10 Unique Adventures You Can Only Have in South America

That DON'T include ziplining.Many of what used to be South America’s classic adventures, like the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu, are now overrun with luxury hotels, fancy trains, and cruises that erase much of the challenge. Look past the most popular spots on social media, ignore the overwhelming list of zip lines, and you’ll find the continent is still brimming with adventure. Prepare for the thrill of getting somewhere on your own two feet or by boat, sometimes battling extreme heat or cold, especially at high altitudes. Any ecosystem you want can be had here, from the nine countries that house part of the Amazon Rainforest to the glaciated Patagonian Ice Field to the Atacama, the driest desert in the world. Beware tours that objectify Indigenous cultures but be open to community-led tourism that directly benefits Indigenous communities. Whatever country or countries you choose, you’ll have a wild variety of adventures to pick from.