Subregion
South America
Pick one country, or two neighbours on one line — Peru → Bolivia, Chile ⇄ Argentina in Patagonia, Argentina → Iguazú → Brazil — and fly every leg over about 10 hours by bus. Let the season set the order: the Andes in the dry season (May–September), Patagonia in the southern summer (November–March).
Start from what you want
Most complete right now
All 14 →South America is a continent of long distances and hard altitude. Lima to Buenos Aires is as far as London to Cairo; the Andes put cities at 2,600–4,000 m; and the seasons flip halfway down. The trips that fail try to see Machu Picchu, the Salar de Uyuni, Patagonia and Rio in three weeks, land at altitude with a full first day planned, or go to Patagonia in July. Choose a region, give it two weeks, climb slowly, fly the long legs, and treat the land borders on your line as whole travel days.
Choose
Which countries to combine, and when each works
Combine in one line
Countries
14 of 14 countries
- Falkland IslandsFull guide
Penguins and wildlife; weekly flights
- Cost / day
- US$150–200
- Best months
- Nov–Mar
- Nights
- 7–10
JFMAMJJASOND - French GuianaFull guide
Space centre, Îles du Salut, turtles; euro prices
- Cost / day
- US$64–157
- Best months
- Mar, Aug–Nov
- Nights
- 3–6
JFMAMJJASOND
Seasons at a glance
Pick a month to see where to go.
| Country | JJan | FFeb | MMar | AApr | MMay | JJun | JJul | AAug | SSep | OOct | NNov | DDec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | ok | go | go | go | ok | ok | ok | ok | go | go | go | go |
| Bolivia | ok | ok | ok | go | go | go | go | go | go | go | go | ok |
| Brazil | ok | ok | go | go | go | go | go | go | go | go | go | ok |
| Chile | go | go | go | go | go | ok | ok | ok | go | go | go | go |
| Colombia | go | go | go | ok | ok | ok | go | go | ok | ok | ok | go |
| Ecuador | go | go | go | ok | go | go | go | go | go | go | go | go |
| Falkland Islands | go | go | go | ok | × | × | × | × | ok | ok | go | go |
| French Guiana | ok | ok | go | ok | ok | ok | ok | go | go | go | go | ok |
| Guyana | ok | go | go | go | ok | × | ok | ok | go | go | go | ok |
| Paraguay | ok | ok | ok | go | go | ok | ok | go | go | ok | ok | ok |
| Peru | ok | ok | ok | go | go | go | go | go | go | go | go | ok |
| Suriname | ok | go | go | ok | ok | ok | ok | go | go | go | go | ok |
| Uruguay | go | go | go | go | ok | ok | ok | ok | ok | go | go | go |
Computed from each country’s own data; hover a country name for the source. Advisory countries are left out.
Compare the countries
- 01Boliviabackpacker day: bed, food, local transportUS$30–40
- 02Paraguaybackpacker day: bed, food, local transportUS$30–55
- 03Surinamebackpacker day: bed, food, local transportUS$33–85
- 04Colombiabackpacker day: bed, food, local transportUS$35–50
- 05Ecuadorbackpacker day: bed, food, local transportUS$35–64
- 06Perubackpacker day: bed, food, local transportUS$40–55
- 07Brazilbackpacker day: bed, food, local transportUS$42–95
- 08Argentinabackpacker day: bed, food, local transportUS$50–105
Advisory countries are left out of every ranking.
Understand
Background, cities and what sits between them
Understand
The Inca state ran the Andes when the Spanish arrived in 1532; Portugal claimed Brazil from 1500. Independence came in 1810–25 under Bolívar and San Martín (Brazil in 1822). The 20th century swung between democracy and military rule, and the 21st brought commodity booms, debt crises and, in Venezuela, collapse. Today most of the continent is a set of stable, open democracies with high inequality and very local safety pictures.
- Population
- About 440 million; Brazil alone about 215 million
- Highest city
- El Alto (Bolivia), about 4,050 m
- Driving side
- Right, except Guyana, Suriname and the Falklands (left)
- Electricity
- 220 V in most countries (110/127 V in Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and parts of Brazil — check); plug types vary
Cities
Argentina
Tango, steakhouses, cafés and neighbourhoods; the hub for every flight.
