South America

If Suriname isn’t already on your radar, it probably should be. This slice of South America delivers the kind of mix that makes flight hunters do a double-take. Dense rainforest adventures, river journeys into near-wilderness, and a capital city (Paramaribo) where wooden colonial architecture sits alongside markets stacked with local flavours and crafts. It’s the kind of place where you can hike up Voltzberg Dome one day and be sampling Indo-Caribbean roti the next. Dive into our latest articles on Suriname travel, and discover the best flights to Suriname

Fly in October - June 2023 to Suriname at $458 RT from Tampa with American Airlines.

Tampa

The United States is a travel heavyweight, packing everything from dazzling skylines and buzzing neon cities to natural wonders so epic they make your camera feel inadequate. It's the land of big ideas and even bigger distances—which is precisely where Jack’s Flight Club comes in. We’re here to help you skip the seriously long bus rides and the soul-crushing flight search by finding the cheap flights for you and proving you don't need to break the bank just to cross a few time zones.
Whether you're planning a swift weekend trip to the Big Apple, a surf session on the West Coast, or a grand tour of the national parks, we've got your back. Our Navigators love sprinkling in a generous helping of insider knowledge to make your trip count—because life’s too short to pay silly money for flights you can’t even brag about.

United States

The United States is a travel heavyweight, packing everything from dazzling skylines and buzzing neon cities to natural wonders so epic they make your camera feel inadequate. It's the land of big ideas and even bigger distances.

Zandery

Suriname

If Suriname isn’t already on your radar, it probably should be. This slice of South America delivers the kind of mix that makes flight hunters do a double-take

Suriname 🌴 at $458 RT

Fly non-stop in July – August & December – January 2024 May to Suriname at €1501 from Amsterdam with Surinam Airways. Two checked bags &

Amsterdam

If you’re still picturing the Netherlands as just one giant postcard of windmills and wooden shoes, you’re missing out on one of Europe’s most dynamic corners. This is the place where historic canal-side cycling meets cutting-edge urban design and a bar culture that’s second to none. We’re scouting the routes to land you the best Netherlands flight deals, whether you’re plotting a culture-heavy weekend in Amsterdam, exploring the industrial cool of Rotterdam, or getting lost in the medieval charm of Utrecht. Don’t just scroll through photos—book the cheap flights to the Netherlands and find out why this place is so much more than just the stereotypes.

Netherlands

This is the place where historic canal-side cycling meets cutting-edge urban design and a bar culture that’s second to none.

*biz class/non-stop* Amsterdam to Suriname 🇸🇷 at €1501

Fly in October - June 2023 to Suriname in $360s-$450s RT from New York/Tampa/Orlando with American Airlines.

New York

Orlando

New York/Tampa/Orlando to Suriname 🌴 in $360s-$450s RT

Time waits for no one, and neither does Black Friday

Boston

Lima

Peru isn’t just Machu Picchu and postcard llamas (though yes, they absolutely deliver on both). From Lima to Cusco and beyond, this is a country where ancient Incan history, high-altitude road trips, Amazon edge towns, and seriously underrated flight routes all collide. Whether you’re hunting for flights to Peru, planning your Machu Picchu tickets, or eyeing up quieter corners like Chiclayo in northern Peru—home to Moche tombs, pyramid valleys, and road trips into Huancabamba’s healing lakes—you’ll find plenty to get stuck into without following the usual backpacker script. Add in budget flight alerts, offbeat Peru travel guides, and tips for exploring Cusco, Lima, and the Sacred Valley, and you’ve got everything you need to plan a Peru trip.

Peru

Peru isn’t just Machu Picchu and postcard llamas (though yes, they absolutely deliver on both). From Lima to Cusco and beyond, this is a country where ancient Incan history, high-altitude road trips, Amazon edge towns, and seriously underrated flight routes all collide.

