Destinations
South America
A continent of epic landscapes, ancient civilizations, vibrant cultures, and boundless adventure.
Discover South America
South America is a continent that ignites the imagination and stirs the soul. It is the land of the Incas and the Amazon, of tango and samba, of Patagonian glaciers and Caribbean coastlines. From the mist-shrouded ruins of Machu Picchu to the rhythmic streets of Rio de Janeiro, from the otherworldly Galapagos Islands to the wine valleys of Mendoza \u2014 South America offers experiences of such magnitude and diversity that a single trip is rarely enough. At Snow to Sand Travel, our South America specialists create journeys that immerse you in the continent\'s extraordinary cultures and landscapes. Whether you dream of trekking to ancient ruins, cruising the Amazon, tasting Malbec in Argentine vineyards, or dancing tango in Buenos Aires \u2014 we bring South America to life for travelers from Canada and the United States.
SOUTH AMERICAN DESTINATIONS
Countries & Regions
From the Amazon rainforest to Patagonian glaciers, explore the wonders of South America.
Rio de Janeiro · Amazon · Iguazu Falls · Salvador · Copacabana
Brazil
Brazil is South America's largest and most vibrant country. Rio's iconic Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, the thundering Iguazu Falls, the untamed Amazon rainforest, the colonial charm of Salvador, and the world's most famous carnival create a destination of incomparable energy and diversity.
Top Attractions
- Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio
- Iguazu Falls — 275 cascades on the Brazil-Argentina border
- Amazon River cruise and jungle lodge stays
- Salvador's Pelourinho colonial district
- Copacabana and Ipanema beaches
Best Time to Visit
December to March for summer and Carnival (February/March). May to September for drier weather.
Suggested Experiences
- Carnival celebration in Rio de Janeiro
- Amazon jungle survival experience
- Brazilian churrasco dining experience
Buenos Aires · Patagonia · Iguazu · Mendoza · Ushuaia · Tango
Argentina
Argentina seduces with the passion of tango in Buenos Aires, the thundering Iguazu Falls, the world-class Malbec wines of Mendoza, and the dramatic glaciers and peaks of Patagonia. From the cosmopolitan capital to the End of the World in Ushuaia, Argentina is a country of extraordinary extremes.
Top Attractions
- Tango shows and San Telmo in Buenos Aires
- Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia
- Iguazu Falls from the Argentine side
- Mendoza wine country and Malbec tastings
- Ushuaia — the southernmost city in the world
Best Time to Visit
October to April for Patagonia. March to May for Mendoza wine harvest. Year-round for Buenos Aires.
Suggested Experiences
- Tango lesson in a historic Buenos Aires milonga
- Mendoza winery bicycle tour
- Perito Moreno Glacier trekking
Santiago · Atacama Desert · Patagonia · Easter Island · Wine Country
Chile
Chile stretches over 4,300 kilometers of extraordinary diversity. The otherworldly Atacama Desert — the driest on Earth, the dramatic Torres del Paine in Patagonia, the mysterious moai statues of Easter Island, and the excellent wine regions near Santiago create one of the world's most geographically diverse countries.
Top Attractions
- Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia
- Atacama Desert stargazing and salt flats
- Easter Island moai statues
- Casablanca and Maipo Valley wine regions
- Valparaiso colorful hillside port city
Best Time to Visit
November to March for Patagonia. March to May for wine regions. Year-round for Atacama.
Suggested Experiences
- Torres del Paine W Trek
- Atacama Desert stargazing tour
- Wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley
Machu Picchu · Cusco · Sacred Valley · Lima · Amazon · Nazca Lines
Peru
Peru is the spiritual heart of the Inca Empire. The iconic citadel of Machu Picchu, the colonial architecture of Cusco, the Sacred Valley's ancient ruins and traditional villages, Lima's world-class gastronomy, and the mysterious Nazca Lines create a destination that exceeds every expectation.
Top Attractions
- Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail
- Cusco's Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuaman
- Sacred Valley: Pisac market and Ollantaytambo fortress
- Lima's Miraflores district and culinary scene
- Nazca Lines overflight
Best Time to Visit
May to September for the dry season in the Andes. April and October offer good weather with fewer crowds.
Suggested Experiences
- Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
- Cusco cooking class featuring ceviche and quinoa
- Sacred Valley ATV adventure
Cartagena · Bogota · Coffee Region · Tayrona · Medellin
Colombia
Colombia has undergone a remarkable transformation and emerged as one of South America's hottest destinations. The colorful colonial walled city of Cartagena, the thriving cultural scene of Medellin, the lush Coffee Triangle, and the pristine beaches of Tayrona National Park showcase Colombia's incredible rebirth.
Top Attractions
- Cartagena Old Town walled city and Getsemani
- Medellin Comuna 13 transformation and cable cars
- Coffee Triangle: Salento and Cocora Valley
- Tayrona National Park beaches
- Bogota Gold Museum and Monserrate
Best Time to Visit
December to March for the Caribbean coast. June to September for the Coffee Region.
Suggested Experiences
- Cartagena salsa dancing in Getsemani
- Coffee farm tour and tasting in Salento
- Tayrona National Park beach trek
Montevideo · Punta del Este · Colonia · Wine Country · Beaches
Uruguay
Uruguay is South America's most relaxed and progressive country. The laid-back capital of Montevideo, the glamorous beach resort of Punta del Este, the UNESCO-listed colonial town of Colonia del Sacramento, and excellent tannat wines make Uruguay a charming and underappreciated destination.
Top Attractions
- Montevideo Ciudad Vieja and Rambla promenade
- Punta del Este beaches and Casapueblo
- Colonia del Sacramento historic quarter (UNESCO)
- Carmelo wine region and tannat tastings
- Jose Ignacio boutique beach town
Best Time to Visit
December to March for beach weather. October to November and April to May for wine country.
Suggested Experiences
- Wine tasting in the Carmelo region
- Colonia del Sacramento walking tour
- Punta del Este sunset at Casapueblo
Galapagos · Quito · Amazon · Cotopaxi · Cloud Forest
Ecuador
Ecuador packs remarkable diversity into a compact country. The unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, the world's highest capital in Quito, the accessible Amazon rainforest, and the towering Cotopaxi volcano create extraordinary adventure opportunities.
Top Attractions
- Galapagos Islands wildlife cruises
- Quito Old Town — highest capital city (UNESCO)
- Cotopaxi National Park and volcano climbing
- Amazon rainforest lodge stays
- Mindo Cloud Forest birdwatching
Best Time to Visit
June to September for the Galapagos (cooler, active wildlife). December to April (warmer waters for snorkeling).
Suggested Experiences
- Galapagos Islands cruise with snorkeling
- Cusco cooking class feCotopaxi volcano hikingaturing ceviche and quinoa
- Amazon rainforest canopy walk