57 days in South America Itinerary

Diverse in terms of landscapes, climates, and cultures, Colombia remains one of South America's least explored tourist destinations, overshadowed by its more popular southern neighbors. Combining the best of what the continent has to offer, a vacation in Colombia allows you to blend outdoor adventures with tours of picture-perfect cobblestoned towns dating back to the colonial era. Tourists on a Colombia holiday can easily hop from sun-kissed coastal spots to the hilly coffee-growing region, where thriving plantations quickly give way to a landscape of snow-covered volcanic peaks and the paramo--alpine ecosystems sheltering some of the rarest plants growing above the continuous forest line.

With abundant opportunities to discover fascinating World Heritage Sites, a holiday in Ecuador remains among the most culturally enriching travel experiences. Home to the world's highest active volcano, this little country packs a big punch when it comes to tourist activities. Some of the most popular things to do in Ecuador include visits to its astonishingly biodiverse wilderness areas, home to some 1,500 bird species, 840 species of amphibians and reptiles, and nearly 20,000 plant species. Of course, the highlight of many Ecuador vacations is bound to be the Galapagos Islands, made famous by naturalist Charles Darwin. Aside from the stunning nature, Ecuador also boasts many historic cities filled with photogenic colonial-era churches, mansions, and plazas.

Squeezed between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, geographically diverse Chile is a long, thin stretch of land encompassing some of the world's driest deserts in the north, and some of its largest glacial fields in the south. Though most Chile holidays include some form of adventure in the vast wilderness areas, the country also contains charming cities providing plenty of urban things to do and see. Many tours of Chile include at least a brief visit to the country's lush wine regions, where backyard vineyards compete with sprawling estates producing some of the world's most respected whites and reds.

Home to the highest and lowest points in South America, diverse Argentina enthralls visitors with its contrasting landscapes and rich cultural heritage. A tour of Argentina reveals a sprawling land of fiercely proud and hardworking gauchos, the legendary cowboys of South America's pampas. A vacation in Argentina also leads you to giant urban centers, filled with modern tourist attractions that include fine restaurants, award-winning museums, and renowned public parks, gardens, and zoos. Away from big cities, Argentina sightseeing combines visits to mighty waterfalls situated inside World Heritage-listed national parks in the north of the country, with excursions to icy glaciers in the south.

The largest country in South America and the biggest Portuguese-speaking nation in the world, Brazil remains best known for its soccer tradition and annual Carnaval. Most visitors on holiday in Brazil come for the country's outstanding beaches, music, wildlife, and diverse neighborhoods, each one boasting its own distinct character, atmosphere, and way of life. A tour of Brazil reveals a vast land of great natural and human diversity, from its sprawling rainforest wildernesses, to its busy urban centers. There are plenty of things to do in Brazil, from basking on its coastline to chasing the samba scene or catching a picturesque sunset from one of the country's lush mountaintops.

Divided in half by its eponymous river, Paraguay is a land of contrasts, especially between its lush eastern region where most of the population lives and the arid west, filled with rustic villages and old Jesuit colonies. Although under Spanish rule for three centuries and with a recent history of dictatorships and wars, Paraguay retained its native Guarani culture, with more than 80 percent of population of indigenous heritage. You'll find plenty of things to do in Paraguay, from touring cosmopolitan cities and quaint Jesuit colonies, to browsing affordable arts and crafts stores and sailing on rivers that crisscross the diverse natural landscape that makes up this landlocked nation.

If you're an adventurous tourist, consider adding a Bolivia vacation to your travel itinerary. A land of rainforests, Andean glaciers, high altitude cities, and rushing rivers, Bolivia remains one of the most remote countries in the Western Hemisphere. With 60 percent of the population made up of indigenous peoples, native cultures permeate thecountry's music, architecture, and arts, as well as local folklore and traditions. Traveling in Bolivia you can experience diverse wildlife and ecosystems, learn about the country's rich history, try out its distinctive cuisine, and practice your Spanish with the locals, known for their clean and easy-to-understand accent.

A land of thick rainforest, expansive savannas, and lively Caribbean culture, Guyana is becoming more and more notable for its adventure and eco-tourism opportunities. Sightseeing in Guyana ranges from touring the colonial-era architectural gems of the historic capital, to hiking the verdant forest trails. Scenic waterfalls and mountaintops, laidback ranches, an array of tropical wildlife, and delicious Creole fusion cuisine await you on your Guyana holiday.