Things to Do in South America
Most outdoor enthusiasts travel to South America to tackle the mountainous peaks of the Andes or the wild rivers that flow down their slopes. Mountaineers, trekkers and whitewater rafters will find their equal among the incredibly untamed wilderness of South America.
The thousands of miles of coastline also lure plenty of action seekers. The surf of Brazil is quite good, and well known among serious surfers. A decent underwater scene can be found off southern Brazil and around the Galapagos, but in general this is not a hot diving region.
What’s really hot in South America is the hiking. Follow the centuries-old Inca Trail up to Machu Picchu or wander deep into the volcanic hinterlands of Bolivia and Chile. If it’s the jungle that turns you on, the Amazon rainforest is undisputedly the world’s finest.
If you can think it up, chances are you can find it somewhere in South America. For culture, the grand cities like Lima, Santiago, Quito and Buenos Aires offer incredibly vibrant scenes where tradition remains firmly fixed. Look a bit further into the past, and world-class sites like Machu Picchu, Cusco and Cartagena rarely fail to impress.
South America is laden with superlative natural highlights, providing travelers with a wonderful balance between nature and culture. From the fun-filled beaches of Brazil to the barren moonscapes of the Andes, visitors will encounter a full range of outdoor destinations. The Amazon Basin is another major feature of South America’s landscape. The most biodiverse region on the planet is loaded with rare plants, animals and lost tribes.
Many of the most spectacular sites in South America are protected by national parks and UNESCO. The southern Patagonia regions of Chile and Argentina are particularly outstanding, exemplified by the stellar Torres del Paine preserve. But in truth, no matter where you travel you will find scenery that dazzles.
Trekking: the trekking opportunities in South America aren’t limited to the mountainous Andes, though that’s where much of the alpine action takes place. Amazon rainforest treks, the national parks of southern Chile and even desert walks across Peru’s Altiplano are all top attractions.
Diving and snorkeling: although better scuba diving lies north in Central America, the Galapagos Islands and the Brazilian coast have excellent underwater scenes. Diehard divers will certainly be able to get their fix.
Surfing: South America may not be the first region to come to mind when thinking of hot surf spots, but the waves in Brazil are among the world’s best. Chile, Peru and Ecuador also offer plenty of great low-key surfing spots.
White water rafting and kayaking: between the endless rains of the Amazon Basin and the incredible run-off from the Andes, South America has more than enough water to go around. Its rivers, which flow relentlessly down both sides of the Andes, provide some of the best rafting and kayaking thrills on the planet.
Skiing: the Andes mountains are regarded as one of the world’s hottest ski destinations for those seeking a bit of adventure with their snow. Chile and Argentina have the best resorts, attracting global ski hounds who suffer withdrawals during their own warm summer seasons.
Mountain climbing / rock climbing: the peaks in the Andes are some of the highest climbable summits in the world. Mountaineers can find a full range of excursions here, while rock climbers have lots of options in Brazil.
National parks and reserves: the biodiversity of the Amazon, the magnificent natural beauty in Patagonia and the inspiring alpine heights of the Andes conspire to form one of the planet’s most important regions. South America’s parks do an impressive job of protecting these vital environments.
World Heritage sites: there are dozens of natural, historic and cultural highlights in South America that have earned the protective status of UNESCO. From the ancient Inca to the Spanish colonial era, visitors will find a wealth of superlative sites in this region.
Spiritual places and trips: the ancient spiritual roots of South America have been integrated into the modern influence of Christianity, creating a unique fusion of tradition and passion. There’s a tangible sense of reverence, from the Spanish churches of Sucre to the mysterious remains of Tiahuanaco.
Islands and beaches: from the barely-clad sun worshippers of Rio to the wildlife haven of the Galapagos, South America offers an amazing blend of the natural and the social.
Festivals and events: there’s a festival for every occasion in South America, best exemplified by the world famous Carnaval at Rio de Janiero.