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Scrolling wistfully through another of the countless “best countries to visit for XYZ” lists, I recently found myself stopping and re-reading the title: “ 7 of the best countries to visit in South America.”

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’s undoubtedly political unrest (*ahem* Venezuela) but for the others, it just seems to be a case of poor PR. Let’s get stuck in…

Ecuador

Ecuador has absolutely no business being left off this list in terms of fame and good PR—they got David Attenborough, for goodness’ sake! As the home of the Galápagos Islands, it’s probably one of the most inspiring destinations for wildlife on the entire continent, or even planet. Grab a cuppa and sit down with the legend himself if you need a refresher.

And there’s more where that came from on Isla de la Plata, aka the Poor Man’s Galápagos, where you can catch a glimpse of some blue footed boobies without burning a hole in your pocket. You’ll even find a mess of iguanas just hanging out in the centre of Guayaquil. Yes, a mess.

The capital, Quito, will take you inland to the foot of the Andes. The city’s cable car offers up seriously epic views over the historical city, while Mitad del Mundo serves as a humbling reminder of the time someone bungled marking where the real equator crossing is. On top of that, Quito is also the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon and Parque Nacional Yasuní, one of the most diverse biospheres on earth. Can’t argue with that.

Buuuut here’s the catch: Ecuador has been in the news a lot 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 recently initiated a state of emergency, meaning there’s an increased military presence and daily curfew in place across the country while they attempt to regain control. That said, current travel advice still considers most of Ecuador safe to travel to, especially the national parks and Amazon region, as well as the Galápagos.

We wouldn’t blame you for hesitating about booking flights right now, but in theory, there’s nothing to stop us heading off into the jungle…

Paraguay

Right in the middle of South America lies land-locked Paraguay. As international tourists go, the country is pretty overlooked—in 2022, only 1.5 million foreigners visited Paraguay, over 75% of whom came from neighbouring Argentina.

So, why don’t we go there? According to the Global Peace Index, it’s not because it’s dangerous. Like most built-up cities, the capital, Asunción, isn’t free of crime, but if you keep your wits about you and don’t wave your valuables around, you should be good.

It turns out the reason hardly anyone visits Paraguay is that there’s nothing to do there. Or so we think.

Asunción is one of the oldest settlements in South America, and now a vibrant, modern city, dotted with colonial ruins, local markets and a food scene that’ll tickle most taste buds. Unless you don’t eat meat—then you should bring a packed lunch.

Down south, there’s plenty more evidence of the country’s chequered history at the impressive 17th century Jesuit ruins, which were built by missionaries in an effort to convert the local Guaraní people.

There’s plenty of beautiful (tourist-free) nature out there as well, like the quiet beaches of Laguna Blanca, or Ybycuí National Park 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 Saltos del Monday instead. Or, realistically, visit them as well.

Suriname

Much like Paraguay, there’s no special safety risk when it comes to visiting Suriname. Again, don’t be flashy or walk around dark areas at night, and you’re likely to be just fine. That said, government advice suggests travelling with a tour company if you’re heading away from coastal areas and into the centre of the country.

And that’s exactly where you’ll find the lush nature reserves that absolutely shouldn’t be missed. From the imposing mountains, to the hundreds of indigenous bird species (and a few giggle-worthy names), it’s well worth making the effort to leave the Caribbean coast. There are loads of tour companies available in the region, but Impressive Suriname 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 sure lives up to the hype, while Fort Zeelandia 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—many of which you’ll recognise. Surinamese cuisine takes influences from India, Indonesia, Africa, China… the list really does go on, so don’t be surprised if you’re served up a roti or nasi.

That’s where we’ll pause for today—the rest of South America’s forgotten destinations will get their moment in the sun next week.

We’d love to hear from you if you’ve been to any of these countries! Are they worth a visit? Did they beat any of the bigger countries for you? Just hit ‘Reply’ to share your experiences!

Here are a few more travel plans from team JFC to inspire your 2024 trips.

Fran Flight Finder

Favourite trip: Pantanal + Iguazu Falls

What made you travel there: I travelled there to discover parts of Brazil that I had not visited when living in the country. It was incredibly special because my mum was with me, and she could finally see why I love that country so much. Plus, I got to horse ride in the most beautiful, lush nature!

On the cards for 2024: The Tanzania trip with the team and some more mum quality time in Korea and Japan!

Dream error fare: Brazil, once again...

Allan Flight Finding Team Lead

Favourite trip: Non-race related, probably Prague!

What made you travel there: I'd heard so many good things from so many friends about Prague. People who studied abroad there, people who visited with family, even coworkers. I only had two days there, but it was so walkable, so beautiful and so full of life. I put in days with 35,000+ steps in Prague, completely alone, just wandering the streets and popping into any place that looked interesting. It was amazing.
It was also my first time fully solo travelling (nice because I can be a bit annoying to others when I'm travelling) so the itinerary was fully mine and I had total freedom. It made me more confident to solo travel in my next stop on the trip, Belgium, and it helped me confront fears of eating meals alone in restaurants and going to famed ruin bars alone at night. Did I make new friends? no, not at all. But would I solo travel again?...

On the cards for 2024: Yes I will be solo travelling again! I'll be in Athens & Paris in February totally alone and I'm excited to see how it goes for a second time. I've been to Paris before so while I'm excited to go there again, alone this time, it's less of a thrill than seeing somewhere new in Athens. Actually being in Greece after learning about it and eating their food for so long will be a blast of an experience and it checks somewhere new off my list.
Also, this Europe trip is powered by an error fare we found from New York to Paris for only $230 RT! My total airfare (including 3 more flights to Belgrade, Athens and one back to Paris) only came out to less than $450 so I'm hoping to make the trip on a completely shoestring budget of $1,500 for the week.

Dream error fare: Japan's prices have been dropping lower and lower!

Kiran Marketing

Favourite trip: Austria

What made you travel there: Beautiful landscapes, the country is mesmerizing.

On the cards for 2024: I’m planning to visit Italy to have all the good food!

Dream error fare: Anywhere in the USA

Olivia Flight Finder

Favourite trip: Juneau, Alaska

What made you travel there: Because it has great hiking + nature and because flights were cheap from Seattle so it was a doable weekend trip. Everything was so lush and gorgeous, and it was very cool to see glaciers and massive waterfalls.

On the cards for 2024: I'm going to be spending a few months each in New Orleans and Canada (Quebec/Ontario) because they've been on my travel list for ages. I'm most excited for the museums, restaurants, and bars.

Dream error fare: Anywhere in Europe - I've never been and it's on my to-do list for this year.

On Astrotourism...

On travelling to Tanzania...

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel news from across the web this week.

• In the mood for somewhere new on your next US road trip? These are apparently the most charming small towns in every state.
• Top tip: skip the Berlin TV tower. It’s officially been crowned the world’s most underwhelming attraction. What an accolade!
• Looking back on one of the most impressive feats in recent aviation history, 15 years on—the ‘ Miracle on the Hudson’.
• And finally, enjoy this video of a recently married man being thrown down a snowy hill by his friends and family, as his wife looks on with glee. No, you don’t need to call the police, it’s just the friendly Japanese festival of Mukonage.
  In the hot springs resort of Matsunoyama Onsen, legend has it that centuries ago, a local woman got married to an outsider, and her family did not approve the union. In retaliation, they threw her husband from the top of the local shrine into the snow. So, of course, that’s what the townspeople do every year now. And best of all, outsiders are now welcome to take part!