South America holds a staggering array of travel wonders both natural and cultural. Boasting the greatest rain-forest, the most spectacular waterfall, the highest waterfall and the greatest river in the world along with cosmopolitan cities and remarkable ancient cultures, there is something in this great continent for everyone.

It is near impossible to nominate a top ten travel wonders list without omitting a number of “must see” sights. Here is my list. How many have you seen?

1. Machu Picchu and Inca Trail (Peru)

Surrounded by thick forest and sitting atop a mountain, the precision crafting of the Incan stonework and the grandeur of its religious sites makes Machu Picchu a truly significant ceremonial center.

2. Iguazu Falls (Argentina / Brazil)

The sheer scale of the greater than 250 cascades and its surrounding lush tropical rainforest ensures that Iguazu Falls are the most mesmerizing waterfalls in the world.

3. Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)

The broad variety of wildlife that has adapted to the warm seas and volcanic islands offers one of greatest wildlife shows on Earth.

4. Amazon River and Rain Forest

Providing around half of the rainforest, one-fifth of the oxygen and home to ten percent of the variety of fauna and flora on the planet, spending time on the river or walking the forest trails is one of most treasured experiences in life.

5. Easter Island (Chile)

The mysterious stone statues (moai) cut from the local volcanic rock stand in testament to an isolated past civilization on this remote Pacific island.

6. Patagonia / Torres del Paine (Argentina / Chile)

Rugged mountain peaks, sapphire-blue lakes, thunderous waterfalls and icy glaciers provide a seductive outdoor experience to those spending time in the far south of the American continent.

7. Andes

Snaking around 8000 kilometres (5000 miles) as the backbone of South America, the Andes are the second highest mountain range in the world.

8. Angel Falls (Venezuela)

The tallest falls in the world are remote but remain unchanged changed from when an American pilot landed near the falls in a stranded plane.

9. Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

The sun-drenched beaches, the enchanting Carnaval festival and the great city vistas from the Christ statue and Sugar Loaf mountain makes Rio the most rewarding city in South America.

10. Nazca Lines (Peru)

Mysterious geometric designs and giant animals (100 to 200 yards across) including a spider, a hummingbird and a condor were marked into the dry and dusty Peruvian desert by an ancient culture.

South America has a tremendous variety of attractions, travel wonders and experiences from natural wonderlands of forests, glaciers and waterfalls to rich cultural cities, both historic and in the present. Travel with an open mind and enjoy this remarkable and diverse continent.

Author Mark H is the author of the popular travel blog Travel Wonders of the World. He has traveled extensively to all seven continents and believes that travel is the greatest education anyone can have.

Read more about The Galapagos Islands here

Read more about Easter Island here