- El Calafateplanned
Argentina
Base for the Perito Moreno glacier.
Bolivia
Seat of government in a canyon at 3,600 m; cable cars, markets, Death Road and Titicaca trips.
- Sucreplanned
Bolivia
White colonial capital at 2,800 m; the gentle place to acclimatise.
Brazil
Beaches, mountains, samba and Carnival; the classic first stop.
- São Pauloplanned
Brazil
Megacity of food, art and nightlife; main air hub.
Chile
Capital under the Andes: hills, museums, wine valleys nearby.
- Valparaísoplanned
Chile
Hill port of funiculars and murals (UNESCO).
Colombia
Capital: La Candelaria, Museo del Oro, Monserrate, Usaquén.
- Medellínplanned
Colombia
Valley city: metro-cable, Comuna 13, Botero plaza, Guatapé day trips.
Ecuador
High capital with one of the largest colonial centres in the Americas; base for the northern Andes.
- Cuencaplanned
Ecuador
Colonial southern city (UNESCO) at 2,500 m; Panama hats and Cajas park.
Falkland Islands
The capital: colourful houses, Christ Church Cathedral's whalebone arch, the Historic Dockyard Museum and pubs.
- Goose Greenplanned
Falkland Islands
Settlement and 1982 battle site on East Falkland.
French Guiana
The capital: Place des Palmistes, market soups, Fort Cépérou views, beaches of Rémire-Montjoly.
- Kourouplanned
French Guiana
Space town and harbour for the Îles du Salut.
Guyana
The capital: wooden St George's Cathedral, Stabroek Market, the seawall and the Botanical Gardens manatees.
- Lethemplanned
Guyana
Rupununi frontier town on the Brazilian border; rodeo at Easter.
Paraguay
Capital on the Paraguay River; historic centre, markets and riverside.
- Encarnaciónplanned
Paraguay
Riverside city with a beach Costanera, Carnival and the Jesuit missions nearby.
Peru
Coastal capital and food capital; colonial centre, Miraflores clifftops, Barranco bars.
- Cuscoplanned
Peru
Inca capital at 3,400 m; base for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Suriname
The capital: wooden inner city, Fort Zeelandia, cathedral, mosque beside synagogue, Waterkant food stalls.
- Nieuw Nickerieplanned
Suriname
Rice-growing west, birdwatching at Bigi Pan.
Listed from the top cities of each country guide, most complete guides first.
Other destinations
- Perito Moreno Glacierplanned
Argentina · Glacier (Los Glaciares NP)
A 5 km-wide ice front with walkways facing it;
- Fitz Roy and El Chalténplanned
Argentina · Trekking
Day hikes to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre;
- Salar de Uyuniplanned
Bolivia · Salt flat
10,000 km² of white salt;
- Lagunas and Eduardo Avaroa reserveplanned
Bolivia · High lagoons and geysers
Red and green lagoons, flamingos, Sol de Mañana geysers.
- Iguaçu Fallsplanned
Brazil · Waterfalls (UNESCO)
The Brazilian side gives the panoramic view;
- Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloafplanned
Brazil · Rio landmarks
The views that define Rio;
- Torres del Paineplanned
Chile · National park
Granite towers, glaciers, W and O treks.
- San Pedro de Atacamaplanned
Chile · Desert oasis
Valle de la Luna, El Tatio geysers, lagoons, stars.
- Cocora Valleyplanned
Colombia · Wax palm valley
Tallest palms in the world in cloud-forest hills.
- Tayrona National Parkplanned
Colombia · Coastal park
Jungle beaches;
- Galápagos Islandsplanned
Ecuador · UNESCO wildlife islands
Sea lions, iguanas, tortoises and boobies at close range.
- Cotopaxi National Parkplanned
Ecuador · Volcano park
5,897 m cone, páramo, refuge hike to about 4,800 m.
- Volunteer Pointplanned
Falkland Islands · King penguin colony
The largest king penguin colony in the islands, plus gentoos and Magellanics.
