With its unique geography of coastal waters, mangroves, marshes, savannas, mountains and tropical rainforests, it's an ideal match for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts. Explore the interior's waterways from a dugout canoe, swim alongside a black caiman the world's largest alligator, take in Amerindian culture at Surama, or spot one of Guyana's 800-plus birds

Andean peaks, Amazonian rainforest, Patagonian glaciers, Inca ruins, colonial towns, white-sand beaches and vertiginous nightlife: the wonders of South America set the stage for incredible adventures. Lonely Planet will get you to the heart of South America on a Shoestring, with amazing travel experiences and the best planning advice.