South America tailor-made holidays
Overview
South America was made for travel and adventure. The continent is complex, contrasting, challenging and ultimately exhilarating. Wherever you pitch up, South America embraces and engulfs you, whether you fall for the pulsing rhythms, staggeringly beautiful outdoor world or fascinating cities.
Iconic cityscapes such as Buenos Aires in Argentina, Cartagena in Colombia and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil provide ideal introductions, while ancient sites such as Ciudad Perdida in Colombia and Machu Picchu in Peru offer iconic alternatives. Many offer world-renowned treks, such as the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek; challenging but worthwhile walks that end at world wonder Machu Picchu.
Outside of the urban areas, the continent boasts a wealth of natural wonders, whether you want to boat down the Amazon in Brazil, stargaze in Chile's Atacama Desert or spot endemic wildlife on Ecuador's Galápagos Islands.
Then there's the awe-inspiring Pantanal in Brazil, ice-slicked wonders in Patagonia, epic Iguazu Falls and the spectacular salt pans of Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni.
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.
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 Galápagos Islands boast a number of unique species.
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.
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.
Top itineraries in South America
Witness the best of Chile's stunning natural world, from the vast expanse of the Atacama Desert to the lakes, glaciers and towering mountains of Patagonia in the south, staying throughout at some of the country's finest hotels.
Get a taste for tango in the 'Paris of South America', then gaze in awe at the advancing ice of the Perito Moreno Glacier and the thundering power of Iguazu Falls, before living life gaucho style with a stay in an estancia.
Top offers in South America
cruise offer
Save up to 40% on selected voyage dates
Book by: 13 July 2025
A luxury all-inclusive Caribbean cruise from Cartagena, Colombia to Barbados with Silversea featuring the natural splendours of Aruba, Curacao, and Saint Lucia.
cruise offer
Early booking offer – Save up to £380pp
Book by: 31 July 2025
Sail off the beaten track with this all-inclusive luxury cruise on Colombia's Magdalena River, including fine dining, expert-led tours and pre-cruise stays in Medellín and Cartagena.
cruise offer
Early booking offer – Save up to £1,605pp
Book by: 29 July 2025
Combine three South American countries on one epic trip, with stays in Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires either side of a luxury, all-inclusive Regent Seven Seas cruise.
cruise offer
Save up to 10%
Book by: 13 July 2025
This is a rare chance to explore the remote islands of the southern Atlantic. Sailing between the wilds of Patagonia to the wild coast of Namibia, you’ll experience some of the remotest locations on Earth.
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