- Gypsy Coveplanned
Falkland Islands · Coastal walk
Magellanic penguins and white-sand beach.
- Îles du Salutplanned
French Guiana · Penal-colony islands
Prison ruins on Île Royale, Saint-Joseph's cells, views of Devil's Island (no landing).
- Guiana Space Centreplanned
French Guiana · Spaceport
Free guided tours and the Space Museum;
Listed from the excursion pages and the country guides' destinations.
Cross the borders
Entry, hubs, crossings, climate and money
Entry & visas across the region
Tiers below are for most EU, UK, US, Canadian and Australian passports in 2026. Most of the continent is visa-free for 90 days; the exceptions are Brazil's e-visa for US, Canadian and Australian citizens, Bolivia's advance visa for some Asian and African passports, Suriname's online entry, and the Falklands' permit conditions. Mercosur and Andean Community citizens can cross with an ID card.
| Country | Most Western passports | Stay | Arrival form / fee | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia | visa-freeVisa-free for most Western passports | 90 days, extendable to 180 per year | Check-MIG online, within 72 h before arrival and departure | Check-MIG is free on the official site only. official ↗ |
| Venezuela | advisoryAdvisory — see the Venezuela page | – | – | Most governments advise against travel — check. |
| Ecuador | visa-freeVisa-free for most Western passports | 90 days per year, extendable | Health insurance may be asked; Galápagos transit card (≈US$20) before flying there | Galápagos park fee US$200 for foreign adults, cash or card on arrival (check). official ↗ |
| Peru | visa-freeVisa-free for most Western passports | Up to 183 days, set by the officer (often 90) | None; digital entry record | Keep the entry record; hotels may ask for it to waive the 18% sales tax. official ↗ |
| Bolivia | visa-freeVisa-free for EU, UK and US passports (US since 1 Dec 2025); Chinese, Indian and other group-2 nationals need a visa in advance | 30 days, extendable to 90 | Visa application online for those who need it | Visa on arrival for group-2 nationals ended in 2025 — check. official ↗ |
| Chile | visa-freeVisa-free for most Western passports | 90 days | Customs/agricultural declaration (SAG) — no fruit, meat or honey | Easter Island (Rapa Nui) has its own entry form and stay limit — check. official ↗ |
| Argentina | visa-freeVisa-free for most Western passports | 90 days | None | Non-residents may be charged at public hospitals since 2025 — carry insurance (check). official ↗ |
| Uruguay | visa-freeVisa-free for most Western passports | 90 days | None | Foreign cards get a VAT refund at restaurants and hotels (check current scheme). official ↗ |
| Paraguay | visa-freeVisa-free for most Western passports (check your passport) | 90 days | None | Get an entry stamp at Ciudad del Este even on a day trip, or you cannot leave legally. official ↗ |
| Brazil | e-visaVisa-free for EU and UK; e-visa for US, Canadian and Australian citizens since 10 April 2025 | 90 days, extendable to 180 per year | e-visa online (≈US$81 — check) | Apply at least two weeks ahead; the e-visa is valid for multiple entries. official ↗ |
| Guyana | visa-freeVisa-free for most Western passports | Up to 90 days, set on arrival | Online arrival form (check) | Yellow fever certificate may be asked if arriving from Brazil or other risk countries. |
| Suriname | e-visaOnline entry fee or e-visa for most passports (check the current scheme) | Up to 90 days | Pay online before travel | Rules changed several times since 2023 — check. official ↗ |
| French Guiana | visa-freeFrench overseas rules (not Schengen): visa-free for passports exempt from Schengen visas | 90 days | Yellow fever vaccination certificate for everyone | The land border with Brazil (Oiapoque) and Suriname (Saint-Laurent) has checkpoints inland too. official ↗ |
| Falkland Islands | visa-freeVisitor permit on arrival for most passports | Up to 4 weeks, extendable | Return ticket, pre-booked accommodation and medical insurance with evacuation | Argentine passport holders need nothing extra but relations are sensitive; flights only via Chile or the UK airbridge. official ↗ |
- Onward tickets: airlines into Colombia, Peru, Brazil and Ecuador may ask for proof of leaving — a refundable or bus ticket out usually works.
