South America – Trips To Discover

12 Best Luxury Hotels in Cartagena, Colombia

Georgie Darling — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 14:00:55 +0000

There were multiple points when I fell in love with Cartagena: while wandering through the vibrant and colorful streets of Getsemani, listening to a saxophonist while watching the sunset, and when exploring the colonial architecture of the Old Town. This must-see destination in South America offers the best of both worlds – the ocean on one side and bustling city life on the other. Luckily, there is also an endless array of incredible places to stay in Cartagena, and we’ve rounded up all of the best hotels in the city below!

Map of South America (With Countries & Capitals)

Noah Holtgraves — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:06:53 +0000

South America is the fourth-largest continent in the world and sits in the Western Hemisphere. The continent lies south of North America, sharing a land border via Panama and Colombia. The Caribbean Sea is northwest, bounded by Colombia and Venezuela. The North and South Atlantic Oceans sit northeast and east of the continent, respectively. The South Atlantic Ocean also borders much of the South. The Drake Passage waterway lies directly south of the continent, bridging the 600 miles between Chile and Antarctica. To the west lies the North and South Pacific Oceans.

Here is everything you will find in this overview:

South America Map
Countries and Capitals
Major Cities
Tourist Attractions
Travel Tips
Cultural Insights
Economic Overview
Local Governance and Politics

South America Map

Map of South America

This high-resolution static map is free to download and print for educational or similar purposes. Trips to Discover built this map using data from © Mapbox and © OpenStreetMap and their sources. To learn more, visit Mapbox and OpenStreetMap. If you re-publish this map online or in print, you must credit and link (if online) to Trips to Discover as the source. Contact noah@strivemedia.com to improve this map.

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12 Best Galapagos Islands to Visit

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:15:08 +0000

As a wildlife lover, one of my favorite destinations is the Galapagos Islands. There is probably no other place on Earth where you can get up close to over 900-pound tortoises, swim alongside marine iguanas, and saunter through a sea lion herd. The islands strewn across the Pacific some 600 miles from the Ecuadoran mainland are a wildlife paradise. The animals are often delightfully curious and virtually fearless, as humans have rarely posed a threat to any of them, creating experiences of a lifetime.

A wealth of outdoor activities like snorkeling, diving, swimming, and hiking can all be enjoyed, along with pristine white sand beaches. The only question is, with 127 islands, islets, and rocks, 19 of which are large, and four that are inhabited, which do you choose to visit? This guide will help you make the best decision for a trip of a lifetime.

Top 13 Things to Do in the Galapagos Islands

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 26 May 2023 13:00:42 +0000

My first trip to the Galapagos was an unforgettable one with my only regret not being there long enough. To truly experience this remote archipelago 600 miles from mainland Ecuador really requires multiple trips. While sea lions can be seen all year round, there are some animals that can only be spotted in certain months. to witness certain behaviors like the famous dance of the blue-footed booby, you need to be there during the summer.

No matter when you plan to visit the Galapagos, it’s sure to be an epic getaway that’s likely to leave you wanting more as one of the must-see destinations in South America. For the best start, consider putting these top things to do in the Galapagos on your priority list.

9 Luxury Airbnbs in Medellin, Colombia

Georgie Darling — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 14:00:03 +0000

Vibrant and buzzing, Medellín is a vibrant city in Colombia that never sleeps. While previously home to a not-so-tourist-friendly reputation, the city has undergone a huge transformation in the last 15 years and now definitely deserves its unofficial title as Colombia’s coolest, most cultural city for tourists and digital nomads alike. This large city encompasses everything from lush mountain greenery to vivid street art and has a large range of Airbnbs to suit all tastes. Not sure where to stay? Read on for all of our favorite Airbnbs in Medellín.

13 Luxury Airbnbs in Cartagena, Colombia

Georgie Darling — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:30:30 +0000

Vibrant Cartagena is an unmissable spot in northern Colombia. This beachfront port town comes piled high with stunning architecture, endless palm trees, and an all-around buzzing atmosphere with plenty to do. Most luxury Airbnbs in Cartagena is located around the Old Town, with its rainbow-hued balconies and cathedral views. Or, venture just outside to nearby Getsemani for the neighborhood’s typically artsy designs and spacious swimming pools. Not sure where to stay? Read on for all of the most stunning Airbnbs in Cartagena.

12 Best All-Inclusive Hotels & Resorts in Chile

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 13:00:32 +0000

While many people think of visiting all-inclusive properties for a beach getaway, Chile offers a surprising number of all-inclusive properties, but they tend to be more focused on adventure than swim-up bars and buffets. Nestled in beautiful areas of Chile, these hotels are the perfect way to enjoy a stress-free vacation where you don’t have to worry about much in the way of figuring out logistics.

Many of the top all-inclusive resorts in Chile are in remote locations like the wilds of Patagonia, San Pedro De Atacama, and Easter Island, but there are options in the spectacular Lake District and Chilean wine country too. For the ultimate trip, you might spread your trip out between a few of them.

16 Best Fall Destinations in South America

Alyssa Ochs — Thu, 21 May 2020 13:10:37 +0000

Certain places around the world are best to visit during distinct seasons because of the weather, scheduled events, and crowd levels. Spring in the northern hemisphere is fall in South America and vice versa, which means the months of September, October, and November are great for planning a trip to many top South American destinations. To help you get inspired and plan your next big trip, here are some seasonal recommendations for South America.

9 Most Beautiful National Parks in Brazil

Alyssa Ochs — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 14:00:56 +0000

Although so many countries around the world have their own beautiful national parks, it’s impossible to deny the incredible biodiversity in Brazil’s environment. In this South American country, you’ll find mountains, canyons, tropical rainforests, sand dunes, and beautiful beaches just waiting to be explored. There are dozens of national parks in Brazil to add your bucket list, but these are a few of the best ones to start with as you see this amazing country.

