The Ultimate South America Bucket List
I still remember the day I arrived in South America at the tail-end of an epic 1-year around-the-world adventure in my early 30s. I was instantly swept up in the Latino vibe. People here seemed to live each day with such passion and warmth. It was easy to make new friends, enjoy the carefree lifestyle, and find new adventures.
Let me be honest with you—I've been to 80+ countries, and nothing comes close to what South America delivers. This isn't just another travel destination; it's where adventure lives and breathes. I've danced salsa until 4 AM in Cartagena (badly, but enthusiastically), gotten completely lost in the Amazon Jungle (scariest and most beautiful day of my life), and yes, I've cried at Machu Picchu because sometimes travel is just too magnificent for your emotions to handle.
What I love most about this continent is how it refuses to be tamed or packaged into neat little tourism boxes. Sure, you can do the luxury lodge thing (and trust me, some of these places are incredible), but South America rewards those who embrace the unexpected. It's where you'll find yourself sharing empanadas with a local family who invited you into their home, where you'll wake up to howler monkeys instead of alarm clocks, and where every single day feels like a choose-your-own-adventure story.
I've spent the last twenty-two years exploring every corner of this magnificent continent, from the wine valleys of Argentina to the colorful streets of La Paz. I've made mistakes, had incredible adventures, discovered hidden gems, and collected more stories than my friends can probably handle at dinner parties.
And that's exactly why I'm sharing my South America Bucket List with you. These aren't just the places that look good in photos—though they absolutely do—these are the experiences that will change you, challenge you, and quite possibly make you fall head-over-heels in love with travel all over again.
So grab your sense of adventure and maybe some comfortable walking shoes, because we're about to dive into the 7 most epic South American Bucket List destinations to visit during your time on this earth.
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Get a FREE personalised quote todaySo, let's dive straight in, in no particular order ...
1) The Galapagos Islands
We'll kick off with one of the most stunning wildlife destinations on the planet, the Galápagos Islands.
After experiencing the islands many times firsthand, I can confidently say this destination will forever change your perspective on wildlife encounters. Swimming alongside playful sea lions, observing the intricate courtship rituals of blue-footed boobies, and watching ancient giant tortoises stroll through their natural habitat creates an unparalleled connection with nature that few places on Earth can match.
What makes the Galápagos truly exceptional isn't just the diversity of species, but the remarkable fearlessness of the wildlife. These animals exist without the instinctive wariness of humans found elsewhere, creating intimate, close-up encounters that feel almost surreal.
The Galapagos requires a significant investment, but the experience justifies every dollar spent. While costs exceed those of typical destinations, visitors are contributing to one of the world's most successful conservation efforts. The strict regulations and fees directly support the preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage site, maintaining the pristine conditions that have remained largely unchanged since Darwin's historic visit in 1835.
For those on a budget, check out my DIY Galapagos Guide, packed with money-saving tips. However, for the best experience, I strongly recommend investing in a quality naturalist-guided expedition rather than budget alternatives. Expert guides transform simple wildlife sightings into profound educational experiences, offering insights into evolution, ecology, and conservation that bring the islands' scientific significance to life. The depth of knowledge gained from experienced naturalists creates a richer understanding of this living laboratory.
Take a look at quality Galapagos cruise yacht choices, and check live cruise availabilities for special price deals. Also, consider Galapagos Land Tours that are becoming more popular each year. Happy Gringo's 6-day Galapagos Discovery and 8-day Galapagos Explorer itineraries are good places to start. They also customize affordable Galapagos itineraries for maximum flexibility and freedom.
2) Machu Picchu
No South America bucket list would be complete without Machu Picchu, recognised as one of the 7 modern wonders of the world.
Peru's legendary "Lost City of the Incas" remains one of the world's most awe-inspiring archaeological sites, and experiencing it firsthand will blow you away. Standing among these ancient stone terraces as dawn breaks over the Andes creates a moment of profound connection with both history and the natural world. One can really appreciate the precision of the stonework, the sophisticated agricultural terraces, and the strategic positioning overlooking the Sacred Valley. The site demonstrates an advanced understanding of architecture, astronomy, and environmental adaptation that continues to astound modern engineers and archaeologists.
What strikes most visitors is the profound sense of mystery that still surrounds Machu Picchu. Despite extensive research, questions remain about its exact purpose, the reason for its abandonment, and how such a sophisticated complex was constructed in such a remote location. Standing among these ancient stones, contemplating the lives of those who built and inhabited this remarkable place, creates a connection that transcends typical tourist experiences.
Planning your visit to Machu Picchu requires careful consideration of several factors.
The classic Inca Trail trek offers an immersive four-day journey through diverse ecosystems and ancient ruins, culminating in the iconic sunrise arrival at the Sun Gate. However, alternative routes like the spectacular train journey from Cusco provide excellent options for travelers with different fitness levels or time constraints.
