Best island getaway destinations in South America

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South America's island destinations range from the biodiverse volcanic archipelagos of the Pacific and the remote wind-scoured islands of the far south to the Caribbean coastal islands that share the character of the broader Caribbean region. The continent's island offer is more specialist than the mainstream resort circuits of other regions, with the most celebrated destinations drawing visitors for wildlife, wilderness and ecological significance rather than beach infrastructure.

The Pacific archipelagos represent the continent's most internationally recognised island destination, with extraordinary endemic wildlife and marine environments that have attracted scientific and nature tourism interest for decades. Access is managed and visitor numbers are controlled, with licensed operators and guided itineraries required across most of the most significant sites. The far southern islands offer a wilder and more demanding experience for serious wilderness travellers.

Access to most of the continent's significant island destinations requires advance planning around limited flight connections and permit systems that restrict visitor numbers. Costs at the most ecologically significant destinations are considerable, reflecting the managed access and specialist guiding required. Your money goes a long way across the Caribbean coastal island destinations where less regulated access and lower infrastructure costs keep prices more modest.