Best Places to Visit in South America
How to choose where to go in South America by interest.
June 24, 2026
6 minute read
There are so many amazing places to visit in South America and almost as many ways to pick the best places. For this list, I’m tapping into the knowledge of Tour Designer Sam K. to recommend the best places to go in South America based on what you love most, whether that’s history, food and wine tours, exploring cities, or venturing into nature.
How Choose Where to Go in South America
If you’re not sure where to go in South America, start by choosing one “anchor” experience — like Peru’s Inca history, Chile and Argentina’s food-and-wine culture, or seeing wildlife on the Galápagos — and build your trip from there. South America is a big continent, so choosing one must-see place lets you get to know that region. Popular places to go include:
Peru — history, culture, first‑time trips
Chile & Argentina — food, wine, cities
Ecuador — wildlife + culture combo
Patagonia — remote landscapes, expedition travel
Use this post to choose places to go based on your interest or try our travel quiz to see which tours match you.
Best Places to Visit in South America by Interest
South America for History and Culture Lovers
If you want ancient history that still feels alive, start in Peru.
Peru has a way of giving you those “I can’t believe I’m here” moments — not just at iconic sites, like the mountain-top, Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, but in the less travelled places around them. One reason Peru works so well for culture-curious travellers is the contrast. You can visit big, iconic sites and experience everyday life in the surrounding communities.
On Collette’s tours, travellers stay in Aguas Calientes, the gateway town at the foot of Machu Picchu, and spend time in the Sacred Valley and Cuzco. We make time for deeper cultural connection through shared meals: a farm-to-table style lunch where locals talk about traditional farming and weaving methods, and a home-hosted dinner in Puno.
For more about Peru, listen to solo traveller Bethany S. discuss her visit to Peru on Collette’s Small Group Explorations Tour.
South America for Food & Wine Lovers
If your ideal day includes markets, immersive dining, and a glass of something local, Chile and Argentina are good places to go.
This region is made for travellers who like to experience the local flavours of South America. Think loud fish markets, colourful vegetables, and ingredients that will have you asking, “what is this, and when can I taste it?” On Collette’s guided tours, travellers get to shop with a local chef at a food market and then learn how to prepare lunch with their finds. It’s a delicious way to spend the day.
Then there’s Mendoza, Argentina’s wine country where the Andes provides a backdrop while you’re sipping and tasting the wares at boutique, family-owned vineyards.
Whet your appetite with more flavours of Chile and Argentina. Watch a South America small group tour preview with Sam.
South America for City Explorers
If you love walkable neighborhoods, people-watching, and nights that end with music, head to South America’s big cities — especially Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires is the kind of city where you can spend a morning admiring street art, an afternoon lingering over coffee, and an evening learning to tango. Sam emphasizes that the best city experiences here aren’t about checking landmarks off a list — they’re about doing something local.
Santiago has a different vibe. It's a modern city with a strong food culture set against a backdrop of mountains that keeps catching your eye. Sam recommends choosing a hotel with easy access to neighborhoods where you can step out after dinner for a stroll or a last-minute dessert run.
South America for Nature and Wildlife Enthusiasts
The Galápagos or Patagonia are the best places to go for nature lovers. Pick one and plan around it.
The Galápagos is a must-see for travellers who want nature and wildlife front and centre. If you travel there with Collette, you’ll be accompanied by a naturalist guide, and you get to stay several nights on a small, chartered ship surrounded by wildlife. Snorkelling and land excursions are all done in small groups following animal welfare guidelines, so you can enjoy wildlife encounters safely and responsibly.
Patagonia is also a must-see South American destination for animal lovers. Here you can take an expedition cruise where you go out in Zodiac boats to explore. Patagonia wildlife includes penguins, dolphins, whales, condors, guanacos, and possibly pumas if luck is on your side.
Note that Patagonia is a seasonal destination that runs September through March. Get more tips on how seasons affect South America travel.
Where to go in South America for First-Time Visitors
If this is your first trip to South America and you want a little of everything without feeling overwhelmed, Peru is the place to go.
Sam describes Peru as the kind of destination that packs a lot of experiences into one place: major sites, culture, welcoming people, and food that’s fun to explore. You can visit iconic places like Machu Picchu and peruse local markets.
Choosing guided travel can also make your first trip more fun. You get to benefit from Sam’s expertise, local knowledge, and years of seeing how different pacing affects the trip. See how guided lets you travel stress-free.
“This was my first trip to South America… having every detail planned out by Collette made the preparation less stressful.” — Collette traveller, Machu Picchu & Galápagos Wonders
FAQs About Where to Travel in South America
What Is the Best Place to Start a First Trip to South America?
For many first-time travellers, Peru is a good starting point because it combines major cultural sites with local experiences, and it’s supported by well-established touring routes (Lima, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca).
Can You See Multiple Countries in One South America Trip?
Yes, but it works best when the countries are paired for a clear reason — like Peru and Ecuador for a culture-plus-wildlife combination that includes the Galápagos. The key is not trying to do too much on one trip.
Is South America Better for Culture, Food, or Nature?
It depends on where you focus. Peru is a standout for history and cultural depth, Chile and Argentina appeal to food-and-wine travellers and city lovers, and regions like the Galápagos or Patagonia are all about wildlife and scenery.
Are Guided Tours a Good Way to See South America for the First Time?
They can be, especially if you want a smoother experience in a region where coordinating flights, transportation, and hotels can be a challenge to figure out. On Collette’s tours, we handle the logistics and you have access to experienced Tour Managers who can recommend things to do and help handle anything unexpected, so it doesn’t disrupt your trip.
Final Thoughts — Choosing the Right Starting Point in South America
Still looking for inspiration on where to go in South America? Some travellers find reading about a place helps. Check out this list of books set in South America. Others choose one of our guided tours and let us do the heavy planning so they can enjoy the more spontaneous moments that happen when you don’t have to worry about planning how to get to and from place, book hotels, and coordinate rental cars.