Advance reservations are essential, as daily visitor numbers are strictly limited to protect this fragile site. For more information, check out our How to get to Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Train, and Machu Picchu Entry Tickets blogs.
Also, consider Happy Gringo's 7-day Machu Picchu & Cusco tour which also includes the Sacred Valley and historical sites of Cusco. It's even possible to easily combine Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands into a single 2-week trip.
3) The Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest Basin, spanning across multiple South American countries, represents the planet's most biodiverse ecosystem and one of its most critical environmental resources. For nature lovers and explorers, put this one right at the top of your South America bucket list!
Venturing into this vast wilderness offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience nature at its most raw and magnificent, where every moment brings new discoveries and humbling reminders of our place within the natural world.
The sheer scale of Amazonian biodiversity defies comprehension. This rainforest harbors approximately 10% of all known species on Earth, from the smallest insects to jaguars, from ancient trees to colorful macaws.
During my visits to Ecuador's Amazon region, I treasured encounters with pink river dolphins, three-toed sloths moving at their characteristic leisurely pace, the haunting calls of howler monkeys at dawn, and close encounters with colorful, tiny poison dart frogs.
Choosing your Amazon experience requires careful consideration of location and accommodation style.
The Peruvian Amazon, accessible from Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado, offers excellent wildlife viewing and cultural experiences with indigenous communities aboard Amazon River Cruises. Ecuador's Amazon has accessible rainforest lodges for a deep-jungle experience, some of which are within the borders of pristine Yasuni National Park. Brazilian options include the Meeting of Waters near Manaus and the pristine Mamirauá Reserve.
The accommodations range from basic jungle lodges that emphasize authentic experiences to luxury eco-resorts that provide comfort without sacrificing environmental responsibility. Regardless of your choice, experienced local guides prove invaluable, possessing intimate knowledge of plant properties, animal behavior, and ecological relationships that transform simple walks into fascinating educational journeys.
The Amazon challenges preconceptions about comfort and convenience while rewarding visitors with experiences that fundamentally shift perspectives on nature, conservation, and humanity's relationship with the environment. Many travelers describe their Amazon journey as transformative, fostering a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship and appreciation for indigenous wisdom.
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From a South America destination expert today4) Iguazu Falls
The Iguaçu National Park in Brazil is home to the Iguazu Falls, one of the most picturesque sites in South America.
An incredible 62,000 cubic feet of water cascade down from heights of 260 feet in the air every second, twice the amount of Victoria Falls in Africa, and from a hundred feet higher than Niagara Falls.
Discovered in 1941, the falls have been the backdrop for an Indiana Jones movie and featured in the Mission starring Robert De Niro. More than 270 waterfalls create a breathtaking scene, making a trip here high up on the bucket list of those who make the trip.
The falls' raw power and breathtaking beauty justify their designation as both a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
The falls straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil, and I highly recommend allowing 2 days here to visit each side. While the Argentine side provides intimate encounters with individual falls through an extensive network of walkways, the Brazilian side offers panoramic views and a thunderous symphony of water and mist.
The surrounding Iguazu National Park should not be missed either. Encompassing pristine Atlantic rainforest, the park harbors diverse and colorful wildlife, including toucans, coatis, and the elusive jaguar.
If you'd not heard of Iguazu before reading this, then go look it up ... trust me, photos alone are enough to convince most people, but nothing beats a visit in person.
5) Uyuni Salt Flats & Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert in Chile contrasts Iguazu Falls in the fact that this 41,000 square miles of land is the driest on Earth. I'm combining this bucket list highlight with the Salt Flats and the desert of southern Bolivia because it's so easy to combine both destinations into one.
The high-altitude landscapes of Chile's Atacama Desert and Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flats represent two of Earth's most surreal and photogenic destinations. These neighboring regions offer visitors the chance to experience landscapes so extraordinary they seem to belong on another planet entirely, each presenting unique geological marvels that challenge our understanding of natural beauty.
Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat at over 10,000 square kilometers, transforms dramatically with the seasons. During dry months, the salt forms perfect geometric patterns stretching to the horizon, creating an endless white canvas that plays tricks on depth perception and enables extraordinary perspective photography. The rainy season transforms this landscape into nature's largest mirror, perfectly reflecting the sky and creating the illusion of walking on clouds.
The salt flat deserts harbor unexpected wonders, including flamingo colonies that thrive in mineral-rich lagoons, ancient cacti on Incahuasi Island that have stood for over 1,000 years, and mineral-tinted lagoons in shades of emerald and turquoise.
3 and 4-day jeep trips head out every day from Uyuni in southern Bolivia to San Pedro in northern Chile (and vice versa). It's hands down one of my favorite South American adventure trips, where each day feels like stepping into a Salvador Dali painting.
