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25 Best Places to Visit in South America, From the Wetlands of Brazil to Easter Island

Experts share their top sights on the continent.

Harrison Pierce is a freelance writer and digital nomad passionate about personal finance and travel. He is traveling full-time with the help of points and miles and enjoys connecting with people on the ground. His work has been published in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today Blueprint, Matador Network, and other publications. 

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As a digital nomad who works and travels full time, I spend a good portion of the year in South America. The first city I visited was Buenos Aires, and it immediately stole my heart — it is arguably one of the best cities on the continent . Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to explore beyond Argentina, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay; Peru will be added to that list in the coming months.

South America has unlimited things to offer, from beautiful beaches and mountainside villages to world-class cuisine and two of the New 7 Wonders of the World . With the help of Elisban Huarancca, an official tourism guide in Peru , Eva Castro, owner of Creo Ecolodge Jardin Project in Antioquia, Colombia, and Alexander Balardjischvili, CEO of C2Rio Tours & Travel , we’ve compiled a list of the 25 best places to visit in South America.

Related : Travel + Leisure Readers' 5 Favorite Resorts in South America of 2023

Jardín, Antioquia, Colombia

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Jardín is a small town a few hours south of Medellín with colonial architecture, beautiful scenery, and lots to do. Castro of Creo Ecolodge, where I stayed during my trip to Jardín, gave plenty of recommendations for things to do while you’re in town. Take a tour of Cueva del Esplendor, or Cave of Splendor, where you'll find a beautiful waterfall, or head to a nearby coffee farm to learn how Colombian coffee is produced. My favorite is Cafe Historias , which has some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted.  Castro says the best time of year to visit is August and September when there are very few travelers. This is also when the annual Jardin Film Festival takes place. It gets much busier in town from December through April, Castro says.

Cocora Valley, Salento, Colombia

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Due west of Bogota is Cocora Valley, one of Colombia's most famous hiking destinations. You can take a day trip from the nearby town of Salento or do a multi-day hike throughout the valley. There are campsites available for use if you choose to spend the night looking at the stars. It’s famous for having the tallest palm trees in the world, which stand at over 195 feet tall and can live up to 200 years. The almost oversaturated green colors of the hills are stunning. Castro highly recommends going at "golden hour" — early in the morning or late in the afternoon — for the best views.

The Lost City, Magdalena, Colombia

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The Lost City, or Ciudad Perdida in Spanish, is located near Santa Marta in northern Colombia. It’s estimated to have been founded in the 8th or 9th centuries, making it hundreds of years older than Machu Picchu. It was home to anywhere between 1,400 to 3,000 people and about 170 terraces, with apparent spaces for living, working, and religious practice. You’ll have to do a three- to six-day trek with a tour company to get there. On the way, you will see rare native plants and wildlife, which is an adventure in itself. 

The Rock of Guatapé, Guatapé, Colombia

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Guatapé is a town in northern Colombia, directly east of Medellín, and it’s famous for The Rock of Guatapé, which is reached via more 740 steps. At the end of your climb, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the town and different islands in Guatapé Lake. The town is reachable via a bus ride that's less than two hours from Medellín, making it a perfect weekend trip.  “The people here are more welcoming and warm,” says Castro. “When you are walking, you can find many smiling faces... It’s part of our culture.”

San Rafael, Antioqua, Colombia

San Rafael is excellent “if you really want to have the deepest connection with yourself and with nature,” says Castro. She recommends Vanadurga Ashram , a yoga sanctuary, if you want to practice yoga while you're here. “These places are really magical, and you can learn how to change your perspective," Castro adds.

San Rafael is known for its natural beauty, including mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. You can bird watch, hike, or simply soak in nature. “People want to come to have an inner journey,” says Castro. “If that’s your goal — to find out something inside of you — I’d recommend places like San Rafael.”

Cusco, Peru

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If you are interested in Inca ruins, Cusco is the perfect place. Churches, museums, and winding streets here will leave you charmed. “Travelers to Peru should know that they will face a diverse and colorful culture, with very warm and very friendly people,” says Huarancca. “Also, understand that they will face different flavors that will help them experience every second of their trip.” Cusco makes a great starting point to reach Machu Picchu. Many travelers spend a few days here exploring and acclimating to the 11,150-foot elevation. (In comparison, Denver has an elevation of 5,280 feet.)

Machu Picchu, Peru

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Arguably one of the most famous places in the world, Machu Picchu is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The site was initially an Inca citadel, likely built in the 1450s and often called “The Lost City of the Incas.” Machu Picchu is about 50 miles from Cusco; from there, you’ll take a train to Aguas Calientes and then a bus to the site. You cannot visit without a tour guide, so make reservations well in advance.  “The visit to Machu Picchu can be all year round; different climatic factors help to understand the mysterious nature of Machu Picchu,” says Huarancca. “But if you are looking for dates with little rain, it is well suited from April to the end of October.”

Lake Titicaca, Peru

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Lake Titicaca is the largest of South America's freshwater lakes, as well as the world's highest navigable lake. It’s an estimated three million years old, and there are man-made islands constructed of layers of tortora roots and reeds. The number of islands varies at any given time but is usually somewhere between f40 to 60. You will have some of the best views in the Andes from this place, and it is extremely important to Peruvian and Bolivian indigenous communities.

Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca, Peru

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Close to Cusco in the Andes Mountains is Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain because of the colorful stripes on display year-round. The colors result from different mineral layers that were combined with melted ice to create rows of reds, yellows, purples, and greens.

The Amazon Rainforest, Peru

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The Amazon Rainforest spans eight countries and is almost 2.6 million square miles in size. You can visit the Peruvian Amazon from three areas: Manu National Park, Tambopata Province, and the city of Iquitos. Each provides something unique to tourists. The best option depends on what you want to see, how much time you can spend, and your budget.  “The only recommendation I can give to international travelers is to make reservations in advance and have good information about the places you will visit,” says Huarancca. “It is necessary to find out the type of food, drinks, and traditions that place has.”

Huacachina, Peru

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Huarancca recommends visiting Huacachina, “a small oasis in the middle of the desert.” Located south of Lima and near the city of Ica, Huacachina is a desert village complete with rolling sand dunes on all sides. You can't swim in Huacachina Lagoon, but you can rent paddle boats to glide across the water. It’s the only natural oasis in all of South America, formed by underground aquifers.

Colca Canyon, Peru

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Colca Canyon is another tourist attraction in Peru that you should not miss, according to Huarancca. It’s one of the world’s deepest canyons (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon) and you can take a day trip from Arequipa to see it or a multi-day trek for the most spectacular views. Either way you're likely to see plenty of native wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia

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Bolivia is home to the largest salt flat in the world, originally a prehistoric lake that went dry. Now Uyuni Salt Flat is around 4,200 square miles of striking white salt and rock formations. If you visit between December and April, which is the rainy season, you may see bright pink flamingos. Many people who have visited when water is on the ground describe the experience as walking on a cloud, since the sky is reflected in the water. Book a room at Kachi Lodge , which is set right on the flat, for a very special stay.

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Christ the Redeemer is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a must-see for anyone heading to Brazil. The statue of Jesus stands almost 125 feet tall and looks over Rio de Janeiro . When visiting the marvel, you can expect phenomenal views of the city. Balardjischvili recommends taking the train to see the statue and to book that ticket in advance.

Pantanal Wetland, Brazil

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Measuring more than 40 million acres, Pantanal Wetland is the biggest wetland on Earth. Jaguars and crocodiles are just two of its residents — with more than 4,700 plant and animal species, it’s one of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet. Balardjischvili recommends “bringing insect repellent, a light raincoat, and a sweatshirt — and always hydrate.”

The Imperial City of Petropolis, Brazil

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Petropolis is a mountain resort outside of Rio de Janeiro known for its palaces, architecture, and food. “Visit Petropolis on a guided tour to enjoy the historical aspect," Balardjischvili says. "Always book your tour on legalized companies with good reviews."

Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Sugarloaf Mountain is a major landmark in Brazil, well known for the panoramic city views guests get at the top. The cable car system here opened in 1912; it was the first in Brazil and the third in the world. “For Sugarloaf, visit it in the morning, as it is fresher; sunset is beautiful but extremely crowded," says Balardjischvili. "If you are traveling during the high season, buy a skip-the-line ticket." The mountain peak sits almost 1,300 feet in the air, so you’ll be grateful you don’t have to climb all the way up. 

When asked about the best time of year to visit Rio de Janeiro, Balardjischvili says May or June, when "you’ll enjoy beautiful sunny days with no rain and 77 degrees.”

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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One of my favorite cities in the world is Buenos Aires , where you can find anything from tango shows and street art to the best steak you’ll ever eat. Each neighborhood has something special. Head to La Boca for beautiful murals along the streets, then tour the famous cemetery in Recoleta before stopping at a speakeasy in Palermo. There’s no shortage of fantastic things to do here, and the city makes a wonderful home base for seeing more of Argentina.

Zuccardi Winery, Uco Valley, Argentina

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Zuccardi Valle de Uco is an award-winning winery that I had the opportunity to visit this past January. It certainly lives up to its reputation, with fantastic wines and the Andes as a stunning backdrop to the property's extensive vineyards. Reservations for tastings and tours can be made online.

Iguazú Falls, Puerto Iguazú, Argentina

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Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazú Falls is comprised of about 275 individual waterfalls, making it the largest waterfall system in the world. Most of the waterfalls are on the Argentina side, but the tallest is on the Brazil side. It’s a stunning sight to behold and an absolute must for anyone traveling through South America.

Patagonia, Argentina

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Patagonia is larger than many countries around the world and is split between Argentina and Chile. You can expect each city in the region to feel unique; some of the most popular ones in Argentinian Patagonia are El Calafate, Ushuaia, and El Chaltén. Whether you go to Patagonia Brewery in San Carlos de Bariloche or hike one of the 300 glaciers throughout the region, you will surely have an experience you’ll never forget.

Punta del Este Beaches, Uruguay

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Uruguay is still relatively underrated, but it is a fantastic place for international travelers. It takes just a couple of hours by ferry to get from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. From there, it’s about a two-hour drive to Punta del Este, which has some of the best beaches in the country, plus high-end shopping and fantastic steakhouses.

