From the glacial lakes of Patagonia and the tropical Amazon rainforest, to the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, South America has rightfully earned a reputation as a fascinating destination to visit. Such is the continent’s wealth of natural sites that sprawl across miles and landmarks that are not only remarkable but totally unique. It is a land of superlatives, where each country contains something in the “world’s most.
..” category, from the Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia to Chile’s Atacama desert.
Add to this a string of exhilarating cities, from the European charm of Buenos Aires to the infectious atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro and the buzz of Medellín, and you can begin to see why this continent appeals to a broad range of travellers wanting a slice of historical heritage, diverse cuisine, art and music, as well as its idyllic beaches stretching around the coastline. No two places are the same in South America, so it’s hard to know which region to explore first. To help you with your decision, we’ve rounded up a list of the continent’s best countries for travellers to visit in 2025.
Argentina may initially appear difficult to explore due to its size, but it offers a spellbinding array of towns, cities and natural regions to explore. Buenos Aires is a sensible starting point. Known as the “Paris of South America” , it is a lively mix of beautiful 19th-century buildings in tango-fuelled barrios and football.
It is also the jumping-off point for journeys to .