Chile's Atacama Desert, recognized as the driest non-polar desert on Earth, presents a landscape so alien that NASA regularly uses it to test Mars rover equipment. This high-altitude desert offers remarkable diversity beyond typical desert expectations. The Valley of the Moon showcases sculpted rock formations and sand dunes that shift through a spectrum of colors throughout the day, while the El Tatio Geyser field creates ethereal morning spectacles as dozens of geysers release steam columns against snow-capped volcanic backdrops.
The Atacama's astronomical significance sets it apart from other deserts worldwide. The combination of extreme altitude, minimal precipitation, and virtually non-existent light pollution creates some of Earth's clearest skies. Professional observatories like ALMA capitalize on these conditions, while travelers can witness the Milky Way with unprecedented clarity, providing humbling perspectives on our cosmic insignificance.
From San Pedro in Chile, you have the perfect base to explore this stunning desert, as well as enjoy this quirky, Old-West style town.
6) Easter Island
Easter Island, known locally as Rapa Nui, represents one of Earth's most isolated inhabited islands, located 2,300 miles from the nearest populated land in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. This remote Chilean territory harbors one of archaeology's greatest mysteries through its iconic moai statues, while offering visitors an extraordinary blend of Polynesian culture, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and profound solitude that few destinations can match.
The island has nearly 1,000 moai statues to explore, captivating researchers and visitors alike. These monolithic figures, carved between 1250 and 1500 CE by Polynesian settlers, demonstrate remarkable artistic and engineering achievements. Standing before these silent sentinels, particularly at sunrise or sunset when the light dramatically illuminates their weathered faces, creates an almost spiritual connection with the ancient Rapa Nui civilization. The largest completed moai stands 33 feet tall and weighs 82 tons, showcasing the sophisticated techniques developed by island inhabitants.
Beyond the famous statues, Easter Island offers diverse archaeological wonders, including Orongo ceremonial village, where the annual Tangata Manu (Birdman) competition determined leadership, and Rano Raraku quarry, where hundreds of moai remain in various stages of completion. The small resident population also maintains traditional music, dance, and crafts while sharing their ancestors' stories with respectful visitors.
Today, the island's history serves as a powerful reminder of environmental stewardship. The ecological collapse that contributed to the decline of Rapa Nui civilization offers sobering lessons about sustainability and resource management that resonate strongly in our current environmental context.
Yes, Easter Island is challenging to get to, and somewhat expensive for those who do make the journey, but it's fair to say this is a truly unique destination fully deserving of it's spot on our South America bucket list.
7) Patagonia
Last, but certainly not least, we have the vast expanse of raw beauty that is Patagonia. Spanning the southern territories of both Chile and Argentina, this region represents one of Earth's last great wilderness frontiers. This land of extremes encompasses towering granite peaks, ancient glaciers, windswept steppes, and pristine lakes, creating a landscape that challenges adventurers while rewarding them with some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet.
The region's crown jewel, Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, showcases dramatic granite spires that rise abruptly from the Patagonian steppes. The park's famous "W" trek offers multi-day hiking through diverse ecosystems, from turquoise lakes and thundering waterfalls to windswept valleys where guanacos graze beneath the imposing towers. The sight of these iconic granite formations, particularly during sunrise when they glow like beacons against the dawn sky, creates moments of pure wilderness magic.
Across the border, Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park provides equally stunning experiences through the Fitz Roy massif and the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier. Standing before this active glacier as house-sized chunks of ice crash into Lago Argentino creates a visceral understanding of our planet's dynamic forces. The glacier's electric blue crevasses and the thunderous sound of calving ice offer dramatic reminders of climate change's visible impacts on these ancient ice formations.
Patagonia's wildlife adds another dimension to the wilderness experience. Condors soar on thermal currents above granite peaks, while pumas hunt guanacos across the open steppes. Penguin colonies along the Atlantic coast, elephant seals lounging on remote beaches, and southern right whales in the coastal waters create opportunities for remarkable wildlife encounters in pristine natural settings.
The tourism season in Patagonia is short, broadly running from November through to March. The weather is notoriously harsh outside of these months, suitable only for truly intrepid and well-prepared souls.
A trip to Patagonia deserves at least 2 weeks of time to visit some of the main highlights, but I'd recommend investing 1-2 months to really scratch beyond the surface of this stunning region.
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In conclusion, South America is my personal favorite travel region on the planet. Simply put, there is so much diversity to discover here in terms of destinations, nature, wildlife, people, history, and customs.
I hope you've enjoyed my top 7 South America bucket list choices. Honestly, it was not easy to narrow the list down to just 7 destinations, but it's a good starting point, and there is so much more to discover besides.
If you've never set foot in South America before, then it's time to take the plunge. I promise, you'll fall in love from day 1!
