South America Travel Information: 2026’s Best Destinations, Events, Attractions and Extra

by Mark Chesnut
Last up to date: 8:00 AM ET, Sun January 4, 2026

South America is a
numerous and evolving area, particularly in relation to tourism. Whether
globetrotters search inspiration from historic civilizations and distinctive cultural
traditions, thrilling experiences among the many unspoiled wilderness or big-city
sophistication within the many city facilities, South America presents plenty of
fascinating alternatives for unforgettable holidays.

For 2026, the
nations of South America proceed to up the ante, with quite a lot of new inns
in addition to vital infrastructure enhancements, growing recognition for
the huge culinary scene and new methods to interact in native tradition and discover
pure wonders. In addition, vacationers can discover quite a lot of festivals and
different occasions round South America.

Here are a couple of of
the perfect methods to expertise South America in 2026.

Best
Destinations in South America

Brazil: From legendary seashores to the far reaches
of the Amazon, Brazil by no means fails to impress with its huge tourism choices.
Embratur, the nation’s tourism group, reported record-breaking tourism
arrivals for 2025, and just lately launched a brand new “sun and beach” module as half
of its Brasil Travel Specialist program. The latest announcement
by Four Seasons to develop a brand new resort in Rio de Janeiro’s Leblon
district by 2029 is additional proof of that metropolis’s continued standing as
paradise for jet setters, whereas different new resort tasks embrace the 2026
openings of the Motto by Hilton Recife Antigo and Sofitel Rio de
Janeiro Ipanema in addition to the 2027 opening of Anantara Prea Ceara
Resort on Brazil’s northeastern coast.

Argentina: From the tango-filled streets of Buenos
Aires to Patagonia’s’ pure splendor, from snowboarding within the Andes to sipping
Malbec in Mendoza, Argentina has plenty of provide. Airport enlargement in Bariloche
will enhance the arrival and departure expertise in that well-liked vacationer
vacation spot, and new inns round Argentina embrace Casa Lucía – The
Meliá Collection in Buenos Aires and Radisson Blu Bariloche, each of
which opened in 2025, and Casa Duhau, a part of The Unbound Collection by
Hyatt, which can open in 2027. Explora’s latest Patagonian lodge, Explora
El Calafete, gives a contemporary choice for vacationers headed to that well-liked
area. 

Four Seasons Hotel Rio de Janeiro at Leblon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo Credit: Four Seasons)

Peru: One of South America’s most iconic
locations, Peru is residence to the beautiful Machu Picchu archeological websites and
the historic metropolis of Cuzco, in addition to a vibrant culinary scene that has gained
worldwide fame. From the mysterious Nazca traces to the big-city pleasures of
Lima, Peru fascinates on a number of ranges. The new terminal at Lima’s Jorge
Chavez International Airport now gives an upgraded expertise within the
nation’s major worldwide gateway, and new inns embrace the InterContinental
Real Lima Miraflores, Hotel Indigo Lima Miraflores and The Meliá
Collection Lima, in addition to Hotel Cusco La Paccha, Affiliated by Melia.
Also new is Inkaterra Cabo Blanco, the most recent eco-luxury resort on Peru’s
Pacific coast, which is billed because the world’s first carbon-neutral seaside
vacation spot. 

Chile: A land of fascinating contrasts, Chile
spans areas from the dramatic Atacama Desert within the north to the glacial
fields of Patagonia within the south, with tons to discover in between. The nation’s
mix of out of doors actions, stunning wineries, glorious lodging and
journey journey choices — to not point out the attract of Easter Island — make
Chile an irresistible selection for a lot of vacationers. A terminal enlargement at
Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benitez Airport has elevated operational capability,
and new lodging embrace Tru by Hilton Chillan Ferrat, Debaines
Hotel Santiago (a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World) and The
Cormorant at 55 South, in addition to the reopening of Tierra Atacama.

