Destination Guides

7 Extraordinary Experiences in South America

Recently updated on July 11th, 2023 at 01:16 pm

South America is a region of dramatic contrasts, from the glacial lakes and mountains of Patagonia in the south to Rio de Janeiro’s white sand shores further north. And within this extraordinary land, there are equally as extraordinary experiences to embrace. Get a taste for local life with the gauchos on an Argentinean ranch, or be a part of tango culture in the country’s capital, Buenos Aires. To have your most unforgettable journey yet, discover these truly exceptional experiences in South America.

PERU

Hike to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu

Experiences to Have in South America

Tucked into the lush Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu sits on a mountain plateau, overlooking the verdant Urubamba River valley. This ancient citadel is one of the world’s great wonders, giving us an insight into the sophistication of the Inca Empire. For a view across this entire UNESCO World Heritage Site, follow the Incas’ ancient trail up the mountainside to the sacred Sun Gate, Inti Punku – named after the Incas’ sun god, Inti.

Visit Machu Picchu on the In the Footsteps of the Incas, Highlights of Peru, Land of the Incas, Icons of South America, Cultures and Contrasts of South America and South America Revealed trips with Trafalgar.

Step onto the Reed Islands of Lake Titicaca

Experiences to Have in South America

Spanning an area of 8,372 square-kilometres, crossing the border between Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable body of water. The tranquil blue expanse is home to a smattering of small islands, of which the Uros floating islands are the most intriguing. Made entirely from reeds by the Uros people, these islands offer visitors a unique and unforgettable insight into the indigenous cultures of Peru.

Explore Lake Titicaca on the In the Footsteps of the Incas, Cultures and Contrasts of South America and Land of the Incas trips.

ARGENTINA

See Chunks of Ice Fall from a Glacier

Experiences to Have in South America

In the extraordinarily dramatic landscape of Argentina’s Austral Andes, Los Glaciares National Park encompasses rugged snow-capped mountains (including 3.102-metre Monte Fitz Roy), tranquil glacial lakes that reflect the mountains they’re backed by, and wildlife-rich woodland. But within this UNESCO World Heritage land perhaps the most staggering sight is Glaciar Perito Moreno, a vast structure from which large chunks of ice fall dramatically into the water below.

Visit Los Glaciares National Park on the Wonders of Patagonia tour

Learn to Tango in Buenos Aires

Experiences to Have in South America

As the official home of the tango, there’s no better place to learn this impassioned dance. See couples put on an emotional performance on the streets of Buenos Aires and within the city’s dimly lit tango clubs, then take to the dance-floor yourself, under the instruction of one of BA’s best tango teachers.

Stay in Buenos Aires on the Impressions of South America, Best of South America, Cultures and Contrasts of South America, South America Revealed and Icons of South America trips.

Experience Gaucho Life in the Pampas

Experiences to Have in South America

Known as “the pampas”, the countryside surrounding Buenos Aires is a vast landscape of lowland plains, scattered with secluded ranches. It’s here that Argentina’s gaucho culture can truly be experienced; on a late 19th century working estancia, join the family for Argentinean asado (barbecue) and see how they live prosperously in this remote corner of South America.

Visit a ranch outside Buenos Aires on the Best of South America, Cultures and Contrasts of South America and Icons of South America trips.

BRAZIL

Get Wet at Iguassu Falls

Experiences to Have in South America

Straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguassu Falls consists of hundreds of individual waterfalls along a three-kilometre stretch of the Iguazu River, amidst the verdant rainforest of the surrounding national parkland. Follow a network of trails through the rainforest to feel the warm spray and hear the thundering sound of each majestic waterfall.

Visit Iguassu Falls on the Impressions of South America, Best of South America, Cultures and Contrasts of South America, South America Revealed and Icons of South America trips with Trafalgar.

Ride the Cable Car up Sugarloaf

Experiences to Have in South America

One of the most iconic sights in the vibrant Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro is the view from high up on Sugarloaf Mountain. From Praia Vermelha, take an unforgettable cable car ride up to the 396-metre summit, with a stop in between at Morro da Urca for 360-degree views of Rio’s sublime white-sand coastline and the forested mountains that surround the city.

Stay in Rio de Janeiro on the Impressions of South America, Best of South America, South America Revealed, Icons of South America and Cultures and Contrasts of South America trips.

Image credits: Perito Moreno © iStock / Sara Winter. Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate © iStock / Yang Tin. Lake Titicaca © iStock / 1001nights. Perito Moreno © iStock / fabienne harris. Tango in Buenos Aires © Flickr / Stevendos Redemedios. Gauchos on the Pampas © iStock / cristiani. Iguassu Falls © iStock / Grafissimo. The view from the Sugarloaf cable car © iStock / Celso Diniz.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Want to hear more from us?

Sign up to receive inspiring travel articles, offers & news

"*" indicates required fields

Hidden
Receive Monthly Emails*
Receive All Brand Communications
Terms and Cons*
Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title