South America can be surprisingly affordable if you know where to go. From inexpensive local food and comfortable accommodation to cheap public transportation and memorable outdoor experiences, some destinations offer much more value than the continent’s better-known tourist hotspots. If you’re planning a backpacking trip, a long-term adventure, or simply want to keep your travel…
15 South American Destinations Most Tourists Completely Miss South America is famous for places like Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro, Patagonia, and the Galápagos Islands. But some of the continent’s most memorable experiences can be found far beyond the destinations that dominate travel brochures. From quiet colonial towns and remote valleys to little-known beaches and…
South America is full of landscapes that look as though they belong on another planet. From enormous salt flats and turquoise lagoons to strange rock formations, hidden valleys, towering glaciers, and remote islands, the continent offers some of the most surreal scenery on Earth. Many of these places are far beyond the usual city-and-beach itinerary….
South America is a continent made for overland travel. From the Andes and high-altitude plateaus to deserts, forests, coastlines, vineyards, and Patagonia, some of the most memorable experiences happen between destinations rather than at them. Long-distance buses are an important part of travel across the continent. Depending on the country and route, travelers can find…
Colombia is famous for colorful cities, Caribbean beaches, coffee plantations, and dramatic mountain landscapes. But some of the country’s most memorable experiences begin when the paved roads disappear and the journey becomes part of the adventure. For travelers who enjoy getting away from busy tourist routes, Colombia offers an incredible network of mountain roads, jungle…
Ecuador may be one of South America’s smaller countries, but its landscapes are remarkably diverse. In a single road trip, you can pass through volcanic highlands, cloud forests, dramatic valleys, quiet mountain villages, and tropical lowlands. The country’s compact size makes it especially appealing to travelers who want to experience a lot without spending weeks…
Bolivia is one of South America’s most rewarding countries for travelers who enjoy long journeys, dramatic landscapes, and destinations that feel far removed from the usual tourist routes. Traveling by road lets you experience much more than Bolivia’s famous attractions. You can cross high-altitude plateaus, pass colorful mountain villages, explore enormous salt flats, and watch…
Driving across the Andes is one of those travel experiences that can turn an ordinary road trip into a genuine adventure. The mountain range stretches for thousands of miles along the western side of South America, crossing countries including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. The scenery can be spectacular, with snow-capped peaks,…
Argentina and Chile are made for road trips. Stretching from the tropical north to the icy landscapes of Patagonia, these neighboring countries offer an incredible mix of mountains, deserts, forests, glaciers, lakes, vineyards, remote villages, and dramatic coastlines. For travelers who enjoy long drives and changing landscapes, the roads between Argentina and Chile can feel…
South America is made for road trips. The continent combines enormous distances with dramatic scenery, remote villages, mountain passes, deserts, rainforests, glaciers, beaches, and some of the most spectacular highways in the world. For adventurous travelers, driving through South America can be more rewarding than simply flying between major cities. A road trip gives you…