South America Dropdown content is blessed with some of the most astonishing landscapes on earth. This dynamic continent has enthralled travellers for centuries with its array of natural wonders, ancient ruins and modern metropolises. It holds some of the world’s most impressive beaches, most fascinating cultures and most thrilling adventure activities. To inspire your travels, we're picked six of the most impressive South America journeys to kick-start your trip planning.
The four-day hike between Cusco and Machu Picchu in
Although just one of the Inca trails you can follow across the Andes, what makes this 33km route so popular is the unrivalled reward of Machu Picchu at its end. The most famous ruins in South America, no matter how jaded you are, they will stop you in your tracks.
Magnificent Macchu Picchu © SC Image/Shutterstock
The legendary Ruta 40 (or RN40) runs the length of
If you haven’t got your own wheels, head to the section between El Calafate/El Chaltén and
Ruta 40 in Argentina © Kavram/Shutterstock
Inspired by our list of
The lost city of Tayrona people in Colombia (Ciudad Perdida) is relatively unknown, despite pre-dating Macchu Picchu by some 650 years. It was once one of the centres of the indigenous Tayrona, before the arrival of Spanish conquistadors. Hidden within the forests of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, it's a magical place. Getting there means setting out on a three-day trek – but the experience makes it all worthwhile. It might be one of the least well known South America journeys on this list, but we recommend you check it out!
Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City) in Colombia © Scott Biales DitchTheMap/Shutterstock
Discover why the Ciudad Perdida made our list of the
The great massif contained within the
To best soak up the charms and wildlife of this rugged landscape, embark on “The Circuit” – a seven- to ten-day hike. An extended version of the popular “W”, this route that leads you around the back of the Torres, giving you some respite from the inevitable crowds.
An island in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile © Sunsinger/Shutterstock
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They might be part of Ecuador, but the
Only 3% of the islands's landmass is populated with humans. The rest is a haven of wildlife where you can spot giant tortoises, iguanas and the rare blue-footy booby. Visitors are permitted at 60 designated sites across the archipelago, and visitor numbers are strictly controlled. Most of the sites are only accessible by boat, and you must travel with a guide. For trips to the Galapagos Islands, get in touch with us. Rough Guides works with local experts in the area who can
Marine iguana with blue footed booby on Isabela Island, Galapagos, Ecuador © Reisegraf.ch/Shutterstock
Discover why the Galapagos Islands made our list of the
The Serra Verde Express in
In fact, it’s one of our
View from the Serra Verde railway © Danita Delmont/Shutterstock
Top image: Marine iguana with blue-footed booby on Isabela Island, Galapagos, Ecuador © reisegraf.ch/Shutterstock