Ecuador: This South American nation’s comparatively
compact measurement makes it simple to discover dramatically completely different geographies and
cultures in a single journey — together with the Amazonian rainforest the central
highlands, the nice and cozy coastal area and the world-famous Galapagos Islands. It’s
a super selection for nature lovers in addition to those that yearn to expertise
indigenous cultures and discover historic cities like UNESCO-recognized metropolis of
Quito. New inns embrace the Courtyard by Marriott Quito Airport, which
opened in 2025, and the InterContinental Guayaquil, which is slated to debut in
2027.

Colombia: In Colombia, vacationers can select
from broadly completely different experiences that fulfill varied traveler varieties
— whether or not it’s wandering the gorgeous colonial streets of Cartagena,
exploring an impressive subterranean “salt cathedral” close to Bogota or having fun with
the welcoming climes of Medellin, the so-called “city of eternal spring.” The
nation presents an attractive mixture of city pleasure and nature-based
adventures. New inns in Colombia embrace Casa Carolina, Four
Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena, Aria Bogota and York
Medellin, Curio Collection by Hilton.

York Medellin Curio Collection by Hilton in Antioquia, Colombia. (Photo Credit: Hilton)

Best
Attractions in South America

Machu
Picchu: Situated
dramatically within the Peruvian Andes above the Urubamba River valley, Machu
Picchu is a Fifteenth-century Incan metropolis and one of many world’s most acknowledged
archeological websites; it’s additionally one of many New 7 Wonders of the World. Visitors
arrive by prepare or through a mountaineering path, and skilled guides be certain that
vacationers get a better understanding of the positioning’s many options, together with
temples, plazas and stone terraces. Abercrombie & Kent and Belmond are
among the many suppliers that supply upscale itineraries — and Blue Parallel is
launching new non-public jet excursions in 2026, together with a 21-day itinerary that
contains stops at Machu Picchu, the
Galapagos, Patagonia, Iguazu Falls, the Brazilian Amazon and Cartagena.

Iguazu
Falls: Overlapping
the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is residence to some 275
cascades that plunge dramatically over the luxurious cliffs Visitors can discover through
trails, catwalks, boat rides and even helicopter. Hotel das Cataratas, a
Belmond Hotel, presents a number of the most luxurious lodging close to the falls,
with experiences together with guided dawn walks on the falls and an
astronomer-led after-dark presentation.  This yr, Blue Parallel has
debuted a 12-day Wild Kingdoms of Brazil non-public jet tour that features stops
at Iguazu Falls, the Pantanal, the Amazon and Fernando de Noronha.

Christ the
Redeemer: It could be
exhausting to image Rio de Janeiro with out the 98-foot tall Christ the Redeemer as
a part of its skyline. The Corcovado cog prepare is probably the most scenic approach to arrive
on the summit for a close-up view of this large construction, which was constructed
between 1922 and 1931. Local operators together with Rio de Janeiro by
Cariocas provide guided excursions that embrace a go to to the close by Tijuca
Forest.

Galapagos
Islands: One of
Ecuador’s most famous points of interest, the Galapagos are are so
exceptional they impressed Charles Darwin to review and doc its flora and
fauna. Visitors can stand up near species discovered nowhere else, together with large
tortoises, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies. Small-ship cruises are an
very best approach to see quite a lot of islands and marine life. Celebrity Cruises, Nature
Galapagos & Ecuador and Ecoventura are among the many cruise
operators, whereas Ecuador and Galapagos Insiders packages each cruises
and resort stays.

Historic Center
of Quito: Downtown
Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dotted with attractive historic buildings,
together with Spanish baroque church buildings, ornate authorities buildings and residences.
Set at an elevation of practically 10,000 toes above sea degree, Quito is a
dramatically stunning and easy-to-explore place that is likely one of the continent’s
true historic treasures. Casa Gangotena, a member of Relais &
Chateaux, is among the many neighborhood’s most luxurious resort choices.

