Close message

Hi there. We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Find out more about how we use cookies.

You can update your settings by clicking the Cookie Policy link which can be found anytime at the bottom of the page.

Close message

Hi there. We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Find out more about how we use cookies.

You can update your settings by clicking the Cookie Policy link which can be found anytime at the bottom of the page.

South America

Advertisement

Salento, Colombia

Introducing South America

Show mapClose map

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.

Ready to go?

These tours & activities make it easy:

Last updated: Apr 4, 2012

More about South America

Make it happen

Tips & articles

  1. Food: make it a feast for your eyes

    25 May 2012

    I travel a lot as a guidebook writer and photographer, and I love photographing – and eating – local food...

    Read more

  2. Chile road trips: exploring Sur Chico by car

    23 May 2012

    A little trepidation about driving oneself around South America would be understandable: a joy ride through much of Venezuela at...

    Read more

  3. Is whale watching ethical?

    22 May 2012

    Humans have long been fascinated by whales – think Moby Dick, Free Willy and Whale Rider. It’s not surprising that...

    Read more

See all tips & articles for South America

Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. NewIslander avatar
    RE: Australia to South America.. the OTHER way

    by NewIslander 28 May 2012

    IDEALLY would like to go to Australia (I know it is $$$ :-( ) --> PNG --> Indonesia, Malasia, Thailand, Myanmar/Burma, Bangladesh, Nepal,…
  2. kmingnath avatar
    RE: Not sure if Backpacking/Travelling is the right thing to do

    by kmingnath 28 May 2012

    If you stay in hostels in Guatemala, you will meet other travelers easily. I think it could be a positive experience for you - you may…
  3. silviaveres avatar
    RE: Cheap Airline tickets - ASAP Ticket Service

    by silviaveres 28 May 2012

    Hi, this is the first time I have heard of this Asap tickets services. I have been travelling years and years now and their offers seem…

See all Thorn Tree forum discussions for South America

In our shop

See all shop products

Hotels & Hostels in South America

See all hotels and hostels in South America

Travel Insurance

Going to ? Make sure you're covered.

Get a quote

See all travel services

Advertisement