To narrow down a list of bucket list trips in South America is no easy task.

As a continent defined by its contrasts, the sheer variety of what you can experience across South America is as vast as its expansive landmass. On a recent scouting trip to Buenos Aires, we had the chance to check in with some of the continents’ most knowledgeable travel experts and with their guidance, narrowed down a list of twelve bucket list trips in South America that we think should make your list. Come along with us as we armchair travel from the snow-capped Andes Mountains to the mind-bending Bolivian salt flats.

Soak up the Optical Illusion of Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia)

Where to Stay: Deluxe Airstream Camper

Considered one of the most remarkable vistas in the world, going to Bolivia to see the salt flats most certainly qualifies as a bucket list trip in South America. Left behind by prehistoric lakes that long ago evaporated, Salar de Uyuni stretches more than 4,050 square miles and is the world’s largest salt flat—it’s so expansive that it can be seen from space! Layers of salt are sandwiched between sedimentary deposits that reach up to ten meters deep, beneath which valuable lithium reserves can be found.

A visit to the Bolivian salt flats is tailored for the adventure traveler. One of the best ways to seek the vistas is by taking a three to four-day 4×4 tour across the salt flats. This may leave you wondering, where do you stay overnight? Your SmartFlyer travel advisor can book you in a private, chauffeur-driven 4WD vehicle complete with deluxe accommodations in an Airstream Camper. During your stops throughout this adventure, visit local villages and archaeological sites. The best time to visit if you’re hoping to see the mirror effect is between March and April.

Visit Iguazú Falls (Argentina and Brazil)

Where to Stay: Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel or Gran Meliá Iguazú

As one of the world’s most striking waterfalls, Iguazú Falls attracts millions of visitors each year. Impressively, this natural attraction stretches between two countries, Argentina and Brazil, and in turn, turn national parks. At 2,700 meters wide versus Niagara Falls which spans 945 meters, and its longest drop of 80 meters, Iguazú makes a splash (see what we did there?) in more ways than one. UNESCO declared Iguazú Falls a World Heritage Site in 1984 and and the decades since, each visitor helps to support the conservation work being done to protect the area.

For those looking to stay in the heart of the action, Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel is the only hotel in Brazil next to Iguazú Falls granting guests unprecedented access to the park. One of the property’s most exciting offerings is its full moon walking tours which provide a rare look into the jungle’s nocturnal life and the chance to catch the fleeting lunar rainbow. Alternatively, on the Argentina side, Gran Meliá Iguazú offers the only hotel actually inside Iguazú National Park for unparalleled views of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World just before your room.

Experience Carnival and See Christ the Redeemer at Sunrise (Brazil)

Where to Stay: Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel or Fasano Rio de Janeiro

Each year just before Lent, millions of people gather in Rio for what’s been deemed “The Greatest Show on Earth.” The comparas consists of a two-day parade where top samba schools get the honor of competing in front of a panel of judges and millions of spectators. This is a community effort in every sense as groups rally to build floats, sew costumes, and provide logistical support to the dancers; while competition remains stiff Carnival is about coming together. And beyond the walls of the ticketed Sambodrome, there are countless parties and balls held at hotels and restaurants to keep the fun going.

Whether you love an early wakeup or perhaps the party kept going until dawn and you want to see the city stir, we love arranging for clients to see Christ the Redeemer at sunrise complete with breakfast at the world-famous monument. As far as where to finally catch some sleep, Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel is Rio’s legendary playground of glamour that’s had its foothold on the beach since 1923. Alternatively, if you prefer something more modern, the ultra-trendy Fasano Rio de Janeiro was designed by Philippe Starck and buzzes with Rio’s social set.

Explore the Galapagos (Ecuador)

Where to Stay: Pikaia Lodge (land) or Aqua Mare (sea)

Going back to the days of Darwin, the allure of the Galapagos has held strong for explorers at heart. Today, this special corner of the world remains highly protected and a haven for eco-adventure for those who want to feel like they’ve stepped back in time as they marvel at wildlife. An ideal destination for families, a visit to the Galapagos is one of the most valuable lessons in biology and conservation with the chance to see the Galapagos blue-footed booby, Galapagos penguins, and many other unique species endemic to this region.