Torres del
Paine National Park: Located
within the southern a part of Chile’s Patagonia area, Torres del Paine is residence to
pure options together with huge pampas, green-blue lakes, large glaciers and
granite peaks. Wildlife — together with condors and guanaco lamas — are additionally
generally noticed by guests. Jacada presents guided excursions that focus
on mountaineering, wildlife and pictures. This yr, Blue Parallel has
debuted a brand new, 11-day Natural Wonders of Chile & Argentina
non-public jet tour that features Torres del Paine, the Atacama Desert, Perito
Moreno Glacier and Iguazu Falls. In addition, Timbuktu Travel has began reserving
stays on the Explora Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve, a 10-room
lodge that’s scheduled to open for the 2026/27 season.

Machu Picchu, Peru. (Photo Credit: Promperu/Alex Bryce)

Must-See 2026
Events in South America

Rio de Janeiro
Carnival: As most
legendary pre-Lenten competition on the planet, Carnival in Rio dazzles
with its samba rhythms, colourful costumes, avenue events and Sambadrome
parades the place samba colleges present their greatest. Visitors also can really feel the festive
vibe on the seaside and in neighborhoods that host free avenue carnivals known as
blocos. Dates change yearly; the following scheduled carnival is February 13-21,
2026. Intrepid Travel is
among the many suppliers that supply Rio Carnival packages.

Barranquilla
Carnival: Rio’s occasion could
be probably the most well-known, however Carnival on this Colombian coastal metropolis is one other
must-attend for a lot of revelers. Slated subsequent for February 14-17, 2026, it
contains parades, events and many individuals dancing to cumbia and salsa music
in spectacular costumes. Impulse Travel sells packages that embrace
tickets and guides.

Inti
Raymi: This cultural
occasion, which takes place within the Peruvian metropolis of Cusco, is a competition of the
solar that dates to the times of the Incan empire, with teams gathering in
conventional costumes for music, dance and processions that honor Inti, the solar
god and winter solstice. The subsequent occasion is June 24, 2026. Belmond presents
two-night packages.

Fiesta de la
Patria Gaucha: Slated
subsequent for March 7-15, 2026, this Uruguayan celebration pays tribute to the
gaucho, the horseman who represents rural tradition on this a part of South
America. Rodeos, conventional music and dance, handmade crafts and equestrian
parades are all a part of the occasion.

Copacabana seaside in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Ekaterina Belova)

Best Places for
Family Travel in South America

Galápagos
Islands: Adults youngsters
of all ages can recognize the joys of seeing uncommon wildlife and marine life
up shut. The area’s secure waters, inviting seashores and well-organized excursions
take the effort out of planning each land- and sea-based visits. For
2026, Butterfield & Robinson has launched new, customizable
Multi-Gen Legacy Trips to the Galapagos (in addition to Colombia and Uruguay), with
cultural experiences and different family-friendly actions included.

Buenos
Aires: Argentina’s
capital presents big-city pleasure for all ages. Whether it’s studying to
tango, exploring the Museo de los Niños (Museum of Children) or studying about
historical past on the Casa Rosada and Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires presents plenty of
potentialities for instructional and enjoyable diversions. Collette is
among the many main tour operators that provides multigenerational itineraries that
go to Buenos Aires and Jacada presents upscale Argentina household excursions
that embrace time in Buenos Aires.

Iguazú
Falls: This dramatic
area alongside the Brazil/Argentina border presents thrilling possibilities to view one in every of
the world’s most beautiful group of waterfalls, and youngsters and adults alike can
additionally view wildlife comparable to butterflies and coatis and be a part of instructional excursions
which might be designed for all ages. Kensington presents
customizable excursions to the area.  

Cartagena: Kids can have enjoyable exploring the historic
streets of Cartagena’s walled metropolis in addition to the tunnels of the Castillo de
San Felipe fort. Boat rides to the close by Rosario Islands present nonetheless extra
enjoyable within the Caribbean solar for households, with day journeys simple to rearrange to locations
like Isla Grande, which has pretty seashores.

