A Beginner’s Guide to South America

South America’s largest and most populated country, Brazil has had a massive cultural influence. From samba to Pelé, Brazilian cultural touchstones are recognized worldwide but there’s nothing like actually being in the captivating country and soaking up the sun and colorful atmosphere on the most famous beaches in the world, Copacabana and Ipanema. After Rio de Janeiro, head for the beaches of nearby Ilha Grande and Búzios, or go north to the glorious beach-studded coastline of Bahía.

Home to a rich literary scene and world-renowned museums, including the Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA), Argentina does not disappoint when it comes to cultural attractions. The best-known manifestation of Argentine culture, however, is tango, so be sure to take in a show, check out the street dancers in San Telmo, Buenos Aires, and learn a few steps yourself.

A land of gold, Peru was once home to the world’s largest empire. Visitors to Cusco can see relics of Inca riches, as well as artifacts from pre-Inca civilizations, at the Pre-Columbian Art Museum before visiting such archaeologically rich ancient sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Písac, Tipón, and the world-famous lost citadel of Machu Picchu (all of which can be reached in a day trip).

From loud mega clubs to secret salsa places, Colombia is home to some of the continent's best nightlife. Night owls will want to make a beeline for Bogotá or Medellin, but Cartagena, Cali, and Barranquilla are also great cities to have a fun night out without breaking the bank. If you’re unsure of where to go or are traveling alone, join a nightlife tour to soak up the scene. (You can even treat yourself to some Colombian emeralds, too.)

Home to the largest Indigenous population in South America, Bolivia is the ideal place to learn about the cultures that have thrived there for thousands of years. You can visit Lake Titicaca to learn how the Uro people have long lived on its floating islands; stay in an Indigenous-run ecolodge in Madidi National Park, one of the world’s largest protected wildlife areas; and book a tour to the Uyuni salt flats, which includes visits to Indigenous villages as well as geysers, hot springs, and flamingo-dotted lagoons.

As travel to the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls in Venezuela, is not currently recommended due to a Level 4 US Travel Advisory, consider Guyana instead. In Kaieteur National Park, within the Amazon rainforest, the 741-feet (226-meter) Kaieteur Falls is an impressive sight and renowned for the highest volume of water flowing in a single-drop waterfall. Travelers can visit it as part of a multi-day adventure tour from the capital, Georgetown. (While you’re there, you might even be able to catch a cricket match or two in this English-speaking South American country.)

This staggeringly long, thin country is one of the world’s most geographically diverse. From the lunar-like landscape of the Atacama Desert in the north to the jagged peaks and glacial lakes of Patagonia in the south, a trip around Chile is like visiting multiple different countries in one. If there’s one thing outdoor adventurers shouldn’t miss, it’s hiking around the unspoiled mountains, glaciers, and lakes of Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park.

Sitting at the very heart of South America, little-visited Paraguay is often overlooked by travelers intent on hitting up the continent’s best-known attractions. However, from the historic architecture of Asunción to the numerous bird species and enormous cacti of the Chaco, there is plenty to merit getting off the beaten path and spending some time in landlocked Paraguay.

For a small country, Ecuador packs a punch, squeezing in surprisingly diverse landscapes, from Andean peaks and dense Amazon rainforest to sandy beaches and smoking volcanoes. One of the biggest draws here is the diverse wildlife—the country is home to more than 300 species of mammals, including the rare Andean spectacled bear, several breeds of monkey, 2- and 3-toed sloths, and capybaras. Cotopaxi National Park and the Mindo Cloud Forest are two top wildlife destinations in Ecuador, while the Galápagos Islands is renowned for its unique animals.

Like neighboring Argentina, Uruguay has a deep love of big steaks and bold red wines. Visitors shouldn’t miss experiencing an asado grill, which traditionally begins with offal before the full parrillada (steak, chops, ribs, and sausages) is served. Some foodie travelers plan their trips around visiting the legendary Parador La Huella restaurant in the beach resort of José Ignacio, which mixes up the traditional grill by serving fresh seafood. Meanwhile, wine lovers can book tasting tours to Uruguay’s wine country. (Don’t skip the mate, either.)

South America’s smallest country is a little-explored, densely-forested playground for adventurers who can eschew roads and make their way around the country via its many rivers. Suriname—where you’ll find Dutch and Sranan Tongo spoken widely—has a wealth of nature reserves and protected parkland, which are best experienced by staying in an ecolodge that offers excursions.