Travelling through South America
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.
While you can get by with English in the tourist zones, we highly recommend you learn some Spanish before you go (or while travelling) to really get the most out of this amazing region.
South America travel podcasts
Travel destinations in South America
Where are you headed? Check out our country pages for Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela, or browse the articles below.
Recent Travel Podcasts and Blogs about Travel in South America
Solo female travel in Santiago, Chile
As a solo female traveller visiting South America for the first time, Santiago, Chile is a very good place to start.
Travel diary: Bogotá
It was never our intention to spend three weeks in Bogotá. But we ended up staying longer than expected, working, exploring, and spending time with friends. Read our Bogota travel diary!
5 life-changing things to do in Bolivia
Bolivia is full of things to do while being rich in natural beauty, wealthy in authentic culture and loaded with raw, powerful experiences.
3 Incredible Day Trips from Buenos Aires
Get away from the crowds and the noise of Buenos Aires with these three easy day trips to Tigre, San Isidro, and Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.
Cusco, Peru city guide
Awesome architecture, ancient culture, and delicious food — Cusco is for everyone. Check out our travel guide to Cusco, Peru.
Visit Iguaçu Falls podcast
A visit to the Iguaçu Falls is a must on many travellers’ itinerary of South America. And for good reason – they are incredible. You can view the falls from both Brazil and Argentina, and each side provides quite a different experience.
