The Ultimate Bucket List
South America is an adventure waiting to happen. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, history buff, nature lover, or foodie on the hunt for the next unforgettable meal, this continent has something for you.
Hike To Machu Picchu Via The Inca Trail
If you're up for a bucket-list adventure with breathtaking views and ancient history, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a must. This four-day trek through the Andes takes you past stunning ruins before you finally descend to the legendary Lost City of the Incas.
Colegota, CC BY-SA 2.5 ES, Wikimedia Commons
Explore The Amazon Rainforest In A Guided Jungle Tour
Want to feel like Indiana Jones? A tour of the Amazon Rainforest is your ticket to sloths and poison dart frogs. The Amazon covers several countries, but Manaus in Brazil and Iquitos in Peru are top spots. Pack bug spray and be ready for humidity.
I Explored the AMAZON RAINFOREST for 100 Hours by Lexie Limitless
Dance Tango In A Buenos Aires Milonga
Even if you have two left feet, you have to experience tango in Buenos Aires. A milonga is a social dance hall where locals and tourists enjoy tango. Some venues are classy, some are casual, but all are filled with passionate music. Not a dancer? Grab a drink and watch.
Jorge Lascar from Australia, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Track Pumas In The Chilean Mountains
Wildlife lovers should head to Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile. This is where you can track one of South America’s most elusive predators—the puma. A multi-day guided puma-tracking tour costs more than $2,000, and you’re more likely to see them at dawn or dusk.
Trekkerfranz, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Discover The Lesser-Known Stone Pyramids Of Caral
Think Egypt has a monopoly on pyramids? Think again. The Sacred City of Caral, located north of Lima, is the most ancient civilization in the Americas, dating back 5,000 years. The site features massive stone pyramids and mysterious artifacts. History buffs and archaeology lovers will love it.
AlisonRuthHughes, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Take A Scenic Drive Along Argentina’s Route 40
At over 3,000 miles, Route 40 is one of the longest routes in the world, stretching from the Bolivian border to Patagonia. Rent a car and go at your own pace, stopping at highlights like Mendoza’s wine country and the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier.
Gonzo Gooner, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Go Piranha Fishing In The Pantanal Wetlands
The Pantanal wetland is the place to catch and eat piranha. Armed with a basic fishing rod and some meat, you’ll drop your line into the murky waters. Within seconds, the razor-toothed fish will bite. Tours start at about $100, and many include a grilled piranha meal afterward.
Filipefrazao, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Experience Two Hemispheres At The Same Time
Where else can you stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time? Just outside Quito, you’ll find Mitad del Mundo, a monument marking the equator. But it’s wrong. The actual line is at Museo Solar Inti Nan, which is several hundred feet away.
Ssr, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Sail Through The Floating Villages Of Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca, which is 12,500 feet up, is famous for its floating Uros Islands, made entirely of reeds. You can visit these islands from Puno in Peru or Copacabana in Bolivia and learn how the locals maintain their unique way of life.
Unukorno, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Try Cuy In The Andes
Yes, it’s exactly what you think it is—guinea pig. But before you freak out, know that cuy has been an Andean delicacy for centuries, served roasted or fried with crispy skin and a side of potatoes or corn. You’ll find it everywhere in several spots in Peru and Ecuador.
CEllen, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Visit The Ancient Ruins Of Tiwanaku
Before the Inca Empire, there was Tiwanaku—one of South America’s oldest and most advanced civilizations. These ruins, located near Lake Titicaca, feature intricate carvings and bizarre monoliths, some dating back over 1,500 years. It’s an easy and affordable day trip from La Paz.
CLAUDIOLD, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Experience The World’s Highest Tandem Bungee Jump Off The Ventisquero Colgante Glacier
This is for true adrenaline junkies. The Ventisquero Colgante Glacier in Chile offers the highest tandem bungee jump in the world—a 300-foot freefall with a glacier in the background. The jump happens only a few times in summer and costs a steep $1,000+ due to its exclusivity.
Jdzip, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Witness The Pink Dolphins Of The Amazon River
Yes, pink dolphins are real, and they live deep in the Amazon. Known as botos, these mystical creatures are larger than ocean dolphins, with a distinctive pink hue that gets brighter as they age. June to November is the best season to see them as water levels drop.
Jorge Andrade, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Taste The World’s Finest Coffee In Colombia’s Coffee Triangle
For coffee lovers, visiting Colombia’s Coffee Triangle is like stepping into caffeine heaven. The lush region of Salento and Armenia is where some of the world’s best Arabica beans are grown. You can tour coffee farms, learn how beans are harvested, and sip fresh brews with mountain views.
Visiting Jardín, Colombia | Colombia's Coffee Triangle by The Destination Dudes
Trek To The Summit Of Roraima
Ever wanted to walk on another planet? Mount Roraima, the flat-topped mountain that inspired The Lost World, is straight out of a sci-fi movie. Located in Venezuela's Gran Sabana, this six-day trek takes you through strange rock formations and even carnivorous plants.
