In South America, life is lived to the utmost: here, you can dance the tango with abandon in Buenos Aires, venture deep into the jungles of the Amazon, ascend to soaring peaks and mystical ruins in Peru, discover the remote islands of the Galápagos, or travel to the southernmost tip of the Americas in breathtaking Patagonia. Here, sophisticated cities with European flair brush up against lush rainforests filled with wildlife found nowhere else on earth. Each country on this continent boasts its own cultural traditions, informed by the ancient indigenous cultures who came before and the modern heroes who have shaped their present—but they all share a sense of warmth and joy that is distinctly South American. So pack both your dancing shoes and your hiking boots, and you'll be well on your way to discovering why our experienced travelers feel such a strong sense of amor for South America.