South America

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John Maier Jr

Overview

Andean peaks, Amazonian rainforest, Patagonian glaciers, Incan ruins, white-sand beaches and vertiginous nightlife: the wonders of South America set the stage for incredible adventures.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Laguna Parón
Cordillera Blanca
The largest lake in the Cordillera Blanca — a snowcapped range of the Andes in west central Peru — and a gorgeous natural reservoir, Laguna Paron is a…
Isla Amantaní
Lake Titicaca
Of the small remote islands dotted around Lake Titicaca, Isla Amantaní is the least visited. Its population is just 4000, is a few kilometers north of the…
Monasterio de Santa Catalina
Arequipa
This convent shouldn’t be missed, even if you’ve overdosed on colonial edifices. Occupying a whole block and guarded by imposing high walls, it is one of…
Parque Nacional da Tijuca
Rio de Janeiro
The Tijuca is all that's left of the Atlantic rainforest that once surrounded Rio de Janeiro. This 39-sq-km tropical-jungle preserve is an exuberant green…
Cerro San Cristóbal
Santiago
The best views over Santiago are from the peaks and viewpoints of the Parque Metropolitano, better known as Cerro San Cristóbal. At 722 hectares, the park…
Pão de Açúcar
Rio de Janeiro
Seen from the peak of Pão de Açúcar, Rio is undoubtedly a Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). There are many good times to make the ascent, but sunset on…
Centre Spatial Guyanais
French Guiana
Visiting the Centre Spatial Guyanais and (if you're lucky) seeing a rocket launch are two of French Guiana's biggest highlights. Both need to be arranged…
La Comuna 13
Medellín
Once one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Medellín, the Comuna 13, which clings to the mountainside above the San Javier metro station, has…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Places to Visit

South America’s surreal landscapes, energetic cities and natural diversity push it to the top of travel bucket lists. Here are the top places to visit.

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Articles

Latest stories from South America

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Senior woman on the path between memorial buildings of Shakhi Zinda Mausoleum which is memorial complex of Islamic architecture from 9 to 12. century in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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ancient, architecture, art, asia, building exterior, craft, cultures, decoration, east, entrance, facade, famous place, history, indigenous culture, monument, multi colored, old, pattern, photography, religion, sky, spirituality, travel destinations, unesco world heritage site, mausoleum, silk road, tomb, samarkand, tribal art, central asia, mosaic, ceramics, cemetery, memorial, uzbekistan, tile, turquoise colored, persian culture, photography themes, footpath, single lane road, horizontal, women, one woman only, senior adult, shah-i-zinda
A woman looking up at the memorial buildings of Shah-I-Zinda Mausoleums in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Solo Travel

The 23 best places for solo travelers around the world

Jun 12, 2025 • 23 min read

Whether it’s the atmosphere or the culture, some places are naturally suited for people traveling alone. These 23 spots are perfect for solo travelers.