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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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Stacey Mullinger

House of Travel Northlink (formerly Northlands)

I have owned the business for 9 years and have 25 years industry experience.

I have been lucky enough to travel to many parts of the world, while I love my family holidays I also love a bit of an adventure, my favourite destinations are Africa and Peru. I love sharing my travel stories with people and helping make travel dreams come true!

Stacey

Toni Rendell

House of Travel Rotorua

As a 17 year old, I headed off to Finland on a student exchange for a year, my first ever overseas trip and the start of my passion for travel.

Whether it’s a quick jaunt across the Tasman, an adventure through Vietnam or a guided coach tour of Europe, I love working with you to create the perfect holiday.

Having been in the industry for over 30 years, I have an extensive knowledge of airfares, and travel providers, I combine that with the knowledge of my returning customers and the wisdom of the House of Travel collective to craft your travel.

There sure is a lot you need to know and I pride myself on keeping up to date with industry trends and changes. That may be new destinations to visit, beautiful places to stay or changes in travel requirements.

So get in touch and let me help make your travel dreams come true.

Toni

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