Rio de Janeiro

Brazil is a continent-sized playground that offers far more than just Carnival parades and postcard-perfect beaches in Rio, and it’s finally time you explored it without the massive price tag. We’re here to help you snag cheap flights to Brazil so you can spend your hard-earned cash on more caipirinhas, fresh feijoada, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of pulsing city nights in São Paulo, trekking into the heart of the Amazon rainforest, or soaking up the iconic views from Christ the Redeemer, we’ve got the insider intel to get you there for less.

Brazil

Brazil is a continent-sized playground that offers far more than just Carnival parades and postcard-perfect beaches in Rio, and it’s finally time you explored it without the massive price tag

São Paulo

Brasília

Georgetown

Guyana is the sort of place that makes seasoned travelers quietly rearrange their bucket lists. South America's only English-speaking country packs in vast rainforests, remarkable wildlife, remote eco-lodges, and the mighty Kaieteur Falls, one of the world's most powerful single-drop waterfalls. It's not a destination built around souvenir shops and sun loungers. It's for river journeys, canopy walks, wildlife spotting, and stories you'll still be telling long after you've unpacked. Whether you're looking for flights to Guyana, planning a Guyana rainforest adventure, or researching the best things to do in Guyana, you'll find our latest articles, travel inspiration, and flight opportunities right here.

Guyana

Guyana is the sort of place that makes seasoned travelers quietly rearrange their bucket lists. South America's only English-speaking country packs in vast rainforests, remarkable wildlife, remote eco-lodges, and the mighty Kaieteur Falls

Bogota

Colombia is a land of vivid contrasts, where you can experience the neon-bright streets of Medellín, the stunning Caribbean coast, and the lush mysteries of the Amazon. From extreme thrills to rare natural phenomena, it’s a country that defies expectations at every turn. Consider this page your ultimate Colombia travel guide, packed with savvy tips on South America’s most diverse landscapes—from extreme thrills to natural phenomena—and the kind of affordable trips that make your friends back home seriously jealous.

Colombia

Colombia is a land of vivid contrasts, where you can experience the neon-bright streets of Medellín, the stunning Caribbean coast, and the lush mysteries of the Amazon.

Cali

Medellin

Aruba

Aruba is affectionately known as "One Happy Island," and for good reason—it's located outside the hurricane belt, making it a safe bet for sunshine almost all year-round. Beyond the guaranteed blue skies, you'll find the stunning white sands of Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, where the water is shallow and translucent, perfect for trying out wind or kite-surfing. It’s also where you can grab that essential vacation snap with the famous pink flamingos. Whether you’re dreaming of those iconic, powder-soft beaches or exploring the colorful streets of Oranjestad, we've got the inside scoop to make your trip happen for less.

Aruba is affectionately known as "One Happy Island," and for good reason—it's located outside the hurricane belt, making it a safe bet for sunshine almost year-round.

Punta Cana

The Dominican Republic is far more than just 'all-inclusive resorts' and merengue — it's a jaw-dropping blend of Caribbean beaches and genuine high-altitude adventure. While Punta Cana and Santo Domingo draw the usual crowd, it’s worth exploring everything from the towering peaks near Santiago (yes, the Dominican Alps are a thing) to the rugged, wave-crushed coastline of Puerto Plata. Whether you're planning a scuba dive in aquamarine waters or need a proper break from the daily grind, this page offers insider tips on diving into the DR's lush mountains and finding affordable Flights to get you there.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is far more than just 'all-inclusive resorts' and merengue — it's a jaw-dropping blend of Caribbean beaches and genuine high-altitude adventure.

Guatemala City

Guatemala

Chicago

Santo Domingo

San Andrés

San Jose, CR

Costa Rica

Managua

Nicaragua

Belize City

Belize

Washington DC

Panama City

Panama

Guayaquil

If your bucket list is screaming for a mix of prehistoric tortoises and jungle-clad adventure, Ecuador is officially calling your name. Beyond the outstanding wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, this South American gem packs a serious punch. You have misty cloud forests, high-altitude Andean hikes, and the vibrant streets of Quito, all without the tourist stampedes. This page holds all you'll need to explore Ecuador, including the Flight, so prepare to tick a major adventure off your list.

