So you're planning a South America trip? Smart move. Having explored every corner of this continent for over a decade, I can tell you finding the best places to visit in South America isn't just about ticking boxes – it's about matching your travel soul to the right experiences. Let's cut through the fluff. You want authentic insights, real logistics, and zero sugarcoating.
Must-See Destinations: South America's Crown Jewels
These spots earn their reputation. But skip the Instagram filters – here's the raw deal.
Machu Picchu, Peru
That first glimpse through the Sun Gate? Chills. But let's talk practicalities. Most enter via Aguas Calientes town. Trains from Cusco (PeruRail or Inca Rail) run $70-$500 roundtrip. Entry tickets MUST be booked months ahead through official site ($50-$70). Opens 6AM-5PM. Pro tip? Skip the crowds with the Montaña hike (extra permit needed). Annoyance? Those pushy vendors at the exit gates.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Copacabana at sunset is magic. But safety first – stick to populated areas. Christ the Redeemer: $25 entry, 8AM-7PM. Sugarloaf cable car: $30, 8AM-9PM. Best churrascaria? Fogo de Chão Botafogo ($40/person). Honestly? I find Ipanema beach cleaner than Copacabana these days.
| Attraction | Cost (USD) | Hours | Reservation Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christ the Redeemer | $25 | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Yes (online) |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car | $30 | 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM | No (but arrive early) |
| Selarón Steps | Free | 24 hours (safer daytime) | No |
Torres del Paine, Chile
My favorite hike on the planet. The W Trek requires reservations ($35 park entry + $10-50/night camping). Book refugios through Vertice or Fantastico Sur. Buses from Puerto Natales ($20 roundtrip). Warning: weather switches from sunny to hailstorm in minutes. Pack layers!
Personal Rant: Why do airlines charge $200 extra for Patagonia trekkers’ bulky gear? Daylight robbery. Pack light or cry at check-in.
Budget Realities Across Countries
South America isn't universally cheap. Bolivia? Yes. Galapagos? Prepare your wallet.
| Destination | Daily Budget (Budget Traveler) | Daily Budget (Comfort) | Cost Shock Alert! |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolivia (Uyuni) | $30-40 | $60 | Salt flat tours fixed at $150 for 3 days |
| Ecuador (Galapagos) | $100+ | $250+ | $120 park fee + $20 transit card |
| Argentina (Buenos Aires) | $40 | $80 | Blue dollar rate saves 40% on cash |
| Colombia (Cartagena) | $35 | $70 | Old Town hotels 2x coastal prices |
When Seasons Make or Break Your Trip
Wrong timing = rainouts or crowds. My hard-learned lessons:
- Amazon Basin (Brazil/Peru): July-Dec (low water = better hiking)
- Patagonia: Nov-Mar (summer). April? Wind will knock you over.
- Salar de Uyuni: Feb-Apr (water mirror effect) BUT roads flood.
Ever tried Machu Picchu in February? Don't. Trails close, mudslides happen. I slept in Aguas Calientes for 3 soggy days once.
Transport Hacks: Buses vs Planes
Overnight buses save time and hostel costs. Choose companies wisely:
| Country | Best Bus Company | Safety Rating | Overnight Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Via Bariloche | Excellent | Get 'cama' seats (fully reclining) |
| Peru | Cruz del Sur | Very Good | Choose 1st floor (less bumpy) |
| Colombia | Expreso Brasilia | Good (day only) | Avoid night routes |
Internal flights: LATAM often cheapest. Bogotá to Cartagena? $50 if booked early. Medellín to Lima? Expect $150+.
Is flying between countries worth it? Sometimes. That 18-hour bus from La Paz to Cusco? Never again.
Hidden Gems Most Blogs Miss
Forget Instagram influencers. These spots have soul:
Colca Canyon, Peru
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Stay in Cabanaconde village. Hike down to Sangalle Oasis ($5 camping). Local buses from Arequipa ($8). Fewer crowds than Machu Picchu and just as epic.
Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil
Desert meets lagoon paradise. Fly into São Luís. 4WD tours from Barreirinhas ($65/day). Go July-Sep when lagoons are full. Warning: basic accommodations only.
"Sipping fresh coconut water on a dune surrounded by turquoise pools? That's the definition of paradise." - Marta, my guide from Fortaleza
Foodie Survival Guide
Street eats won’t kill you. Mostly. Must-try local specialties:
- Peru: Lomo Saltado (stir-fry) at Tanta (Lima) - $12
- Argentina: Don Julio steakhouse (Buenos Aires) - $40 but worth it
- Colombia: Arepas from street carts (Medellín) - $0.75
Food poisoning tips? Avoid raw veggies washed in tap water. Stick to cooked foods when uncertain. Trust me – I’ve learned the hard way in La Paz.
Safety First: Real Talk
Most tourists have zero issues. But complacency causes problems. My rules:
- No phones out in crowded markets (Lima, Quito)
- Uber > street taxis in São Paulo/Bogotá
- Carry decoy wallet with expired cards
Sketchiest area I've been? Comuna 13 in Medellín – but guided tours are completely safe and fascinating.
Essential Packing Everyone Forgets
Beyond your passport:
- Plug adapters (Type A/B/N across continent)
- Waterproof phone case (Amazon rain)
- Immodium (trust me)
- Photocopies of passport stored separately
That microfiber towel you think you won’t need? When your hostel charges $3 for a scratchy rag, you’ll thank me.
Answers to Burning Questions
How many weeks do I need for South America?
Minimum 2 weeks for 2 countries. Ideal? 3 months. But if you’ve only got 10 days, stick to Peru or Colombia alone.
Is the Galapagos worth the insane cost?
If wildlife is your passion? Absolutely. Nowhere else lets you swim with sea lions daily. Budget travelers: book last-minute cruises in Puerto Ayora.
Can I use credit cards everywhere?
Big cities? Yes. Uyuni salt flats or Amazon lodges? Cash only. Always carry USD as backup.
What vaccinations do I need?
Yellow Fever (Amazon regions), Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Malaria meds for lowland areas. Consult a travel clinic 8 weeks pre-trip.
Final Reality Check: Forget finding a single "best" destination. South America's magic lies in contrasts – Andean peaks, Amazonian depths, colonial streets. Your perfect trip mixes bucket-list icons with unexpected detours. That tiny ceviche shack you stumble upon? Might just beat Machu Picchu as your highlight.
Still overwhelmed? Focus on one region. Patagonia for raw nature. Colombia for culture. Brazil for beaches. All qualify as best places to visit in South America depending on what stirs your soul. Just book that flight already.