Valparaíso, Chile

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Valparaíso is located on the coast of Chile and is less than a two-hour drive from Santiago. It’s famous for its colorful homes and for being the home of renowned poet and diplomat Pablo Neruda. It’s also connected to Viña del Mar, where you'll find some of Chile's top beaches. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site with excellent architecture and many things to discover.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

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The Galápagos Islands are perfect for nature lovers. Visitors can learn about the archipelago's unique biodiversity, go scuba diving, lounge on beaches, or embark on a multi-island cruise. You might also swim with sea lions or hang out with giant turtles.

Easter Island, Chile

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Easter Island is a Chilean territory in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean. It’s known for the nearly 900 stone statues of human figures, called moai , that you'll find here. The statues are believed to have been created over time, from the 11th century to some time in the 17th century. From Santiago, it’s about a 5.5-hour flight to reach the island.

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21 Best Places to Visit in South America

By Carl Austin · Last updated on May 4, 2024

South America is a continent of superlatives: the highest, the driest, the largest, the deepest, the rarest … Well, you get the picture. Superlatives galore can be found from Caracas to Tierra del Fuego, helping ensure every traveler finds something to interest them.

Environmentalists will enjoy the well-conserved Pantanal in Brazil, while shoppers can choose between upscale boutiques in big cities like Rio de Janeiro or the colorful markets of Andean villages. You can explore lost cities of ancient civilizations, feast your eyes on stunning scenery almost everywhere you go or you can feast your taste buds on the cuisine.

Map of South America

It’s your choice, and South America gives you lots of them. An overview of the best places to visit in South America :

21. Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is a major city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It was founded by the Spanish in 1533, who named it after Cartagena, Spain. During Spain’s domination in South America, the city was the center of politics and the economy.

Cartagena is a quite modern city today, but you’ll find walled historic center and the fortress, deemed the largest fortifications in South America, that defended it. Cartagena has a rich cultural scene, with festivals throughout the year; museums and art galleries.

See also: Where to Stay in Cartagena

20. Salvador, Brazil

Salvador da Bahia, also known as just Salvador, has several things going for it. The Portuguese founded it in 1548, so it’s one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. You’ll see its rich past in Pelourinho, the historic center named for the whipping post where slaves were beaten.

Brazil’s third largest city was also the first slave port in the Americas; traces of this African heritage can be found in the local culture today, especially the cuisine. Salvador also is a party town, hosting the world’s largest party: its annual Carnival celebration.

19. Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

They don’t do things in a small way in Los Glaciares National Park. Not only is the park the largest national park in Argentina, it is home to the largest ice cap outside of Greenland and Antarctica – an ice cap that feeds 47 large glaciers. The most famous of these is the Perito Moreno glacier; unique among glaciers because it is advancing while others are receding.

The park also is home to Lake Argentino, the largest in the country. The park also is known for its ecology and biodiversity with the well-conserved Magellan Subpolar forest and Patagonian Steppe.

18. Pantanal, Brazil

The Pantanal can be difficult to get to – access is mostly by plane or boat – but once you get there…Oh! The Pantanal, located mostly in Brazil (some is in Bolivia and Paraguay), is the world’s largest tropical wetland, encompassing an area the size of Washington State.

While not as famous as its sister wetlands in the Amazon, the Pantanal is the best place in South America to see wildlife, ranging from jaguars to capybaras.

17. Ushuaia, Argentina

If you like to visit remote places, then put Ushuaia on your bucket list. The capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia is considered the southernmost city in the world. Indeed, the train to the End of the World ends here.

Nestled among the mountains along a bay, Ushuaia is very picturesque when it’s not cloudy or windy, which is much of the time. The former penal colony has a museum and it’s a good place to see penguins, orca whales and seals.

16. Tayrona National Park, Colombia

When protecting the environment and its inhabitants while enjoying stunning views is on your top list, you’re sure to enjoy Tayrona National Park on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

The country’s second most visited national park, Tayrona is a protected marine reserve that takes in both land and sea. You’ll find great biodiversity in the flora and fauna here. Wildlife includes 300 species of birds, more than 100 different mammals and 70 kinds of bats.

Tayrona is probably best known for its spectacular beaches, which are set in deep bays, backed by mountains and shaded by coconut palms. Because of strong current however most beaches are not suitable for swimming.

15. Quito, Ecuador

Ecuador’s capital, Quito, is unique among world capitals. It is the highest capital in the world (La Paz is higher but isn’t Bolivia’s legal capital) and also closest to the equator. Founded by the Spanish in 1534, Quito’s colorful old town is one of the best-preserved, least changed and largest in all the Americas.

Located in Ecuador’s northern highlands, the city is surrounded by volcanoes that can be seen on a clear day. Quito is the only world capital that is threatened by active volcanoes.

14. Colca Canyon, Peru

There’s a reason Colca Canyon is the third most visited tourist destination in Peru: stunning views. The canyon is one of the deepest in the world, but not the deepest in Peru, though it is more than twice as deep as the U.S. Grand Canyon.

If you get tired of scenic views, you can feast your eyes on the sky where you may see Andean condors and the biggest hummingbirds you’ve ever seen. Villages are a good place to buy local handcrafts.

13. Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama Desert is unique: It’s the driest non-polar desert in the world, maybe only raining once every four years. It stretches about 1,600 km (1,000 miles) along the coast of Chile, situated between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean.

The soil is comparable to that found on Mars; portions stood in for Mars in the movie, Space Odyssey: Voyage to the Planets. Vast salt flats, active geysers and intense blue lagoons are just a few of the extraordinary features of this region.

12. Angel Falls, Venezuela

Angel Falls is most definitely a scene stealer in Venezuela’s Guayana Highlands. It is the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world – 15 times higher than Niagara Falls, which is shared by Canada and the United States. Water cascades more than 950 meters (3,200 feet) down Auyantepu Mountain into the Rio Kerepacupai Meru.

The waterfall is named for American Jimmy Angel who, in 1937, became the first pilot to fly over the falls. Getting there is an adventure involving plane and river boat rides.

11. Cusco, Peru

Cusco has a colorful historic past Located at 3,400 meters (11,000 feet) in elevation in the Andes Mountains, Cusco was once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire. Then, in the 16th century, it was conquered by the Spanish, who pretty much decimated the Incas.

Though not the national capital, Peru’s constitution names it the historical capital of the country. Remains of many Inca sites can be found in the surrounding area while the Spanish colonial heritage can be found in the Old Town.

10. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Situated in the Andes nearly 3,700 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level, Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat. Located in southwest Peru, the salt flat is covered by a thick crust, which provides salt and covers a brine.

The salt flat is as flat as you can get and with the harsh terrain looks otherwordly, especially after rain when the Salar turns into a giant mirror. One of the most unusual places to visit in South America, it’s also a major breeding ground for flamingos.

9. Lake Titicaca, Peru & Bolivia

Lake Titicaca, South America’s largest lake, straddles the border of Bolivia and Peru. At an elevation of just over 3,800 meters (12,500 feet), it is considered the highest navigable lake in the world, though there are smaller lakes higher than this one.

Many of its 41 islands are inhabited, including the floating islands the natives make with heavy reeds. About 500 species of aquatic life live in the lake, which has a large population of water birds. Local belief says the sun was born at Lake Titicaca.

8. Easter Island, Chile

Getting to Easter Island can be time-consuming, since it is the most remote inhabited island in the world. The nearest inhabitants are almost 1,300 miles away. But it’s not its remoteness this Chilean territory is noted for. It’s what you’ll see when you get there: almost 900 primitive statues carved by early Polynesian inhabitants.

These awesome statues, called moai, may have been carved about 1,000 years ago. Most statues were carved from solidified volcanic ash, with obsidian being used for the black eyes.

7. Amazon Rainforest

If you lived long enough to count that high, you could count 390 billion trees in the Amazon rainforest. This statistic is mind-boggling, to be sure, but then the Amazon rainforest is one awesome piece of real estate, covering about ¾ of the Amazon River basin.

It is the world’s largest tropical rainforest. Sixty percent of the rainforest is located in Brazil with sizeable chunks in Peru and Columbia; bordering countries have small shares. For sure, the rainforest is loaded with unique flora and fauna.

6. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

It may be located in remote Chilean Patagonia, but Torres del Paine National Park is one of Chile’s largest and most visited parks. Why? Well, the scenery is pretty spectacular.

The Torres del Paine (Paine means blue in the local indigenous language) is just one awesome sight you’ll see. The three peaks dominate the landscape in the Paine Mountains. Besides mountains, the park is dotted with glaciers, rivers, forests and steppe, making it a hit with outdoors enthusiasts. The park also is home to an endangered species of deer.

5. Buenos Aires, Argentina

With 17 million people, Buenos Aires has the fourth largest population in the Americas. Located on the Rio de la Plata on the Argentinian coast, the city is noted for its cosmopolitan flair.

Because of its architecture and rich cultural life, Buenos Aires is the most visited city in South America. A must-see here is the Recoleta, a residential neighborhood known for its history. The Recoleta Cemetery is the district’s most famous attraction; it’s where Eva Peron is buried.

See also: Where to Stay in Buenos Aires

4. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

If you want to get a glimpse of what prehistoric animals may have looked like, head to the Galapagos Islands. The animals are like no other place on earth, and include giant tortoises and scary-looking iguanas.

They were the impetus for Charles Darwin’s controversial 19th century book, On the Origin of Species. This archipelago of 18 major islands, about 900 km (550 miles) off the coast of Ecuador, was formed – and are still being formed – by volcanic action.

3. Iguazu Falls, Brazil & Argentina

One of the best places to visit in South America, Iguazu Falls have to be seen to be appreciated as mere words cannot do them justice. They truly live up to their name, which translates as “big water:” They’re the world’s largest waterfalls system, with 275 waterfalls of various sizes – Devil’s Throat is the biggest.

For much of its journey to the ocean, the Iguazu River flows through Brazil, but, seemingly in a spirit of international cooperation, most of the falls are in Argentina.

2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

When you visit Rio de Janeiro you simply must take a samba lesson; even The Girl from Ipanema does the samba, Rio’s most popular dance. Besides the samba, this cosmopolitan city is known for its Carnival, the bossa nova, and Copacabana Beach.

Its most famous landmark may be the Christ the Redeemer statue that sits atop Corcovado Mountain. Rio hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics, though its residents overwhelmingly prefer soccer: Maracana Stadium is one of the largest soccer stadiums in the world.

See also: Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is a magnificent representation of the Inca civilization before the Spanish came. Nestled in the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu served as a palace for the emperor, a fortress and as a site for religious ceremonies where human sacrifices were made to appease the gods.