Patagonia: Both the Chilean and Argentinian sides of
Patagonia present plenty of actions and pleasure for households, with websites
like Torres del Paine National Park providing hikes that are perfect for older
youngsters and fascinating alternatives for wildlife recognizing. Boat excursions depart
from El Calafate, on the Argentinian aspect, to the Perito Moreno Glacier, the place
households can get an up-close have a look at the huge glacier. Quasar presents
“family safaris” on this area.

Woman photographing a marine iguana within the Galapagos, Ecuador. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Maridav)

Best Places for
Couples and Romance Travel in South America

Buenos
Aires: Grand
boulevards, stunning structure and intimate eating places, cafes and boutique
inns are among the many explanation why Argentina’s capital ranks excessive with {couples}
looking for a memorable getaway. Add some Argentinian wine and maybe a tango
class, and it’s simple to create a romantic trip right here. The Palacio Duhau
– Park Hyatt Buenos Aires presents romantic lodging choices, with
suites which have balconies overlooking gardens.

Mendoza: Argentina’s wine nation is one other nice
place to kindle romance. Consider a keep at a boutique property like Entre
Cielos Wine & Wellness Hotel or Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine
Resort, each of which provide upscale lodging and easy accessibility to
actions together with wine tasting horseback using and even sizzling air balloon
rides. 

Cartagena: The charming streets of the historic walled
metropolis are particularly inviting for {couples} to walk and cease for romantic
dinners at gourmand eating places. Dancing to salsa music, visiting native
artisanal markets and staying at pretty inns just like the Sofitel Legend
Santa Clara Cartagena are only a few of the chances. Kuoda
Tours presents honeymoon packages and itineraries designed only for {couples}
that embrace visits to Cartagena, Bogota, Santa Marta and Tayrona.

Rio de Janeiro: This legendary Brazilian metropolis nonetheless
exudes the hip vibe that first attracted jetsetters right here a long time in the past. Couples
can spend their days stress-free on the seashores or admiring the view from the highest
of Sugar Loaf Mountain, and evenings savoring gourmand delicacies, cocktails and
stays at trendy inns like Fasano Rio de Janeiro, which has a superb
rooftop pool and a broadly praised restaurant, and Emiliano Rio, which has
well-designed suites which might be excellent for {couples}.

The Atacama
Desert: To the
uninformed, Chile’s otherworldly Atacama Desert could not appear to be an apparent
selection for love journey. But those that’ve been notice that this area is
residence to spectacularly trend-setting inns that are perfect for {couples}. Awasi
Atacama, for instance, is a member of Relais & Chateaux; its restaurant
serves a menu primarily based on Andean components. The resort’s non-public excursions —
which embrace horseback using, viewing flamingos on the Chaxa lagoon and
witnessing dawn on the Licancabur volcano — be certain that {couples} may have
plenty of unspoiled time collectively.

Cartagena, Colombia. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/sonjanovak)

Best Places for
Group Travel in South America

Argentina’s
Pampas: These picturesque
grasslands close to Buenos Aires provide memorable actions for teams — particularly,
gaucho experiences that join guests with native traditions like horseback
using, asados (barbecues) and cultural exhibits. Accommodation choices embrace conventional
estancias, the area’s typical hacienda. At Estancia La Sofia, visitors can
even take polo and cooking classes, whereas Estancia La Bamba de Areco, a
member of Relais & Chateaux, presents excursions by horseback, mountain bike
and carriage, with polo matches and different actions additionally going down.

The Amazon: Groups can immerse themselves within the
fascinating nature and traditions of the Amazon area in Brazil, Peru and
Ecuador — which suggests there are many choices for crafting a memorable group
itinerary. Among the most recent vessels for exploring is the &Beyond
Amazon Explorer, a 15-suite river yacht designed for consolation and easy accessibility to
the wonders of the Peruvian Amazon. Land-based lodging in Peru
embrace Mashpi Lodge, which presents birdwatching and rides aboard its
cover gondola and sky bikes — whereas in Ecuador, Sacha Lodge, visitors study
about preservation efforts and might view the jungle cover from a 150-foot
exploration crane.

