Places to visit in South America: country by country, what you actually need to see

The most common planning mistake in South America is trying to fit the continent into a single trip. Lima to Buenos Aires is four and a half hours by air; Rio to Santiago is four. Crossing between countries usually means a direct flight. Two countries in two weeks, three at most in three weeks, is a realistic target.

The second issue is season. In the southern hemisphere the seasons are reversed: December to February is summer, June to August is winter. Going to Patagonia in winter means finding most routes closed. Machu Picchu, by contrast, is best in the dry season from May to September. The list below takes those differences into account.

Peru

• Machu Picchu: entry is quota-controlled and sells out months ahead — buy as soon as you have a date.
• Sacred Valley: between Cusco and Machu Picchu; spend a night here to acclimatise to the altitude.
• Rainbow Mountain: above 5,000 metres — don't go without acclimatising first.
• Lima Historic Center: one of the continent's strongest food scenes is here.
• Nazca Lines: seen from a small plane, and hard work if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Lake Titicaca: the world's highest navigable lake; boat tours leave from Puno.
• Colca Canyon: early morning for condor watching.
• Amazon Rainforest, Iquitos: no road link — you arrive by air or river.
• Huacachina Oasis: an oasis in the desert, for dune buggies.
• Ballestas Islands: a half-day boat trip for wildlife.

Brazil

• Christ the Redeemer: go early; afternoons can be both crowded and foggy.
• Sugarloaf Mountain: a two-stage cable-car ride; sunset is the most sought-after slot.
• Copacabana Beach: for the walk and the beach culture — don't carry valuables.
• Iguazu Falls: the Brazilian side is the panorama, the Argentine side is close contact. See both.
• Amazon Theatre: in Manaus, the starting point for Amazon tours.
• Pelourinho: Salvador's historic centre, the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture.
• São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP): one of the most important collections on the continent.
• Lençóis Maranhenses: lagoons between the dunes, full from June to September.
• Paraty Historic Center: a colonial town, four hours from Rio.
• Fernando de Noronha: visitor quotas and an environmental tax — plan ahead.

Argentina

• Obelisco de Buenos Aires: the centre of the city, best seen with the surrounding streets.
• Caminito: the colourful street in La Boca — go in daylight and don't wander outside the area.
• Recoleta Cemetery: a monumental cemetery, a two-hour stop.
• Iguazu Falls (Argentina Side): the Devil's Throat walkway is on this side.
• Perito Moreno Glacier: from El Calafate; the ice trek is a separate tour.
• Ushuaia: the world's southernmost city, and the jumping-off point for Antarctica trips.
• Mendoza Wine Region: at least two nights for vineyard tours.
• Nahuel Huapi National Park: lakes and mountains around Bariloche.
• Jesuit Block, Córdoba: a UNESCO-listed colonial complex.
• Tigre Delta: a day-trip river outing from Buenos Aires.

Chile

• Torres del Paine: Patagonia's best-known park; the season runs October to April.
• Atacama Desert: the driest desert on earth, and one of the best places for stargazing.
• Valparaíso: colourful hills and street art, a day trip from Santiago.
• Easter Island: a separate flight and at least three nights.
• Sky Costanera Santiago: the observation deck for the city view.
• Viña del Mar: a coastal town, usually paired with Valparaíso.
• Chiloé Island: wooden churches and palafito houses.
• Lauca National Park: very high altitude — you need time to acclimatise.
• Cajón del Maipo: a half-day mountain trip from Santiago.
• Casablanca Valley: wine country, between Santiago and Valparaíso.

Colombia

• Cartagena Old Town: a walled colonial centre, ideal for an evening walk.
• Bogotá La Candelaria: the historic centre, where the museums are clustered.
• Cocora Valley: giant wax palms; a half-day walk from Salento.
• Tayrona National Park: beach and forest together — the park sometimes closes for maintenance.
• Medellín Comuna 13: go with a guided tour for the outdoor escalators and street art.
• Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá: a cathedral inside a salt mine, a day trip from Bogotá.
• Coffee Cultural Landscape: at least two nights for coffee-farm tours.
• Rosario Islands: a day-trip boat from Cartagena.
• Guatapé Rock: a 700-step climb, a day trip from Medellín.
• San Agustín Archaeological Park: archaeological sculptures, and a long journey to get there.

Mexico

• Chichen Itza: go first thing; afternoons are both hot and very crowded.
• Teotihuacan: a day trip from Mexico City — the pyramids of the sun and moon.
• Mexico City Zócalo: one of the largest squares in the world, ringed with museums.
• Frida Kahlo Museum: tickets are timed and sell out days ahead.
• Tulum Ruins: the only Maya city on the sea — go in the morning.
• Cancún & Riviera Maya: beach-focused; pair it with cenote tours.
• Oaxaca Historic Center: one of the richest cities on the continent for food and crafts.
• Guadalajara Historic Center: the hub of the mariachi and tequila region.
• Copper Canyon: larger than the Grand Canyon, crossed by train.
• Cabo San Lucas Arch: seen by boat, a half-day stop.

Five rules for planning South America

1. Read the seasons backwards: December–February is summer, June–August is winter. October–April for Patagonia, May–September for Machu Picchu.
2. Two countries at most in two weeks — crossings between countries need a flight.
3. Set aside days to acclimatise at high-altitude destinations (Cusco, La Paz, Lauca).
4. Book quota-controlled places early: Machu Picchu, Fernando de Noronha and the Frida Kahlo Museum top that list.
5. Check visa and yellow-fever vaccine requirements separately for every country you're visiting.