Untouched by the Spanish, the site was abandoned after the conquest, only to be “discovered” by an American professor in the early 1900s. Built from polished stones, Machu Picchu is a fascinating example of classical Inca architecture. With its spectacular views, Machu Picchu is Peru’s most visited tourist attraction.

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Best places to visit in central and south america in 2023-2024.

From misty rainforests to mountainous national parks to cities brimming with culture, both Central America and South America boast a variety of destinations that appeal to all types of travelers. Because of this, choosing just one vacation spot from all of the excellent options available can seem daunting. To help, U.S. News ranked the top places to visit in both regions based on factors like scenery, culture, dining and attractions, as well as traveler votes and expert opinions. Do you have a favorite destination in these regions? Vote below to help us determine the best places to visit in Central and South America. (Note: Some of the below destinations may have travel advisories in place due to civil unrest or crime. Check with the U.S. Department of State before traveling.)

Argentine Patagonia

Chilean patagonia, galapagos islands, torres del paine national park, easter island, rio de janeiro, buenos aires.

Argentine Patagonia is a treat for all travelers, not just those with a penchant for adventure. From its diverse wildlife (such as Magellanic penguins, Andean cats and southern elephant seals) to its majestic Andes Mountains and jaw-dropping glaciers, this region showcases Mother Nature at its best. Even the most amateur of photographers will appreciate the palette of incredible colors on display here. Can't-miss places for first-timers include the Argentine Lake District, Mount Fitz Roy and the Perito Moreno Glacier, which sits 50 miles west of the gateway town of El Calafate.

Chilean Patagonia offers some of South America's most incredible landscapes . The Tierra del Fuego archipelago is a must-visit destination here. These islands are home to storied sites like Cape Horn – the southernmost tip of South America that requires years of experience to expertly sail around – as well as the capital of Porvenir, a small settlement known for its charming Victorian houses and picturesque surroundings. Travelers can also visit the penguin-filled Isla Magdalena, catch a glimpse of humpback whales feeding at Francisco Coloane Marine Park or trek through Torres del Paine National Park, a place so prominent it earned its own spot on this ranking.  

The Galápagos Islands are best known for their colorful creatures, ranging from giant tortoises to blue-footed boobies to penguins. The islands are also famous for helping Charles Darwin develop his theory of natural selection. Today, animals still reign supreme (of the more than 120 islands, islets and rocks that comprise the Galápagos archipelago, only four are inhabited by humans). Getting here will cost you, as the remote islands sit about 600 miles off of the coast of Ecuador. Save up for a luxurious small ship cruise to make the journey almost as memorable as the destination.

Reaching this remote national park in Chilean Patagonia isn't easy, but beholding the ice fields of Grey Glacier and the soaring peaks of the Cuernos del Paine are more than worth the trip. And with 448,000-plus acres of diverse land to explore, visitors will find boredom near impossible in this once-in-a-lifetime destination. Some of Torres del Paine's most popular trails include the challenging W Trek (a multiday feat past stunning lakes, mountains and glaciers) and the easier Mirador Las Torres hike. Before venturing into the wild, be sure to stock up on essentials in a nearby city like Puerto Natales.

Costa Rica is a natural wonderland. The tropical country features volcanoes to hike and lush rainforests to traverse on foot or by zip line. Plus, it boasts a refreshingly laid-back culture. Relaxation seekers can immerse themselves in the "pura vida" lifestyle and bask at the beaches in Guanacaste or along the Nicoya Peninsula's roughly 80 miles of coast. No visit would be complete without walking around historic San José and trying traditional delicacies like picadillo de chicasquil, a hash-like dish made with tree spinach. And to indulge on your vacation, consider staying at one of Costa Rica's all-inclusive resorts .

A bucket list destination for travelers all over the world, this remote island (a Chilean territory) sits more than 2,000 miles off of the coast of Chile and enchants adventurers with its distinctive moai statues. These curious, well-preserved stone statues can be found throughout the island, but to ensure you don't miss the island's must-sees and unique history, hire a local guide to show you Rapa Nui National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also happens to have one of the world's most beautiful beaches ). Of particular note is Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater that boasts 400 statues.

Colorful colonial architecture and stunning beaches come together in this vibrant Colombian city on the Caribbean coast. The popular old town area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features structures that date back to the 16th century, including a roughly 7-mile stretch of walls that helped fend off naval attacks for centuries. Today, the walls provide excellent vantage points for gazing at the city and sea. The nearby Rosario Islands, with their highly regarded beaches and coral reefs, offer equally breathtaking vistas.

With its scenic beaches, leafy mountains and lively nightlife, Rio de Janeiro makes for a fun getaway any time of year. Whether you're looking to attend the city's larger-than-life Carnival celebration (which takes place in February or March) or explore Brazil's gorgeous natural landscape, Rio has it all. While here, don't miss a visit to the renowned landmark Christ the Redeemer, a 98-foot-tall statue of Jesus Christ that sits at the top of Mount Corcovado. After taking in the attraction's sweeping city views, head down to the coast for a stroll on world-famous Ipanema Beach.

Known as "The City of Eternal Spring" for its year-round temperate weather, Medellín is Colombia's second-largest city. Visit the neighborhood of Comuna 13 (once considered one of the most dangerous areas in Medellín) to take in the colorful buildings and artistic graffiti reflecting the city's history. Ride on one of the outdoor escalators in the neighborhood for spectacular views. For a more Technicolor experience, travel to Medellín in August when the city hosts its annual flower festival where visitors can see extravagant flower arrangements on display. Other popular attractions include El Castillo Museum and Gardens, Plaza Botero and the city's many parks.

Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Belize offers scenic shorelines, unique wildlife and some of Central America's best dive sites. Snorkeling and diving in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Great Blue Hole are major draws, but so are the country's ancient ruins, animal sanctuaries and relaxing beaches. To see Xunantunich and Caracol, two of Belize's best-known Mayan ruins, venture about 75 miles southwest of Belize City to the Cayo District. Meanwhile, nature lovers can visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary or Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, and sun-seekers can head to South Water Caye or the 16-mile Placencia Peninsula for sandy beaches.

Not only does Quito, Ecuador, boast one of the highest elevations in the world among capital cities (9,350 feet above sea level), but the entire city is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take time to get yourself acclimated to the high altitude by admiring the historic city center's buildings, which are some of Latin America's best-preserved and least altered. To learn more about Ecuador and to view an impressive collection of pre-Columbian archaeology and Inca artifacts, peruse the Museo Nacional del Banco Central. When you're ready to climb higher, head to the TelefériQo gondola for unparalleled views of Quito.

The Chilean capital has undergone quite the renaissance since it was founded in the 1500s. You'll discover neoclassical architecture rubbing elbows with modern skyscrapers, plus Spanish and European influences intermingling everywhere. The best way to take in the city's unique style is to walk its streets and barrios (neighborhoods), stopping at attractions like the historical Plaza de Armas – where you'll find the Metropolitan Cathedral and Central Post Office – along the way. Additionally, the area surrounding Santiago features numerous wineries and ski slopes.

It's hard not to fall in love with the wide boulevards, alluring architecture and Parisian-style cafes of Buenos Aires. In addition to its good looks, Argentina's capital city is teeming with culture. Plan to visit its world-class National Museum of Fine Arts, colorful Palermo neighborhood and bustling Corrientes Avenue, where you'll find an array of theaters, bars and tango clubs. Then, head to the upscale Recoleta neighborhood to take in some of Buenos Aires' grandest sites, including El Ateneo Grand Splendid (a converted theater that is now one of South America's most beautiful bookstores) and Recoleta Cemetery.

High in the Andes, the Colombian capital has seen a revival in tourism in recent years. Bogotá has been the cultural center of the country for centuries, offering architecturally interesting buildings that line charming cobblestone streets. To get an overview of the city's rich heritage, travelers should check out the Botero Museum's incredible art and the Gold Museum's priceless treasures. Additional must-dos include exploring the beautiful flora at José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden and climbing Monserrate, an imposing hill with a church and shrine at its peak.

Guatemala features the cultural and natural wonders synonymous with Central America while remaining relatively unspoiled. Adventurers seeking off-the-beaten-path excitement can spend their time traversing misty rainforests, climbing active volcanoes, exploring the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey and zip lining over Lake Atitlán. Meanwhile, the charming city of Antigua boasts colonial architecture and cobblestone streets with the looming Volcán de Agua volcano in the background. Like its neighbors, Mexico and Belize, Guatemala is home to several important Mayan ruins, including Tikal and Iximché, and serene beaches, such as the black sand Monterrico .

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Top 50 Places to See in South America

South America is a continent that has a huge wealth of places to visit, and while some places draw millions of visitors every year, these locations across the continent will certainly get those feet itching to be back on the road. 

Machu Picchu, Peru

The iconic hilltop city in Peru is the destination of the Inca Trail, and has amazing architecture in such a remote place, with the spectacular Andean peaks around the area making this a very special place. 

More: How to Visit Machu Picchu on a Budget

Iguazu Falls, Brazil and Argentina

One of the largest waterfalls in the world, this amazing sight can be viewed from both Brazil and Argentina, and the Devil's Throat is a viewpoint with a 270-degree panorama of waterfalls. 

More: 10 Best Things to Do at Iguazu Falls in Argentina

Cartagena, Colombia

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

This historic colonial city is one of the most impressive on the continent, and the historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site that provides a wonderful insight into colonial history.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The party capital of Brazil is the home of the annual Carnival celebrations drawing nearly two million people, while the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are truly glamorous beaches. 

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

A natural highlight that lies off the Ecuadorean coast, this is a great destination for scuba diving and for spotting unusual species such as the giant Galapagos turtles.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The cosmopolitan Argentine capital is a lovely place to visit, with some wonderful districts for food and entertainment, and is a great place to learn the tango.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

A beautiful island archipelago that is noted for some wonderful beaches and the excellent quality of the water around the islands.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

TripSavvy / Chris VR

The home of the salt flats is an amazing place to visit, and after a rain shower, the flat surface reflects the sky for an amazing view. More: Questions You Need to Ask Before Choosing a Salt Flats Tour

Easter Island, Chile

Famous for the giant stone heads of the indigenous culture, this island is a fascinating and haunting place to visit.

Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to several mountains and numerous glacial lakes. More than half of the 600,000 hectare park is covered in glaciers but the most striking, and famous, is the Perito Moreno Glacier.