- Keep every entry slip and stamp: exit officers in Bolivia, Paraguay and Peru check them.
- Chile, Argentina and Ecuador (Galápagos) search bags for fruit, meat and plants; declare or bin them.
- Driving across borders in a rental car needs a notarised permit from the rental company, arranged days ahead.
Gateways and low-cost hubs
MDE
MedellínColombia's second hub
Airport at Rionegro, 45 min from the city.
GYE
GuayaquilGalápagos gateway
Most Galápagos flights leave from here.
CUZ
CuscoMachu Picchu gateway
3,400 m; morning flights are most reliable.
GRU
São PauloContinent's busiest hub
Allow 2 h+ for international connections.
ASU
AsunciónParaguay gateway
Few long-haul routes; connect via São Paulo, Buenos Aires or Panama.
Open →Overland border crossings
| Crossing | Between | Mode | Visa at border | Trap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rumichaca (Ipiales – Tulcán) | Colombia – Ecuador | Taxi across; buses both sides | n/a | Border zone on the Colombian side has security issues; cross by day, go straight through. |
| Huaquillas – Aguas Verdes / Tumbescheck | Ecuador – Peru (coast) | International buses (CIVA, Cruz del Sur) with joint post | n/a | El Oro province has had a state of emergency; take a through bus, never local transport. |
| Kasani (Copacabana) / Desaguaderocheck | Peru – Bolivia | Tourist bus Puno – Copacabana – La Paz | visa for some (Bolivia) | Road blockades during protests can close it for days. |
| Hito Cajón (Uyuni tours – San Pedro de Atacama) | Bolivia – Chile | 3-day 4x4 tour ending at the border, transfer to San Pedro | n/a | Altitude to 4,900 m; Chile bans food imports at the post. |
| Chacalluta (Tacna – Arica) | Peru – Chile | Colectivo taxis, buses | n/a | Weekend queues; Chile's agricultural inspection is strict. |
| Cristo Redentor / Los Libertadores | Chile (Santiago) – Argentina (Mendoza) | Bus 7–9 h over the Andes | n/a | Snow closes the pass for days in June–September. |
| Cerro Castillo / Río Turbio (Puerto Natales – El Calafate) | Chile – Argentina (Patagonia) | Bus 5–6 h | n/a | Few departures outside summer; book in high season. |
| Puerto Iguazú – Foz do Iguaçu (Tancredo Neves bridge) | Argentina – Brazil | Bus or taxi | e-visa for some (Brazil) | Day-trippers must get stamps both ways if staying overnight — check the local rule. |
| Ciudad del Este – Foz do Iguaçu (Friendship Bridge) | Paraguay – Brazil | Walk, taxi, bus | n/a | Stamp in and out deliberately; buses don't stop at immigration unless you ask. |
| Buenos Aires – Colonia / Montevideo ferries | Argentina – Uruguay | Buquebus, Colonia Express, Cacciola | n/a | Joint immigration at the terminal; arrive 1 h early. |
| Posadas – Encarnación | Argentina – Paraguay | Bus or train across the bridge | n/a | Jesuit missions on both sides make a good loop. |
| Moleson Creek – South Drain | Guyana – Suriname | Daily ferry | n/a | One sailing a day; miss it and you wait. |
| Albina – Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni | Suriname – French Guiana | Ferry or pirogue | n/a | Use official ferry or licensed pirogues; get stamps on both banks. |
| Colombia – Venezuela (Cúcuta)closed | Colombia – Venezuela | Bridges | n/a | Venezuela is under advice against travel; border area has armed groups. |
| Leticia – Tabatinga – Santa Rosa | Colombia – Brazil – Peru (Amazon) | Boats and taxis | n/a | Remote; get stamps at each country's office in town even though the border is open. |
Climate by zone
| Zone | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern AndesBogotá, Quito, Medellín | best | best | ok | wet | wet | ok | best | best | ok | wet | wet | best |
| Central Andes and altiplanoCusco, Puno, La Paz, Uyuni | wet | wet | wet | ok | best | best | best | best | best | ok | ok | wet |
| Pacific desert coastLima, Arica, Atacama | best | best | best | ok | cool | cool | cool | cool | cool | ok | ok | best |
| Caribbean coastCartagena, Santa Marta | best | best | best | ok | wet | hot | ok | hot | wet | wet | wet | best |
| Amazon and the GuianasManaus, Iquitos, Leticia, Georgetown | wet | wet | wet | wet | wet | ok | best | best | best | best | ok | wet |
| Southern Cone temperateBuenos Aires, Montevideo, Santiago, Mendoza | hot | hot | best | best | ok | cool | cool | cool | ok | best | best | best |
| Patagonia and Tierra del FuegoTorres del Paine, El Calafate, Ushuaia, Falklands | best | best | best | ok | cool | cool | cool | cool | cool | ok | best | best |
| Brazil south-east and north-eastRio, São Paulo, Salvador | hot | hot | hot | ok | best | best | best | best | best | best | ok | hot |
- Northern Andes
- Spring-like all year; two rainy seasons. Nights near 8 °C at altitude.