Paulo Fassina, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Sandboard And Dune Buggy In Huacachina
What if you’re racing up massive golden sand dunes in a dune buggy, then flying down them on a sandboard? That’s Huacachina, a tiny oasis town in the Peruvian desert, about 4–5 hours from Lima. It’s extra nice from May to October when it's not scorching hot.
Alex Proimos from Sydney, Australia, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
See The Unique Red Beach Of Playa Roja In Paracas National Reserve
Peru’s coastline has plenty of gorgeous beaches, but none quite like Playa Roja. With its striking red sand and dramatic cliffs, it looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. The color comes from iron-rich volcanic rock, making it one of the most unique beaches in the world.
DocSlyper, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Play With Sea Lions In The Galapagos Islands
If you've ever wanted to swim with playful, puppy-like sea lions, the Galapagos Islands is the place to do it. The best spots for this are San Cristobal and Isabela Islands, where these curious creatures will twirl around you. Tours start at around $100, including snorkeling gear.
Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Visit The Jesuit Missions Of Paraguay
Hidden in Paraguay’s countryside are the Jesuit Missions, once thriving religious settlements built by Spanish missionaries and the Guarani people in the 17th and 18th centuries. These ruins, including Trinidad and Jesus de Tavarangue, are some of the best-preserved in South America and a must-visit for history fans.
ogwen, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Watch The Devil’s Throat At Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls makes Niagara look tiny. This massive waterfall system straddling Argentina and Brazil is one of the most powerful on Earth, and the highlight is Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), where millions of gallons of water crash down into the abyss.
James St. John, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Visit The Penguins On Magdalena Island
Are you a big fan of penguins? Head to Magdalena Island, home to over 120,000 Magellanic penguins waddling around without a care in the world. Located near Punta Arenas, this tiny island is one of the best wildlife family experiences in Chile.
PaulaGiraudi, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Try The World’s Scariest Swing At Casa del Arbol
If you want an epic photo, head to Banos, Ecuador, where you can swing off the edge of a cliff at Casa del Arbol. Known as the Swing at the End of the World, this adrenaline rush lets you soar over a valley with Tungurahua Volcano in the background.
Rinaldo Wurglitsch from Vienna, Austria, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Walk On The Perito Moreno Glacier
Ever wanted to walk on a glacier? Not just any glacier—one of the most impressive in the world. Perito Moreno, in Los Glaciares National Park, is a massive, constantly moving ice field where you can strap on crampons and trek across its icy blue surface and frozen caves.
I, Luca Galuzzi, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
Savor Authentic Argentine Steak At A Traditional Parrilla
Meat lovers, this one’s for you. Argentina is famous for its tasty beef, and the best way to try it is at a steakhouse in Buenos Aires. Order a bife de chorizo or ojo de bife paired with chimichurri sauce. Prices can go up to $50+, depending on the spot.
Yotam Nachum, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Go White-Water Rafting On The Futaleufu River
White-water rafting the Futaleufu River in Patagonia is a next-level thrill. Known for its crystal-clear blue waters and Class IV–V rapids, this river is no joke. The best time to go is December to March, when water levels are perfect. Expect to pay around $100 for a half-day trip.
Nninal, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Discover The Mysterious Nazca Lines From A Small Plane
For centuries, people have been fascinated by the Nazca Lines in Peru. These are 1,500-year-old drawings of animals and astronauts etched into the desert. They remain a mystery as no one really knows why they were made. Flights leave from Nazca or Pisco, with tours costing less than $100.
Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Attend The Carnival In Rio De Janeiro
If you love music and dancing, there’s no bigger party than Carnival in Rio. Every February or March, the city changes into a nonstop festival of massive parades and wild street parties. General tickets start at $50–$100, but VIP seats can go up to $1,000.
Fernando Frazao/Agencia Brasil, CC BY 3.0 BR, Wikimedia Commons
Paraglide Over Lima’s Miraflores District
Want a bird’s-eye view of the Pacific Ocean while soaring over Lima’s coastal cliffs? Paragliding over Miraflores is the ultimate way to see Peru’s capital from above. Flights last around 10–15 minutes and cost $50–$80. It might not work if you’re afraid of heights, but it’s perfectly safe.
Mira4espina78y, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Climb The Villarrica Volcano And Peer Into Its Lava Lake
How many people can say they’ve climbed an active volcano and looked into a boiling lava lake? In Chile’s Lake District, you can do just that by trekking up Villarrica Volcano. You’ll be hiking up snow-covered slopes for five hours—but the reward? A fiery, bubbling crater at the top.