The Amazon Basin

This area is amazing for its biodiversity and the great range of river cruises and hikes you can take in the area.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

This remote waterfall in the Canaima National Park is a stunning sight, and once there the view of the 979-meter waterfall is spectacular.

Lake Titicaca, Bolivia and Peru

In the Andean highlands between the two countries, Lake Titicaca has a fascinating indigenous population that live on small floating islands on the lake.

Salvation Islands, French Guiana

Bernard MAJZA/Getty Images

A short distance off the coast of French Guiana, these islands were a penal colony, but today they are a laid back haven with some lovely beaches and great wildlife.

Tequendama Falls, Colombia

This waterfall sees a huge amount of water crash on to the rocks over 150 meters below, while the nearby museum in an eerie mansion is certainly worth exploring too. 

More: Best Waterfalls in South America

Banos, Ecuador

Widely known as the adventure sports capital of the country, Banos lies in the shadow of a volcano, and has facilities for white water rafting, canyoning, kayaking, mountain biking and hiking. 

Fort Zeelandia, Suriname

Dating from the 17th century, this Dutch fortress shows off some of the ways that colonial forces could make it a pleasant as well as a secure place to be.

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

 TripSavvy / Chris VR

This town on the Atacama desert is a great base from which to explore the wonders of the desert, with great views of nearby volcanoes.

Sucre, Bolivia - The City with Four Names

The constitutional capital of the country, Sucre is a beautiful city with a wonderful colonial architecture at its heart, with the House of Freedom and the Cathedral among the highlights.

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

TripSavvy / Chris VR 

This charming city overlooking the ocean has a wonderful historic quarter, which is one of the best preserved in South America.

Rosario Islands, Colombia

Famous for stunning beaches and clear water, this small archipelago is a great place to explore, with activities such as scuba diving and swimming very popular.

Los Roques, Venezuela

This archipelago, do north of Caracus , is a national park that draws many visitors, particularly those who enjoy yachting and those who come to enjoy the superb scuba diving around the coral reefs.

Kaieteur National Park, Guyana

Most famous for the spectacular Kaieteur Falls, this national park is home to remarkable natural species and some pristine jungle. 

Death Road, Bolivia

This road skirts the dangerous cliffs for over sixty miles, and has now had a great lease of life as a mountain biking destination.

Cuzco, Peru

One of the most important settlements in the country even before the arrival of the colonial forces, Cuzco is a beautiful city and is a gateway to places such as Machu Picchu.

Valparaiso, Chile

A city set on a lovely curved bay, Valparaiso is best known for the series of funicular railways used to carry workers up to the hilltop suburbs.

Galibi, Suriname

Near the border with French Guiana, the lovely Galibi Nature Reserve is where people can see the amazing sea turtles on the beaches between February and April.

Mount Roraima, Guyana, Brazil and Venezuela

A tabletop mountain in a remote location, hiking this mountain is challenging, and provides sensational views of the surrounding forest.

Torres del Paine, Chile

This mountain range is famous for the very steep peaks that rise up almost vertically into the air, with the W Trek the best way to get an up close look at the site.

Guiana Space Center, French Guiana

This space center is a fascinating place to visit with all the infrastructure of space launches along with a lovely location.

This coastal Brazilian city is a great place to visit, and is within easy reach of several excellent beaches, while also having some wonderful nightlife to enjoy.

Santiago, Chile

The Chilean capital is a cosmopolitan and vibrant city, and offers some wonderful historical areas to explore, and some great local wines.

The Ancient Chimu City of Chan Chan, Peru

A historic city in the north of the country, this dates from the period between the 10th and 15th centuries, and is particularly noted for a superbly innovative irrigation and canal system.

Quito, Ecuador

Officially it is the highest altitude capital in the world, and is particularly noted for great colonial architecture.

Courtesy of ArtToday

Located on the coast, this lovely city is a great place to explore with a vibrant culture, and the amazing Miraflores cliffs where paragliding is popular. 

Ouro Prêto, Brazil

Once the silver mining capital of Brazil, today Ouro Prêto is a sleepier city that has a wealth of historic buildings, and beautifully preserved surroundings.

Huascarán National Park, Peru

Home to the highest mountain in Peru, this Andean national park is great for those who love mountain scenery.

Puerto Madryn, Argentina

 A great place from which to explore the natural species of Patagonia, including penguins and dolphins, with the city being the gateway to the wonderful Peninsula Valdes. 

Mancora, Peru

This beautiful beach town is a haven for those who have a passion for surfing, and it has developed a laid back party culture.

More: Best Places to Surf in South America

Tiwanaku, Bolivia

An important site in the Aymara culture, this ancient religious site has some stunning monuments, and is also home to the annual New Year festival.

Huacachina, Peru

This small town is located in an area that is largely desert, with the buildings located around the oasis lake which sustains this remarkable town. A popular activity for tourists is sand boarding on one of the many sand dunes.

Asuncion, Paraguay

The Paraguayan capital is an interesting place to visit with some nice colonial buildings and a good nightlife. 

Santuario de las Lajas, Colombia

A remarkable basilica built in a steep sided gorge, this building is a beautiful Gothic Revival church in an apparently impossible location. 

Salta, Argentina

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The capital of the gaucho culture in Argentina, this town is a great base to explore, as well as being the station to take the 'Train to the Clouds'.

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Jericoacoara, Brazil

Hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, this remote area has large sand dunes, calm waters that are great for swimming and some nice spots for relaxing.

Huayhuash, Peru

This mountain range has some fantastic wildlife including condors and llamas, while the Huayhuash Circuit is a very popular trekking route.

Montevideo, Uruguay

A popular coastal city with a lovely seafront area, Montevideo has great botanical gardens, along with some nice colonial architecture.

Isla de Margarita

A lovely Caribbean island, Margarita is famous for great beaches and for being a top windsurfing and kitesurfing destination.

Bariloche, Argentina

A mountain town with a Swiss influence, in the summer it is known for hiking and mountain biking, and in winter it becomes a skiing destination.

Capurgana, Colombia

A coastal town with a tropical climate, Capurgana is best known for its fabulous scuba diving available between April and November.

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32 Best Places To Visit In South America – In 12 Countries!

Are you planning your itinerary to one of the planet’s most awesome continents with 12 unique countries? Here’s an overview of the best places to visit in South America.

Consists of 12 countries, each uniquely blessed with breathtaking geographies, fascinating histories, and diverse cultures, it’s hard to choose from the endless things to do and the must-visit places in South America.

440 million people. 17.8 million square kilometers. 17,500 kinds of wildlife and 118,308 plant species. Superlatives will describe South America, Earth’s fourth largest continent and the most biologically diverse place; also home to the world’s highest capital city, largest rainforest, longest mountain range system, largest salt flat, and driest desert. 

If you are planning a trip throughout the continent, check out this list of 32 top South American destinations that await you—from beach paradises, cool party towns, colorful festivals, and outdoor adventures to awe-inspiring sights. 

Table of Contents

Best Places To Visit in South America – Argentina

Argentina is one of the most diverse and unique countries in South America. From the bustling city streets to the breathtaking natural wonders of Patagonia and the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, Argentina offers a rich tapestry of experiences for all types of explorers. 

1. El Chalten 

El Chalten is the first on our list of best places to visit in Argentina . It is also known as the trekking capital of Patagonia and offers plenty of things to explore in Patagonia . 

Multiple different rewarding treks allow you to get breathtaking views of Mount Fitz Roy and Laguna de Los Tres , making it an ideal destination for those seeking unforgettable adventures in the heart of Patagonia.

2. Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier is located in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. The park is located in the Patagonia region and has an area of around 97 square miles (250 square kilometers). 

The best way to experience the glacier is by getting on the walkways that will give you a stunning view of the huge pieces of ice. If you want to see the Perito Moreno glacier, try the full-day Big Ice Trek from El Calafate. With an expert guide, you will ride a boat to cruise Lago Argentino and experience this wonderful place. 

3. Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls is one of the most stunning sights in Argentina. The phenomenon of 275 different falls or cataracts in the same place is a sight to behold. The thundering and crashing sound of water around you will keep your excitement high. 

The forest surrounding the falls is home to many indigenous birds and mammals, which you can spot on your way to the top. 

4. Buenos Aires 

Buenos Aires is a metropolitan city with electric nightlife. It is also known as the Paris of South America. Plenty of museums, theaters, and galleries are just around the corner. 

The architecture and street art will also grab your attention. The colorful streets of La Boca, with amazing street food, are some of the many entertainment options in Buenos Aires. 

Best Places To Visit in South America – Bolivia

5. lake titicaca.

Situated on the shores of Bolivia Lake, Copacabana is a popular starting point for exploring the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca. It offers stunning views of the lake and access to various attractions, such as the popular Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) and Isla de la Luna (Island of the Moon), which are known for their archaeological sites and scenic landscapes. 

Lake Titicaca is the highest lake in the world, at 12,506 feet (3,812 meters) above sea level. The beauty of the lake, combined with stunning views of the nearby mountains, is enough to keep you enthralled and glued to the view for a long time. 

6. Salar de Uyuni, Salt Flats 

Salar de Uyuni , also known as the Salt Flats , is a unique and otherworldly natural wonder in southwest Bolivia. Its vast expanse of dazzling white salt sets it apart, stretching as far as the eye can see. 

The salt flats cover over 4,000 square miles (10,000 square kilometers) and are the largest salt flats in the world. During the rainy season, a thin layer of water covers the flats, creating a stunning mirror effect that reflects the sky, creating an illusion of an infinite expanse merging with the heavens.

Best Places To Visit in South America – Brazil

7. salvador da bahia.

Salvador is the capital of Bahia state in the Northeast region of Brazil. The city is quite famous for its cuisine, architecture, and music. 

Most people visit this place to explore various churches and forts. It is an ideal place to visit for people trying to learn about Brazilian history.

8. Rio de Janeiro 

Rio de Janeiro , a city blessed with amazing views of tropical forests and golden sand beaches, is a must-visit. 

The beaches have a unique charm, and you can play volleyball and many other games. Copacabana Beach and Ipanema should be at the top of your list of beaches to visit.

Join this Rio de Janeiro tour for a day to visit some of the best places in the city, like the Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer), Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. 

9. The Amazon Jungle 

The Amazon Jungle is home to more than 40,000 plant species. The best place to start a tour of this place is Manaus , the capital of the Brazilian Amazon. The cities in the Amazon cannot be accessed by road, so the only transportation option you can use is a plane. 

