Celebrate Carnaval, the world's biggest party, or tan on Rio de Janeiro's beaches. Try to tango or stroll the elegant streets in Buenos Aires, the Paris of the South. Experience the bustle of Sao Paulo, the colonial flavour of Lima or the sophistication of Punta del Este.
See Iguazu Falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides. Watch the mating dance of the blue-footed boobies and explore the rich bio-diversity of the Galapagos. Sail through the majestic fjords along Chile's Pacific coast or kayak on Lake Titicaca, the world's highest body of water.
Follow the Inca Trail to see the lost city of Machu Picchu. Ski in July at Andes mountain resorts like Bariloche or Portillo. Then relax with a juicy red in the up-and-coming wine area around Mendoza, Argentina.
Booking flights and hotels for most parts of South America is easy. Consider a cruise to conveniently see some of the best-known spots at a leisurely pace. But a package tour is best for travel to the Galapagos or to Rio during Carnaval.