20 Bucket List Things to Do in South America

South America is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. From the stunning waterfalls of Iguazu to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, you will find countless bucket list experiences. Are you seeking adventure, relaxation, or an unforgettable experience? South America has something for everyone. I am going to Brazil this week for Carnival! In honor of going to South America tomorrow, here are 20 bucket list things to do in South America.

#1: Visit Machu Picchu in Peru:

photo of machu picchu — Photo by Chelsea Cook on Pexels.com

One of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world, Machu Picchu is a must-see for any traveler. Hike the Inca Trail or take the train to witness this ancient citadel high in the Andes Mountains. My sister and I booked a day trip to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco because we were on a time limit; however, you can hike the trail on a multiple day trek!

MACHU PICCHU DAY TRIP FROM CUSCO

#2: Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas:

Journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru and visit ancient ruins, traditional villages, and bustling markets. Explore the archaeological sites of Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moras, and Moray to learn about the rich history of the Incas. You can see all four sites in one day and learn about the history of the Incas on a tour.

sacred valley full day tour

#3: Explore the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil:

mountain covered with green trees — Photo by Molly Champion on Pexels.com

Discover the diversity of flora and fauna in the Amazon, the largest tropical rainforest in the world. Take a guided tour to see wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds up close.

tour the amazon rainforest

#4: Tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

man and woman dancing on the sidewalk — Photo by Los Muertos Crew on Pexels.com

Immerse yourself in the passion and rhythm of the tango in its birthplace, Buenos Aires. Take a tango lesson or watch a live performance in one of the city’s many stages.

tango lesson in buenos aires

#5: Hike the Torres del Paine in Chile:

Experience the stunning landscapes of Patagonia by hiking the famous Torres del Paine circuit. Can you imagine the towering granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and pristine glaciers along the way?

torres del paine hiking tour

#6: Snorkel with Sea Lions in the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador:

orange iguana standing on rocks — Photo by Simon Berger on Pexels.com

Explore this volcanic archipelago off the coast of Ecuador, known for its unique wildlife and pristine natural beauty. Swim with sea lions, snorkel with tropical fish, and observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

snorkel with sea lions

#7: Sip Wine in Mendoza, Argentina:

close up photography of wine glasses — Photo by Valeria Boltneva on Pexels.com

Indulge in world-class cabernets in the lush vineyards of Mendoza. Take a wine tour to sample some of the region’s best varietals and enjoy a gourmet meal overlooking the Andes.

mendoza wine tour

#8: Discover the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia:

Witness the landscapes of the Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. Marvel at the endless white salt and take incredible photos on a tour.

uyuni salt flats day trip

#9: Soak in the Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil:

niagara falls in canada — Photo by Tomas Anunziata on Pexels.com

Visit one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders, the Iguazu Falls, located on the border of Argentina and Brazil. You can admire the cascading waterfalls from various viewpoints. We recommend taking a boat ride to see the powerful waterfalls up close. You will be so close that you feel the mist on your face.

Iguazu falls boat ride

#10: Raft the Futaleufu River in Chile:

Challenge yourself with a whitewater rafting adventure on the crystal-clear waters of the Futaleufu River in northern Patagonia. Navigate rapids surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

Whitewater rafting adventure

#11: Wander the Historic Streets of Cartagena, Colombia:

Explore the colorful colonial architecture and cobbled streets of Cartagena’s old town on a tour. You can relax on the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean coast nearby.

private tour of cartagena

#12: Witness the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

women wearing shiny carnival outfits — Photo by Augusto Baldera on Pexels.com

Experience the vibrant energy of the Rio Carnival, one of the largest and most famous carnivals in the world. Dance to samba music, admire the elaborate costumes and watch the samba parade at the Sambadrome. You can book backstage passes, if you cannot make the parade.

Carnival tickets

#13: Spot Pink Dolphins in the Amazon River, Brazil:

green forest — Photo by Tom Fisk on Pexels.com

Encounter these rare and elusive creatures in the murky waters of the Amazon River. Take a boat tour to spot pink dolphins and other wildlife like caimans, giant river otters, and piranhas.

Amazon river boat tour

#14: Trek to Mount Roraima in Venezuela:

Embark on a challenging multi-day trek to the summit of Mount Roraima, an ancient tabletop mountain in the Gran Sabana region. Marvel at the stunning landscapes, unique flora, and breathtaking views from the top.

mount roraima trek

#15: Explore the Street Art in Valparaiso, Chile:

Wander through the colorful streets of Valparaiso, a bohemian port city known for its vibrant street art scene. Admire murals, graffiti pieces, and urban sculptures that adorn the city’s buildings and alleys on a guided tour.

Valparaiso STREET ART TOUR

#16: Discover Easter Island:

brown statues — Photo by Andrea Vera Sasso on Pexels.com

Uncover the mysteries of Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, and explore the iconic Moai statues scattered across the island. Visit ancient archaeological sites, pristine beaches, and volcanic craters on a day trip.

easter island day trip

#17: Witness the Southern Lights in Patagonia:

bright green aurora in starry sky over mount in twilight — Photo by Bernd Feurich on Pexels.com

Experience the magical spectacle of the Southern Lights, also known as the Aurora Australis, in the remote wilderness of Patagonia in Chile or Argentina. Watch the colorful lights dance across the night sky for an unforgettable natural phenomenon.

