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Cartagena, Colombia
Start your journey in the walled Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of colorful colonial architecture. Explore the Getsemaní neighbourhood for street art and nightlife, and don't miss a sunset boat trip to the Rosario Islands.
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Medellín, Colombia
Once infamous, Medellín is now one of South America's most innovative cities. Ride the famous Metrocable for panoramic views and visit the vibrant El Poblado and Laureles neighbourhoods for great food and coffee culture.
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Bogotá, Colombia
Colombia's capital sits at 2,600m altitude and boasts the world-class Gold Museum and the colourful La Candelaria historic district. Cycle the famous Ciclovía on Sundays and warm up with a bowl of ajiaco soup.
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Quito, Ecuador
Ecuador's capital has one of the best-preserved colonial old towns in Latin America, perched high in the Andes. Take a day trip to the Middle of the World monument and hike Pichincha volcano for stunning views over the city.
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Cuenca, Ecuador
A charming colonial city with flower-lined cobblestone streets and the iconic blue-domed New Cathedral. Visit the nearby Cajas National Park for trekking among lagoons, and try the local hornado roasted pork dish.
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Lima, Peru
Peru's capital is a culinary powerhouse and home to some of the world's best restaurants, especially in the Miraflores and Barranco districts. Explore the Larco Museum for pre-Columbian gold and ceramics, and enjoy ceviche at the iconic Mercado de Surquillo.
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Cusco, Peru
The historic capital of the Inca Empire is the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Spend a few days acclimatizing to the 3,400m altitude, exploring Inca ruins like Sacsayhuamán, and taking the iconic train ride to Aguas Calientes.
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La Paz, Bolivia
One of the world's highest capitals offers dramatic canyon scenery, bustling witch markets, and the incredible teleferico cable car network. Take a day trip to the surreal Valle de la Luna and use La Paz as a base to visit Lake Titicaca.
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Uyuni, Bolivia
The Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat and one of South America's most breathtaking landscapes. Join a 3-day jeep tour to see coloured lagoons, flamingos, geysers, and the famous mirror-effect reflections during the rainy season.
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San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
This desert oasis is surrounded by otherworldly landscapes including the Valle de la Luna, geysers at El Tatio, and ancient salt flats. The night skies here are among the clearest in the world, making it a top stargazing destination.
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Santiago, Chile
Chile's sophisticated capital is backed by the snow-capped Andes and has a thriving food and wine scene centered around Lastarria and Bellavista neighbourhoods. Take a day trip to the Casablanca or Maipo wine valleys or head to the coast at Valparaíso.
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Valparaíso, Chile
Chile's bohemian port city is famous for its steep hillside neighbourhoods blanketed in vivid street art and connected by vintage funicular elevators. Wander Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción for colourful houses, artisan cafes, and stunning Pacific Ocean views.
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Mendoza, Argentina
Argentina's wine capital sits at the foot of the Andes and produces world-famous Malbec wines. Spend days cycling between boutique wineries in the Luján de Cuyo and Maipú regions, and consider a day trip to Aconcagua Provincial Park.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
South America's most European-feeling city is a feast for the senses with world-class steak, tango shows in San Telmo, and gorgeous architecture in Recoleta. Explore the colourful La Boca neighbourhood and catch a live football match at La Bombonera stadium.
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Montevideo, Uruguay
Uruguay's laid-back capital has a beautiful waterfront rambla, a charming Ciudad Vieja, and is famous for its incredible beef and Mercado del Puerto food market. Take a short ferry from Buenos Aires and explore the relaxed café culture and street murals.
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Florianópolis, Brazil
Known as the 'Magic Island,' Florianópolis boasts over 40 stunning beaches perfect for surfing and relaxing. The northern beaches like Jurerê Internacional are lively and upscale, while Lagoa da Conceição offers a beautiful lagoon setting with great seafood.
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
One of the world's most iconic cities, Rio dazzles with Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Explore the bohemian Santa Teresa neighbourhood, hike through Tijuca National Park, and experience the electric samba nightlife in Lapa.
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São Paulo, Brazil
Brazil's megacity is a global food capital with the world's largest Japanese diaspora, incredible street food, and a thriving arts scene in Vila Madalena. Visit the massive Mercado Municipal, explore world-class museums, and dive into the diverse nightlife in Pinheiros and Jardins.
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Manaus, Brazil
The gateway to the Amazon rainforest, Manaus is home to the stunning Teatro Amazonas opera house built during the rubber boom era. Book a multi-day jungle lodge tour to spot pink river dolphins, caimans, and exotic wildlife deep in the Amazon basin.
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Leticia, Brazil
This remote Colombian town sits at the triple border of Colombia, Peru, and Brazil, deep in the Amazon jungle. It's the perfect base for multi-day river expeditions, visiting indigenous communities, and experiencing the raw biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest.
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Caracas, Venezuela
Despite its challenges, Caracas remains a culturally rich city with the excellent Museo de Arte Contemporáneo and lively local food scene. Use it as a base to visit the spectacular Angel Falls — the world's highest waterfall — via Canaima National Park.
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Canaima, Venezuela
Canaima National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of dramatic tepui table-top mountains, pink-sand lagoons, and the awe-inspiring Angel Falls. Fly in by small plane from Ciudad Bolívar and take a canoe journey through the jungle to reach Salto Ángel.
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Georgetown, Guyana
Guyana's capital is a fascinating mix of British colonial wooden architecture and Caribbean culture, with the striking St. George's Cathedral among the tallest wooden buildings in the world. It's the gateway to the Iwokrama rainforest and Kaieteur Falls, one of the world's most powerful waterfalls.
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Paramaribo, Suriname
Suriname's unique capital blends Dutch colonial architecture with a multicultural mix of Creole, Javanese, and Hindustani influences. The historic inner city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the nearby Brownsberg Nature Park offers excellent jungle trekking and wildlife spotting.
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Asunción, Paraguay
Often overlooked, Paraguay's capital is one of South America's oldest cities with a charming historic center and the impressive Palacio de los López government building. Try traditional tereré (cold herbal tea) and visit the nearby Jesuit ruins of Trinidad for a fascinating UNESCO-listed day trip.
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Puerto Iguazú, Argentina
Home to the spectacular Iguazú Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders on earth straddling Argentina and Brazil. Walk the extensive boardwalk trails on both sides of the border for different perspectives, and keep an eye out for coatis, toucans, and butterflies in the surrounding subtropical jungle.