When it comes to countries, we don't play favorites. So consider the information parsed in the stories below to be light fare for your larger South American banquet—a glimpse into the continent's largest country, and an exploration of one of its most mystic, mythical, and physically taxing locales.

Take a look at our off-season guides to Peru and Brazil, where tropic climes and sporadic rains reduce prices and crowds, and then explore the rest of our coverage on the entirety of South America. Then all that's left is to plan your trip and curse the fact that vacations can last for only so long...

Shoulder Season: Brazil
Rock climbing, surfing, jungle trekking, river-rafting—whichever your pleasure, Brazil will elevate your passion for all things active. And then there's the food, the beaches, the waterfalls, the men and women...

Shoulder Season: Peru
From the heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon, from the mysteries of Machu Picchu to the cobblestone streets of Cuzco, our expert guides you through the money-saving Orchid Season.

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS IN PERU AND BRAZIL
Brazil's Top 20 Adventures
Surfing the Amazon River
Brazil's Pantanal: The Wilder Amazon
Peru's Top 20 Adventures
Raft Peru's Cotahuasi River
The Mysteries of Machu Picchu