Bucket List Destinations in South America

South America is a continent of contrasts and extremes, offering numerous bucket list destinations. Discover dense Amazon rainforests and misty cloud forests teeming with wildlife. Travel through the snow-capped Andes with active volcanoes, or explore pristine wild beaches and arid deserts, showcasing the continents diverse and varied geography.

Beyond landscapes, South America's rich history and culture, shaped by indigenous traditions and customs, captivate travellers. The continent is home to fascinating archaeological sites and ancient ruins. Adding to its charm, the warm, welcoming, and vibrant locals make every visit memorable.

Far & Wild Latin America expert Amanda has chosen her top 7 destinations that will mesmerise you on your adventure. Tick off these bucket list destinations and check out our recommended hotels to make the experience even more special!

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Peru - Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, Peru’s most famous site, is recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, this lost Inca city sits at an elevation of 2,400 metres and represents a magnificent urban creation of the 15th-century Inca Empire. Visiting this iconic citadel is an unforgettable experience.

Although no roads lead to Machu Picchu, it is a highly accessible destination. Far & Wild offers knowledgeable local guides who bring the citadel to life, intimately familiar with the ruins and able to explain the history, significance, and myths surrounding this emblematic site.

The most comfortable way to reach Machu Picchu is by train. The Belmond Hiram Bingham locomotive offers the highest level of luxury, featuring 1920s Pullman carriages and an observation car for viewing the Sacred Valley's scenery. Alternatively, the Vistadome train provides comfortable, spacious carriages and a more frequent schedule.

For the more adventurous or those with extra time, the famous Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is highly recommended. Far & Wild has adapted the classic trekking route for a more enjoyable experience. Additionally, the shorter 1-day Inca Trail is available, taking you along the final part of the classic route.

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Make it special with an overnight stay at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, a charming boutique hotel. After a restful night, revisit the citadel at your own pace the next day and perhaps even summit Huayna Picchu.

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Argentina & Brazil - Iguazu Falls

Straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is a spectacular natural wonder and the largest waterfall in Latin America. Comprising 275 waterfalls cascading over approximately 3 kilometres of the Parana River, Iguazu Falls left a lasting impression on United States First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who reportedly exclaimed, "Poor Niagara!" upon seeing it.

One of the most breathtaking viewpoints is the Devil’s Throat, where the largest cascade creates an awe-inspiring roar. To reach this area, take a train from the Main Station or Cataratas Station and follow several walkways to the rewarding views at the end. From the Brazilian side, you can take a stunning helicopter ride over the falls to fully appreciate their scale. On the Argentine side, enjoy an exhilarating boat trip along the river, getting up close to one of the cascades where you will get wet!

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Make it special with a stay at the luxurious Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, the only hotel within the national park on the Brazilian side. Enjoy early access to the falls before the park opens, allowing for a peaceful, reflective moment immersed in nature.

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Ecuador - Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos is a wildlife paradise unlike any other place on Earth. Charles Darwin described the islands as "a little world within itself," home to endemic species found nowhere else. These iconic creatures have few predators and are unafraid of human visitors.

In the mist-shrouded highlands of Santa Cruz, giant tortoises roam freely, while the azure waters invite snorkellers to explore unspoiled coral reefs and fascinating marine life. Feel like you have landed in an aquarium, with the variety of underwater creatures such as sea turtles penguins, tropical fish, small sharks and many more.

The islands can be explored by cruise boat or through land-based island hopping, each offering ample opportunities to spot wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, playful sea lions, and albatrosses. Trek through the spectacular volcanic landscapes and immerse yourself in the unique natural wonders of this remote archipelago.

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Make it special with a 7-night cruise on the luxurious &Beyond Galapagos Explorer. This small boat offers an intimate experience, exceptional onboard service, and expert guiding. After a day of nature immersion, relax onboard and indulge in the delicious cuisine either inside or alfresco on the deck.

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Chile - Atacama Desert

In the far north of Chile lies the Atacama Desert, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains is the driest non-polar desert on Earth, offering a unique and extraordinary landscape. The oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama serves as the adventure hub for exploring this barren wonderland. Discover the lunar landscapes and otherworldly rock formations of Moon Valley, witness the magical sunrise at the high-altitude geysers of El Tatio, and marvel at the stunning altiplano lagoons of Miscanti and Miñique, located at over 4,000 metres elevation.

