South America is an exceptionally large continent which has an incredible amount to explore and discover. I was lucky enough to spend just under a year traveling through almost every South American country, and even then there was still more which I could have done.
As with every continent on the planet, there are some landmarks, attractions and sights, which you simply must set your eyes on and experience. If you are planning a South america trip and want to take in the best spots, here are my top things to see and do in this vast continent.
Machu Picchu
This ancient citadel on the top of a mountain in the south of Peru is one of the World’s Seven Wonders and it is the iconic photo which you will see when looking for exciting things to do in South America. Machu Picchu is around 4 hours from the city of Cusco in a town called Aguas Calientes. The best bet is to stay in the town the night before, and then get up early to hit the mountain. You can walk up the mountain in around 2 hours, or take the bus up which lasts about 30 minutes.
Christ the Redeemer
Rio itself is one of my most beloved cities in South America and the jewel in its crown is Christ the Redeemer, the huge statue of Christ which sits atop Corcovado mountain. In order to get the top of the mountain, you will take a cable car for around 15 minutes. The size of the statue is incredible and from the top of Corcovado, you will get some of the best views of Rio in the whole city.
Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls is a huge J-shaped falls which borders Argentina, Brazil. Whilst this may not get the accolades of the likes of Niagara or Victoria Falls, it is worth noting that Iguazu is actually the largest waterfall system in the world, such is its size and the amount of water which crashes down each and every second. As to where you can see the falls best, my advice would be to try and see them on both the Brazil and the Argentina sides, for two very different experiences.
Ski and Sunbathe
Such is the location of Santiago, Chile, you can actually ski on the Andes Mountains in the morning, providing you get up early of course, and then spend your afternoon on the beach. I don’t know of many other countries in the world where you can do this and I would definitely put it at the top of your list for things to do whilst in Chile.
Amazon
A huge percentage of South America is made up by the Amazon rainforest which has the huge and expansive River Amazon cutting through its heart. To truly experience South America, an Amazon tour is most defiantly recommended. The river travels from Brazil across to Peru an the choice is yours in terms of where you take the cruise from, and where you go to.
Which sounds the most attractive to you?