Once there, take a slow boat on the Amazon River to spot different animals.

10. Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande , located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, is a captivating paradise that mesmerizes visitors with its untouched natural beauty and rich historical significance. This island retreat, encompassed by lush rainforests and pristine beaches, offers an idyllic escape from bustling city life. 

Its stunning landscapes, including Pico do Papagaio , a towering peak, and Lopes Mendes Beach, renowned for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, attract nature enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. But Ilha Grande is more than just a picturesque haven; it also holds a haunting past as a former prison colony. 

The remnants of the prison complex, along with the surrounding protected forests, serve as a poignant reminder of the island’s dark history. With limited development and abundant outdoor activities, Ilha Grande is a haven for those seeking serenity, adventure, and a glimpse into Brazil’s complex past.

11. Gramado

Nestled in the heart of the Serra Gaúcha region in Brazil, Gramado enchants visitors with its European charm and breathtaking natural landscapes. This quaint town, reminiscent of a Swiss alpine village, captivates tourists with its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and colorful flower displays. 

Gramado is famous for its annual Christmas festival , transforming the town into a magical wonderland with dazzling lights and enchanting decorations. 

Beyond its fairy-tale atmosphere, Gramado is known for its thriving chocolate industry, offering a delectable array of artisanal chocolates and confections. 

Best Places To Visit in South America – Chile

11. easter island .

Easter Island is home to the famous Moai statues. The colorful landscapes and friendly locals will keep you entertained for your trip. 

The best time to visit here is in the first 2 weeks of February when the Tapati Festival takes place. The festival continues for about 14 days.

12. Carretera Austral

Carretera Austral , the iconic Southern Highway of Chile, winds its way through the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia , offering an unrivaled adventure for nature enthusiasts. This legendary route takes travelers on a captivating journey through rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and dense forests. 

Along the way, stop at Pumalín Park , a pristine nature reserve nestled within Patagonia’s wild heart. Pumalín Park enchants visitors with its lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and untouched fjords, providing an immersive experience in the region’s natural wonders.

13. Parque Nacional Torres del Paine

Parque Nacional Torres del Paine , a jewel of Patagonia, beckons adventurers with its awe-inspiring landscapes and breathtaking natural wonders. The park’s rugged mountains, shimmering lakes, and vast glaciers create a dramatic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience. 

One of the park’s most popular treks is the legendary W Trek , which takes hikers on a 4-5 day journey. This challenging and rewarding trek offers an immersive experience in the heart of Patagonia, allowing hikers to connect with nature and witness the region’s raw beauty up close.

For those seeking a true connection with nature and a chance to explore one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, a visit to Parque Nacional Torres del Paine is an opportunity not to be missed.

Best Places To Visit in South America – Colombia

14. parque nacional tayrona.

Parque Nacional Tayrona is a stunning national park along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. 

One of its highlights is Cabo San Juan, a picturesque beach with rugged cliffs, palm trees, and panoramic Caribbean sea views. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and exploring nearby trails to discover hidden beaches. 

The park also preserves archaeological sites, providing insights into the ancient Tayrona civilization. Parque Nacional Tayrona, with Cabo San Juan as a standout, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure.

15. Salento

Salento is a captivating destination that coffee enthusiasts adore. It is famous for its exceptional coffee, drawing visitors who are eager to experience the journey of crafting some of the world’s finest brews. Explore the enchanting coffee farms and witness the intricate process behind each cup. 

But that’s not all! Embark on a breathtaking hike to Valle de Cocora and be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring vistas of vibrant green landscapes. 

Salento is a haven for nature lovers seeking a sensory and visual treat.

16. Cartagena

Cartagena , a city adorned with captivating colonial architecture, is a haven for history enthusiasts and culture aficionados. This walled town, founded in 1533 and steeped in nearly 500 years of history, exudes an old-world charm that transports visitors back in time. 

But if you’re craving more adventure, the options abound. Bask in the sun at Playa Blanca beach or immerse yourself in a unique experience at Volcan del Totumo . 

Cartagena seamlessly blends the past’s allure with the present’s excitement, making it an irresistible destination for all.

Bogota is the capital of Colombia, located around 8,202 ft (2,500 m) above sea level. Like any other metropolitan city, Bogota has plenty of fascinating sights. 

Some of the tourist’s favorite places in the city include La Candelaria, Monserrate, Museo Botero, and Museo del Oro.

Best Places To Visit in South America – Ecuador

18. galapagos islands .

The Galapagos Islands are close to the country of Ecuador . You can spot over 1,000 bird species flying over white sand beaches and turquoise waters. 

Marine life, such as hammerhead sharks, giant tortoises, sea lions, land and sea turtles, marine iguanas, tropical penguins, and many more, makes the entire experience worthwhile. 

19. Quilotoa Loop

Quilotoa Loop is a 3-day long trek that allows hikers to experience Andean villages and the high-altitude scenery of turquoise waters at Laguna Quilotoa. 

Embarking on this immersive journey, hikers can immerse themselves in the rich culture and traditions of the Andean communities dotting the route. The trail winds through picturesque villages, where friendly locals warmly welcome visitors, offering a glimpse into their daily lives and age-old customs.

20. Quito’s Old Town

Quito is the capital of Ecuador, located 9,350 ft (2,850 m) above sea level. The city preserves some of the oldest architecture from the country’s Spanish colonial era. 

Grand churches and the city’s central area are the most visited places in the city. 

21. Cuenca 

Cuenca , another Ecuadorian city with exquisite architecture, is around 8,400 ft (2,560 m) above sea level. Some popular sites to visit are Ingapirca’s historic ruins and Turi. 

A free walking tour is the best way to admire the city’s stunning architecture. 

Best Places To Visit in South America – Peru

22. machu picchu.

Machu Picchu is a hugely popular tourist attraction in Peru due to the presence of the Inca Ruins. There are a few historical sites that you can visit to learn about Peru’s past. 

Some of the most visited places are the central plaza, the high priest’s house, the Inca drawbridge, and Inti Punku (the sun gate).

Lima is the foodie’s destination. The city is filled with some of the best restaurants in Peru. From anticucho (beef hearts cooked over fire or charcoal) on the street to traditional ceviche at a 5-star restaurant, every cuisine will leave you licking your fingers. 

Maido, Central, and Astrid y Gaston are some of the best restaurants to try.

Cusco is a beautiful city located within the Andes mountains at a height of 11,152 ft (3,399 m). You can start your tour from Plaza de Armas , the city’s main square. 

On your walking tour, you can explore many small shops and restaurants surrounded by stunning views of the mountains. Don’t forget to try empanadas sold on the streets. 

25. Huacachina

Huacachina is a small town surrounded by the dunes of central Peru. It is also called an oasis due to a small lake in the center of the town. 

Enjoy amazing sunset views, exciting sand buggy rides, and more. 

Best Places To Visit in South America – Paraguay

26. ciudad del este.

Ciudad del Este is the second largest city in Paraguay . It is a great place for people who love shopping. Due to low prices and taxes, people from nearby countries cross the border to enjoy discounts. 

Some of the best shopping malls to visit include Shopping del Este, Shopping Paris, and Plaza City. 

27. Encarnación

Encarnación, often hailed as the tourist capital of Paraguay, entices visitors with its stunning beaches and delightful waterfront boardwalks. 

San Jose Beach is a tourist favorite among these beaches, offering a perfect blend of sun, sand, and relaxation. The city is also home to the magnificent Jesus and Trinidad Jesuit Ruins . 

On this UNESCO World Heritage site , visitors can explore the remnants of a rich historical past. Encarnación truly captivates with its coastal charm and cultural treasures, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique experience in Paraguay.

Best Places To Visit in South America – Uruguay

28. colonia del sacramento.

Colonia del Sacramento is Uruguay ’s gem. Many colorful houses and streets show the true beauty of artistry and architecture. The old town gate and Plaza de Armas are the 2 main spots you can’t miss. 

29. Punta del Este

Punta del Este is a beach town with great activities. The Los Dedos (the fingers) Beach is a local favorite. A sculpture at the beach was made by a famous local artist named Mario Irarrazabal. 

You can also enjoy some water activities such as surfing.

Best Places To Visit in South America – Venezuela

30. los roques .

Los Roques turned into a national park in 1972. It is an archipelago known for its marine life. You can spot over 90 bird species, 280 fish species, 60 coral species, and much more. 

The place also has various activities, including sailing, diving, fishing, swimming, windsurfing, and snorkeling.

31. Angel Falls

Angel Falls are thundering down from a height of 3,215 ft (980m). They are known for being the highest waterfall in the world. 

Not only the view of water falling but the surrounding forest is what makes the whole scene pop. 

32. Mount Roraima 

Mount Roraima is covered with many rock formations. It is the highest tepui (table mountain) in the Grand Sabana grasslands. However, the presence of fauna and flora makes the view even more attractive. 

This off-beaten-track site is a must for your travel books.

Tips for Making the Most of Your South American Vacation

Here are some expert tips to follow on your visit to South America: 

• Practice speaking the local language, as people in most countries can’t communicate in English. 
• South America is full of landscapes with diverse climates, so pack accordingly.
• Always keep copies of your original documents, such as your visa, passport, and insurance. 
• Check the conversion rate before taking local cash. Carry only as much as you need.
• Stick to the popular tourist areas and avoid walking alone at night. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Best Places To Visit in South America

Which south american country is the best to visit.

Every South American country has something unique. 

However, the best country to visit in South America is Bolivia, one of the most diverse countries in the world. From the Andes mountain range to the biggest salt flat in the world to the cultural capital of La Paz, Bolivia has something for everyone. 

Plus, Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries on the continent, making it the perfect destination for budget travelers. 

What Is the Safest Country in South America To Visit?

The safest country in South America is Uruguay. 

According to the Global Peace Index , Uruguay is the 46 th safest country out of 163 nations. 

What Is the Prettiest Place in South America?

The prettiest place in South America, in my opinion, is Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. 

The park is nestled in the picturesque Patagonian region of Chile, showcasing some of the world’s most breathtaking and dramatic landscapes, featuring soaring granite peaks, sparkling turquoise lakes, glaciers, and vast expanses of pristine wilderness. 

What Is the Best Time of Year To Visit South America?

The best time to visit South America is between September and November, which is the spring season. 

The shoulder season is when there are fewer tourists, the prices are lower, and it’s generally my favorite time to travel. 

Conclusion – Best Places To Visit in South America

Is your dream destination included in our list of best places in South America? 

