South American travel destinations – Let’s explore here

Take a look at the South American travel destinations below to see if there is anywhere you’d like to explore. There are also several territories in South America that are listed under their respective countries, such as French Guiana and the Falkland Islands.

Click on the map or the counties below to find further information and tips for overland travel, as well as some anecdotes that may help you on your travels. We’re constantly updating information on countries that we visit, so keep referring back to the info as it evolves.

What’s in like in South America?

South America is the fourth largest continent on earth and is located primarily in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the north, and covers almost 12% of the land area on the planet.

It comprises 12 countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela, along with French Guiana, an overseas region of France. Of the 12 countries, Brazil is the largest country by area, and Suriname is the smallest.

South American is home to about 5½% of the world’s population, and Spanish and Portuguese are the most widely spoken languages, with Portuguese being predominant in Brazil and Spanish in the rest of the countries.

The continent has a wide variety of climates, ranging from tropical in the north to arctic in the south, and is home to diverse ecosystems, including the Amazon Rainforest, the Andes mountain range and the Patagonian region. It’s known for its biodiversity, and landmarks such as Machu Picchu, the Galápagos Islands, and Iguazu Falls.

A bit about the history of South America

Each country has an incredible richness to its history, and there is no part of South America that has not been affected in one way or another by those in power in Europe. The region has a rich cultural heritage, with Indigenous, European, African, and Asian influences shaping its history and society.

Early indigenous civilisations

Before the arrival of Europeans, South America was home to advanced Indigenous civilisations, such as the Inca Empire, which thrived in the Andes. Other significant groups included the Muisca, Mapuche, and Guarani, each with their own complex systems of agriculture, politics, and culture.

European colonisation

In the early 1500s, Spanish and Portuguese explorers arrived, claiming vast territories. Spain dominated most of the continent, while Portugal controlled Brazil. The Europeans exploited the land’s resources, including gold and silver, and relied heavily on Indigenous labour, which led to significant demographic and cultural changes throughout the region.

Struggle for independence

Inspired by the American and French Revolutions, colonies across South America began revolting in the early 1800s. Key revolutionary figures like Simón Bolívar, José de San Martín, and Bernardo O’Higgins led efforts to free South American nations from Spanish rule. By 1825, most countries had gained independence, while Brazil declared its independence from Portugal in 1822.

Territorial disputes

In the years following independence, South American nations faced internal struggles, including territorial disputes, political instability, and economic challenges. The continent saw frequent changes in leadership, with periods of dictatorship and revolutions. The 20th century was particularly tumultuous, as military dictatorships and foreign interventions affected countries like Argentina, Chile and Brazil. Despite these struggles, the century also saw moments of economic modernisation, particularly during the post World War II era.

Modern South America

Since the 1980s, most South American countries have transitioned to democratic governments, although challenges such as political corruption, inequality, and social unrest persist. In recent decades, the region has experienced economic growth in some nations and increasing political cooperation. Movements focused on environmental protection and Indigenous rights have gained traction, and countries like Brazil and Argentina have become more influential on the global stage.

Either click the map of South American travel destinations …

Or choose a South American travel destination below …

Thanks to those aspiring photographers at Unsplash and Pixabay for some of these images … you are awesome!