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Bogota, Colombia
Start your journey in Colombia's vibrant capital. Explore the colourful La Candelaria district, visit the Gold Museum, and fuel up on arepas and fresh Colombian coffee before heading deeper into the continent.
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Medellin, Colombia
Once infamous, now one of South America's most exciting cities. Ride the famous Metrocable for views over the barrios, hang out in El Poblado and Laureles, and take a day trip to the coffee-growing Antioquia countryside.
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Cartagena, Colombia
A stunning walled colonial city on the Caribbean coast. Wander the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, visit Castillo San Felipe, and take a boat trip to the nearby Rosario Islands for snorkelling and white sand beaches.
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Lima, Peru
Peru's coastal capital is a world-class food destination — don't miss ceviche in Miraflores or a meal in Barranco's trendy restaurant scene. The Larco Museum offers a brilliant introduction to pre-Columbian civilisations before heading inland.
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Cusco, Peru
The ancient Inca capital sits at 3,400m so take a day to acclimatise before exploring. Visit the stunning Plaza de Armas, the Sacsayhuamán ruins, and use Cusco as your base for Machu Picchu — a must-do via the train from Ollantaytambo.
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La Paz, Bolivia
The world's highest administrative capital is chaotic, fascinating and unlike anywhere else. Ride the Mi Teleférico cable car system over the city, visit the Witches' Market, and take a day trip to the eerie Valle de la Luna rock formations.
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Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia
The world's largest salt flat is one of South America's most iconic natural spectacles. Join a 3-day 4WD tour taking in the blinding white expanse, colourful lagoons, flamingos, geysers and the surreal high-altitude landscapes of the Bolivian altiplano.
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San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Cross from Bolivia into Chile's Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth. Watch the sunset over the Valle de la Luna, explore El Tatio geysers at dawn, and enjoy some of the clearest night skies in the world for stargazing.
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Puerto Natales, Chile
A small gateway town on the edge of Patagonia, perfect for stocking up and gearing up. It's the main base for trekking in Torres del Paine and has a lovely waterfront with great lamb dishes and craft beer to enjoy after the trail.
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Torres del Paine, Chile
One of the world's great trekking destinations, this national park delivers dramatic granite towers, turquoise lakes, glaciers and condors. The W Trek (4–5 days) is the classic solo-friendly route — book refugios or campsites well in advance.
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El Chalten, Argentina
Argentina's trekking capital sits inside Los Glaciares National Park with free, well-marked trails right from town. Hike to Laguna de los Tres for jaw-dropping views of Mount Fitz Roy, and don't miss the Laguna Torre trail for glacier scenery.
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El Calafate, Argentina
Home to the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few advancing glaciers in the world. Walk the boardwalk system for close-up views of the thundering ice wall, or book a crampons-on ice-trekking tour directly on the glacier — utterly unforgettable.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
End your epic journey in the Paris of South America. Explore the colourful neighbourhood of La Boca, watch a tango show in San Telmo, feast on a proper Argentine asado, and soak up the European-flavoured grand boulevards before flying home.