Love South Beach? Discover Rio and More: Your South America Travel Cheat Sheet
Planning a South American vacation can feel intimidating for many travelers due to outdated stereotypes. However, like the U.S., South America offers diverse destinations for all ages, interests, and budgets. We've curated this expert cheat sheet, pairing iconic South American spots with their U.S. equivalents to simplify your trip planning.
If you like South Beach … visit Rio de Janeiro
Fans of white-sand beaches and vibrant nightlife will thrive in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's second-largest city. World-renowned for its annual Carnival, Rio boasts over 50 miles of shoreline. Copacabana Beach, one of the planet's most famous stretches, pulses with parties until dawn. Time your visit for February's two-week Carnival to samba with locals, or explore the legacy of the 2016 Summer Olympics.
If you like the Grand Canyon … visit Machu Picchu
The multi-day Inca Trail trek to the "Lost City of the Incas" demands peak physical fitness, with days of hiking and camping at altitudes up to 14,000 feet. The payoff is extraordinary: a UNESCO World Heritage Site atop the Andes, one of the few Incan ruins untouched by Spanish conquerors and held sacred. Peru limits permits to 500 daily, so book months ahead.
If you like New York City … visit Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires transcends tango and steak, offering a walkable metropolis packed with cultural and sporting events. Walking tours showcase its booming food scene and distinct neighborhoods, akin to crossing NYC's bridges. Join young professionals at "After Office" parties that outshine Manhattan's happy hours, or cheer with fervent soccer fans in La Boca, rivaling Yankees passion.
If you like the Florida Keys … visit the Galapagos Islands
Nearly 200 years ago, Charles Darwin's Galapagos visit sparked his Theory of Natural Selection. This isolated Ecuadorian archipelago draws nature lovers to see giant tortoises, iguanas, and unique wildlife. Reach the islands by daily flights or yachts from the mainland. Most require guides; book Santa Cruz-based boat tours for uninhabited isles.
If you like Napa Valley … visit Mendoza, Argentina
Mendoza rivals Napa with open-handed winemakers who share recipes and techniques. Enjoy free tastings and tours of vines and equipment (reservations essential). Ship home a case of world-class Malbec to savor the experience.
If you like New Orleans … visit Cartagena
Once a sanctuary for freed slaves, Cartagena blends cultures today. Its intact, walled Old Town exemplifies Spanish Colonial architecture. On Colombia's northern coast, boat tours reveal Bocagrande's beaches, wildlife, or fishing spots.