Ecuador

If your bucket list is screaming for a mix of prehistoric tortoises and jungle-clad adventure, Ecuador is officially calling your name. Beyond the outstanding wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, this South American gem packs a serious punch

Manta

Barranquilla

Curaçao

If your definition of a “balanced diet” is a blue cocktail in one hand and a snorkel in the other, welcome to Curaçao! Beyond the iconic, pastel-perfect Dutch Colonial architecture of Willemstad—the island's iconic capital—you’ll find hidden coves with water so blue it honestly looks a bit photoshopped. Plus a local scene that doesn’t take itself too seriously; there’s even a “Williwood” sign if you’re looking for a laugh. Whether you’re here to snorkel through crystal-clear reefs or just soak up that laid-back island rhythm, this is a destination that stays with you long after the tan fades.

If your definition of a “balanced diet” is a blue cocktail in one hand and a snorkel in the other, welcome to Curaçao!

Port of Spain

Torn between a world-class party and a total beach escape? Stop fretting, because with a trip to the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago, you get both. Trinidad is the vibrant, energetic home of the Caribbean's most famous Carnival and a cultural melting pot, while sister island Tobago offers a slower pace with lush rainforests and picturesque white sand beaches. Whether you're planning a trip to dance till dawn in Port of Spain or feel the need to finally soak up some Caribbean sun, we've got you! With affordable Flights to Trinidad and Tobago, experiencing Trinidadian doubles paired with a Carib beer doesn't seem so far-fetched anymore.

Trinidad and Tobago

Torn between a world-class party and a total beach escape? Stop fretting, because with a trip to the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago, you get both.

Baltimore

Quito

Pereira

Santa Marta

Las Vegas

San Diego

San Salvador

El Salvador

San Francisco

Bridgetown

Ready for endless sunshine and a rum punch? Then look no further than Barbados, the island Queen Rhi Rhi herself called "pretty much perfect". This Caribbean hotspot is famous for its electric blue water, white-sand beaches (and yes, none of them is private; an absolute win!), and the capital, Bridgetown, which is the birthplace of rum and packed with history.
Getting around is an adventure in itself on the famous "ZR buses", which are privately owned minibuses decked out in incredibly creative, doodle-adorned interiors. And the best part? Unlike some Caribbean spots, Barbados' beauty is super accessible: you can be snorkelling among tropical fish and shipwrecks in Calise Bay less than 30 minutes from the airport. So, if you need a dose of Caribbean chill, check out our Barbados tips and Flights.

Barbados

Ready for endless sunshine and a rum punch? Then look no further than Barbados, the island Queen Rhi Rhi herself called "pretty much perfect".

Kingston

Stop just dreaming about those turquoise Caribbean waters and start planning that perfect getaway to Jamaica, the home of good vibes, hospitable people and incredible food! This island is pure bucket-list material, offering everything from the cultural heart of Kingston and the party vibes of Montego Bay to dreamy beaches, but the real star is the culture. We’re talking legendary reggae, Red Stripe beers, and some seriously succulent Jamaican food (yes, jerk chicken is just the start). We've got the essential travel advice you need, so you can spend less on the flight and more on that well-earned rum punch.

Jamaica

Stop just dreaming about those turquoise Caribbean waters and start planning that perfect getaway to Jamaica, the home of good vibes, hospitable people and incredible food!

Los Angeles

Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is the island that gives you two vacations for the price of one, thanks to a delightful dose of Caribbean sunshine and a fascinating mix of Dutch and French cultures. The island packs in two cultures, two cuisines and a surprising amount of variety for somewhere you can drive across in under an hour. Whether you’re here to watch planes roar inches above your head at Maho Beach, kayak the crystal-clear waters of Pinel Island, or hunt for the steepest zipline in the Caribbean at Rockland State, our Navigators have done the heavy lifting to track the most sensible routes and fares.

Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is the island that gives you two vacations for the price of one, thanks to a delightful dose of Caribbean sunshine and a fascinating mix of Dutch and French cultures.

Austin

Denver

Porto Alegre

Cartagena

Atlanta

David

Santiago

Chile is basically nature’s way of showing off, squeezed into an impossibly skinny strip of land that refuses to settle for just one vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can spend your morning gasping at the jagged, snow-capped Andes, only to find yourself a few hours later leaning back in a sun-drenched wine valley near Santiago, debating if a second glass of Carménère counts as "cultural research." If the mainland’s mix of alpine peaks and lush vineyards isn't enough of a flex, there’s always the remote, wind-swept mystery of Easter Island. We’re here to help you supercharge your travel experience with insider tips, curated Flights, and everything you need to know to explore Chile’s stunning mountain scenery and vibrant culture for less.

Chile

Chile is basically nature’s way of showing off, squeezed into an impossibly skinny strip of land that refuses to settle for just one vibe.

Belo Horizonte

Chiclayo

Latin America & the Caribbean 🌴 in $210s-$490s RT

Fly in October-May to Suriname at $389 RT from Chicago with American Airlines. 

Chicago to Suriname 🌳 at $389 RT  

Fly in September-July to Suriname in $300s-$440s RT from Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago or Atlanta with American Airlines. 

Philadelphia

Suriname 🌳 in $300s-$440s RT   

French Guiana

Paraguay

Venezuela

This article was originally published in The Detour in January 2024, before Ecuador was added to the piece linked below. We have made some updates to reflect the change.
<hr>
Scrolling wistfully through another of the countless &ldquo;best countries to visit for XYZ&rdquo; lists, I found myself stopping and re-reading the title: &ldquo;<a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/south-america/best-countries-visit-south-america-b2472253.html?lid=vbe18r4pg8ch">7 of the best countries to visit in South America</a>.&rdquo;
When there are only 12 countries on the continent (*plus one French overseas department), it makes you wonder what it takes to become one of the glaring omissions? For some, it&rsquo;s undoubtedly political unrest (*ahem* Venezuela) but for the others, it just seems to be a case of poor PR. Let&rsquo;s get stuck in&hellip;
<h2 id="ecuador">Ecuador</h2>
Ecuador had absolutely no business being left off this list when it was originally published in 2024&mdash;they had David Attenborough, for goodness&rsquo; sake! As the home of the Gal&aacute;pagos Islands, it&rsquo;s probably one of the most inspiring destinations for wildlife on the entire continent, or even planet. Grab a cuppa and sit down with <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://youtu.be/dTdyRTN9Baw?si=fOGbb23vHO-sY2DX">the legend himself</a> if you need a refresher.
And there&rsquo;s more where that came from on <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://inspiredbymaps.com/isla-de-la-plata-ecuador-alternative-to-the-galapagos/">Isla de la Plata</a>, aka the Poor Man&rsquo;s Gal&aacute;pagos, where you can catch a glimpse of some <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://youtu.be/lcPHFQP9GN0?si=YREZZJi-QKwT7m__&amp;t=11">blue footed boobies</a> without burning a hole in your pocket. You&rsquo;ll even find a mess of iguanas just hanging out in the centre of Guayaquil. Yes, a <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/guayaquil-iguana-park/">mess</a>.