#18: Visit Angel Falls:

Discover the tallest waterfall in the world set in the Canaima National Park in Venezuela on this bucket list destination in South America.

view photos of angel falls

#19: Visit Quito:

The capital city of Ecuador is the highest city in the world, set at 9,350 feet. While you are in Quito, you can see the Equator.

#20: Relax at the Hot Springs Near the Futaleufu River in Chile-

A trip to the Futaleufu offers the chance to relax in hot springs and marvel at the natural beauty of the Patagonian wilderness.

We shared 20 bucket list things to do in South America. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, South America offers a wide range of bucket-list experiences that will leave you in awe of its natural beauty and rich heritage. From ancient ruins to exotic wildlife, from towering mountains to pristine beaches, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy on this diverse and enchanting continent. Pick your favorite destinations and activities from this list and start to plan your next unforgettable journey to South America.

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10 Travel Bucket List Ideas

Creating a bucket list makes life more meaningful. The list will also give you something to look forward to! Your bucket list might be adventurous, like this one, or more career or family oriented. I made this list to help you add new fun things that are travel related to YOUR list that you might not have thought of otherwise. Below are 10 travel bucket list ideas.

Bucket List #1- Go to the Holi Festival in India-

Holi is the most famous Hindu festival in India. The festival has big crowds, colorful dye, dancing, music, and partying. Indians celebrate the eternal and divine love of the god Radha and Krishna. The festival occurs in March every year. The next festival is on March 25th, 2024.

Bucket List #2- Drink Beer at Oktoberfest in Germany-

a group of friends drinking beer — Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

Who does not want to dress up in a traditional outfit called Tracht, have a delicious blue moon, and celebrate under a tent in Munich at the Oktoberfest event? Women wear dirndl dresses while men wear leather lederhosen shorts.

Bucket List #3- Visit Burg Eltz in Southern Germany-

burg eltz castle — Photo by op23 on Pexels.com

Burg Eltz is a well-known castle hidden in the forest, once home to the Eltz family in the 12th century. You can tour the medieval castle! Book Your Tour!

Bucket List #4- Climb to Tin Tian, Big Buddha in Lantau, Hong Kong-

low angle photography of a buddha statue — Photo by Sharyn Chew on Pexels.com

You have to hop on a cable car passing breathtaking views of greenery and waterfalls to get to Lantau Island, home to the Giant Buddha. You will climb 260 stairs to get to the closest view of the Giant Buddha! It might be too foggy to see the Buddha, but if you are lucky, you will see the Buddha on a clear day.

Bucket List #5- Explore the Terraced Fields in Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam-

green tea plantations placed on hill against mountains — Photo by Tom Fisk on Pexels.com

Mu Cang Chai in Vietnam is home to the MOST beautiful rice terraces. The people who lived in the mountains created a system to control the downward water flow and make RICE. There are also beautiful rice terraces to explore in Bali, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Bucket List #6- Stand in Front of the Taj Mahal-

taj mahal and the four minarets — Photo by Sudipta Mondal on Pexels.com

The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum in Agra, India, for two people, Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Emperor Shah Jahan began the project in 1632 for this purpose. There is a marble tomb in the center. The marble building and precious stones represent romance.

Bucket List #7- Go to the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil-

Millions of tourists go to Brazil to experience the 5-day celebration called the Carnival every year. The festival is known for its lavish costumes, music, public street parties, and traditional dance routines. The purpose is to honor the spirit of overindulgence.

Bucket List #8- Cave Rappel at the Moaning Caverns in California-

The moaning caverns and caves reach 410 feet in California. You can go on a walking tour or rappel through the Caves. Rappelling down is for you if you seek the adrenaline rush and are not afraid of heights. You can visit the caves on a day trip from Sacramento. You can also go zip lining at the same location.

Bucket List #9- Let go of a Floating Lantern in Thailand-

paper lantern with candles floating in the air — Photo by Saruul Saruulaa on Pexels.com

Releasing lanterns is a part of the culture in Thailand on holidays and special occasions. Releasing a floating lantern is symbolic in that you are also letting trials and tribulations float away from you. It also symbolizes good luck and new beginnings.

Bucket List #10- Bathe an Elephant in Thailand-

wildlife photography of elephant during golden hour — Photo by Harvey Sapir on Pexels.com

A mud bath for an Elephant protects their skin from the sun. The Elephant Nature Park is a rescue camp where you get to learn about the gentile giants, as well as feed and bathe the majestic creatures.

Have you ever completed any of these bucket list items? I have not, but I am BEYOND excited to attend the Carnival next year in Brazil. I have also been to rice terraces before in Bali; however, I would love to see the beautiful green terraces in Vietnam one day.

Tag: Brazil