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Barranquilla, Colombia
Barranquilla is home to the Barranquilla Carnival – famous all around the world!
It is the second largest carnival celebration in the world after the one in Rio
de Janeiro and is one of the best experiences in South America!
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Cartagena, Colombia
The old part of Cartagena is a special place with horse-drawn carriages and
stylish architecture while the city is on the coast so has a real Caribbean
flavour. This is a natural starting place for many travellers with cheap flights
to/from Miami which is connected to cities all over Europe and North America.
- Ciudad Amurallada, Centro Histórico De Cartagena De Indias
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Bogotá, Colombia
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Ipiales, Colombia
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Quito, Ecuador
Popular if at times unsafe capital city. The old town is large and interesting
but head to the Mariscal for an all action international area bursting with
backpackers, loads of hostels and a more lively westernised scene than you find
in many South American cities.
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Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Stunning national park with the giant and freezing cold 5900 metre Volcan
Cotopaxi at the centre of it.
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Banos, Ecuador
Touristy town but a very pleasant, safe place with its famous baths and
surrounded by green mountains. Take a trip into the Amazon which starts just a
few kilometres east of the town.
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Cuenca, Ecuador
Popular riverside city full of colonial buildings and cool cafes. One of the
highlights of travel in Ecuador.
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Guayaquil, Ecuador
Only way to cross border it seems so far. or rather easiest way
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Máncora, Peru
Popular beach resort full of drunk gap year students, backpackers and surfers
(or at least it was before the pandemic). Watch out for thieves on the beach!
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Trujillo, Peru
Truth be told Northern Peru has little in comparison to the south but Trujillo
is a decent stopover for a day or so.
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Huaraz, Peru
An altitude spot of natural beauty in Peru’s Central Sierra. Surprisingly lively
nightly entertainment including a decent choice of live music.
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Lima, Peru
Coastal capital of Peru perched on huge cliffs above the Pacific. Enjoy some of
Peruvian cuisine’s most famous dishes such as ceviche and lomo saltado.
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Paracas, Peru
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Huacachina, Peru
Not exactly the most historic destination in Peru but much fun to be had here
nonetheless in the giant sand dunes with options including sandboarding and
bumpy buggy tours.
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Arequipa, Peru
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Cusco, Peru
The ancient Inca capital is still a really impressive sight and great place to
hang around for a few days. It’s also the launching pad for the Inca Trail and a
visit to Machu Picchu.
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Arequipa, Peru
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Tacna, Peru
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Arica, Chile
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San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
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Antofagasta, Chile
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Santiago, Chile
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Mendoza, Argentina
Excellent wine produced here and it’s also not far from Mount Aconcagua, the
tallest on the continent.
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Córdoba, Argentina
Argentina’s second city is full of students and offers something of a
Mediterranean feel. It’s a big city but much more chilled out than Buenos Aires.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
One of the world’s largest cities and a hugely popular destination on any South
America backpacking route. Take in a football match to experience the national
obsession, soak up the vibrant streetlife, and party in lively bars and clubs
that stay open all night. Buenos Aires has perhaps the widest selection of
things to see and do of anywhere on this itinerary so plan to spend a bit longer
than usual here.
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Porto Alegre, Brazil
Relatively large city with a modern feel, a number of interesting museums and
lively arts and music scenes.
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Ilha do Mel, Brazil
Enchanting island with top notch beaches, surfing and lively parties in the peak
season. Cars are banned!
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São Paulo, Brazil
The biggest city in the southern hemisphere is chaotic but worth a visit just to
get a feel for one of the world’s megacities. More on the monster that is São
Paulo here!
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Petrópolis, Brazil
Easy day trip from the heat of Rio but it’s worth crashing in this historic
mountain town for a night.
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Curitiba, Brazil
Historic buildings, arty vibes and a European influence give Curitiba a
different feel to other cities in Brazil.
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Paraty, Brazil
Stunningly preserved 18th century colonial town with so many beaches and islands
nearby you are literally spoilt for choice.
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio would make a spectacular ending to your time travelling in South America.
Time it to get here in March for the Rio Carnival if you can but remember to
book accommodation in advance. The city of sun, sea and sin is so much fun!