Dip into the salty waters of Cejar Lagoon or the freshwater of ‘Ojos de Salar,’ and by night, enjoy stargazing under the clearest skies, searching for Southern Hemisphere constellations. The Atacama Desert is a must-see highlight of your Chilean adventure plus its easily combinable with the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.

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Make it special with a stay at Nayara Alto Atacama, a stylish hotel nestled in a scenic valley near Pucará de Quitor. Enjoy authentic adobe-style accommodation, fine dining, and local activities. The lodge also features its own astronomy platform for stargazing and enjoying the stunning night sky.

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Chile & Argentina - Patagonia

Patagonia, spanning the southern reaches of Argentina and Chile, offers two must-see destinations for your bucket list.

In southern Chile, Torres del Paine National Park is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, featuring dramatic mountain scenery, shimmering glaciers, expansive steppe, and diverse habitats. The park’s highlight is the striking Paine massif, with its three distinct granite peaks that dominate the skyline. We highly recommend taking the day trek to the base of these iconic towers and exploring a section of the famous W-trek. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including llama-like guanacos, Andean condors, and, if you're fortunate, the elusive Andean puma.

Crossing into Argentina, from the town of El Calafate, you'll find the Perito Moreno Glacier, often hailed as one of the world’s most impressive glaciers. Spanning 19 miles across and rising around 100 feet high, this glacier is continually shifting, with massive chunks calving off into the lake. An unforgettable experience is the mini trekking on the glacier, where you can view its summit, explore ice caves and vibrant internal deep blue lagoons, all while enjoying magnificent views of the glacier wall and the azure waters of the surrounding lake.

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CHILEAN PATAGONIA

Make it special with a stay at Awasi Patagonia, a remote lodge experience in this spectacular part of Chile. Explore the region by private 4x4 vehicle with your own guide, who will personalise the experiences to suit your interests. After a day of adventure, relax at the lodge and enjoy the fantastic Relais & Châteaux dining experience.

ARGENTINE PATAGONIA

Make it special at Eolo, a lodge that captures the essence of Patagonia. From your comfortable haven nestled in the vast open steppe, explore the region, including the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier. Experience this stunning destination with the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury.

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Bolivia - Salar de Uyuni

An endless expanse of sparkling white salt and cactus-studded islands creates an otherworldly landscape in southern Bolivia. The Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, spans around 4,000 square miles. These vast salt pans stretch as far as the eye can see and are one of the few places where you can observe the curvature of the earth.

Travel during the dry season, from April to October, offers a stunning view with the salt blending into the horizon and unique hexagonal patterns. The wet season provides a completely different experience, transforming the salt pans into a reflective mirror, creating a surreal and mesmerising effect. This destination offers fantastic creative photographic opportunities. A visit to Isla Incahuasi is also a highlight; this island, filled with giant cacti, is surrounded by the endless salt flats, offering a unique and unforgettable sight.

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Make it special with a unique stay in a stylish Airstream Campervan. Traverse the world's largest salt flats and explore by foot or bicycle. Experience magical sunrises, sunsets, and the vast expanse of the night sky in this breathtaking landscape.

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Chile - Easter Island

Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is a remote outpost in the vast Pacific Ocean, located approximately 3,500 kilometres from the South American mainland. Surrounded by the clearest waters on the planet, this tiny island continues to baffle the world. Formed by volcanic eruptions, Easter Island sits on the farthest edge of the Polynesian triangle.

Rapa Nui was once the cradle of a unique and enigmatic culture that still endures today. The island's language, music, and countless traditions are preserved by its proud inhabitants. The enormous moai statues, carved in stone, are tangible testimonies of its mysterious past and are the island's main tourist attraction. However, the entire landscape is spellbinding with azure waters, white sandy beaches, and deep volcanic craters. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities including snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing, trekking, and mountain biking.

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Make it special with a stay at Explora Rapa Nui, the premier luxury hotel on the island. Nestled on a hill with sweeping ocean views, this stunning hotel includes all meals and excursions led by local natives to immerse you in the island's culture.