Whether you are fascinated with ancient civilizations, seeking the most beautiful hiking trails , looking to be bowled over by marvelous sights, or simply want to chill on some of the world’s beaches, South America’s diverse attractions will have something to satisfy your wanderlust.

Your Ultimate Travel Guide & Booking Resources

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12Go Asia is my ultimate travel companion in Asia, offering the best budget service platform for seamless booking of trains, buses, ferries, and flights, ensuring every adventure unfolds smoothly and effortlessly.

Booking.com is my ultimate lodging partner. It offers many accommodations worldwide and simplifies my travel experiences with its user-friendly platform and unbeatable deals.

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LifeStraw Go Bottle is my trusted hydration companion for outdoor adventures, filtering water on-the-go to keep me safe and hydrated, ensuring every hike or travel experience is worry-free and enjoyable.

Learn more about South America’s unique countries: 

• 22 Most Popular Colombian Food Dishes To Try Today
• 12 Best Places To See Chile and Argentina Penguins

Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter

Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents. Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University. Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.

Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.

26 (Awe-Inspiring) Best Places to Visit in South America

by Other Way Round Travel | Apr 9, 2021

South America’s Most Spectacular Destinations

Planning a visit to South America? Let’s pack your itinerary with the most stunning destinations the continent has to offer. As a whole, South America is a diverse land-mass filled with rugged mountain terrain, icy glaciers, cacti-spotted deserts, world-class beaches, and colorful pastel towns.

Popular among long-term backpackers but also for week-long bucketlist crushing excursions. The Southern continent has a little something for every kind of traveler. 

But what are the best places to visit in South America? 

It depends on what you’re looking for. Each destination offers unique experiences whether your focus is cultural, natural, or uncovering South America’s hidden gems. 

But first, let’s talk about what you can expect on your first visit to South America.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Other Way Round (@otherwayroundtravel)

What to Expect from Travel in South America?

Blessed with a favourable “bang for your buck” ratio, South America is also a relatively easy destination for first-timers.

With a well-established tourist infrastructure, access to Uber and Airbnb (two traveler favorites), and locals exuding a warm welcoming demeanour – it’s an easy continent to traverse. 

The cities are cultural powerhouses brimming with delicious regional eats and, typically, an emphasis on art and tradition.

The spaces in between, however, are equally important. South America contains some of the most magnificent and archeologically significant landscapes in the world.

Travelling Solo in South America?

South America is a phenomenal place to solo travel.

With warm and friendly locals and plenty of fellow travellers, you’ll find it easy to make connections along the way. 

If you’re looking for female-specific solo-travel tips be sure to check out our full blog post with 38 practical tips for solo female travellers so you can travel with confidence. 

Best Places to Visit in South America?

There are infinite reasons to visit South America.

Stunning natural beauty, historical sites, self-exploration, or simply a curiosity of Latin culture.

These are the most bucketlist-worthy destinations in South America to experience all that the continent has to offer.

Best Cities to Visit in South America for Cultural Experiences

For intrepid travelers looking to immerse themselves in the “authentic” South America, there’s no better place to start than these bustling Latin cities. You’ll quickly forge a connection with the destination by better understanding their rich traditions and cultural heritage.

1. MEDELLIN (COLOMBIA)

Wander through Medellin’s many parks and plazas scattered with Botero’s signature overly-stuffed sculptures, museums, and over-the-top cathedrals and you’ll understand why this is one of South America’s most popular travel destinations. The “City of Eternal Spring” offers travellers stellar food, bold street art along the walls of Communa 13, and views from Parque Arvi only reached by cliffside gondola.

See our 8-day Colombia “Mountains & Pueblos” tour

2. CUZCO (PERU)

Perhaps, the most strikingly beautiful of the major South American cities. Cuzco, the former capital of the ancient Incan empire, is filled with stunning Baroque churches framed by the rolling hills of the Sacred Valley. It also holds the title of the oldest inhabited city in the Americas.

See our 11-day Peru tour  

3. BUENOS AIRES (ARGENTINA)

In a country famous for Tango, wine, and colonial architecture there’s perhaps no city more authentically Argentinian than Buenos Aires. Pour yourself a heavy-handed glass of Malbec and stroll through the beautifully crafted neighborhoods that birthed the sashaying dance of Argentina in the 19th century. Packed with museums, art galleries, and fine-dining this bustling city captures the romance of Argentina.

4. RIO DE JANEIRO (BRAZIL)

There’s no shortage of thrilling activities for travelers in Rio. Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana beach, the list goes on and on. But Rio is more than dramatic viewpoints and sunny white-sand beaches. It’s the cultural hub of Brazil. Time your visit during the annual celebration of Carnival to see Rio at its most colourful.

See our 12-day Brazil tour

5. LA PAZ (BOLIVIA)

Sitting at nearly 12,000 feet elevation, La Paz is the highest major city in the world. A winning combination of modern metropolis mixed with the colourful local traditions of the local Aymara people, La Paz welcomes visitors to meander through its witches’ market, take a gander at the Chollita Wrestlers, and explore the historic center on Jaen Street.

6. CARTAGENA (COLOMBIA)

If Medellin represents Colombia’s place in the modern world, Cartagena pays homage to Colombia’s past. Through the yellow pastel walls of the UNESCO-Heritage preserved Old City, cobblestone streets, and lively salsa clubs you’ll fall in love with this balmy city and get a look at the Afro-Colombian culture along the way.

See our 8-day Colombia “Beaches & Jungles” tour  

Best Places to Visit in South America for Wild Nature 

Vast swathes of jungle, cascading waterfalls, and raw wilderness in all its glory. South America is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Come lose yourself in one of these breath-taking natural destinations. 

7. GALAPAGOS ISLANDS (ECUADOR)

Channel your inner Darwin and see some of the world’s most unique wildlife first-hand. This handful of islands off the coast of Ecuador harbor some of the most ecologically diverse species on the planet. Penguins, 100-year-old tortoises, diving iguanas & cuddly sea-lion pups are among the most commonly spotted creatures.

8. AMAZON RAINFOREST

A bucketlist-worthy destination if there ever was one. The Amazon Rainforest has many access points throughout South America, but the most popular are in Brazil and Peru. Delve into one of the last virgin rainforests on the planet and canoe through the flooded canopy. It’s a region worth exploring. 

9. PAILON DEL DIABLO (ECUADOR)

Also known as the Devil’s Cauldron Waterfall, this cascade is made even more impressive by the spiraling stone staircase allowing visitors to get up close and personal to the stream. If you’re the kind of person to go chasing waterfalls, this one should top your list.

10. SAN PEDRO ATACAMA (CHILE)

A wild landscape if there ever was one. Belching snow-capped volcanoes, arid desert, scattered with electric blue saline lakes. A photographer’s dream. Some otherworldly landscapes are worth the extra effort it takes to reach them. The Atacama desert is one of them.

11. IGUACU FALLS (BRAZIL / ARGENTINA)

South America has no shortage of breath-taking waterfalls. But Iguaçu falls, sitting between Brazil and Argentina, is one of the largest. Technically composed of many falls, it clocks in at 80 meters in height and one of the widest falls in the entire world. Surrounded by a verdant jungle and often painting the sky with rainbows, Iguaçu Falls is nothing short of stunning.

12. SALAR DE UYUNI (BOLIVIA)

We’ve all seen the photos. An impossibly long stretch of white salt flats making the people that stand atop it look comically small. It’s a natural wonder of the world. And well worth a visit if you’re looking for dramatic landscapes in Bolivia. 

13. ANGEL FALLS (VENEZUELA)

Angel Falls is the long-standing champion when it comes to the tallest waterfall in the world. Dripping at a height of over 3,000 ft, the rust-colored cliffside spills water that evaporates into thin air as it falls, giving life to the green jungle below.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salto Ángel | Angel Falls (@saltoangelvenezuela)

Best Places to Visit in South America for Trekking

These destinations offer dramatic landscapes to travelers willing to walk the extra mile. Literally. From single afternoon hikes to multi-day treks through high-elevation, these are South America’s most popular and scenic trekking destinations. 

14. LAGUNA 69 (PERU)

This electric-blue glacial lake set against the grey slate mountains is one of the single most breath-taking sights in South America. A moderate (due to altitude) day hike from the town of Huaraz, which is aptly named the trekking capital of Peru. These sky-high peaks are not for the ill-prepared as some sit above 15,000 ft.

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15. MACHU PICCHU (PERU)

The single most popular destination in South America, for good reason. This 15th-century structure is all that remains of one of the world’s most advanced ancient civilizations. Today you can see the ruins without walking one of the multi-day treks through the Sacred Valley. But if you are interested in hiking and stunning viewpoints, the Inca Trail to the summit of Machu Picchu is a must-do. 

16. CIUDAD PERDIDA (COLOMBIA)

Also known as the Lost City, these ancient ruins swallowed up by the jungles are thought to be even older than the ruins at Machu Picchu. You’ll spend 3-5 days trekking with an indigenous guide learning about the history of the hidden civilization and getting a first-hand look at the raw Colombian wilderness. 

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17. TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK (ARGENTINA)

If you’re an avid outdoors person, Patagonia is perhaps the most spectacular place in the world. Powder blue glaciers sit on gray granite spires, golden pampas grass shivers in the wind, and the countryside is spotted with guanacos (llama-like animals). You could spend weeks trekking in this national park, only a small portion of the Chilean Patagonia region, and barely scratch the surface. The most popular mountain paths are the O-Circuit and the W-Trek.

18. RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (PERU)

This rust, seafoam, and gold striped peak is actually a new geological formation. In 2015 the snow covering the 17,000-foot tall peak melted completely, revealing a sharp pyramid-like spine with distinct mineral-deposit stripes. Travelers have been making the high altitude trek to its summit ever since. 

Best Places to Visit in South America for Seaside Relaxation

Although many travelers come to South America in search of adventure, others are just looking for a serene vacation to unwind from their daily grind. Often, a beach comes to mind. And fortunately, South America is chock-full of idyllic ocean getaways.

19. PRAINHA (BRAZIL)

Nearby the cultural hub of Rio De Janeiro, this rugged beach is known for rolling waves that draw surfers and beach-goers to its pale coastline. Although it can be rough going if you’re looking to swim, this beach is spectacular if it’s scenery and sunshine you’re looking for. Prainha’s bright blue ocean slaps against the sand at the foot of the lush green landscape that Brazil is famous for.

