Wanderlust · 6 min read · 2026

Top South American Destinations to Visit this Year

A handful of countries in South America have been moving up on our Good Trip Index for the last few years, so we have picked out the top four destinations for a good trip in South America.

Short on time? Let us summarise this guide for you.

The Holiday Extras Good Trip Index blends seven ethical indicators, from sustainability and wellbeing to press freedom and animal welfare, to highlight destinations where travelling responsibly is easier. In South America, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay rise to the top, combining epic landscapes with improving scores on our index. Brazil is also a recent riser in 2025 as Lulu's government unpicks the legacy of Bolsonaro. From Galapagos wildlife and the Atacama Desert to Iguazu Falls and Uruguay’s inclusive coastal resorts, this guide shows you where to go for a trip that feels good for you and the places you visit.

How the Holiday Extras Good Trip Index works

To help make travelling responsibly less of a hassle, we pulled together seven of the definitive country-level indices that cover the main ethical issues UK holidaymakers told us were important to them when deciding where to go on holiday.

Sustainable travel, human rights, women’s rights, LGBTQI+ rights, press freedom, animal welfare and wellbeing and quality of life in the country all feed into the Holiday Extras Good Trip Index. The result is a simple way to shortlist destinations where it is easier to leave only footprints and take only photos.

Why South America stands out

South America is one of the most diverse regions on earth, with dense jungles, ancient ruins, volcanic archipelagos and some of the most exciting cities on the planet. Our latest Good Trip Index scores show several South American countries climbing the rankings in 2024 and 2025, meaning it is becoming easier to match big bucket list adventures with more responsible choices.

From Ecuador’s Amazon lodges and Galapagos conservation efforts to Uruguay’s focus on renewable energy and LGBTQI+ rights, you will find plenty of ways to travel better. Here are the four South American destinations that score best on our Good Trip Index this year.

Ecuador

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44th in the world

Ecuador is like South America in miniature, with a little bit of everything we associate with this diverse continent, from dense jungles to ancient ruins and delicious food.

The eastern part of the country is covered by the Amazon Rainforest, home to incredibly rich and unique wildlife and plenty of opportunities for adventure. You can canoe along the river and its tributaries, learn about the indigenous communities that call the area home and see how many rare animals you can spot.

If it is rare animals you are after, then the Galapagos Islands are the place to go. This volcanic archipelago is one of the most unique and diverse destinations for wildlife in the world, home to giant tortoises, marine iguanas and the iconic blue-footed booby.

For ancient history, head to the Inca ruins of Ingapirca. Vast walls and terraces encircle the Temple of the Sun, which was used hundreds of years ago to chart the paths of the stars.

Chile

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39th in the world

Chile has some incredibly varied geography all wedged between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, from the desolate peaks of the Andes to the fertile vineyards of the Central Valley.

If you like dry places, Chile is home to the Atacama Desert, often described as the driest place on earth. Some parts are so arid that almost nothing can survive, which has led to comparisons with Mars. It is an eerie, beautiful landscape, with desolate ruins from long-gone indigenous communities and more recent ghost towns left behind after the twentieth-century nitrate boom.

Heading south, you reach the Chilean Lake District, where snow-crested mountains slope into vibrant green foothills and pristine glacial lakes. It is a popular spot for hiking, fishing and white-water rafting, and a good base if you want big nature with comfortable lodges and small towns close by.

Argentina

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33rd in the world

Among Argentina’s most famous exports are tango, wine and footballers like Maradona and Messi. Buenos Aires, sometimes called the Paris of South America, is an intoxicating mix of European and Latin American influences, with grand architecture, leafy barrios and a vibrant culture. It is the perfect place to start your Argentinian adventure.

You will also find stunning natural wonders like Iguazu Falls, where the Iguazu River forms a natural border between Argentina and Brazil. Around 80 metres high and stretching 2,700 metres wide, it is a spectacular sight as millions of litres of water thunder over the edge every second.

Then there is Patagonia, the southern portion of the Andes where rugged peaks give way to vast plains, glaciers and fjords. Whether you are hiking in national parks or cruising among icebergs, it feels like the edge of the world in the best possible way.

Uruguay

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26th in the world

Our top place for a good trip in South America is Uruguay. It scores highest out of all South American countries on the Good Trip Index and has a top score for LGBTQI+ travel, making it the most gay-friendly country in South America according to our data.

Visitors can expect a blend of European, African and indigenous influences in charming colonial towns, along with beautiful beaches, dramatic plains and plenty of national parks. Uruguay also has a strong focus on environmental sustainability, with a large share of its energy coming from wind and solar power.

The capital, Montevideo, is rich in colonial history, with an atmospheric old town full of characterful streets and buildings that are a delight to get lost in.

Punta del Este on the south eastern coast is an ideal destination for first-time visitors, with smart resorts, an energetic nightlife and long sandy beaches where it is very easy to slow down.