Experience The Uyuni Salt Flats
Welcome to Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. A multi-day 4x4 tour that takes you across the blindingly white plains, past cactus-covered islands, pink flamingo-filled lagoons, steaming geysers, and surreal rock formations is the best way to enjoy its beauty.
Luca Galuzzi (Lucag), Trialsanderrors, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
Go Deep-Sea Diving Off The Coast of Fernando De Noronha
Fernando de Noronha is an exclusive archipelago in Brazil. The waters are crystal clear, and the coral reefs are pristine. Expect to see dolphins, sea turtles, reef sharks, and giant manta rays. The best time to dive is August to December when visibility reaches up to 130 feet.
Tadeu Pereira (Ted), CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Spot Jaguars In The Pantanal
In addition to piranhas, you can see a jaguar in its natural habitat in the Pantanal wetland. Between June and November, the dry season forces animals to gather around shrinking water sources where you can see them. The tour is perfect for photographers, but be ready for lots of mosquitoes.
Gerry Zambonini (Zambog), CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Witness The Magic Of The Inti Raymi Festival In Cusco
Step back in time to experience one of the most important Incan festivals, right in the heart of the former empire. The Festival of the Sun happens every June 24 in Cusco, where people celebrate the winter solstice and honor the sun god, Inti.
Cyntia Motta, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Visit The Enchanting Blue Lagoon Of Lagoa Azul
Lagoa Azul is a stunning oasis of crystal-clear, blue waters surrounded by rolling white sand dunes in Lencois Maranhenses National Park, Brazil. It’s like a desert mirage—but real. Tours cost around $30–$50, and you’ll need a 4x4 to get there. This spot is perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Johan Fredriksson, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
See Giant Tortoises In The Wild On Isabela Island
Home to the biggest population of Galapagos giant tortoises, Isabela Island in Ecuador lets you observe these slow-moving legends in the dry forest where they roam freely. You can visit the tortoise breeding center or even hike up to Sierra Negra Volcano.
NH53, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Discover The Moai Statues Of Easter Island
Few places on Earth feel as mysterious as Easter Island, home to the iconic Moai statues. These massive stone figures, carved by the island’s early Polynesian inhabitants, have fascinated travelers for centuries. Guided tours are recommended to help uncover the island’s rich history and legends.
Phil Whitehouse from London, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Wander Through The Colorful Streets Of Cartagena’s Old Town
Cartagena’s Old Town is a living and breathing postcard with cobblestone streets and flower-covered balconies. It’s the kind of place where you can stroll aimlessly for hours, soaking up the history and Caribbean charm. December to April, when it’s warm but not unbearably humid, is a perfect time to visit.
Pedro Szekely from Los Angeles, USA, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Witness The Flamingos In The High-Altitude Salt Flats Of Bolivia
Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is already a surreal wonder. Add in hundreds of pink flamingos wading in the reflective waters of Laguna Colorada or Hedionda, and you’ve got something truly magical. The breeding season lasts from December to February, when you can see more of these graceful birds.
Murray Foubister, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Explore The Underground Salt Cathedral Of Zipaquira
Just an hour from Bogota, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira is a breathtaking underground church built inside a former salt mine with impressive salt sculptures. To avoid crowds, you should try to visit early. It’s great for anyone who wants to see something unique.
Novoaparra, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Take A Cog Train To The Christ The Redeemer Statue
No trip to Rio de Janeiro is perfect without Christ the Redeemer. Standing at 125 feet tall atop Mount Corcovado with the pedestal included, it offers panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. The easiest and most scenic way up? Take a cog train.
Jorge Lascar from Australia, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Experience Indigenous Culture At the Witches’ Market In La Paz
Ready for a shopping experience like no other? The Witches’ Market in La Paz is where you’ll find mystical potions, dried llama fetuses for good luck, herbal remedies, and Andean spiritual items. Run by Aymara shamans, it’s a deep dive into Bolivia’s indigenous culture and beliefs.
PsamatheM, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Visit The Southernmost City In The World
Think Ushuaia is the southernmost city? No. Puerto Williams, on Navarino Island in Chile, takes the title. It’s a tiny, remote town with a gateway to Antarctica. The best time to visit is November to March, but getting there isn’t cheap. However, for adventure seekers, it’s totally worth it.
Janitoalevic, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Experience The Glow Of Bioluminescent Plankton
At Mosquito Bay and Laguna Grandeou in Puerto Rico, you can kayak or swim through glowing blue waters caused by bioluminescent plankton. Boat rides are cheap and perfect for couples. It’s best to go on a moonless night for maximum glow.
Edgar Torres, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Enjoy Freshly Made Ceviche By The Coast
If there’s one dish you have to try in Peru, it’s ceviche—and the best place to eat it is right by the coast. This refreshing seafood dish is made with raw fish and lime juice mixed with red onion, chili peppers, and cilantro. It’s simple but bursting with flavor.
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