20. PUNTA DEL DIABLO (URUGUAY)

If you’re looking for unspoiled golden shores with a small-town feel, Punta Del Diablo is the perfect destination in South America for you. This once small fishing village has retained much of its laid-back charm while slowly becoming Uruguay’s top beach destination. You’ll look out on the endless soft pastel sand spattered with palms, and relatively few people, as Uruguay doesn’t have the tourist numbers of nearby Argentina and Brazil.

21. VALPARAISO (CHILE)

Valparaíso, even without its beaches, would be a popular stop for international tourists in Chile. Boasting not only sunny sandy shores but a brightly-colored bohemian artist town built into a seaside mountain, complete with panoramic views from its slow-climbing funicular.

22. PARQUE TAYRONA (COLOMBIA)

This national park is only accessible via hike and is popular among locals as well as international tourists. The turquoise shores of Tayrona National Park are just protected enough from the ocean’s harsh currents to allow for comfortable swimming in its lagoons. Fringed with palms and pressed up against the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, this beach is one of the most beautiful places in all of South America. 

Underrated Destinations to Visit in South America 

Although South America sees its fair share of tourists there are still plenty of destinations that would be considered off-the-beaten-path. Due to its sheer size, many pockets have remained untraversed hidden gems worth exploring.

23. PARATY (BRAZIL)

Home of Cachaca, a staple in the Brazilian bar scene, Paraty is a cobblestoned paradise preserved in time. Boasting beaches, hiking, and a laid-back small-town vibe. Add to that its picturesque beauty, and it’s truly surprising more travelers don’t make it to the coastal town. 

24. QUILOTOA LAKE (ECUADOR)

The aqua-marine lake nestled in the gray crater of the Quilotoa volcano is the highlight of the Ecuadorian Andes mountain range. Despite its relative ease to reach, it’s a rarely visited destination in this South American country.

25. JARDIN (COLOMBIA)

This colorful Colombian pueblo has retained its small-town ambiance and preserved its cowboy heritage. Crayola-hued facades line the cobblestone streets, much like the famed day trip destination of Guatape . But unlike Guatape, it’s remained relatively untouched by the hands of tourism.

26. USHUAIA (ARGENTINA)

The end of the world and the gateway to the seventh continent. Ushuaia is the small resort town at the tip of Argentina where you’ll begin your cruise to Antarctica. Or just a short excursion to some of the nearby penguin islands. Perched on a hillside painted with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks the town is an attraction in its own right.

These are our best places to visit in South America and easily some of the most interesting, culturally-inspired, and scenic destinations that the continent has to offer. Be sure to check out our in-depth destination guides on Peru , Colombia , and Brazil – and our guide on Solo Travel to South America – for more trip-planning information and inspiration.

Explore South America With Like-Minded Travellers Aged 25-45 !

We’re  Other Way Round Travel   and we bring together groups of solo travellers aged 25-45 for immersive & authentic trips to the most exotic places in the South America. Here’s some of our popular trips taking in the best places in South America.

12 Days in Brazil. Admire street art in  São Paulo, trek rainforests in colonial Paraty and marvel at the madness of Rio de Janeiro. See Itinerary

12 Days in Peru. Cook ceviche in Lima, sail the Amazon, hike to Machu Picchu and become awestruck by the Sacred Valley.  See Itinerary

15 Days in Colombia. Dance salsa. Meet coffee farmers. Sail tropical islands. Hike lush jungles. Taste the finest Caribbean rum .  See Itinerary

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10 Best Places to Visit in South America is 2024                         

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Finding the best places to visit in South America is no easy task, especially since this continent has the perfect mix of beaches, landscapes, biodiversity, cultural centers, and ancient ruins. Traveling to South America is a journey to the past that also ignites your senses in the present moment.

If you’re not sure where to go, keep reading to discover the best countries in South America to visit . I’ll offer a variety of options so you can create a well-rounded itinerary. From old temples and colonial churches to beautiful rainforests, deserts, islands, and even tundra, you’ll find it all here.

We’ve traveled extensively throughout South America, and it leaves us breathless every time. There is so much to see on this continent, so we’ll be back in no time to explore even more. If you’re ready to dive into the unique heritages, traditions, and landscapes of South America , let’s go!

1. Argentina, the best South American country to visit for natural landscapes

Argentina has one of the most diverse landscapes in South America , so you really need to take your time to discover everything. One of the popular tourist destinations is San Carlos de Bariloche in Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina’s largest park. Plus, the city is a great starting point for this day trip along the Road of the Seven Lakes .

Of course, I highly recommend a whale-watching tour on the Vald és Peninsula . We were also blown away by Los Glaciares National Park and its Perito Moreno Glacier , which you can see on this day trip from El Calafate . For more hiking, check out the village of El Chalt én . That is also part of the Patagonia photo tour we run each year.

Argentina’s cities are some of the most beautiful places in South America , particularly the capital of Buenos Aires . This highlights tour is perfect for first-time visitors, although I also suggest seeing a tango show . Over in the wine region, Mendoza produces Argentina’s Malbec wines. This tasting tour is perfect for wine lovers, but if that’s not your thing, check out this day tour of Mendoza and the surrounding area.

The large city of Salta is home to impressive 18 th and 19 th -century buildings and cultural institutions, and it’s surrounded by interesting attractions. This day trip from Salta goes to the hamlet of Purmamarca and the Salinas Grandes salt flats, one of the 7 Wonders of the Argentine Republic. Moreover, this tour visits the farms and tobacco plantations of the Lerma Valley and the wineries of Cafayate.

Also, you must visit Iguazú Falls , one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The falls consist of 275 different waterfalls and are in the middle of the Parana jungle, so they’re a sight to behold. This multi-day tour gives you several unique perspectives of Iguazú so you can take in all its beauty.

Finally, venture to Ushuaia , the southernmost city in the world, where you can see Tierra del Fuego National Park or take a penguin-watching cruise through the Beagle Channel.

• Hotel Madero Buenos Aires (Buenos Aires)
• Quorum C órdoba Hotel (Córdoba)
• Hotel Kosten Aike (El Calafate)
• Hotel Crans Montana (San Carlos de Bariloche)
• Chalten Suites Hotel (El Chaltén)

2. Colombia, one of the best South American countries to visit for art and culture

Colombia is a gorgeous country with a wealth of South American attractions . A good place to start is the capital of Bogot á , one of the largest cities in the world. To make sure you don’t miss anything, take this highlights tour .

Outside of Bogotá, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is one of the most beautiful places in South America . The Catholic church was built 660 feet underground among the salt mines, which you can see on this tour . Another adventurous place to visit near Bogotá is the La Chorrera Waterfall , Colombia’s highest waterfall. I recommend this guided hike through the Andean jungle to see the falls.

Colombia’s second-largest city, Medell ín is a great place to learn about the Paisa culture of the Antioqueños, the indigenous people of this region. There are many tours here that explore the unique theaters and parks, although I like this graffiti art walk and this Pablo Escobar tour .

Near Medellín, you can find more interesting sites, such as El Peñol de Guatapé , a massive rock hill that’s millions of years old. This day tour from Medellín takes you to the famous landmark and includes sightseeing in Guatapé.

If you’re by the coast, don’t miss a stop at the port city of Cartagena to see its colonial structures. The Rosario Islands , which form one of Colombia’s Natural National Parks, are a short boat ride away. That said, the Colombian island of San Andres is ideal for water sports enthusiasts thanks to its coral reefs, which you can see on this scuba dive .

Lastly, in the very north of Colombia, at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Tayrona National Park boasts an incredible landscape of coves, lagoons, rainforests, and the Pueblito Ruins. The park is also a hotspot for bird-watching. Colombia is home to about 20% of the world’s bird diversity, with over 1,950 species living here. Other birding spots include the Antioquia Rainforest and the Los Nevados Cloud Forests.

• Bendito Hostel (Bogotá)
• LA Perla Sabanera CTG (Cartagena)
• Leblon Suites Hotel (Medellín)

3. Chile, another one of the best places to visit in South America

Chile is one of the best countries in South America to visit thanks to its range of landscapes, climates, and natural wonders. It’s also home to some lovely cities, particularly the capital of Santiago de Chile , which you can see on this highlights tour .

From Santiago, you can take this day trip to the Cajon de Maipo , a beautiful mountain gorge. Or, you can book this excursion to discover Valpara íso , Vi ña del Mar , and the Casablanca wine valley . On the other hand, Valle Nevado has the best skiing and snowboarding in Chile, and Easter Island is known for its giant statues, or moai , which the Rapa Nui people built between 1100 and 1680 CE. Central Chile is home to Conguillio National Park , a natural haven full of lava flows, lush vegetation, forests, and the Llaima volcano.

You’ll experience a completely new environment in the Atacama Desert , the driest non-polar desert in the world. Set up base in San Pedro de Atacama , then take a tour to see the Salar de Atacama salt flats. San Pedro is a departure point for several wonderful tours, including this trip to the Valle de la Luna and this day tour to the geothermal fields at the El Tatio Geysers. This area has some of the darkest skies on the planet, so if you’re a fan of astrophotography like us, I recommend this night tour or joining one of our Atacama Photo Tours if you want to learn how to photograph the Milky Way like a pro!

In the southern Chilean Patagonia, begin your journey in Puerto Natales and check out the Mylodon Cave Natural Monument followed by a day hike or a full-day tour of Torres del Paine National Park , which we also visit during our Patagonia photo tour . Further south, you can see Cape Horn on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, while off the coast of Chile, Chilo é National Park is home to a temperate rainforest and a local population of pygmy blue whales.

• Mandarin Oriental (Santiago)
• 180 Hotel by DOT Boutique (Valparaíso)
• Hotel Vendaval (Puerto Natales)
• Hotel Jardín Atacama (San Pedro de Atacama)

4. Peru, the best place to visit in South America for history

Peru is one of the coolest places in South America , a region with rich ancient history and culture. You’ll get a good overview of Peru’s past, present, and future by visiting Lima , Peru’s capital city. In addition to its colonial architecture and museums, Lima is known as a top culinary destination in South America . While you’re here, you must try Peruvian ceviche and a Pisco sour, the city’s signature drink. If you’re short on time, this city tour will give you all the highlights.

Another place you can visit from Lima is Huacachina , a village in a natural oasis. Located in the world’s driest desert, Huacachina is surrounded by huge dunes and the Huacachina Lagoon. This bus tour from Lima travels to the beach town of Paracas and the village of Huacachina. It also includes a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands off the coast of Paracas. Sometimes referred to as the Peruvian Galapagos, these islands are home to various bird species, penguins, seals, and sea lions.

