We are shortly off to Argentina. I love South America. Chile will be next.
Yes, it’s long and thin. Most itineraries will suggest you do middle and North or middle and South. Consider Easter Island but it adds time and money to the holiday but for us it is a must.
We buy Lonely Planet guides before we go anywhere. They are great for inspiration, itineraries and hotels, places to see and restaurants. We also use country specialists. Agents who have been and actually know their stuff. You could look at group tours too. Most itineraries have internal flights to maximise time in each location. The main thing is do not try and do too much.
Highlights are - Patagonia, Torres Del Paine NP, Glacier region, Easter Island, Valparaiso, Santiago, the Atacama desert, El Tatio geysers, the volcanoes of the Los Flamencos Np, and Tierra del Fuego. As you could spend a lot of time travelling it’s better to concentrate on a the south or the North. Not both. Include at least one city. Spanish (or Portuguese) churches all over South America are outstanding. A good agent will give you the best travel and sightseeing options and hotels will be fine. Check out booking.com and agents like Audley or Ultimate for recommended hotels as well as Lonely Planet. If they cross check we are usually happy! We have always stayed in smaller character properties and really enjoyed them.
We have found food in South America to be fantastic and not expensive. I would also recommend the wines! I would expect beef to be readily available as it’s close to Argentina. We have also found that where we have been, Brazil, Peru, a bit of Argentina and Ecuador, that there are numerous culinary influences. It’s fun to eat out.
My biggest tip is to plan carefully, give yourself enough time and do the research so you know what you want to see. Don’t do too much or try and see too much unless you have several weeks!
We would also highly recommend Ecuador. Not too many travellers and the Galápagos Islands are amazing! Peru is also a brilliant choice.