Patagonia: Both Argentina and Chile provide thrilling,
multi-day group journey potentialities in Patagonia, with actions that may
embrace mountaineering, horseback using, glacier boat journeys and tenting. Jacada presents
bespoke excursions that may additionally embrace a cruise round Cape Horn and luxurious
lodging.

Florianopolis: Groups searching for a sun-filled seaside
getaway ought to think about this vacation spot in southern Brazil, a area graced
with a number of seashores and group-friendly seaside inns. Surfing and surf classes
are in demand right here, and boat excursions to outlying islands present nonetheless extra
choices for having fun with the nice and cozy climate. South America Travel presents a
tour (an extension that may be mixed with different itineraries) that features
white water kayaking and different actions.

Cusco and the
Sacred Valley: The
historic Peruvian metropolis of Cusco is a gateway to historical past, tradition and journey
— and it’s a beautiful base for teams all for exploring. Guided visits
to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley ruins are simply organized, as are hikes
to Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake. Groups can select from lodging
that vary from historic boutique inns to upscale name-brand properties like
the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco.

Plaza de Armas in Cusco, Peru. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/sharptoyou)

Best Places for
Solo Travel in South America

Bogota: The Colombian capital is residence to a
stunning and simply walkable historic heart, in addition to a powerful array
of cultural points of interest, together with the Gold Museum, which has one of many
world’s largest collections of gold artifacts, the Botero Museum, which
shows works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero in addition to different masters,
and the National Museum of Colombia, which options an in depth artwork
assortment. Solo vacationers can simply meet others by becoming a member of outings just like the
fascinating (and free) politics and graffiti strolling tour supplied by Capital
Graffiti Tours.

Medellin: The so-called “city of eternal spring”
presents year-round nice climate and a welcoming, relaxed vibe that pulls
plenty of expats and globetrotters. The Museum of Antioquia and Plaza Botero are
cultural hubs that supply alternatives to view work by Botero and different
artists, and aspect journeys to the colourful city of Guatape are some of the
well-liked actions as effectively. It’s particularly simple to socialize and meet others
within the neighborhood known as Poblado and through guided avenue artwork excursions of the
neighborhood known as Comuna 13.

Buenos
Aires: This
multifaceted metropolis is rewarding for solo vacationers looking for a mixture
of fascinating tradition, nice meals and vibrant nightlife. Neighborhoods
together with Palermo and Recoleta are particularly good suits for this phase,
because of their walkability. Solo globetrotters can meet others throughout metropolis
excursions and actions like cooking courses, wine tasting and tango
classes. Flash Pack presents multi-day group tour itineraries in
Argentina which might be designed for solo vacationers (the corporate additionally operates in
Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru).

Cuzco and the
Inca Trail: G Adventures lists
this area of Peru as very best for solo vacationers; its seven-day itinerary, which
features a four-day Inca Trail trek, is crafted to be solo-friendly and to
foster dialog. Even vacationers preferring to not be a part of a bunch will discover a
tons to like in Cuzco, with actions together with strolling excursions and day journeys
among the many choices, and lodging starting from budget-friendly hostels to
luxurious inns.

Uruguay: This South American nation’s compact measurement
makes it particularly simple to navigate, and it’s additionally one of many continent’s
most secure international locations. The capital metropolis, Montevideo, is graced with historic
neighborhoods, fascinating structure and museums, whereas the legendary
coastal city of Punta del Este presents beach-based actions and countryside
estancias are enjoyable to go to for horseback using. Intrepid presents a
number of itineraries in Uruguay for 2026.

Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/FabianSchmiedlechner)

Best Places for
Foodie Travel in South America

Peru: In latest years, Peruvian delicacies has
gained fame on a worldwide scale. UNESCO has even acknowledged it as an Intangible
Cultural Heritage. It’s no surprise that foodies flock to this South American
hotspot to pattern quite a lot of dishes. Belmond presents an eight-night
“food adventure” that features visits to an area market in Lima, adopted by a
journey to Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, with each gourmand and
conventional dishes each step of the way in which. In October, Peru Mucho Gusto
Lima — the nation’s main meals competition — will carry quite a lot of
culinary actions to the nation’s capital.