To get the most immersive experience on the islands, we love a land and water combination. On land, The Pikaia Lodge concept is designed for the environmentally conscious, physically active, and adventurous traveler who seeks immersion into the wonders of the Galapagos with special features like its private giant tortoise reserve. At sea, Aqua Expeditions’ Aqua Mare thoughtfully ties in the brand’s philosophy of social responsibility by venturing into remote spots that allow for minimized human interaction. Aqua Mare offers seven and fourteen-night itineraries on its seven-cabin superyacht that navigates the Enchanted Islands in style with an exclusive one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio.

Explore the Atacama Desert (Chile)

Where to Stay: Explora Atacama or Tierra Atacama

An oasis of wonders in Chile, the Atacama Desert is known as the driest place in the world, receiving less than one millimeter of precipitation per year. Positioned to the west of the Andes Mountains, this 1,600-kilometer expanse boasts an awe-inspiring landscape draping the Pacific Coast, attracting international visitors from around the world for its salt flats, and emerald altiplano lagoons peppered with Andean flamingos feeding on the mirror-like water. The desert is at its most striking at dawn and dusk when the Andes oscillate between gold and crimson, transitioning to a pinkish glow at nightfall. As a bonus, with practically no light pollution, this region is one of the best in the world for stargazing.

There are a handful of thoughtfully designed eco-friendly lodges in the Atacama that we love for their ability to connect explorers with the region, and in turn, themselves. Explora Atacama creates handcrafted journeys for its guests with complete flexibility in mind; each night, you will work with your guide to choose from a variety of exploration options for the next day based on your mood and interests. We also love Tierra Atacama, a sundrenched sanctuary that acts as your refuge after long days exploring; its Uma Spa is a true treat with an outdoor infinity pool, heated indoor pool, steam room, hot tub, and sun deck to finally crack open that vacation read.

Hike Patagonia (Chile and Argentina)

Where to Stay: PristineLuxury Camp Calafate or Hotel AWA

A quick Google of “Patagonia” is likely to yield results of the infamous vests sported by the finance set, but the one we’re talking about isn’t related to outerwear. As a destination, Buenos Aires (the Argentine capital) and Santiago (the Chilean capital). While the exact start and end point of Patagonia is hard to define, one thing is certain: it’s one of the most beautiful places on Earth. A trip here is all about hiking, wildlife spotting, whitewater rafting, glacier spotting, and reconnecting to nature.

Your SmartFlyer travel advisor can help you narrow down whether you prefer to stay on the Argentinian or Chilean side of Patagonia, but for the purpose of comparison, we’ll share two favorites in Argentina while in Chile, you could opt for sister hotels to our two previously mentioned partners, Explora and Tierra Hotels. PristineLuxury Camp Calafate offers fully equipt Eco domes with panoramic views of the Perito Moreno Glacier, Lake Roca, and Brazo Rico; we love it for its ability to help guests relive the gaucho era through activities and cuisine closely connected to the land, including open fires to taste the best of Patagonian cuisine. For something a bit more modern, Hotel AWA is just a twenty-minute drive from downtown Puerto Varas and right where the National Park Route begins. Accommodations are sleek, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Llanquihue and Osorno Volcano.

Wine Taste in Mendoza (Argentina)

Where to Stay: Estancia Rancho ‘e Cuero, Susana Balbo Unique Stays

Argentina’s wine country has thrived in the foothills of the Andes where a natural frontier formed with Chile has created perfect conditions for vineyards irrigated by rivers carrying snowmeld from the nearby mountains. As a result, the western edge of the vast landmass of Argentina is dotted with diverse wine regions, each of which offers something different for travelers. Mendoza is undoubtedly the most well-known region of Argentina’s wine country, thanks in part to the fact that seventy percent of the country’s production comes from its vineyards.

When it comes to where to stay in Mendoza, we love pairing travelers with an estancia, or a family-owned and operated home that’s been converted into a hotel. Estancia Rancho ‘e Cuero has belonged to the Palma family for over 250 years, now open its doors to guests to stay in one of its six suites and experience unlimited horseback riding, flyfishing, trekking, and of course, wine tasting. Alternatively, just a couple hours away in Chacras de Coria, a stay at SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites by Susana Balbo Unique Stays is the ultimate oasis for oenophiles who appreciate the special touches of a mother-daughter-run hotel. Here, can be spent creating memories amongst the vines, tasting the varietals on offer, indulging at the spa, and toasting to your good health beside the fire-lit pool!

