sweeping vineyards of the country's central region, to the lakes, glaciers and towering mountains of Patagonia in the south.
Get a taste for tango in the 'Paris of South America', gaze in awe at the advancing ice of the Perito Moreno Glacier and the thundering power of Iguazu Falls before living life gaucho style at an estancia on the outskirts of the capital, all on this 13-day tailor-made itinerary.
Discover the secrets of the Incas, visiting Peru's finest sights including Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You'll stay in some of the country's best hotels, and take a trip on the Belmond Hiram Bingham – regarded as one of the world's best rail journeys.
It's hard to imagine more spectacular landscapes than those found in Chile. From the lunar-like flats of the Atacama Desert to the sculpted peaks of pristine Patagonia. Better still, you get to share this scenery with the local wildlife. This holiday allows you to explore Patagonia at your own pace.
Top offers in South America
offer
Save up to GBP2,400 per couple
Book by: 30 April 2017
Witness breathtaking landscapes ranging from the vast expanses of the Atacama Desert in the north, through the verdant central plains and sweeping vineyards of the country's central region, to the lakes, glaciers and towering mountains of Patagonia in the south.
offer
Free Galapagos flights, save up to £1,000 per couple
Book by: 30 September 2016
Discover the beautiful islands of the Galapagos. This magical odyssey takes in the islands of the Galapagos archipelago, the colonial town of Quito and a relaxing beach stay on Santa Cruz Island. An evocative journey reminiscent of Darwin's adventures – truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
offer
Save up to £1,000 per couple
Book by: 30 September 2016
Enjoy the stunning beauty of the Galapagos aboard a luxury yacht with fore and aft observation decks, a glass-bottom boat, daily excursions and quality service.
offer
Free Galapagos flights, save up to £1,000 per couple
Book by: 30 September 2016
Enjoy a remarkable stay in one of the most diverse ecological areas in the world on the Galapagos Islands.