South America Holidays

A brilliantly diverse continent, South America boasts a range of climates, cultures and landscapes. And it’s huge – Brazil alone could comfortably fit the whole of Europe inside its borders. So it’ll come as no surprise that South America holidays are all about adventure. It’s unlikely you’ll spend much time lying on the beach. Instead, you can look forward to discovering sprawling cities, steamy rainforests, centuries-old glaciers and world-famous sites.

South America holidays are often associated with buzzing metropolises – and rightly so. If you love urban jungles, you’ll be in your element here. In Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, you can see iconic attractions like Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain and Copacabana Beach. Over in Chile, Santiago serves up museums, micro-breweries and European-style plazas. Buenos Aires – the capital of Argentina – features French-inspired architecture and colourful barrio neighbourhoods, whereas Lima in Peru is home to grand palaces and cathedrals.

While these world-renowned cities certainly play a part in South America holidays, they’re just the tip of the iceberg. The continent has nearly 100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranging from natural wonders to ancient landmarks. You could hike to the top of Peru’s famous Incan citadel, Machu Picchu, or marvel at the thundering waters of Iguazu Falls on the Argentina-Brazil border. Gape at magnificent glaciers in Patagonia, or marvel at Easter Island’s mystifying sculptures. Check out our South America tours to get some inspiration for your next adventure. 

Eager to see some wildlife on your South America trip? Travel to the Galapagos Islands in search of sea lions, giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies. Or immerse yourself in the world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon, where you can see all sorts of exotic animals, including macaws, jaguars and river dolphins. 

Of course, we can’t talk about South America without mentioning food. During your trip, you can feast on juicy Argentinean steaks, enjoy barbecued skewers in Brazil, or nibble on freshly-baked empanadas in Chile. Fancy yourself as a bit of a wine connoisseur? Make sure your South America holiday includes a vineyard visit. Argentina’s Mendoza region is famous its fruity malbec, while Valle de Maipo in Chile produces cabernet sauvignon. If cocktails are more your thing, order a pisco sour in Chile or Peru – both countries claim to have invented this tasty drink, which features pisco, lime juice, egg white and sugar.

Whether you’re drawn to the continent’s incredible landscapes and nature, or its iconic cities and landmarks, South America will always impress. Not sure where to begin? Speak to our Travel Specialists to find out more about our South America holidays, and start planning your tailor-made adventure.