South America Travel in 2026

South America Travel in 2026

South America is a diverse and evolving region, especially when it comes to tourism. Whether globetrotters seek inspiration from ancient civilizations and unique cultural traditions, exciting experiences among the unspoiled wilderness or big-city sophistication in the many urban centers, South America offers lots of interesting opportunities for unforgettable vacations.

For 2026, the nations of South America continue to up the ante, with a variety of new hotels as well as important infrastructure improvements, increasing recognition for the vast culinary scene and new ways to engage in local culture and explore natural wonders. In addition, travelers can find a variety of festivals and other events around South America.

Here are a few of the best ways to experience South America travel in 2026.

South America Travel in 2026: Best Destinations

Brazil: From legendary beaches to the far reaches of the Amazon, Brazil never fails to impress with its vast tourism offerings. Embratur, the nation’s tourism organization, reported record-breaking tourism arrivals for 2025, and recently launched a new “sun and beach” module as part of its Brasil Travel Specialist program. The recent announcement by Four Seasons to develop a new hotel in Rio de Janeiro’s Leblon district by 2029 is further evidence of that city’s continued status as paradise for jet setters, while other new hotel projects include the 2026 openings of the Motto by Hilton Recife Antigo and Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema as well as the 2027 opening of Anantara Prea Ceara Resort on Brazil’s northeastern coast.

Argentina: From the tango-filled streets of Buenos Aires to Patagonia’s’ natural splendor, from skiing in the Andes to sipping Malbec in Mendoza, Argentina has lots of offer. Airport expansion in Bariloche will improve the arrival and departure experience in that popular tourist destination, and new hotels around Argentina include Casa Lucía – The Meliá Collection in Buenos Aires and Radisson Blu Bariloche, both of which opened in 2025, and Casa Duhau, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, which will open in 2027. Explora’s newest Patagonian lodge, Explora El Calafete, provides a fresh option for travelers headed to that popular region. 

Peru: One of South America’s most iconic destinations, Peru is home to the stunning Machu Picchu archeological sites and the historic city of Cuzco, as well as a vibrant culinary scene that has gained worldwide fame. From the mysterious Nazca lines to the big-city pleasures of Lima, Peru fascinates on multiple levels. The new terminal at Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport now provides an upgraded experience in the nation’s primary international gateway, and new hotels include the InterContinental Real Lima Miraflores, Hotel Indigo Lima Miraflores and The Meliá Collection Lima, as well as Hotel Cusco La Paccha, Affiliated by Melia. Also new is Inkaterra Cabo Blanco, the newest eco-luxury hotel on Peru’s Pacific coast, which is billed as the world’s first carbon-neutral beach destination. 

Chile: A land of fascinating contrasts, Chile spans regions from the dramatic Atacama Desert in the north to the glacial fields of Patagonia in the south, with lots to explore in between. The nation’s blend of outdoor activities, beautiful wineries, excellent accommodations and adventure travel options — not to mention the allure of Easter Island — make Chile an irresistible choice for many travelers. A terminal expansion at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benitez Airport has increased operational capacity, and new accommodations include Tru by Hilton Chillan Ferrat, Debaines Hotel Santiago (a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World) and The Cormorant at 55 South, as well as the reopening of Tierra Atacama.

Ecuador: This South American nation’s relatively compact size makes it easy to explore dramatically different geographies and cultures in one trip — including the Amazonian rainforest the central highlands, the warm coastal region and the world-famous Galapagos Islands. It’s an ideal choice for nature lovers as well as those who yearn to experience indigenous cultures and explore historic cities like UNESCO-recognized city of Quito. New hotels include the Courtyard by Marriott Quito Airport, which opened in 2025, and the InterContinental Guayaquil, which is slated to debut in 2027.

Colombia: In Colombia, travelers can choose from widely different experiences that satisfy various traveler types — whether it’s wandering the beautiful colonial streets of Cartagena, exploring a magnificent subterranean “salt cathedral” near Bogota or enjoying the welcoming climes of Medellin, the so-called “city of eternal spring.” The nation offers an enticing combination of urban excitement and nature-based adventures. New hotels in Colombia include Casa Carolina, Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena, Aria Bogota and York Medellin, Curio Collection by Hilton.

South America Travel in 2026: Best Attractions

Machu Picchu: Situated dramatically in the Peruvian Andes above the Urubamba River valley, Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Incan city and one of the world’s most recognized archeological sites; it’s also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Visitors arrive by train or via a hiking trail, and experienced guides ensure that travelers get a greater understanding of the site’s many features, including temples, plazas and stone terraces. Abercrombie & Kent and Belmond are among the suppliers that offer upscale itineraries — and Blue Parallel is launching new private jet tours in 2026, including a 21-day itinerary that includes stops at Machu Picchu, the Galapagos, Patagonia, Iguazu Falls, the Brazilian Amazon and Cartagena.

Iguazu Falls: Overlapping the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is home to some 275 cascades that plunge dramatically over the lush cliffs Visitors can explore via trails, catwalks, boat rides and even helicopter. Hotel das Cataratas, a Belmond Hotel, offers some of the most sumptuous accommodations near the falls, with experiences including guided sunrise walks at the falls and an astronomer-led after-dark presentation.  This year, Blue Parallel has debuted a 12-day Wild Kingdoms of Brazil private jet tour that includes stops at Iguazu Falls, the Pantanal, the Amazon and Fernando de Noronha.

Christ the Redeemer: It would be hard to picture Rio de Janeiro without the 98-foot tall Christ the Redeemer as part of its skyline. The Corcovado cog train is the most scenic way to arrive at the summit for a close-up view of this massive structure, which was built between 1922 and 1931. Local operators including Rio de Janeiro by Cariocas offer guided tours that include a visit to the nearby Tijuca Forest.

Galapagos Islands: One of Ecuador’s most renowned attractions, the Galapagos are are so remarkable they inspired Charles Darwin to study and document its flora and fauna. Visitors can get up close to species found nowhere else, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies. Small-ship cruises are an ideal way to see a variety of islands and marine life. Celebrity Cruises, Nature Galapagos & Ecuador and Ecoventura are among the cruise operators, while Ecuador and Galapagos Insiders packages both cruises and hotel stays.

Historic Center of Quito: Downtown Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dotted with gorgeous historic buildings, including Spanish baroque churches, ornate government buildings and residences. Set at an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, Quito is a dramatically beautiful and easy-to-explore place that is one of the continent’s true historic treasures. Casa Gangotena, a member of Relais & Chateaux, is among the neighborhood’s most luxurious hotel options.

Torres del Paine National Park: Located in the southern part of Chile’s Patagonia region, Torres del Paine is home to natural features including vast pampas, green-blue lakes, massive glaciers and granite peaks. Wildlife — including condors and guanaco lamas — are also commonly spotted by visitors. Jacada offers guided tours that focus on hiking, wildlife and photography. This year, Blue Parallel has debuted a new, 11-day Natural Wonders of Chile & Argentina private jet tour that includes Torres del Paine, the Atacama Desert, Perito Moreno Glacier and Iguazu Falls. In addition, Timbuktu Travel has started booking stays at the Explora Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve, a 10-room lodge that is scheduled to open for the 2026/27 season.

South America Travel in 2026: Must-See Events

Rio de Janeiro Carnival: As most legendary pre-Lenten festival on the planet, Carnival in Rio dazzles with its samba rhythms, colorful costumes, street parties and Sambadrome parades where samba schools show their best. Visitors can also feel the festive vibe on the beach and in neighborhoods that host free street carnivals called blocos. Dates change every year; the next scheduled carnival is February 13-21, 2026. Intrepid Travel is among the suppliers that offer Rio Carnival packages.

Barranquilla Carnival: Rio’s event may be the most famous, but Carnival in this Colombian coastal city is another must-attend for many revelers. Slated next for February 14-17, 2026, it includes parades, parties and lots of people dancing to cumbia and salsa music in spectacular costumes. Impulse Travel sells packages that include tickets and guides.

Inti Raymi: This cultural event, which takes place in the Peruvian city of Cusco, is a festival of the sun that dates to the days of the Incan empire, with groups gathering in traditional costumes for music, dance and processions that honor Inti, the sun god and winter solstice. The next event is June 24, 2026. Belmond offers two-night packages.

Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha: Slated next for March 7-15, 2026, this Uruguayan celebration pays tribute to the gaucho, the horseman who represents rural culture in this part of South America. Rodeos, traditional music and dance, handmade crafts and equestrian parades are all part of the event.

Best Places for Family Travel in South America in 2026

Galápagos Islands: Adults kids of all ages can appreciate the thrill of seeing rare wildlife and marine life up close. The region’s safe waters, inviting beaches and well-organized tours take the hassle out of planning both land- and sea-based visits. For 2026, Butterfield & Robinson has introduced new, customizable Multi-Gen Legacy Trips to the Galapagos (as well as Colombia and Uruguay), with cultural experiences and other family-friendly activities included.

Buenos Aires: Argentina’s capital offers big-city excitement for all ages. Whether it’s learning to tango, exploring the Museo de los Niños (Museum of Children) or learning about history at the Casa Rosada and Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires offers lots of possibilities for educational and fun diversions. Collette is among the major tour operators that offers multigenerational itineraries that visit Buenos Aires and Jacada offers upscale Argentina family tours that include time in Buenos Aires.

Iguazú Falls: This dramatic region along the Brazil/Argentina border offers exciting chances to view one of the world’s most stunning group of waterfalls, and kids and adults alike can also view wildlife such as butterflies and coatis and join educational tours that are designed for all ages. Kensington offers customizable tours to the region.  

Cartagena: Kids can have fun exploring the historic streets of Cartagena’s walled city as well as the tunnels of the Castillo de San Felipe fort. Boat rides to the nearby Rosario Islands provide still more fun in the Caribbean sun for families, with day trips easy to arrange to places like Isla Grande, which has lovely beaches.

Patagonia: Both the Chilean and Argentinian sides of Patagonia provide lots of activities and excitement for families, with sites like Torres del Paine National Park offering hikes that are ideal for older kids and interesting opportunities for wildlife spotting. Boat tours depart from El Calafate, on the Argentinian side, to the Perito Moreno Glacier, where families can get an up-close look at the massive glacier. Quasar offers “family safaris” in this region.

Best Places for Couples and Romance Travel in South America in 2026

Buenos Aires: Grand boulevards, beautiful architecture and intimate restaurants, cafes and boutique hotels are among the reasons why Argentina’s capital ranks high with couples seeking a memorable getaway. Add some Argentinian wine and perhaps a tango class, and it’s easy to create a romantic vacation here. The Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires offers romantic accommodation options, with suites that have balconies overlooking gardens.

Mendoza: Argentina’s wine country is another great place to kindle romance. Consider a stay at a boutique property like Entre Cielos Wine & Wellness Hotel or Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort, both of which offer upscale accommodations and easy access to activities including wine tasting horseback riding and even hot air balloon rides. 

Cartagena: The charming streets of the historic walled city are especially inviting for couples to stroll and stop for romantic dinners at gourmet restaurants. Dancing to salsa music, visiting local artisanal markets and staying at lovely hotels like the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena are just a few of the possibilities. Kuoda Tours offers honeymoon packages and itineraries designed just for couples that include visits to Cartagena, Bogota, Santa Marta and Tayrona.

Rio de Janeiro: This legendary Brazilian city still exudes the hip vibe that first attracted jetsetters here decades ago. Couples can spend their days relaxing on the beaches or admiring the view from the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, and evenings savoring gourmet cuisine, cocktails and stays at stylish hotels like Fasano Rio de Janeiro, which has an excellent rooftop pool and a widely praised restaurant, and Emiliano Rio, which has well-designed suites that are perfect for couples.

The Atacama Desert: To the uninformed, Chile’s otherworldly Atacama Desert may not seem to be an obvious choice for romance travel. But those who’ve been realize that this region is home to spectacularly trend-setting hotels that are ideal for couples. Awasi Atacama, for example, is a member of Relais & Chateaux; its restaurant serves a menu based on Andean ingredients. The hotel’s private excursions — which include horseback riding, viewing flamingos at the Chaxa lagoon and witnessing sunrise at the Licancabur volcano — ensure that couples will have lots of unspoiled time together.

Best Places for Group Travel in South America in 2026

Argentina’s Pampas: These picturesque grasslands near Buenos Aires offer memorable activities for groups — namely, gaucho experiences that connect visitors with local traditions like horseback riding, asados (barbecues) and cultural shows. Accommodation options include traditional estancias, the region’s typical hacienda. At Estancia La Sofia, guests can even take polo and cooking lessons, while Estancia La Bamba de Areco, a member of Relais & Chateaux, offers excursions by horseback, mountain bike and carriage, with polo matches and other activities also taking place.

The Amazon: Groups can immerse themselves in the fascinating nature and traditions of the Amazon region in Brazil, Peru and Ecuador — which means there are lots of options for crafting a memorable group itinerary. Among the newest vessels for exploring is the &Beyond Amazon Explorer, a 15-suite river yacht designed for comfort and easy access to the wonders of the Peruvian Amazon. Land-based accommodations in Peru include Mashpi Lodge, which offers birdwatching and rides aboard its canopy gondola and sky bikes — while in Ecuador, Sacha Lodge, guests learn about preservation efforts and can view the jungle canopy from a 150-foot exploration crane.

Patagonia: Both Argentina and Chile offer exciting, multi-day group trip possibilities in Patagonia, with activities that can include hiking, horseback riding, glacier boat trips and camping. Jacada offers bespoke tours that can also include a cruise around Cape Horn and luxury accommodations.

Florianopolis: Groups looking for a sun-filled beach getaway should consider this destination in southern Brazil, a region graced with multiple beaches and group-friendly beach hotels. Surfing and surf lessons are in demand here, and boat tours to outlying islands provide still more options for enjoying the warm weather. South America Travel offers a tour (an extension that can be combined with other itineraries) that includes white water kayaking and other activities.

Cusco and the Sacred Valley: The historic Peruvian city of Cusco is a gateway to history, culture and adventure — and it’s a wonderful base for groups interested in exploring. Guided visits to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley ruins are easily arranged, as are hikes to Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake. Groups can choose from accommodations that range from historic boutique hotels to upscale name-brand properties like the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco.

Best Places for Solo Travel in South America in 2026

Bogota: The Colombian capital is home to a beautiful and easily walkable historic center, as well as an impressive array of cultural attractions, including the Gold Museum, which has one of the world’s largest collections of gold artifacts, the Botero Museum, which displays works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero as well as other masters, and the National Museum of Colombia, which features an extensive art collection. Solo travelers can easily meet others by joining outings like the fascinating (and free) politics and graffiti walking tour offered by Capital Graffiti Tours.

Medellin: The so-called “city of eternal spring” offers year-round pleasant weather and a welcoming, relaxed vibe that attracts lots of expats and globetrotters. The Museum of Antioquia and Plaza Botero are cultural hubs that offer opportunities to view work by Botero and other artists, and side trips to the colorful town of Guatape are one of the most popular activities as well. It’s especially easy to socialize and meet others in the neighborhood called Poblado and during guided street art tours of the neighborhood called Comuna 13.

Buenos Aires: This multifaceted metropolis is rewarding for solo travelers seeking a combination of fascinating culture, great food and vibrant nightlife. Neighborhoods including Palermo and Recoleta are especially good fits for this segment, thanks to their walkability. Solo globetrotters can meet others during city tours and activities like cooking classes, wine tasting and tango lessons. Flash Pack offers multi-day group tour itineraries in Argentina that are designed for solo travelers (the company also operates in Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru).

Cuzco and the Inca Trail: G Adventures lists this region of Peru as ideal for solo travelers; its seven-day itinerary, which includes a four-day Inca Trail trek, is crafted to be solo-friendly and to foster conversation. Even travelers who prefer not to join a group will find a lots to love in Cuzco, with activities including walking tours and day trips among the options, and accommodations ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

Uruguay: This South American nation’s compact size makes it especially easy to navigate, and it’s also one of the continent’s safest countries. The capital city, Montevideo, is graced with historic neighborhoods, interesting architecture and museums, while the legendary coastal town of Punta del Este offers beach-based activities and countryside estancias are fun to visit for horseback riding. Intrepid offers a variety of itineraries in Uruguay for 2026.

Best Places for Foodie Travel in South America in 2026

Peru: In recent years, Peruvian cuisine has gained fame on a global scale. UNESCO has even recognized it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. It’s no wonder that foodies flock to this South American hotspot to sample a variety of dishes. Belmond offers an eight-night “food adventure” that includes visits to a local market in Lima, followed by a trip to Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, with both gourmet and traditional dishes every step of the way. In October, Peru Mucho Gusto Lima — the nation’s leading food festival — will bring a variety of culinary activities to the nation’s capital.

Argentina: The parrillas (steakhouses) of Argentina are legendary, but delicious beef is just one aspect of this nation’s rich culinary traditions. A company called Parrillo Tours offers guided outings in Buenos Aires in various neighborhoods, with opportunities to try empanadas, steak and other local favorites. Context Travel offers a tour that includes a stop at a market in San Telmo, while in the wine region of Mendoza, Secret Food Tours offers outings that also include tastes of local varietals.

Chile: In Santiago and Chile’s central valley, travelers can experience wine, seafood and farm-to-table specialties. Collette’s 10-day Essential South America itinerary include visits to Chilean wineries and a market, as well as a cooking demonstration. Insight Vacations offers similar experiences as part of its 12-day Heart of Patagonia itinerary.

Ecuador: Every region of Ecuador has its own culinary traditions, so travelers can easily experience a mouthwatering array of culinary offerings in one trip — from the ceviche and seafood specialties of the coast to Andean favorites like locro de papa (potato and cheese soup) and Amazonian fish wrapped in leaves and grilled. Rebecca Adventure Travel offers a nine-day Ecuador Food Tour that includes meals in Quito and in the countryside, as well as a cooking class and a visit to an Ecuadorian winery.

Colombia: The world is becoming increasingly aware of Colombia’s culinary scene — especially in Bogota, where in 2025 El Chato was recently named the best restaurant in Latin America by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Corn, potatoes, fruit and rice are among the basics of Colombia’s rich gastronomic traditions, and even the hot dog has taken on an iconic role in the local food scene. La Mesa’s gastronomy tours in Medellin, Cartagena and Bogota provide an introduction.

Best Places for Adventure Travel in South America in 2026

Patagonia: This naturally beautiful region of Chile and Argentina offers adventure in the form of expeditions that can involve a number of exciting activities. National parks including Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares are ideal for outings like the four- to five-day W Trek through three glacial valleys and the seven- to nine-day O Circuit, which visits even more remote areas. Hiking, rafting and kayaking are also popular in this region. Swoop Patagonia and Patagonia Hero are among the local tour operators that operate these itineraries.

Machu Picchu and the Peruvian Andes: This breathtakingly beautiful region of Peru provides lots of unique adventures, including multi-day hikes, cycling and rafting. Andes Peru Tour & Adventure, for example, offers itineraries for a variety of experience levels — from an easy, two-day Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley tour to the moderate, four-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and one-day Rainbow Mountain hike. Visit South America offers private, small-group and bespoke itineraries that can include multi-day treks and accommodations at Humantay Lake.

Galapagos Islands: Ecuador’s most legendary archipelago is appropriate for all kinds of visitors, but more adventurous types may want to focus on activities like snorkeling and scuba diving, which provide interesting opportunities to view sea turtles, sea lions and sharks in the protected waters that surround the islands. Agressor Adventures operates dive charters with multiple dive locations, and PADI lists multiple options for dive resorts and liveaboards.

Ecuadorean Andes: The soaring Andres are the setting for a variety of adventure activities in Ecuador, especially around the “avenue of the volcanoes,” where the geography is especially dramatic. Adventure Life offers a nine-day Ecuador Adventure itinerary that including biking the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, zip lining over the forest canopy, hiking through the cloud forest and horseback riding near the Cotopaxi volcano.

Colombia: Adventure-seekers can find action on Colombia’s coast as well as in its interior. G Adventures offers a seven-day trek from Santa Marta to the “lost city” at Teyuna, with small groups that take on the challenging hikes and cycling, and experts on hand to explain the history of this fascinating abandoned community. The company also offers itineraries with an “average” challenge rating, including hikes to waterfalls at Tayrona National Park on the coast. 

Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts in South America in 2026

Rosario/Santa Fe, Argentina: The 2026 South American Games (Juegos Suramericanos), slated for September 12-26, 20026, will witness the arrival of athletes from across Latin America and the Caribbean to compete in more than 50 sports, including basketball, rugby, swimming and field hockey. It’s a lively event for fans who appreciate diverse sporting action.

Buenos Aires, Argentina and Punta del Este, Uruguay: Polo is big in this part of South America, and the Triple Crown of Polo — which includes the Hurlingham Open, Tortugas Open and iconic Palermo Open — presents an excellent opportunity to witness the excitement. From spring through early summer (which in this region is from October through December), these events attract the best players. Stirling Polo manages a number of important tournaments — and companies like Argentina Polo Holidays offer polo lessons for those looking to learn the sport or sharpen their skills.

Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil: The 2026 FIFA World Cup only takes place in North America, but the passion for soccer is always high in South America — especially in Argentina and Brazil. Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Rio de Janeiro are especially good places to connect with football culture. Homefans offers multi-day tour itineraries that can include multiple cities, with stadium tours and local guides to provide expert insight.

Santiago and Valparaíso, Chile: Rugby and cycling events generate a lot of excitement in these two Chilean cities, with competitions year-round. Chile will host the World Rugby U20 Challenger Cup on June 29-July 19, 2026. For those looking to tour Chile son two wheels, Anthem Tours offers a variety of cycling tours in 2026 and Sports Travel Chile specializes in sporting activities, including mountain biking.

Best Places for LGBTQ+ Travel in South America in 2026

São Paulo: It’s not surprising that the city that hosts the world’s largest LGBTQ+ pride celebration ranks high on the list of great places for queer travelers. São Paulo Pride takes place on June 7, 2026, attracting millions of participants from around the world for the main event as well as an array of parties, cultural presentations and other activities. This massive city is welcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers year-round, too. Marriott Bonvoy offers private LGBTQ+ city tours throughout the year.

Bogota: Colombia’s progressive capital stands out on the queer travel map: it’s home to the largest permanent LGBTQ+ nightclub in the western hemisphere (and perhaps the world). Theatron is a multi-level complex with more than a dozen different venues, each with its own music and ambiance — including two rooftops and even a food court. The club dominates the city’s queer nightlife neighborhood, Chapinero, but there are many other bars and dance clubs, too. Even travelers who aren’t interested in nightlife will find lots to love in Bogota. The city’s pride celebration takes place in June, and a gay-owned tour operator called Out in Colombia offers a variety of one-day and multi-day experiences throughout the year, including  walking tours, day trips and private, chef-led dinners with members of the local LGBTQ+ community.

Buenos Aires: Argentina made history when it became South America’s first nation to legalize same-sex marriage in 2010, and the capital city of Buenos Aires is an ideal place to enjoy that accepting vibe. Pride takes place on November 7, 2026, and visitors can immerse themselves in tango culture at multiple queer tango venues, classes and events, including Tango Queer Buenos Aires, which takes an open-minded approach to dance roles. Detours offers a 10-day LGBTQ+ tour of Argentina and Brazil with multiple departures in 2026.

Montevideo and Uruguay’s Coast: Uruguay is yet another country that’s known for its progressive and welcoming attitude, and it . The city of Montevideo is home to a thriving nightlife scene, as well as pride celebration that takes place in September. The glamorous beach resort city of Punta del Este, meanwhile, attracts LGBTQ+ sun-lovers during the summer months (between October and March).

Unique to South America

Machu Picchu: This 15th-century Inca citadel is a must-see in the Andes. The planning and engineering behind the stonework and ceremonial architecture is truly amazing, and the dramatic, mountainous setting makes it even more so. Guided tours are the best way to understand this complex and fascinating site. In 2026, smart travelers can pair a visit to Machu Picchu with the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun), which takes place on June 24 in nearby Cusco. The construction of a new airport serving Cusco will likely help improve access to Machu Picchu. Tour operators including Jacada, Kuoda and Belmond offer itineraries.

Nazca Lines: Peru’s Nazca Lines are simultaneously impressive and mysterious. No one knows exactly who created these enormous geoglyphs in the desert, or why. In 2025, Peru’s government canceled plans to reduce the size of the protected area, which is good news for assuring the future of this site. Flying over the lines is the best way to appreciate their size; tour operators including Jacada and Exodus Adventure Travels offer multi-day Peru tours that include flyovers.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui): It takes more than five hours to fly from mainland Chile to Easter Island, but it’s well worth the trip. This volcanic island is world-famous for its moai statues and ceremonial areas that provide a fascinating glimpse of ancient cultural traditions. The island also offers present-day opportunities for cultural connection: Tapati Rapa Nui, the destination’s most important cultural festival, takes place in the first two weeks of February, with live dance and music as well as storytelling and competitions. Explora Rapa Nui is an excellent accommodation choice; the property offers a variety of small-group guided excursions, year round.

Tiwanaku: Bolivia’s Tiwanaku, a pre-Columbian archeological site near Lake Titicaca, is characterized by dramatic stone temples, gateways and fascinating iconography that pre-dates the growth of the Inca empire. Willkakuti, also known as the Aymara New Year, is an especially good time to visit; slated for June 21, 2026, it’s a celebration that celebrates the winter solstice. Kensington offers bespoke tours of Bolivia that can take in the archeological site as well as the event.

Ciudad Perdida/Teyuna: Colombia’s lost city, the Ciudad Perdida (Teyuna) was built sometime around 600-800 CE and is tucked into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a mountainous area near the Caribbean coast. This is a destination only for the adventurous; it requires a multi-day trek with hiking, river crossings and stays in remote camps. But the reward for this commitment is big: to view the stone terraces and stairways of a civilization that most people have never seen. G Adventures offers an itinerary with stops at multiple camps.

Serra da Capivara: Nature and history lovers alike will be wowed by Brazil’s Serra da Capivara National Park, a spectacular destination for viewing rock art that dates back as much as 25,000 years. The UNESCO-recognized landscape of canyons and shelters is home to prehistoric paintings and engravings. The nearby Museum of the American Man and the Museum of Nature provide insight about the ancient art on exhibit. Amazon Adventures and Eco Adventure Tours are among the companies that offer guided visits.

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.

Contact My Journey Begins Travel to plan and book South America Travel in 2026.