- Central Andes and altiplano
- Dry, sunny and cold May–Sep; Inca Trail closed in February; Uyuni mirrors in Jan–Mar.
- Pacific desert coast
- Lima is grey (garúa) May–Nov; the Atacama is dry all year, cold at night.
- Caribbean coast
- Hot all year; dry and windy Dec–Apr.
- Amazon and the Guianas
- Rain year-round; high water Mar–Jun opens flooded forest by canoe, low water Aug–Nov exposes beaches and trails.
- Southern Cone temperate
- Seasons reversed: January is summer holidays, July is winter.
- Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego
- Summer Nov–Mar; wind any month; many services close May–Sep.
- Brazil south-east and north-east
- Rio's summer (Dec–Mar) brings storms and heat; Salvador's rains are Apr–Jul.
El Niño years flood Peru's and Ecuador's coast and dry the Amazon; check the season's outlook for long trips.
Money
| Country | Currency | Cash reality |
|---|---|---|
| Colombia | COP (peso) | ATMs with low per-withdrawal limits; cards in cities. |
| Ecuador | USD | US$100 and US$50 notes often refused; carry small bills. |
| Peru | PEN (sol) | US dollars accepted for tours; Yape/Plin for locals. |
| Bolivia | BOB (boliviano) | The boliviano was floated in June 2026 after years of dollar shortage; street and official rates have nearly converged — check before bringing cash. |
| Chile | CLP (peso) | Cards everywhere; paying for hotels in USD can remove VAT for foreigners (check). |
| Argentina | ARS (peso) | Most currency controls lifted in 2025; foreign cards now get close to the market rate — check before bringing cash. |
| Uruguay | UYU (peso) | Cards preferred; dollars accepted in Punta del Este. |
| Paraguay | PYG (guaraní) | Cash economy outside Asunción. |
| Brazil | BRL (real) | Cards and Pix everywhere; cash rarely needed in cities. |
| Guyana | GYD | US dollars widely accepted. |
| Suriname | SRD | Euros and dollars change easily in Paramaribo. |
| French Guiana | EUR | French prices; cards work. |
| Falkland Islands | FKP (pegged to GBP) | Pounds sterling accepted; few card terminals outside Stanley. |
- Cost per day above (2026 estimate): budget = hostel dorm, set lunches, buses; comfort = 3–4★ hotel, restaurants, domestic flights.
- Always choose to pay in the local currency on card machines and ATMs; dynamic conversion costs 5–10%.
- Carry a reserve of clean US dollars for Bolivia, border fees and emergencies.
