TRAVEL TO SOUTH AMERICA
Why visit South America?
Explore South America's contrasts — epic landscapes, bucket-list adventures and unforgettable journeys. South America is made for adventure.
Adventure meets culture in South America
South America is the perfect destination for travellers looking to combine adventure with a laid-back atmosphere. This diverse continent offers everything from tropical beaches and vast mountain lakes to the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, dramatic deserts and some of the world's most impressive salt flats. Nature is incredibly varied, with each region offering its own unique landscapes and experiences. Beyond the scenery, South America is rich in culture and character. Explore vibrant cities, discover fascinating history and connect with welcoming local communities known for their warmth and hospitality. Whether you're drawn by outdoor adventures, cultural experiences or simply the freedom of the journey, South America has something for every type of traveller.
Explore the impressive nature in Patagonia
Why travel to South America with KILROY?
Tailor-your-trip
Get inspired by our suggested itineraries — take them as they are or customise every detail with help from our travel experts. Together, we shape the trip that fits you best.
Ready-to-book trips and activities
Not a big planner? Our experts have done the work for you. Find a trip you like and make it yours in one click.
24/7 emergency line
If something unexpected happens during your trip, we’re here to help — any time, day or night. Our team is ready to guide you, support you and get you back on track.
Trusted, responsible partners
We only work with suppliers who match our high quality standards and share our focus on sustainability, responsible travel and slow travel values.
Need help planning your trip to South America?
Our travel experts can help you refine your ideas, pick the right destinations and plan your trip from start to finish.
What to do in South America?
Endless adventures awaits.
Made for travellers who love the outdoors
South America is one of the world's great adventure destinations. Trek to Machu Picchu, hike through Patagonia, explore the Amazon by boat or discover hidden mountain villages high in the Andes. You can go surfing in Brazil, sandboarding in desert oases in Peru, wildlife spotting in the Galápagos Islands or kayaking among glaciers in southern Chile. Whatever your idea of adventure looks like, you'll find it here.
Hike to the Machu Picchu in Peru
Ancient cultures and modern cities
South America's history stretches back thousands of years. Explore ancient civilizations in Peru, wander colourful colonial towns in Ecuador, discover Indigenous traditions in Bolivia or experience the energy of cities like Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. Every destination has its own identity, shaped by a mix of Indigenous heritage, colonial history and modern influences.
The Selaron Steps in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Frequently asked questions
Planning a trip to South America? Find answers to the most common questions from our travel experts.
Absolutely. South America is one of the world's classic backpacking destinations, offering a mix of adventure, culture, nature and affordability. From the Andes and Amazon to vibrant cities and remote villages, the continent is easy to explore thanks to well-established backpacker routes and a large community of like-minded travellers.
South America is huge, so the ideal trip length depends on how much you want to see. We recommend at least 2–3 weeks for one country, while 1–4 months allows you to combine several destinations and travel at a more relaxed pace. Many travellers spend months exploring the continent and still leave with places they want to return to.
Countries such as Peru, Argentina, Chile and Ecuador are popular choices for first-time visitors thanks to their combination of iconic sights, established travel infrastructure and diverse experiences. If you're unsure where to start, we can help you build an itinerary that matches your interests and travel style.
Most travellers combine buses, domestic flights and organised tours depending on the region. For some destinations, backpacker bus passes are a convenient option, while others prefer group tours or tailor-made itineraries. We can help you find the travel style that best suits your timeframe, budget and interests.
There is no single best time to visit South America because seasons vary across the continent. While Patagonia is best visited during the Southern Hemisphere summer (November to March), destinations such as Peru and Bolivia are often best during the dry season from May to October. The best travel period depends on which countries and experiences you're planning to include.
Not necessarily. Many travellers get around South America with basic Spanish or even just English in the main tourist areas. However, learning a few Spanish phrases can greatly improve your experience and help you connect with locals. If you'd like to improve your language skills, we can also help arrange Spanish courses as part of your trip.
That depends on your interests, but some of the continent's most iconic experiences include Machu Picchu in Peru, Patagonia in Argentina and Chile, the Amazon rainforest, the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The beauty of South America is that every country offers something completely different.
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