South America is home to the world’s largest remaining rainforest, driest desert, longest river, and some of the highest waterfalls. In amongst natural splendour you’ll find large urban centres where millions live in poverty and billionaires live in walled compounds: South America is — to abuse a cliché — ripe with contrasts.
For the independent traveller, there are adventures to be had with even the popular destinations still having an element of uncertainty about them. Things tend to open and shut on their own schedule, and that’s not necessarily the one that’s hanging on the door.
Travel destinations in South America
Argentina travel information
The name “Argentina” elicits a mix of sensations: the flavour of Argentinian barbecue accompanied by a good wine, the intensity of tango, the fervour of football and rugby supporters or political protesters … READ MORE >>
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Bolivia travel information
Bolivia seems to be the unvisited relative of Chile, Argentina and Peru, but there are plenty of reasons to visit the altiplano and Bolivia’s share of the Amazon. Then there’s the stunningly beautiful southern deserts … READ MORE >>
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Vast and exotic, engaging and vibrant, Brazil has long been a playground for travellers from around the world. White-sand beaches and bright tree-studded islands dot the coastline from north to south. Inland, the intensity of natural wonder and … READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Get travel insurance
Chile stretches from its northern border with Peru, through the arid, desolate Atacama Desert, down to the frozen tip of Patagonia encompassing mountains, lakes and a friendly, generous spirit along the way. The “New Zealand of South America” … READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Get travel insurance
After years of being closed off by internal conflict and drug-related crime, Colombia is now South America’s rising star of the travel scene. Experience adventure sports, vibrant cities and a year-long calendar of festivals to party at. READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Get travel insurance
Ecuador isn’t a travel destination for the indecisive; from the Galapagos Islands to volcanic mountains, you’ll have a hard time deciding what to do first. Whether you’re an eco-friendly traveller looking to explore a tropical cloud forest or an adventurous spirit… READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Get travel insurance
Paraguay offers a chance to immerse yourself in a culture distinct to that of surrounding countries, and a chance to truly feel like one of the only foreigners around… READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Get travel insurance
Peru is home to some of the most stunning and accessible ruins and relics from the pre-European age. From Kuelap and Chan Chan in the north to mystic Machu Picchu in the south the jungles and … READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Get travel insurance
Suriname is a South American country with a Caribbean feel, Dutch as its national language and an ethnic mix of Creoles, Javanese, Amerindians, Hindustani and Afro-Surinamese. Boats take you deep into… READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Get travel insurance
The “Switzerland of South America” offers more than meets the eye: you can spend time with the cowboys on an estancia or head off-road for a gaucho adventure; hang out in Punta del Este, the playground of models and millionaires; or just … READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Get travel insurance
Take a bold step off the beaten backpacker trail and travel to Venezuela, where gas is cheaper than water, warm guesthouses replace your usual hostels, and incredibly diverse scenery will give you goosebumps all over… READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Get travel insurance
We need your help expanding our South and Central American coverage. If you have the knowledge and time to write-up a country (like our Chile travel page) please send us an email today.
Brazil travel information
Chile travel information
Colombia travel information
Ecuador travel information
Paraguay travel information
Peru travel information
Suriname travel information
Uruguay travel information
Venezuela travel information
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Map of South America
Also in South America
Since November 2006 the Indie Travel Podcast has evolved into an independent travel hub with regular audio and video podcasts along with articles by travellers from all over the world. 
Hosts Craig and Linda Martin started travelling in February 2006 and have been to over 50 countries. They were 