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South America

Vibrant rhythms, rich passions and ancient wonders

Vibrant rhythms, rich passions and ancient wonders

With rainforests that provide 20% of the world’s oxygen and remnants from ancient Incan cities, South America is a continent swimming in unbelievable beauty. Think world-famous waterfalls, drool-inducing cuisine and a feverish passion for soccer that pulses across all its cities. The fiestas are loud, the dancing’s dramatic and nobody goes to bed before sunrise.

South America is one mixed-bag of diverse treasures - you’ll find famed vineyards and ruby-red Malbec in Argentina, alpacas in Machu Picchu and Christ the Redeemer in Rio. In Colombia, play tejo, a game that tests your throwing accuracy. Bolivia offers you an insight into the still practiced art of witchcraft and across many countries, swap your English Breakfast tea for a cup of ‘mate tea’. If you can get to a ranch and see a famed South American cowboy (referred to as a gaucho in the local lingo), you’ll be seriously impressed at their horsemanship. And one of the best meals on the planet has to be an asado - a very delicious BBQ type meal. Embrace the change in language and the later nights. Take your time when out and about and enjoy the slower pace of life.

Embrace the change in language and the later nights. Take your time when out and about and enjoy the slower pace of life. Connect with one of our South America specialists to create your dream holiday, today!

Flight time.

Flying from Auckland to Santiago offers a direct service, meaning your flight time is just around 11 hours non-stop.

Best time to go.

For South America, the best time to visit the Southern Cone is during their summer (November to March). Brazil is best to visit during the dry season (May to September). Peru and Bolivia is best during the dry season (May to October). Ecuador and Galapagos Islands is best from June to November.

Time difference.

South America spans several time zones, but most countries are around 15 to 17 hours behind New Zealand Standard Time (NZST, GMT +12).

Our South America travel blogs

On a Solo'ish adventure

Got an inner urge to get out and explore, but none of your travel buddies can make it happen? One big misconception is that you must be single if you’re travelling alone.

12 days in Argentina - Our popular itinerary

House of Travel Calder and Lawson’s Loris Sowman offers up an ideal itinerary that samples the best of South America

6 destinations our consultants can't stop talking about

From Albania to Iceland here are the 6 must-visit destinations our consultants are raving about.

Be spellbound by Iguazu Falls

South America

Walk the Inca Trail and see the sun rise over Machu Picchu

Machu Piccu

Hidden gems you'll love in the Americas

When planning a great American adventure, the sheer size of both continents can be overwhelming. To help, we suggest the next places you’ll love, based on better known places you might have already enjoyed!

Lets go somewhere different

Here are five destinations we think everyone should experience in their lifetime.

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Our South America specialists

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Gavin Rasikaran

House of Travel Auckland City

I'm Gavin Rasikaran, your dedicated travel expert with a passion for exploring the world and a commitment to making your travel dreams a reality.

With over 40 years of experience in the travel industry, I've had the privilege of helping countless clients embark on unforgettable journeys to destinations near and far.

When it comes to planning an International trip, be it just one destination or an around the world journey, it call all become overwhelming and daunting. Together with you, I will help you plan a perfect holiday taking the stress away, personalised to you.

Gavin

Nigel Bennett

House of Travel High Street Lanes, Christchurch CBD

I love and get joy from creating amazing holidays and experiences for people.

I have travelled extensively all around the world so wherever you want to go or whatever you want to do I can assist you with reaching your dream holiday.

Nigel

Jo Coolen

House of Travel Kapiti Coast

For a long time, I've told people I have the best job in the world and I still stand by that.

What could be better than turning peoples dreams into reality? I never know what the day will bring and isn't variety the spice of life?

My travel journey started a bit later in my life, so I haven't been everywhere YET, but I am having a damn good crack at it, gathering local knowledge along the way.

Alisha Lockie

House of Travel Ferrymead

I have travelled to over 40 countries and I am always plotting what's next - however, the more places I experience, the longer the longer the list gets! I love the anticipation of a new adventure and learning as much as I can from every new journey. I am a self-described travel enthusiast, so being able to talk travel every day and share my passion for travel is a dream come true. I love helping people realize their travel dreams and being able to live vicariously through experiences.

Getting to know my clients and learning what's important to them is something I really enjoy, and helps when creating an itinerary that's is as unique and as special as the traveler.

There is nothing more satisfying to me than a client popping in after their journey with tales to tell of the adventures they've had. I love hearing peoples stories and experiences as every experience is so different - there is no universal truth or one size fits all option when it comes to travel!

For me travel is inspiring and transformative - it allows you to learn more about the world around you, and in the process, more about yourself.

Alisha