Stay safe
Safety hotspots
| Where | Risk | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Venezuelaadvisory | Political transition, crime, arbitrary detention; limited consular help. | No trip line; read your government's advice. |
| Colombian border regions and parts of the Pacific coast | Armed groups, kidnapping; most advice against travel there. | Stay on the tourist circuit; check the department-by-department map. |
| Medellín, Bogotá, Cartagena nightlife | Drugging (scopolamine) and robbery after dating-app or bar meetings. | Never accept drinks from strangers; meet dates in public places; use app taxis. |
| Ecuador's coastal provinces (Guayas, Manabí, El Oro, Los Ríos, Esmeraldas) | Gang violence and states of emergency. | Transit Guayaquil airport for the Galápagos; avoid the coast otherwise — check. |
| Rio and other big Brazilian cities | Phone snatching, armed robbery, stray bullets near favelas. | Don't enter favelas without a local guide; keep phones away on beaches and streets. |
| Peru and Bolivia protest zones | Road blockades and airport closures during protests. | Keep buffer days; follow local news; don't cross blockades. |
| High passes and Patagonian trails | Altitude, sudden storms, hypothermia. | Register with park rangers; carry layers; turn back in bad weather. |
Plan
Routes, language and life on the ground
Itineraries
Lima → Cusco → Sacred Valley → Machu Picchu → Puno
Book Machu Picchu entry and train together.
Cusco → Puno → Copacabana → La Paz → Uyuni → San Pedro de Atacama
Dry season; Bolivia is visa-free for US, EU and UK passports since late 2025.
Punta Arenas → Torres del Paine → El Calafate → El Chaltén → Ushuaia
Nov–Mar; book refuges months ahead.
Buenos Aires → Iguazú → Rio de Janeiro
Two flights; Brazil e-visa for some passports.
Quito → Otavalo → Cotopaxi → Galápagos
Galápagos fee and transit card.
Talk
Spanish across most of the continent; Portuguese in Brazil; English in Guyana and the Falklands; Dutch and Sranan Tongo in Suriname; French in French Guiana. Quechua and Aymara are spoken by millions in the Andes, and Guaraní is co-official and everyday in Paraguay.
| Where | Lingua franca | English | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish-speaking countries | Spanish | Low outside tourist hubs | Argentina and Uruguay use 'vos' and a distinct accent; Chilean Spanish is fast and full of slang. |
| Brazil | Portuguese | Low | A translation app is essential outside big hotels. |
| Andes | Quechua, Aymara | Very low | Spanish works in towns. |
| Paraguay | Guaraní, Spanish (often mixed as Jopara) | Very low | Most Paraguayans speak both. |
| Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Falklands | English; Dutch/Sranan; French; English | High in Guyana, Suriname, Falklands | Suriname also speaks Hindustani, Javanese and Maroon languages. |
See
Andes and ruins
- Machu Picchu · Peru
- Lake Titicaca · Peru – Bolivia
- Salar de Uyuni · Bolivia
- Quito's old town · Ecuador
Wild places
- Torres del Paine · Chile
- Perito Moreno Glacier · Argentina
- Galápagos · Ecuador
- Kaieteur Falls · Guyana
- Penguin colonies · Falkland Islands
Cities
- Buenos Aires · Argentina
- Rio de Janeiro · Brazil
- Lima · Peru
- Bogotá · Colombia
- Montevideo · Uruguay
Deep dive
Photos, reading and every source
Deep dive
South America stretches from the Caribbean coast of Colombia to Cape Horn: twelve independent countries, one French region and one British territory. The five chapters explain the Inca and the Andes, conquest and independence, the Amazon, the southern end of the world, and why the continent's travel rhythm — long buses, domestic flights, altitude and cash — is what it is.
1The Andes and the Inca1 min
The Andes run 7,000 km down the west side of the continent, and most of the pre-Columbian population lived in them. Farming terraces, freeze-dried potatoes (chuño) and llama caravans let large societies thrive between 2,500 and 4,000 m: Chavín, Moche and Nazca in Peru, Tiwanaku by Lake Titicaca, and finally the Inca.
From Cusco, the Inca built in about a century an empire of perhaps 10 million people, linked by the Qhapaq Ñan road system and administered with knotted-cord records. Its fine stone walls still carry Spanish churches in Cusco; Machu Picchu, a royal estate, was never found by the conquerors. Quechua, the Inca language, is spoken today by around 8–10 million people.