Sink into Festival Season in Uruguay

Where to Stay: Playa Vik José Ignacio or Hotel L’Auberge

For East Coasters who need a frame of reference, Uruguay’s beaches are to Buenos Aires what the Hamptons are to New York: a much-needed seaside retreat. The charming beach towns dotting the unspoiled Uruguayan coastline offer a rugged landscape, pristine beaches, and bohemian vibes. While coming during Spring Break is ideal for lighter crowds, the festival season concentrated in early January around Epifanaía (January 6th) and Día de la Candelaria (February 2nd) ushers in what is Carnival season in late February and early March where it’s impossible to miss the party no matter where you go!

We especially love Uruguay for families, so we’ve chosen to highlight two properties that would both work well for those bringing along their littles: Playa Vik José Ignacio and Hotel L’Auberge. Playa Vik is a collaboration of its creators, Carrie and Alex Vik, and internationally renowned Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott; this avante-garde beachfront retreat boasts expansive indoor and outdoor spaces where the lines are blurred between inside and outside. Just half an hour away on Punta del Este, Hotel L’Auberge has been open since 1948 as a refuge just two blocks from Brava Beach. A visit here is not complete without its Belgian waffles and tea which have been signature to the property since its opening!

Marvel at Machu Picchu at Sunrise (Peru)

Where to Stay: Take the Hiram Bingham train to Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel

Few destinations are ubiquitously “bucket list worthy” across travelers of all backgrounds lists as Machu Picchu. We’re thrilled to report that a journey here truly is worth its weight in gold; something about the way this Incan architectural feat basks in the early morning light is powerful enough to invoke tears. On a recent scouting trip through Peru, we boarded the Hiram Bingham train in Cusco for the lively, music and pisco-sour-fueled ride to the entrance to the Inca citadel. We highly recommend treating your visit to Machu Picchu as more than a stop on an itinerary, but an intentional one to two-night stay.

Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel is an oasis to recharge in before or after a day exploring Machu Picchu, affording guests an unrivaled position near the entrance of the sacred grounds. Sit out on the terrace and savor Peruvian cuisine based on produce grown on the Lodge’s own plot. Then, retire to one of your terraced accommodations with exquisite views of the mist-laced mountains. For the adventurer, an early morning wakeup before sunrise allows you to ascend into the clouds and see the citadel and Andean Mountains after a challenging two-hour guided hike. Or, for those who prefer their mornings at leisure, be the first to set foot on the grounds after sipping on Andean mint tea. No matter your vantage point, nothing can compare to seeing the first rays of sunlight hit Machu Picchu, and staying at Sanctuary Lodge overnight is your key to this bucket list moment.

Sail through the Amazonian Rainforest (Peru)

Where to Stay: Aqua Expeditions Aqua Nera or Aqua Amazon

As the world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon holds timeless appeal. While its footprint spans nine countries in South America, one of the best places to experience the Amazon via river expedition is Peru. The Ucayali and Marañon tributaries converge in Peru and the river banks here are prime for wildlife spotting amidst the jungle canopies. Today, researchers continue to find new species of flora and fauna, ensuring both first-time and repeat visitors never tire of the immense biodiversity these ‘lungs of the planet’ provide.

Our friends at Aqua Expeditions operate not one but two vessels in the Peruvian Amazon. The twenty-suite Aqua Nera is a new, state-of-the-art river ship that draws its design inspiration from the region’s black water lagoons. Alternatively, the sixteen-suite Aria Amazon is a classic explorer vessel custom-built for comfort. Both ships offer a wide range of options accessible to travelers who want to book into an existing set of itineraries, or, group and charters on a buyout basis. No matter which ship or itinerary you select, you’ll be able to enjoy twice-daily excursions led by expert guides balanced by relaxing time in the ship’s spa, plunge pool, jacuzzi, gym, or movie room.