The Best Adventure Destinations in South America for 2026

Where to go in South America in 2026

If you're planning a trip across the continent this year, these are the destinations we'd send you to first — chosen for landscape, adventure and the kind of experiences you can't replicate anywhere else. They span the five countries we operate in: Chile, Argentina, Peru, Brazil and Bolivia.

1. Torres del Paine, Chilean Patagonia

The headline act. Granite towers, turquoise lakes and the famous W and O treks. Best from October to April. The single most-requested destination on the continent for a reason.

2. San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

The driest desert on Earth: Valley of the Moon, dawn geysers at El Tatio, flamingo-dotted salt flats and unbeatable stargazing. A year-round counterpoint to Patagonia's green and granite.

3. El Chaltén, Argentine Patagonia

Argentina's trekking capital, sitting beneath the spires of Fitz Roy. World-class day hikes you can do without a guide and harder objectives if you want them — plus the nearby Perito Moreno glacier.

4. Cusco & the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru

The cultural heart of the Andes. Beyond the classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay route trades crowds for high passes, glaciers and cloud forest before delivering you to Machu Picchu.

5. Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

The largest salt flat in the world. In the wet season it becomes a perfect mirror that erases the horizon; in the dry season, an endless white expanse dotted with cacti islands.

6. Cochamó Valley, Chile (the Chilean Yosemite)

Granite walls, hanging waterfalls and old-growth forest in Chile's Lake District — a paradise for hikers and big-wall climbers that still feels off the beaten path.

How to build a trip around them

You don't have to choose just one. The classic combinations pair contrast — desert and ice, culture and wilderness: Atacama + Patagonia, or Patagonia (Chile) + El Chaltén (Argentina) across the border. The trick is sequencing flights and acclimatization, which is where planning with local experts saves you days and headaches.

Ready to plan? Start with our Patagonia trek, or read the San Pedro de Atacama guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best place to visit in South America in 2026?

For adventure travelers, Torres del Paine (Patagonia) and San Pedro de Atacama top the list, alongside Machu Picchu and the Uyuni salt flats.

What's the best time to visit Patagonia?

Roughly October to April, the Southern Hemisphere spring to autumn.

Can you combine destinations in one trip?

Yes — Atacama + Patagonia, or Chilean and Argentine Patagonia, are the most popular multi-stop combinations.