Argentina: The parrillas (steakhouses) of Argentina
are legendary, however scrumptious beef is only one side of this nation’s wealthy
culinary traditions. An organization known as Parrillo Tours presents guided
outings in Buenos Aires in varied neighborhoods, with alternatives to attempt
empanadas, steak and different native favorites. Context Travel presents a
tour that features a cease at a market in San Telmo, whereas within the wine area of
Mendoza, Secret Food Tours presents outings that additionally embrace tastes of
native varietals.

Chile: In Santiago and Chile’s central valley,
vacationers can expertise wine, seafood and farm-to-table specialties. Collette’s 10-day
Essential South America itinerary embrace visits to Chilean wineries and a
market, in addition to a cooking demonstration. Insight Vacations presents
related experiences as a part of its 12-day Heart of Patagonia itinerary.

Ecuador: Every area of Ecuador has its personal
culinary traditions, so vacationers can simply expertise a mouthwatering array
of culinary choices in a single journey — from the ceviche and seafood specialties of
the coast to Andean favorites like locro de papa (potato and cheese soup) and
Amazonian fish wrapped in leaves and grilled. Rebecca Adventure Travel presents
a nine-day Ecuador Food Tour that features meals in Quito and within the
countryside, in addition to a cooking class and a go to to an Ecuadorian vineyard.

Colombia: The world is turning into more and more conscious of
Colombia’s culinary scene — particularly in Bogota, the place in 2025 El Chato was
just lately named the perfect restaurant in Latin America by The World’s 50 Best
Restaurants. Corn, potatoes, fruit and rice are among the many fundamentals of Colombia’s
wealthy gastronomic traditions, and even the new canine has taken on an iconic position
within the native meals scene. La Mesa’s gastronomy excursions in Medellin,
Cartagena and Bogota present an introduction.

Lima, Peru (Photo Credit: Boris Stroujko/Adobe Stock)

Best Places for
Adventure Travel in South America

Patagonia: This naturally stunning area of Chile
and Argentina presents journey within the type of expeditions that may contain a
variety of thrilling actions. National parks together with Torres del Paine and
Los Glaciares are perfect for outings just like the four- to five-day W Trek by means of
three glacial valleys and the seven- to nine-day O Circuit, which visits even
extra distant areas. Hiking, rafting and kayaking are additionally well-liked on this
area. Swoop Patagonia and Patagonia Hero are
among the many native tour operators that function these itineraries.

Machu Picchu
and the Peruvian Andes: This
breathtakingly stunning area of Peru gives plenty of distinctive adventures,
together with multi-day hikes, biking and rafting. Andes Peru Tour &
Adventure, for instance, presents itineraries for quite a lot of expertise ranges —
from a simple, two-day Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley tour to the reasonable,
four-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and one-day Rainbow Mountain
hike. Visit South America presents non-public, small-group and bespoke
itineraries that may embrace multi-day treks and lodging at Humantay
Lake.

Galapagos
Islands: Ecuador’s
most legendary archipelago is acceptable for all types of tourists, however extra
adventurous varieties could wish to deal with actions like snorkeling and scuba
diving, which give fascinating alternatives to view sea turtles, sea lions
and sharks within the protected waters that encompass the islands. Agressor
Adventures operates dive charters with a number of dive places, and PADI lists
a number of choices for dive resorts and liveaboards.

Ecuadorean
Andes: The hovering
Andres are the setting for quite a lot of journey actions in Ecuador,
particularly across the “avenue of the volcanoes,” the place the geography is
particularly dramatic. Adventure Life presents a nine-day Ecuador
Adventure itinerary that together with biking the slopes of the Pichincha volcano,
zip lining over the forest cover, mountaineering by means of the cloud forest and
horseback using close to the Cotopaxi volcano.