Top 10 Things to Do in Valparaiso, Chile

Alyssa Ochs — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 14:20:55 +0000

Chile is a dream travel destination for outdoor adventurers, foodies, and culture lovers. This long and narrow country has enormous mountains, big cities, and quaint villages. But one destination that is always a top pick among travelers is Valparaíso. This is Chile’s second-largest city and about an hour and a half north of Santiago. It’s a coastal town, one that’s filled with history, and a bohemian destination you’ll fall in love with. Here are some of the top things to do when you visit Valparaíso.

11 Best Parks and Nature Sites in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica

Karyn Wofford — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 14:00:18 +0000

Guanacaste Province comprises part of the northwest portion of Costa Rica, and its Eden-like atmosphere instills wanderlust in travelers from across the globe. Cascading streams of water, electric hued lagoons, nearly extinct dry forests that ascend up volcanoes into lush jungle barely tip the iceberg when explaining the unfathomable beauty of this region. Nature preserves, natural landmarks, UNESCO sites and eight national parks dwell in Guanacaste, some of which reside within one another. But each of our list items should be recognized alone and would make amazing bucket list destinations for nature lovers.

11 Best Beaches in Brazil

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 13:10:05 +0000

Brazil is home to so many magnificent beaches, it may be worth planning a vacation around one or more of them. This South American country boasts more than 4,500 miles of coastline along the South Atlantic with a tropical climate that practically guarantees days spent under bright blue skies while enjoying the sea and the sand. For the best of the best, you can’t go wrong with any of these fabulous stretches.

Top 10 Things to Do in Elqui Valley, Chile

Karyn Wofford — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 13:30:02 +0000

Along the foothills of the Andes Mountains is a valley sometimes believed to have been sculpted by extraterrestrials due to its perfected appearance. Elqui Valley is a top destination in Chile where small towns make up a vibrant culture and food scene, which is beloved by many-a-traveler. Vineyards adorn the surrounding sloped, and wine varieties like Syrah and Carmenere are as common as water. Pisco, a spirit made also from the vineyard grapes of the valley hills, delves further into the native flavors. It doesn’t take much to convince people to come to Elqui, so when here, these are some of the top things to do.

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Argentina

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 13:00:36 +0000

More and more travelers have been discovering Argentina. It offers everything from exciting cities with thriving nightlife to charming historic villages, wine country, abundant wildlife and spectacular diverse terrain, including soaring mountain peaks and breathtaking coastlines. A vast country with so much to do, it can be hard to decide what to put on your itinerary, but these top tourist attractions are sure to be highlights on any Argentine trip.

Top 12 Vacation Destinations in South America

Alyssa Ochs — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 13:00:10 +0000

There are lots of different things that appeal to travelers who are curious to explore South America. For example, there are fascinating archaeological sites, rain forests with abundant wildlife, hiking and backpacking opportunities for adventure, and delicious food no matter where you go.

For first-time travelers to South America, many people choose to stick to the cities for ease of transportation and fewer language barriers. Although the more remote areas of the continent are truly worth a visit as well, today we’re focusing on the top urban destinations to use as your home base. There are lots of places in and around each of these cities that you can start learning about once you settle on where to begin. To start, here are some incredible cities to visit in South America.

Top 17 Resorts in Chile

K.C. Dermody — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 13:20:55 +0000

Hugged by mountains and overflowing with waterfalls, natural pools and vibrant foliage, Chile must be experienced in the most serene way possible. Of course, you’ll definitely want to dive into the culture and architecture of Santiago, but the natural beauty of Chile’s top destinations will also lure you in. We’ve rounded up a list of resorts and hotels that will immerse you into the country, so you can truly disconnect and experience the sheer awesomeness.

8 Best Beaches in Chile

Madison Davis — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 13:10:46 +0000

A beach vacation may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Chile, but it’s home to a variety of alluring destinations. However, there are a number of white sand beaches with clear blue water that line the coast of this South American country. The beach season here runs from December to March, when the southern hemisphere experiences the summer season. Experience an unforgettable beach getaway when you visit one of these best beaches in Chile.

12 Best Things to Do in Peru

Charity De Souza — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 14:41:07 +0000

Known for the spectacular Machu Picchu that sits high in the Andes Mountains, Peru is a country that is full of rich history, vibrant culture and outdoor adventures. While most travelers come to hike the ancient Incan city, there’s also plenty of interesting museums, historic landmarks and natural wonders for you to see as well. From the unspoiled landscapes of Manu National Park to the sand dunes surrounding Huacachina, here are the best things to do in Peru.

12 Beautiful Towns to Visit in Colombia

Charity De Souza — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 13:02:36 +0000

From the sandy beaches of the Caribbean to the colorful architecture and tropical Amazon Rainforest, Colombia boasts something for everyone. It’s historical colonial cities offer easy access to beautiful natural parks and snow-capped Andean peaks, while Bogota and Medellin are lined with bustling streets. From small-town charms to buzzing nightlife in Medellin, here are the most beautiful towns to visit in Colombia.

11 Best Things To Do in Bolivia

Charity De Souza — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 13:42:59 +0000

Home to the world’s most dangerous road, beautiful mountain scenery and ancient Inca ruins, Bolivia has got a lot to offer for adventurous travelers. You can marvel at the surreal landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni, hike rugged trails in the Andes or walk in the footsteps of Che Guevara. From observing diverse wildlife to seeing stunning natural wonders, here are the best things to do in Bolivia.