- Inca expansion
- About 1438–1533
- Quechua speakers today
- About 8–10 million
2Conquest, silver and independence1 min
Pizarro captured the Inca emperor Atahualpa in 1532; Spain then ruled the Andes from Lima. Potosí's silver mountain in Bolivia became one of the largest cities in the world by 1600, worked by forced Indigenous labour. Portugal built Brazil on sugar and later gold, with more enslaved Africans than any other colony in the Americas.
Between 1810 and 1825 armies under Simón Bolívar in the north and José de San Martín in the south ended Spanish rule. Brazil became independent peacefully in 1822 as an empire and a republic only in 1889. Border wars in the 19th century fixed today's map — Bolivia's loss of its coast to Chile still shapes national feeling.
- Potosí population, about 1600
- Around 150,000
- Battle of Ayacucho (end of Spanish rule)
- 1824
3The Amazon1 min
The Amazon basin covers about 7 million km², most of it in Brazil, with large parts in Peru, Colombia, Bolivia and Ecuador. The river carries about a fifth of all the fresh water that flows into the world's oceans. Its forest holds perhaps 10% of known species.
Visitors reach it from Manaus in Brazil, Iquitos in Peru (no road connection), Leticia in Colombia, Puerto Maldonado in Peru or Ecuador's Oriente. Lodges run guided walks and canoe trips; high water (roughly March–June) floods the forest, low water (August–November) exposes trails and beaches. Deforestation, drought in recent years and illegal mining are real threats; choose lodges with community ties.
- Share of world river discharge
- About 20%
- Countries and territories in the basin
- 9
4Patagonia and the end of the world1 min
South of about 40°S, Chile and Argentina share Patagonia: ice fields, granite towers, glaciers and steppe under constant wind. Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares (Perito Moreno, Fitz Roy) are the famous parks, the Carretera Austral the classic road, and Ushuaia the port for Antarctic expedition ships.
The Falkland Islands lie 500 km east. A British territory claimed by Argentina, they were the scene of the 1982 war; landmines left from it were cleared by 2020. Today they are known for penguins, albatrosses and sea lions at close range. Summer (November–March) is the only practical season for most of the region.
- Southern Patagonian Ice Field
- About 12,000 km²
- Falklands war
- April–June 1982
5How the continent moves1 min
Buses built South American travel: in Argentina, Chile and Peru the top companies run semi-cama and cama sleepers with seats that recline almost flat, meals and attendants. But distances are huge, and cheap domestic airlines — LATAM, Avianca, JetSMART, Sky, Gol, Azul, Flybondi — now make flying the sensible choice for anything over a night's ride.
Money and safety are local. Some economies are card-and-app societies (Brazil's Pix, Chile's cards everywhere), others still run on cash and suffer from inflation or dollar shortages (Bolivia, and Argentina until recently). Safety changes block by block in big cities; ride-hailing apps and a hotel in a busy district solve most of it.
- Lima – Buenos Aires by air
- About 4.5 h
- Same by bus
- About 3 days
Read, watch, wordsReading · Glossary · Sources
Reading
- The Motorcycle Diaries — Ernesto GuevaraA 1952 road trip from Buenos Aires to Venezuela.
- In Patagonia — Bruce ChatwinThe classic, if embroidered, Patagonia book.
- The Lost City of Z — David GrannAmazon exploration and its myths.
Glossary
| Term | Local | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Soroche | Altitude sickness (Andes). | |
| Colectivo | Shared taxi or minibus on a fixed route. | |
| Semi-cama / cama | Reclining / near-flat seats on long-distance buses. | |
| Mercosur | Southern Common Market; citizens cross borders with ID. |
Read for this deep dive
Background reading only: the text above is written by Voykit, not copied from these pages.
Sources
- officialMigración Colombia — Check-MIG
- officialBrazil e-visa (VFS Global for the Government of Brazil)
- officialPeru — Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones
- officialBolivia — Dirección General de Migración
- officialArgentina — Dirección Nacional de Migraciones
- officialGalápagos National Park
- officialFalkland Islands Government
- officialUS CDC — yellow fever vaccine recommendations
- officialUK FCDO foreign travel advice
- secondaryWikivoyage — South America