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// South America

South
America

Machu Picchu to Patagonia — the continent that rewards everyone who makes the effort.

South America is the continent that earns the longest trips. People who come for two weeks come back for two months. The combination of ancient civilisations, extraordinary wilderness, world-class food (Peru's cuisine is genuinely among the best on earth), and real affordability in Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia makes it endlessly compelling. The classic overland route broadly runs Colombia → Ecuador → Peru → Bolivia → Chile/Argentina, or in reverse. Allow at least 6 weeks to do it properly — you will wish you had more.

// Where to Go

Destination Guides

Patagonia

Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno glacier and the end of the world at Ushuaia.

Peru

Ancient Civilisations

Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Cusco.

Ecuador & Galápagos

Ecuador & Galápagos

The islands that changed how we understand life on earth.

Tango at midnight, the best steak in the world and a city that runs on pure passion.

The world's most spectacular urban setting.

Medellín & Cartagena

The most transformed city in Latin America.

Atacama & Patagonia

Atacama & Patagonia

The driest desert on earth and the wildest mountains.

Uyuni Salt Flats

10,000 square kilometres of white salt reflecting an infinite sky.

Patagonia

Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno glacier and the end of the world at Ushuaia.

Explore →

🌸

Colombia

Cartagena, Medellín, the Coffee Region — guide coming soon

💃

Argentina

Buenos Aires, Mendoza & Patagonia — guide coming soon

🌊

Chile

Santiago, Atacama & Torres del Paine — guide coming soon

🧂

Bolivia

Salt Flats, La Paz & Lake Titicaca — guide coming soon

🌴

Brazil

Rio, the Amazon & Iguazu Falls — guide coming soon

// Budget Routes

Backpacker Guides

☕£20–£40/day

Backpacker Guide

🦙£12–£22/day

Backpacker Guide

🥩£20–£40/day

Backpacker Guide

🌋£25–£50/day

Backpacker Guide

🌴£25–£55/day

Backpacker Guide

// Ski South America

Ski the Andes — June to October

Cerro Catedral, Bariloche

South America's largest resort — cathedral spires above Patagonia

Explore → ⛷️

Portillo, Chile

The legendary one-hotel Andes resort where pro teams train

Explore → ⛷️

Valle Nevado, Chile

High-altitude resort above Santiago — 893m vertical

Explore → ⛷️

Las Leñas, Argentina

The powder capital of South America — deep Andes snowfall

// Book Activities

Experiences Worth Booking

Machu Picchu Guided Tour, Peru

The Inca citadel with a guide who explains the astronomical alignments — transforms the visit.

Galápagos Islands Tour, Ecuador

Marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and tortoises on UNESCO world heritage islands.

Torres del Paine Trekking, Patagonia

The W Circuit with a guide who knows the weather — most dramatic landscape on earth.

Medellín City Tour & Pablo Escobar Story

The transformation of Colombia's most famous city — essential context.

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// When to Go

Season guide

South America's seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere. Patagonia: Best Nov–Mar (Southern Hemisphere summer). Peru & Machu Picchu: Dry season May–October — best for the Inca Trail. Bolivia's Salt Flats: Jan–Mar for the mirror effect when shallow water covers the flats. Colombia: Two dry seasons (Dec–Feb and Jun–Aug) and largely pleasant year-round. Brazil's Carnival: February — book everything 12 months ahead.

// Need to Know

Before you go

✈️

South America is vast — flying between major hubs (Bogotá, Lima, Santiago, Buenos Aires) is often faster and cheaper than overland.

🏔️

Altitude sickness is real in Peru and Bolivia — spend 2–3 days acclimatising in Cusco or La Paz before any trekking.

🔐

Petty theft is common in city centres (Lima, Rio, Bogotá). Keep electronics in bags, use hotel safes, avoid obvious tourist body bags.

🏛️

The Inca Trail permits sell out 6 months ahead. Book the alternative Salkantay or Lares routes if you've left it too late.

🇨🇴

Colombia has transformed — it is now one of the safest and most rewarding countries in South America. The reputation is 15 years out of date.

// Bespoke Planning

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