South America completely changed what I thought I enjoyed about travel. Before this trip, I chased packed itineraries and tried to maximize every day. Somewhere between colonial cities, glaciers, wine country, and mountain towns, I realized I enjoyed slowing down just as much as checking off landmarks. These guides are organized by country so you can explore each destination, compare regions, and find realistic itineraries based on my own experience.
South America: The Big Picture
🇨🇴 Colombia
Colombia surprised me with just how different each destination felt. Medellín, Guatapé, and Cartagena each offered a completely different experience, making it one of the easiest countries to build into a varied itinerary.
🇵🇪 Peru (Publishing throughout Fall 2026)
Peru is much more than Machu Picchu. Across multiple trips, I’ve explored everything from the Sacred Valley and Cusco to Lima, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, and the Peruvian coast. These guides focus on balancing the country’s iconic highlights with places that deserve more attention.
100,000 Points: Across the Ocean – Peru
What to Eat in Peru: Dishes, Desserts, Drinks & Snacks to Try
Peru Is More Than Machu Picchu: A Guide to One of South America’s Most Diverse Countries
Lima Airport Flight Delays & Cancellations: What Two Very Different Travel Days Taught Me
Business Class to Peru. Two Layovers Home.
What to Expect When Visiting Lima
Lima’s Classic Highlights for First-Time Visitors
Exploring Lima’s Historic Center: A Self-Guided Walking Route
Why I Stopped Rushing Through Lima
How to Plan Your Time in Lima
Exploring Lima’s Neighborhoods: Miraflores: The Best Home Base for Your First Trip to Lima
Where to Stay in Miraflores, Lima
Barranco: The Lima Neighborhood I Want to Stay in Next Time
Where to Stay in Barranco, Lima
Is Paracas Worth Visiting? My Thoughts After Visiting Peru’s Coast
Is Huacachina Worth Visiting? What to Do in Ica & Peru’s Desert Oasis
How Many Days Do You Need in Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina?
2 Days in Arequipa: A Relaxed Itinerary for Peru’s White City
What to Eat and Buy in Arequipa: Markets, Local Food and Souvenirs
Best Viewpoints in Arequipa for Volcano Views
How Many Days in Arequipa? City Highlights and Best Day Trips
🇦🇷 Argentina
Argentina gave me some of the biggest contrasts of the trip, from the energy and neighborhoods of Buenos Aires to the glaciers and mountain landscapes of Patagonia. These guides cover both sides of the experience, with realistic itineraries and what I’d prioritize when planning each destination.
🇨🇱 Chile
Chile was one of the places where I most wanted more time. Between Santiago, wine country, colorful Valparaíso, and the landscapes surrounding the city, these guides share what we managed to experience, and what I’d do differently with a few more days.
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Ecuador packed an incredible amount of variety into a relatively small country. From Quito and the Andes to markets, volcanoes, and historic towns, these guides cover the places I explored and what I learned while putting the trip together.
🇺🇾 Uruguay
Uruguay gave us a slower change of pace after some of South America’s bigger cities. These guides cover my time in Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento, including what stood out, how the destinations differed, and where I’d spend my time on another visit.