The capital, Quito, will take you inland to the foot of the Andes. The city&rsquo;s <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyeVKim6mUc">cable car</a> offers up seriously epic views over the <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/quito-ecuador-underrated-capital-city/index.html">historical city</a>, while <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://www.ecuador.com/attractions/sights/mitad-del-mundo/">Mitad del Mundo</a> serves as a humbling reminder of the time someone bungled marking where the <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://www.aswesawit.com/real-equator-line/#:~:text=The%20Equator%20line%20is%20located,and%20do%20when%20you%20arrive.">real equator crossing</a> is. On top of that, Quito is also the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon and <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://www.muchbetteradventures.com/magazine/yasuni-national-park-ecuador-amazon-biodiversity/">Parque Nacional Yasun&iacute;</a>, one of the most diverse biospheres on earth. Can&rsquo;t argue with that.
Buuuut here&rsquo;s the catch: Ecuador has been <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/how-ecuador-became-a-narco-state/">in the news a lot</a> recently due to political unrest, gang warfare, and general violence. In and around Guayaquil, narco activity has increased as gangs fight for control of the ports to ship drugs produced in Colombia and Peru.
The Ecuadorian government initiated a state of emergency, meaning there&rsquo;s an increased military presence and daily curfew in place across the country while they attempt to regain control. That said,&nbsp;<a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/ecuador">current travel advice</a> still considers most of Ecuador safe to travel to, especially the national parks and Amazon region, as well as the Gal&aacute;pagos.
We wouldn&rsquo;t blame you for hesitating about booking flights right now, but in theory, there&rsquo;s nothing to stop us heading off into the jungle&hellip;
<h2 id="paraguay">Paraguay</h2>
Right in the middle of South America lies land-locked Paraguay. As international tourists go, the country is pretty overlooked&mdash;in 2022, only 1.5 million foreigners visited Paraguay, over 75% of whom came from neighbouring Argentina.
So, why don&rsquo;t we go there? According to the Global Peace Index, it&rsquo;s <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://worldlyadventurer.com/is-it-safe-to-travel-south-america/">not because it&rsquo;s dangerous</a>. Like most built-up cities, the capital, Asunci&oacute;n, isn&rsquo;t free of crime, but if you keep your wits about you and don&rsquo;t wave your valuables around, you should be good.
It turns out the reason hardly anyone visits Paraguay is that <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://www.czickontheroad.com/is-paraguay-worth-the-visit">there&rsquo;s nothing to do</a> there. Or so we think.

Asunci&oacute;n is one of the oldest settlements in South America, and now a <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/beckbamberger/2023/05/06/paraguays-asuncion-is-quietly-enticing-tourists/?sh=6175635370b1">vibrant, modern city,</a> dotted with colonial ruins, local markets and a <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-restaurants-in-asuncion-paraguay-5198743">food scene</a> that&rsquo;ll tickle most taste buds. Unless you don&rsquo;t eat meat&mdash;then you should bring a packed lunch.
Down south, there&rsquo;s plenty more evidence of the country&rsquo;s chequered history at the impressive 17th century <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://www.timetravelturtle.com/paraguay/jesuit-ruins/">Jesuit ruins</a>, which were built by missionaries in an effort to convert the local Guaran&iacute; people.
There&rsquo;s plenty of beautiful (tourist-free) nature out there as well, like the quiet beaches of <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://youtu.be/pUZAnErHMYQ?si=yY3xBdQ86jZuU3Ax">Laguna Blanca</a>, or <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://nationalparksofparaguay.blogspot.com/2013/08/ybycui-national-park-part-2.html">Ybycu&iacute; National Park</a> with its monkeys, tropical birds and (fairly modest) waterfalls. Although, when it comes to waterfalls, save yourself a trip to see the big guns at Iguazu by checking out the <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/salto-de-monday">Saltos del Monday</a> instead. Or, realistically, visit them as well.
<h2 id="suriname">Suriname</h2>
Much like Paraguay, there&rsquo;s no special safety risk when it comes to visiting Suriname. Again, don&rsquo;t be flashy or walk around dark areas at night, and you&rsquo;re likely to be just fine. That said, <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/suriname/safety-and-security">government advice</a> suggests travelling with a tour company if you&rsquo;re heading away from coastal areas and into the centre of the country.
And that&rsquo;s exactly where you&rsquo;ll find the <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g3364167-d1537809-Reviews-Central_Suriname_Nature_Reserve-Saramacca_District.html#/media-atf/1537809/416229273:p/?albumid=-160&amp;type=0&amp;category=-160">lush nature reserves</a> that absolutely shouldn&rsquo;t be missed. From the imposing mountains, to the hundreds of indigenous bird species (and a few <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://ebird.org/species/gcoroc1">giggle-worthy names</a>), it&rsquo;s well worth making the effort to leave the Caribbean coast. There are loads of tour companies available in the region, but <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g294082-d19819244-Reviews-Impressive_Suriname_Travel_Services-Paramaribo_Paramaribo_District.html">Impressive Suriname</a> get excellent reviews.

