South America

Bolivia is in the unique position of sharing a border with five very distinct South American countries, sharing some of the best features of all five.

I laughed like a crazy person, as I stood on top of that pass. The thin air and blustery wind stole my breath, but I continued to giggle and turn in a slow 360, agog at the sight of mountain tops.

Imagine Machu Picchu. Spectacular, historic, utterly iconic. And then magnify the history and minus the tourists, and you’ve got a sense of the region.

I came to Chile to hike Patagonia. I left with a new appreciation of life. The starry nights of the Atacama desert, the magical hot springs and volcanoes, and the colourful homes of Valparaiso do that to you.

Having lived in Cusco for more than a year and a half, I’ve come to discover some of the city’s local gems, places that will deliver you straight into the beating heart of the incredible local culture.

To make the most of your time in this amazing archipelago, you need to be prepared.

We don’t need to sell Peru to you – who doesn’t want to see Machu Picchu in all its dazzling glory? But do you know as much as you should about this winning destination?

Artists from across the world look to South America as the perfect canvas for their work, and this varied continent is home to so much exceptional street art.

Proud indigenous tribes, beautiful colonial cities, great surf and fantastic hiking: here’s what we love about Peru, beyond just Machu Picchu.