Colombia: Adventure-seekers can discover motion on
Colombia’s coast in addition to in its inside. G Adventures presents a
seven-day trek from Santa Marta to the “lost city” at Teyuna, with small teams
that tackle the difficult hikes and biking, and consultants available to clarify
the historical past of this fascinating deserted group. The firm additionally presents
itineraries with an “average” problem score, together with hikes to waterfalls
at Tayrona National Park on the coast. 

Torres del Paine National Park in Chile’s Patagonia area. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Alexandr)

Best Places for
Sports Enthusiasts in South America

Rosario/Santa
Fe, Argentina: The
2026 South American Games (Juegos Suramericanos), slated for
September 12-26, 20026, will witness the arrival of athletes from throughout Latin
America and the Caribbean to compete in additional than 50 sports activities, together with
basketball, rugby, swimming and subject hockey. It’s a energetic occasion for followers who
recognize numerous sporting motion.

Buenos Aires,
Argentina and Punta del Este, Uruguay: Polo is large on this a part of South America, and the Triple
Crown of Polo — which incorporates the Hurlingham Open, Tortugas Open and
iconic Palermo Open — presents a superb alternative to witness the
pleasure. From spring by means of early summer time (which on this area is from
October by means of December), these occasions appeal to the perfect gamers. Stirling
Polo manages a variety of vital tournaments — and firms like Argentina
Polo Holidays provide polo classes for these seeking to study the game or
sharpen their abilities.

Argentina,
Uruguay and Brazil: The 2026
FIFA World Cup solely takes place in North America, however the ardour for
soccer is at all times excessive in South America — particularly in Argentina and
Brazil. Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Rio de Janeiro are particularly good locations
to attach with soccer tradition. Homefans presents multi-day tour
itineraries that may embrace a number of cities, with stadium excursions and native
guides to supply knowledgeable perception.

Santiago and
Valparaíso, Chile: Rugby
and biking occasions generate quite a lot of pleasure in these two Chilean cities,
with competitions year-round. Chile will host the World Rugby U20
Challenger Cup on June 29-July 19, 2026. For these seeking to tour Chile
son two wheels, Anthem Tours presents quite a lot of biking excursions in
2026 and Sports Travel Chile focuses on sporting actions,
together with mountain biking.

Santiago, Chile. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Fyle)

Best Places for
LGBTQ+ Travelers in South America

São
Paulo: It’s not
shocking that town that hosts the world’s largest LGBTQ+ satisfaction
celebration ranks excessive on the record of nice locations for queer vacationers. São
Paulo Pride takes place on June 7, 2026, attracting tens of millions of
members from all over the world for the principle occasion in addition to an array of
events, cultural shows and different actions. This large metropolis is
welcoming for LGBTQ+ vacationers year-round, too. Marriott Bonvoy presents
non-public LGBTQ+ metropolis excursions all year long.

Bogota: Colombia’s progressive capital stands out
on the queer journey map: it’s residence to the most important everlasting LGBTQ+ nightclub in
the western hemisphere (and maybe the world). Theatron is a
multi-level complicated with greater than a dozen completely different venues, every with its personal
music and ambiance — together with two rooftops and even a meals court docket. The membership
dominates town’s queer nightlife neighborhood, Chapinero, however there are
many different bars and dance golf equipment, too. Even vacationers who aren’t all for
nightlife will discover tons to like in Bogota. The metropolis’s satisfaction celebration takes
place in June, and a gay-owned tour operator known as Out in Colombia presents
quite a lot of one-day and multi-day experiences all year long,
together with  strolling excursions, day journeys and personal, chef-led dinners with
members of the native LGBTQ+ group.

Buenos
Aires: Argentina made
historical past when it grew to become South America’s first nation to legalize same-sex
marriage in 2010, and the capital metropolis of Buenos Aires is a perfect place to
take pleasure in that accepting vibe. Pride takes place on November 7, 2026, and
guests can immerse themselves in tango tradition at a number of queer tango
venues, courses and occasions, together with Tango Queer Buenos Aires, which
takes an open-minded method to bop roles. Detours presents
a 10-day LGBTQ+ tour of Argentina and Brazil with a number of departures in 2026.

