Introducing South America
Real travelers love South America. It’s as though the continent was built for travel; a place that excites, thrills, challenges and infuriates.
Advertisement
Sweat yourself dizzy on an Amazon canoe ride before ending the day caiman-watching on a black-water lagoon. Brave a white-knuckle bus ride down Peruvian slopes and be astounded by endless Andean vistas. Endure Patagonia’s wind-driven rain while chasing life-affirming sunsets or simply lose yourself (and possibly your belongings) in the break-neck chaos of Buenos Aires or Salvador.
The real reward, however, is the South American spirit. It seems like the entire continent approaches life with the enthusiasm of an old-fashioned road trip: windows down and stereo blaring. There is as much music as there are adventures to be had. Samba spices up the sandy streets of Brazilian beach towns, panpipes liven Andean markets, Argentine folklórica (folk music) trickles out of truck radios in the pampas, and the jolting rhythm of cumbia makes those Andean bus rides even more absurd. South America is a continent that engulfs you and changes you – your state of mind, your outlook on life. As soon as you step foot on South American soil, the transformation begins.
Last updated: Mar 24, 2010
Tips & articles
-
Travelling by bike for beginners
1 February 2012
Ever thought that self-powered metal thing in your garage – aka your bike – could take you around the world?...
-
Travel money essentials: Lonely Planet’s top tips for cash, cards and travellers cheques
31 January 2012
It’s the ultimate travel nightmare. You use an ATM in a remote part of the world and it eats your...
-
World’s best festivals in February
27 January 2012
Festivals are a living, dancing museum of cultures and traditions in an increasingly globalised world. There is no better place...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
5 Nights Only in the BA area - Take 2 nights and do Iguazu
by miclev21 14 September 2011
Hey guys, Our plan has 5 nights right now in Buenos Aires. I didn't realize until further research (oooops) that would be a minimum of…
-
RE: Latin America four month budget and voluntary work advice
by mendocinateacher 14 September 2011
Some tips and differing opinions about places for learning Spanish in South America: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?t…
-
Re: 38 Day South American Trip Itinerary
by kevmo27 14 September 2011
Awesome, thanks man for the tips!
South America
-
South America Overview
- Places in South America
- History
- Tips & articles
- Hotels
- Forum
- Show map Close map
Things to do
- All things to do (9,986)
- Activities (1,515)
- Entertainment (1,608)
- Restaurants (3,323)
- Shopping (910)
- Sights (2,412)
- Tours (218)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For South America
-
1 Machu Picchu, Peru
Rugged treks to awe-inspiring ancient Inca ruins hidden in cloud forests
-
2 Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Stunning volcanic islands teem with fearless animals, offering the wildlife experience of a lifetime
-
3 Amazon, Brazil
Steamy jungles packed with wildlife and lingering rivers set the stage for unforgettable adventure
-
4 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The breathtaking city of samba and beach culture, with one of the world's wildest parties
-
5 Cartagena, Colombia
Architectural gem of the continent, a city graced with winding alleys and bougainvillea-strewn balconies
