SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar 2, 2025 – Lonely Planet has unveiled its definitive guide to the most extraordinary travel experiences South America has to offer in 2025. This curated list, designed to inspire the most discerning traveler, highlights eight unforgettable journeys that promise to etch themselves into the memory of any adventurer.
Unveiling South America's Hidden Gems
"At Lonely Planet, we love a dream trip," states a Lonely Planet Editor. "We are always looking for destinations that you can’t find anywhere else. And South America has countless opportunities for adventures that check an item off your bucket list. This year, head south and find towering glaciers, multi-night cruises along the Amazon and otherworldly deserts."
1. Trek into the Wilds of Patagonia in Chile and Argentina
Experience the rugged beauty of Patagonia, where "there’s no reaching Patagonia in a hurry, whether you arrive bleary-eyed by plane, on a rumbling overnight bus or by choppy ferry. But it’s instantly worth it when you first see its toothy granite peaks, piercing blue lakes, booming glaciers and buff-colored steppe veined with silver rivers." The famed four-day, 50-mile ‘W’ hike in Torres del Paine is a must, featuring the "vast, iceberg-calving, crushed-meringue-like expanse of the Grey Glacier." For a more secluded experience, consider the ‘O’ circuit or Argentina’s Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.
2. Journey down the Amazon in Brazil
Embark on a unique voyage through the "roadless tracts of the Amazon, highways are made of water and oversized ferries are floating buses carrying people and produce from place to place." Start in Manaus and explore the jungle, "where the days are spent tracking monkeys, macaws and pink river dolphins, and the nights offer immersion in the wondrous cacophony of the rainforest’s nocturnal wildlife." The journey culminates in Belém, with its vibrant Ver-o-Peso Market and the stunning Estação das Docas.
3. Live it up in Rio de Janeiro
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Rio de Janeiro, "an idyllic setting for a metropolis. Wedged between forest-covered mountains and golden beaches, human life mixes with marmosets skittering through leafy parks and capybaras grazing along the shores of Lagoa." From the iconic Ipanema Beach to the lively dancehalls of Lapa and the bohemian lounges of Santa Teresa, Rio offers a diverse and exhilarating experience.
4. Visit other worlds in the Atacama Desert in Chile
Discover the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert, "where steam spills from gurgling mud pools as a geyser blasts superheated water into the frosty air." Explore the geothermal field of El Tatio, the red-gold dunes of Valle de Marte, and the dramatic formations of Valle de la Luna. The Atacama is also a premier destination for stargazing, thanks to its clear skies and minimal light pollution.
5. Venture from the desert to the jungle in Colombia
Explore Colombia’s diverse landscapes, from the "1000-mile Caribbean coastline" to the "scrubby landscapes" of La Guajira, home to the Indigenous Wayuu people. Visit the historic walled city of Cartagena and the lush environs of Santa Marta, leading to Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona and the ancient ruins of Ciudad Perdida.
6. See evolution in action on the Galápagos
Witness the unique wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, "famously connected to Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution." From giant tortoises to specialized finches and flightless cormorants, the islands offer an unparalleled glimpse into natural selection. Small cruise ships provide the best way to experience these extraordinary ecosystems.
7. Marvel at surreal Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia
Experience the surreal beauty of Salar de Uyuni, "the largest salt flats on the planet." A rainstorm transforms the landscape into a "mirror-like surface reflecting the sky overhead," creating an unforgettable visual spectacle. Tours from Uyuni offer access to this otherworldly terrain and the unique Isla Incahuasi.
8. Encounter ancient civilizations and Mythical Ruins in Peru
Delve into Peru’s rich history by exploring its "incredible ruins showcase a rich tapestry of pre-Columbian cultures spread over five millennia." While Machu Picchu is a highlight, other sites like Pisac, Sacsayhuamán, and Ollantaytambo offer equally captivating experiences. The Lost City’s smaller sibling, Choquequirao, provides a more tranquil alternative.
Plan Your Dream Trip
Lonely Planet offers a range of resources to help travelers plan their South American adventures, including detailed destination guides and expert-crafted itineraries. "Let a local expert craft your dream trip," encourages Lonely Planet, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable experience.
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