But the capital, Paramaribo, also deserves a couple of days on your itinerary. The city's imposing structures are essential stops. The cathedral is the largest wooden church in the region and <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://notesonslowtravel.com/the-wooden-st-peter-and-paul-cathedral-in-paramaribo-suriname/">sure lives up to the hype</a>, while <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://www.alluringworld.com/fort-zeelandia/">Fort Zeelandia</a> is perched upon the banks of the river, reminding visitors of the long colonial history.
Paramaribo is an ideal place to sample a few local dishes&mdash;many of which you&rsquo;ll recognise. Surinamese cuisine takes influences from India, Indonesia, Africa, China&hellip; the list really does go on, so don&rsquo;t be surprised if you&rsquo;re served up a <a style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-family: 'Work Sans',Helvetica, Arial !important; color: #0ebfff;" href="https://travelfoodatlas.com/food-of-suriname-10-must-try-traditional-dishes">roti or nasi</a>.
<h2 id="venezuela">Venezuela</h2>
This one might be the most obvious on the list of &ldquo;why we don&rsquo;t go there&rdquo;&mdash;years of civil unrest, a shortage of basic public services and harsh living conditions are just the start. Violent crime rates are high, and renewed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visualcapitalist.com/the-venezuela-guyana-dispute-explained-in-3-maps/?lid=i4q7gfubjm6y">territorial disputes</a>&nbsp;with neighbouring Guyana just add to the tension.
It&rsquo;s a shame, because otherwise, Venezuela kind of has it all in terms of reasons to visit&mdash;stunning&nbsp;<a href="https://passporterapp.com/en/blog/venezuela/best-beaches-in-venezuela/?lid=3m1un2jigmy1#1-The-beaches-of-Los-Roques-archipelago">Caribbean coastline</a>, the actual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/waterfalls/latin-america-angel-falls/?lid=vlddp5v7e9uj">tallest waterfall in the world</a>, impressive&nbsp;<a href="https://artsandculture.google.com/story/mount-roraima-ephemera-documentary/0wVBNbmVRPLfoA?hl=en&amp;lid=t249ul2h1vrs">table-top mountains</a>, its own corner of the Amazon&hellip; Oh, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.willflyforfood.net/food-in-venezuela/?lid=8hq82p66be53">super tasty food</a>, which I've (so far) only tasted in Berlin.
Sadly, most of us will likely be waiting a while before experiencing it first hand.

<h2 id="guyana">Guyana</h2>
Guyana&rsquo;s safety levels land somewhere (<a href="https://westviewnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/null-24.jpeg">fairly appropriately</a>) between Suriname and Venezuela, especially when you&rsquo;re in the capital, Georgetown. And while Georgetown does have a few things worth seeing (another one for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/st-georges-cathedral?lid=ghgoi1tncegg">big wooden church</a>&nbsp;lovers), it&rsquo;s really inland that you&rsquo;ll want to go.
Guyana offers a lot to thrill the adventurous traveller, but be sure to sign up for guided tours with a&nbsp;<a href="http://exploreguyana.org/?lid=25ghn6tp70kb">reputable company</a>&nbsp;for the best rainforest adventures.
<a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/worlds-largest-single-drop-waterfall-kaieteur-falls-guyana?lid=itwktx4ig72f">Kaieteur</a>&nbsp;is the world's largest single drop waterfall, and the best (and easiest) way to see it is from a bird's eye view on an aerial tour. These cost $220-$270 per person and usually include a guided tour of Kaieteur National Park as well.
If you have a few more days (and dollars) you could book a guided&nbsp;<a href="https://www.enchantedexpeditions.com/tour-item/kaieteur-falls/">4-day trip over land</a>. This is a more intimate way to see the country, with meals, lodging, and transportation to the start of the hiking trail included.
While tourism is relatively new to Guyana, it's already setting itself up to be as sustainable as possible. You'll be spoilt for choice with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greentraveller.co.uk/post/where-to-stay-in-guyana?lid=712vad2oxjr8">eco lodges</a>, many of which are still working ranches or conservation hubs.
The bravest travellers can even&nbsp;<a href="http://caimanhouse.com/?lid=sin6zp694i25">tag along with researchers</a>&nbsp;while they capture and study the black caiman - one of the world's largest reptiles that rule the rivers of Guyana. Don't worry, you can stay in the other boat while they do the wrangling!

