South America vacations offer lots of entertainment, adventure, culture, history, and relaxation—essentially, it has everything you need for a great vacation. The natural beauty along with the enchanting history and cultural of the continent mean that travel to South America is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From romance to adventure, South America trips offer a wide range of activities and destinations.

Some of the most exciting outdoor adventures on the planet take place during South America vacations. The Amazon River, which flows mostly through Brazil and Peru, is home to an exotic array of flora and fauna, including the pink river dolphins, colorful toucans, howler monkeys, and jaguars. Taking an Amazon tour is an unforgettable thing to do during a trip to Brazil, and it’s also possible to see the amazing Meeting of the Waters while there as well.

If you’re interested in ancient history, you won’t be disappointed. One of the world’s most famous historical sites, Machu Picchu, located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, offers an enchanting hike through Amazonian jungles to the dramatic revealing of Incan Lost Cities, and hiking the Inca Trail and visiting the empire’s former capital at Cusco are two fascinating things to do during South America trips.

In addition to Peru, it’s possible to learn about history and culture while on a trip to Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and several other countries. Buenos Aires has a fascinating mix of European and Argentinean history, while Santiago Chile, which was established in 1541, has an abundance of interesting structures and monuments that track the chronological history of the city. The capital of South America’s largest country, Brasilia also offers celebrated architecture and interesting festivals that can connect visitors with local history.

In particular, many vacationers on South America trips are there for the beaches, and the continent has plenty to choose among, from the very popular to the unsung jewels. Stunning beaches of all kinds line the coastal regions of the continent. The beaches of Rio de Janeiro are some of the most famous in the world and have developed into an iconic feature of the landscape, making them a must-see for anyone on a trip to Brazil. Ipanema, Copacabana, and Barra da Tijuca are some of the most famous, and they’re all especially lively during Carnival time.

Elsewhere, Mar del Plata, in Buenos Aires, is one of Argentina’s top beach resorts and it boast plenty of activities that are perfect for family vacations. White-sand beaches and azure waters are the main focus of the Caribbean resort Margarita Island in Venezuela, while Viña del Mar, Chile’s fourth-largest city, offers a pleasant Mediterranean climate along with exquisite beaches and lots of things to do. Finally, Uruguay is also a popular beach destination, especially the resorts of Piriapolis, Punta del Este, and Colonia del Sacramento.

Wildlife and the natural settings are another one of the continent’s draws. The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, which are home to a huge range of unique and often endangered species, is a place that certainly challenges the norm of expected wildlife encounters. The region of Patagonia, in southern Argentina and Chile, offers a huge range of landscapes and wildlife to see, whether you’re hiking, fishing, rafting, or backpacking through the area.

Whatever you plan to do while on South America vacations, each country has its own particular set of draws for visitors, from beautiful landscape to lively culture. All you need to do is decide whether you want a tropical vacation, beach getaway, or a lively city vacation, and you’re set for the perfect trip.