South America Vacation and Trip Information

Nestled between the Caribbean, the South Pacific and the South Atlantic Oceans, South America is a continent of superlatives. 

South America contains the world's biggest rainforest and second longest river (both called the Amazon), as well as the world’s second highest mountain range (the Andes). There are remote islands (Galapagos Islands, Easter Island and Fernando de Noronha), heavenly beaches (like those in Brazil's Northeastern region), wide deserts (Atacama) and icy landscapes (Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego). South America is home to the world's tallest waterfall (the 3,212 foot Angel Falls in Venezuela) and one of the largest (Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil), as well as many other breathtaking natural attractions.

The work of man has also left rare gems on the continent: ruins of ancient civilizations (Machu Picchu and other Inca cities; the Moai in Easter Island) share the continent with world-class metropolises (São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Rosario, Santiago de Chile and Rio de Janeiro). Outstanding modern architecture (Brasilia) is juxtaposed with European style (Buenos Aires) and the oldest rock paintings in the Americas (at the Serra da Capivara).

Some of the world’s biggest festivals, such as Rio's Carnival, Belém's Círio de Nazaré, the Tango World Championship and the Vendimia festival in Argentina take place on this incredibly diverse and attractive continent.