Its lush coastlines are bathed by the the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and the South Atlantic Oceans, South America is the less explored of the Americas and a continent of astonishing beauty expressed in its natural diversity, spectacular landscapes and a cultural kaleidoscope that gives life to numerous traditions and festivals.
The world's most extensive rainforest and most important source of fresh water (Amazon River Basin in Brazil, Ecuador and Perú), the highest mountain chain outside Asia (the Andes), exotic islands (Galapagos Islands, Easter Island and Fernando de Noronha), Unending miles of sandy beaches (such as in Brazil's Northeastern region), wide deserts (Atacama, Chile), Ice fields & fjords (Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego), one the world's largest waterfalls (Iguaçu Falls, Argentina and Brazil), the highest active volcano on the planet (Cotopaxi, Ecuador) as well as several other breathtaking natural attractions.
Ancient cultures and the unique lifestyle of todays people, ancient civilizations have also left world wonders on the continent: archaeological ruins of past centuries (Machu Picchu and other Inca cities; the Moais in Easter Island) share territory with world-class cosmopolitan cities (São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Quito, Santiago, Lima and Rio de Janeiro), amazing modern architecture (Brasilia), European metropolis (Buenos Aires), the most ancient rock paintings in the Americas (at the Serra da Capivara), strong African heritage (in Salvador, Rio, Esmeraldas and Montevideo), original native people (Belém, Manaus, Cuzco, Lima, Otavalo), charming cities & villages nestled in the Andes (Cuzco, Quito, Santiago de Chile) and cultural blends from around the globe (São Paulo's enormous Japanese community), mixed with the influence of Spanish & Portuguese colonizers. Ushuaia, the southernmost city on the planet and some of its colourful festivities, such as Rio's Carnival and Belem's Cirio de Nazaré, the Tango World Championship, and the Vendimia festival in Argentina, the Inti Raymi in Peru, are also part of this
incredibly diverse and attractive continent.
South America Group invites you to discover the best of South America