<h2 id="french-guiana">French Guiana</h2>
Last but not least, the slight anomaly in the bunch&mdash;French Guiana. Not actually a country, it is in fact an overseas department of France, meaning it&rsquo;s part of the EU and uses the Euro. And as a bonus, when it comes to safety, you should just follow normal precautions.
As you might guess from the other countries mentioned, you&rsquo;ll most likely be here for the nature. After landing in Cayenne, head north towards the border with Suriname. Cruises&mdash;definitely&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/GpL7ZIjNo5o?t=15&amp;lid=y2jtbhb0q3z7">not the ones</a>&nbsp;you're thinking about&mdash;leave from Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni to navigate all the way into the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espritparcnational.com/en/live-experiences/forests-tales-and-legends/guiana-amazonian-park-forests-tales?lid=rwdey58v803r">Guiana Amazonian Park</a>. Sitting on the wooden canoes for 3+ hours can be quite uncomfortable, but spotting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_NUmm2D8OW4?lid=g3u4vyol5waf">these guys</a>&nbsp;is absolutely worth the flat bum!
Before hopping on your canoe, make a stop at Hattes Beach. Not only it's an incredibly pretty spot, it is also the perfect&nbsp;<a href="https://anitabeyondthesea.com/beaches-in-french-guiana/#aioseo-les-hattes-beach">nesting location</a>&nbsp;for huge leatherback turtles - a good addition to those&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmbhlnwjuVo&amp;ab_channel=Danslesfor%C3%AAtsdeGuyane&amp;lid=rxbe3stz6rlw">toucans and giant otters</a>.
You&rsquo;ll find plenty of&nbsp;<a href="https://etichotels.com/journal/top-10-sustainable-hotels-in-french-guiana/?lid=aq6ahddve7rd">eco lodges</a>&nbsp;scattered around the jungle, in case you don&rsquo;t like the idea of sleeping on a hammock in the middle of the forest. Just don&rsquo;t forget to bring a power-bank and a torch&mdash;most accommodation doesn&rsquo;t have electricity.

That completes that list of destinations that&nbsp;The Independent didn&rsquo;t deem &ldquo;the best&rdquo;! Honestly, they all seem pretty exciting to me&hellip;
Let us know what you thought! Are these spots worth the visit? Where else in South America do you want to give a shout-out? Comment below to share your experiences!

Suriname

Suriname at $458 RT

biz class/non-stop Amsterdam to Suriname at €1501

New York/Tampa/Orlando to Suriname in $360s-$450s RT

Latin America & the Caribbean in $210s-$490s RT

Chicago to Suriname at $389 RT

Suriname in $300s-$440s RT

The South American Countries We Never Talk About

Suriname on the map

Suriname

Suriname at $458 RT

*biz class/non-stop* Amsterdam to Suriname at €1501

New York/Tampa/Orlando to Suriname in $360s-$450s RT

Latin America & the Caribbean in $210s-$490s RT

Chicago to Suriname at $389 RT

Suriname in $300s-$440s RT

The South American Countries We Never Talk About

Suriname on the map

biz class/non-stop Amsterdam to Suriname at €1501