Montevideo and
Uruguay’s Coast: Uruguay
is one more nation that’s recognized for its progressive and welcoming perspective,
and it . The metropolis of Montevideo is residence to a thriving nightlife scene, as effectively
as satisfaction celebration that takes place in September. The glamorous
seaside resort metropolis of Punta del Este, in the meantime, attracts LGBTQ+ sun-lovers
throughout the summer time months (between October and March).

Sao Paolo, Brazil. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Sync Produções)

Unique to South
America

Machu
Picchu: This
Fifteenth-century Inca citadel is a must-see within the Andes. The planning and
engineering behind the stonework and ceremonial structure is really superb,
and the dramatic, mountainous setting makes it much more so. Guided excursions are
one of the simplest ways to grasp this complicated and engaging web site. In 2026, good
vacationers can pair a go to to Machu Picchu with the Inti Raymi (Festival of the
Sun), which takes place on June 24 in close by Cusco. The development of a brand new
airport serving Cusco will possible assist enhance entry to Machu Picchu. Tour
operators together with Jacada, Kuoda and Belmond provide
itineraries.

Nazca
Lines: Peru’s Nazca
Lines are concurrently spectacular and mysterious. No one is aware of precisely
who created these monumental geoglyphs within the desert, or why. In 2025, Peru’s
authorities canceled plans to cut back the dimensions of the protected space, which is
excellent news for assuring the way forward for this web site. Flying over the traces is the
greatest approach to recognize their measurement; tour operators together with Jacada and Exodus
Adventure Travels provide multi-day Peru excursions that embrace flyovers.

Easter Island
(Rapa Nui): It takes
greater than 5 hours to fly from mainland Chile to Easter Island, nevertheless it’s effectively
well worth the journey. This volcanic island is world-famous for its moai statues and
ceremonial areas that present a captivating glimpse of historic cultural
traditions. The island additionally presents present-day alternatives for cultural
connection: Tapati Rapa Nui, the vacation spot’s most vital cultural
competition, takes place within the first two weeks of February, with reside dance and
music in addition to storytelling and competitions. Explora Rapa Nui is
a superb lodging selection; the property presents quite a lot of small-group
guided excursions, yr spherical.

Traditional straw boat on Lake Titicaca, Peru. (Photo Credit: Promperu/Karina Mendoza)

Tiwanaku: Bolivia’s Tiwanaku, a pre-Columbian
archeological web site close to Lake Titicaca, is characterised by dramatic stone
temples, gateways and engaging iconography that pre-dates the expansion of the
Inca empire. Willkakuti, also referred to as the Aymara New Year, is an particularly
good time to go to; slated for June 21, 2026, it’s a celebration that
celebrates the winter solstice. Kensington presents
bespoke excursions of Bolivia that may take within the archeological web site in addition to the
occasion.

Ciudad
Perdida/Teyuna: Colombia’s misplaced
metropolis, the Ciudad Perdida (Teyuna) was constructed someday round 600-800 CE and is
tucked into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a mountainous space close to the
Caribbean coast. This is a vacation spot just for the adventurous; it requires a
multi-day trek with mountaineering, river crossings and stays in distant camps. But the
reward for this dedication is large: to view the stone terraces and stairways of
a civilization that most individuals have by no means seen. G Adventures presents
an itinerary with stops at a number of camps.

Serra da
Capivara: Nature and
historical past lovers alike can be wowed by Brazil’s Serra da Capivara National Park,
a spectacular vacation spot for viewing rock artwork that dates again as a lot as
25,000 years. The UNESCO-recognized panorama of canyons and shelters is residence
to prehistoric work and engravings. The close by Museum of the American Man
and the Museum of Nature present perception concerning the historic artwork on
exhibit. Amazon Adventures and Eco Adventure Tours are
among the many corporations that supply guided visits.

Sunrise with the 15 on Easter Island (Photo Credit: lblinova/Adobe Stock)

For the most recent journey information, updates and offers, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore