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South America

South America is a continent of striking contrasts—from the rhythm of samba in Brazil to the quiet majesty of the Andes. Whether you’re wandering the markets of Peru, chasing waterfalls in Argentina, or sailing the Galápagos, the region offers a deeply immersive mix of nature, history, and culture at every turn.

Bird watchers will delight in the fact that they have a chance at spotting scarlet macaws in the Amazon.

Croatia

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles and resources to inspire—and plan—your next trip to South + Central America.

Featured Articles
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Cruise
There’s a New Way to Sail in the Galápagos—With No Crowds and Plenty of Comfort
On the “Aqua Mare” in the Galápagos, close encounters with the resident wildlife come with standard-setting luxury.
May 15, 2025 01:45 PM
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Jennifer Flowers
"Teatro Victoria", Medellín
Food + Drink
Roasted Stuffed Pig Is a Must Eat When in Colombia—Plus 10 Other Foods You Can’t Miss
May 15, 2025 09:01 AM
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Cat Sposato
A silhouette of a person stargazing on a deck.
Ocean Cruises
5 Amazing Excursions Curated by Afar
Sponsored by
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Outdoor Adventure
How to See the Wonders of the World Without the Crowds
April 25, 2025 06:30 PM
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Chloe Arrojado
The Marina at Mackinac Island with Saint Anne's church and the historic Victorian houses a sunset shot from Lake Michigan
Where to Go in Summer
12 Travel Destinations You Should Visit This June
April 14, 2025 02:54 PM
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Mark Ellwood
Locations
World famous waterfall Cataratas - Foz do Iguaçu at the border of Brazil and Argentina.
Argentina
July 22, 2024 02:27 PM
Carnival, Christ the Redeemer, and Soccer are a few reasons to make Rio your next getaway (along with the beach, of course).
Brazil
August 12, 2024 03:00 PM
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Buenos Aires
May 23, 2018 04:09 PM
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Bridget Gleeson
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Chile
May 24, 2018 10:34 AM
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Liz Caskey
Colorful buildings line a street in Cartegena, Colombia
Colombia
May 17, 2018 10:49 AM
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Cuzco
May 17, 2018 12:11 PM
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Camden Luxford
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Ecuador
May 23, 2018 12:12 PM
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Simon Willis
Head to the beaches of Bartolome Island in the Galapagos to see hermit crabs, blue-footed boobies, and other creatures.
Galápagos Islands
May 23, 2018 04:05 PM
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Flash Parker
Souvenir stand in Medellin, Colombia selling straw hats, bags, and sunglasses
Medellin
May 17, 2018 12:13 PM
Mendoza vineyard Shutterstock
Mendoza
May 24, 2018 10:47 AM
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Nora Walsh
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Peru
May 17, 2018 03:24 PM
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Ana Paula Bedoya
Carnival, Christ the Redeemer, and Soccer are a few reasons to make Rio your next getaway (along with the beach, of course).
Rio De Janeiro
May 17, 2018 02:07 PM
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Helen Anne Travis
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Santiago
May 23, 2018 03:04 PM
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Liz Caskey
Hotels
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The Best Hotels in Buenos Aires
Argentina’s capital is full of style and personality. Whether you’re looking for over-the-top opulence, Belle Epoque sophistication, hipster chic, or something budget-friendly, this diverse city delivers with a hotel for every traveler.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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AFAR Editors
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The Best Hotels in Peru
From the Inca Trail and the Sacred Valley to Lake Titicaca and the Andes Mountains, Peru has a lot to offer in the way of pre-Columbian sites and natural beauty—a fact that the country’s best hotels use to their full advantage. Here, visitors can stay by the gates of Machu Picchu, on the site of a former palace, along the edge of Colca Canyon, and more.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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AFAR Editors
The Skyview Hotel is located in the Dark Sky Community of Torrey, Utah. The bedrooms have skylights over the beds that offer views of the night sky.
Hotels We Love
The 15 Best Hotels in the World for Stargazing
Sleep under the world’s darkest, clearest skies at one of these 15 hotels in dark sky zones around the world.
June 11, 2024 08:22 AM
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Megan Eaves
More South America Travel Inspiration
A Japanese temple surrounded by trees with a mountain and city skyline in the background
Travel Tips + Etiquette
7 Countries Where Your Dollar Goes Furthest
April 14, 2025 07:19 AM
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Adam Wisniewski
Rio de Janeiro
Cities We Love
The Perfect 4 Days in Rio de Janeiro, According to Locals
April 01, 2025 02:17 PM
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Joel Balsam
The hills of Chile's Araucanía Region are aflame with oranges and red during April and May.
Destination Spotlight
Obsessed With Fall Foliage? These Southern Hemisphere Spots Are Peaking Right Now
March 24, 2025 09:16 AM
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Hillary Richard
"Mad Radio", Provenza, Medellín
Art + Culture
This South American Destination Is Known as the “City of Eternal Spring"—but Music Is Its Soul
March 18, 2025 03:26 PM
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Cat Sposato
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Travel Tips + Etiquette
Want to Remote Work From Anywhere? Here Are 10 Places We Can Personally Recommend
February 28, 2025 01:50 PM
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Chloe Arrojado
Striking view of Torres del Paine National Park with large jagged peaks basking in a sunny glow and dusted with sections of snow rising behind a body of water and shrub-filled flatlands in the foreground
Trending News
You Can Get a Free Trip to Chile by Volunteering to Help Build a Patagonia Trail
February 13, 2025 02:52 PM
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Bailey Berg
Slovenia
Where to Travel Next
12 Under-the-Radar Places You Should Travel to Now, Before They Get Popular
February 13, 2025 12:00 PM
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Billie Cohen
Verona, Italy
Art + Culture
6 Destinations Where You Can Relive the Romance of Famous Love Stories
February 10, 2025 05:33 PM
 · 
Becca Blond
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