A short flight away, you’ll find Cusco , the old capital of the Incan Empire and one of the best cities to visit in South America . Its crown jewel is Machu Picchu , an ancient citadel containing the Temple of the Sun, the Inti Mach’ay cave, and more. Be sure to get your ticket in advance! There is also this combo ticket , which includes admission and round-trip transportation from Aguas Calientes, or this full-day group tour of Machu Picchu directly from Cusco.

You’ll also love the Salt Mines of Maras , a large salt extraction center built between 500 and 1100 AD. This tour from Cusco goes there and stops at the Incan ruins at Moray and the town of Chinchero, which is known for its traditional Peruvian weavings.

From Cusco, you can also visit the Humantay Lake , and alpine lake with a distinct turquoise color, so it’s worth taking a day trip there. Yet another natural area in South America you can visit from Cusco is the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), where you can go hiking . Or you may prefer this multi-day trek through Man ú National Park , in the Peruvian Amazon jungle.

However, if you like hiking, there is no better place than Huaraz . This area is a mountainous paradise of crystal blue lakes, the Cordillera Huayhuash , and the Cordillera Blanca. It’s so magnificent that we have organized Huayhuash Photo Tours here.

Another famous place to visit in South America can be found in the Nazca Desert; the Nazca Lines were made between 500 BC and 500 CE and are best viewed on a sightseeing flight . Along Peru’s border with Bolivia, you can tour Lake Titicaca , the highest navigable lake in the world. If you have extra time, check out the beautiful city of Arequipa or Colca Canyon , a breathtaking spot where you can see the Andean condor.

• Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima City (Lima)
• Country Club Lima Hotel (Lima)
• Costa del Sol Wyndham Cusco (Cusco)
• Krusty Hostel B&B (Huaraz)

5. Brazil, the best country in South America to visit for beautiful beaches

Brazil is known for its beaches, rainforests, and Carnival celebrations. It’s the largest country on the continent, so it’s the place to go if you want to see many famous landmarks in South America .

Starting in the capital of Rio de Janeiro , you can visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Christ the Redeemer statue. This city tour will cover all the highlights so you don’t miss anything. I also recommend doing a sightseeing tour of S ão Paulo , a city with a vibrant art and nightlife scene.

Moreover, one of the oldest cities in the Americas, Salvador , is located on the Brazilian coast. A center for Afro-Brazilian culture, it has all kinds of interesting sites, so consider a half-day tour through town.

When it comes to nature, Brazil doesn’t disappoint. In addition to having some of the most beautiful beaches in South America , the country is home to part of Igua çu Falls , the largest waterfall system in the world. You must take this boat ride to experience the rush of the falls for yourself!

In the northeast, in the State of Maranhão, you can explore Lençóis Maranhenses National Park . It’s known for its rolling hills, sand dunes, and valleys, which transform into freshwater lagoons during the rainy season. It’s a hub for ecotourism in South America ; a place where you can swim, canoe, surf, and ride quad bikes.

You should also spend time in the Amazon Rainforest. The city of Manaus is a great base camp, and it’s worth taking a multi-day tour through the jungle to see endangered species, medicinal plants, and scenic waterways.

In addition, Natal Sand Dunes State Park is an incredible coastal environment. And of course, the beaches in Brazil are out of this world, especially Copacabana Beach . Some other hotspots include Ilha Grande off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, the island of Florianópolis , the Lagoon of Conceição, and the surfing beach of Joaquina.

• Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro)
• TRYP by Wyndham Sao Paulo Paulista Paraiso (São Paulo)
• Vila Gal é Salvador (Salvador)

6. Ecuador, one of the best places to visit in South America

Ecuador is small but full of wonder, and it’s one of the cheapest countries to visit in South America . I recommend starting your visit in the capital of Quito , which is full of historic monuments and colonial churches. This day tour offers an overview of the “Middle of the World” and the local culture.

Meanwhile, Cuenca has a large expat population and is known as the city of four rivers. Just outside the city, you can reconnect with nature and go hiking through the highlands of Cajas National Park . Another city worth visiting is Ba ños . Known as the “adventure capital of Ecuador,” Baños has countless outdoor activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, and rafting. It’s home to dozens of waterfalls, and the Baños de Agua Santa hot springs, and it sits at the base of the Tungurahua Volcano.

In addition, Ecuador’s natural areas are some of the coolest places in South America . Two hours from Quito, you’ll find the Mindo Cloud Forest , where you can take an adventure tour that includes waterfall hikes, rock climbing, and ziplining.

South of Quito, Cotopaxi National Park is home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. This volcano tour includes Cotopaxi, the Quilotoa Volcano, and the Limpiopungo Lagoon. Also, while it’s further south, the Chimborazo Volcano is also worth visiting, as it’s the tallest mountain in Ecuador and the Andes (north of Peru).

Finally, Ecuador has delightful beaches, specifically Esmeralda , Monta ñita , and Salinas . And if you can manage to book a trip to the Gal ápagos Islands , you’ll be greatly rewarded. For example, this 10-day excursion explores the various islands and their endangered species as well as mainland attractions like Quito.

• Hotel David (Quito)
• Selina Ba ños (Baños)
• Santa Lucia House – Forum (Cuenca)

7. Bolivia, the best South American country for unique sights

Don’t forget to add Bolivia to your South American travel itinerary . Named after liberation leader Simón Bolívar, this country is known for its ancient cultural heritage and natural areas. A great way to get introduced to Bolivia is through a half-day tour through the capital city of La Paz . Surrounding the highest capital in the world are the peaks of Mt. Illimani and Huayna Potosi .

From here, make your way to legendary Lake Titicaca . This day trip from La Paz is convenient and includes a boat ride on the lake. You’ll visit Isla del Sol to see the Inca Steps, then stop by the towns of Copacabana and Yumani.

You can also visit the constitutional capital of Bolivia, Sucre . Known for its whitewashed Spanish colonial buildings and 16 th -century churches, it’s a place where you can step back in time. This walking tour lets you get up close and personal with Sucre’s ancient streets and architecture. If you have the time and want to check out another colonial city, you can check out Potosi and venture into the museums or the silver mines, such as with this tour .

Back on the western side of the country, the Uyuni Salt Flat (Salar de Uyuni) is one of the most incredible places in South America that we’ve ever seen. Spanning 3,900 square miles, it’s the largest salt flat in the world and an amazing photo spot. I suggest taking this tour to see the salar and the flora and fauna of the Bolivian Altiplano or joining our Atacama and Bolivia photo tour .

From Uyuni, you can book a 4×4 Jeep or private tour to see the Laguna Colorada, an impressive salt lake. In addition to its red and white colors, which come from the water’s borax and algae, the lake attracts large groups of flamingoes.

• Las Brisas (La Paz)
• Hotel Palacio de Sal (Uyuni)
• Cosmopolitano Hotel Boutique (Santa Cruz de la Sierra)

8. Venezuela, another one of the best countries in South America to visit

Venezuela is a unique country with a distinct history, which is why it’s considered an interesting place for South American tourism . Part of that history is economic and political instability over the years. While there are areas of Venezuela that are tourist-friendly, just keep in mind that there are fewer amenities and services here.

One of its best attractions in Venezuela is the town of Ciudad Bol ívar and its beautifully preserved historic center. I also recommend visiting M érida , a city in the Andes Mountains that was a major player in Venezuela’s War of Independence. Today, it’s a popular tourist hub thanks to its vast array of activities and the Mérida cable car, one of the highest and longest in the world.

To the north, Venezuela’s capital, Caracas , is about 20 miles from the Caribbean Sea. This economic center contains important structures like the National Pantheon of Venezuela, which serves as the final resting place for notable figures like Simón Bolívar. Just outside downtown Caracas, Galip án is a lovely mountain town surrounded by pristine nature, while Ávila National Park is the perfect place to go hiking and discover the local flora.

Other magnificent parks in Venezuela include Morrocoy National Park and Medanos de Coro National Park . The former is a haven for hikers and divers, while the latter has a unique coastal habitat with desert, salt marshes, and sand dunes.

If you’re on the opposite end of the country, check out Canaima National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest park in South America with the highest uninterrupted waterfall on earth, Salto Angel . To the south of the park, Mount Roraima encompasses the area at the intersection of Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil. It’s a flat-topped mountain, or tepui , and the highest of all the tepuis in South America’s Pacaraima mountain chain.

You can also venture off the mainland and explore Venezuela’s coastal areas. The Orinoco Delta is a massive wetland area teeming with wildlife like capybara. Isla de Margarita is a beachy paradise while Los Roques Archipelago consists of about 350 small islands and cays and is one of the best places to visit in South America for snorkeling.

• Sorokaima (Caracas)
• SUITE M&J (Caracas)
• StevieWonderLand Playa El Yaque (Isla de Margarita)

9. Uruguay, the best place to visit in South America for nature lovers

Uruguay is a small country on the southeastern coast of South America, but if you can venture over there, it’ll be worth the effort. Your first stop should be the capital city of Montevideo , where you can immerse yourself in the culture and history of this nation. This half-day tour is a wonderful introduction to Montevideo and includes all the highlights like the Legislative Palace, Centenario Stadium, Agricola Market, and the Old Town.

In addition, Montevideo is super close to Playa de los Pocitos , a gorgeous South American beach . Punta del Este is further away, but you can take this day trip from Montevideo to make things easier. Also, if you keep heading east, you’ll find the coastal town of Jose Ignacio, Laguna Garz ón , and its famous circular bridge. Go a bit further, and you can visit the beach of Costa de Oro and the hamlet of Cabo Polonio , a hidden gem and haven for water sports enthusiasts.

To the west, close to the border with Argentina, the Colonia del Sacramento welcomes you with its quaint cobblestone streets and historic quarter. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates back to 1783, so if you plan on visiting, consider this excursion from Montevideo.

Finally, the northwestern region of Uruguay has the most amazing natural pools. The Dayman Hot Springs has 11 pools as well as Swedish showers, hydro jets, saunas, and an ozone pool. Alternatively, the Arapey Hot Springs is within a full resort and spa. Its waters contain several minerals, and the resort is in the countryside, so it’s ideal for a relaxing vacation in South America .

• Cane B&B (Montevideo)
• Bellagio Tower New Apartments (Punta del Este)
• Taurinas Apartments (Colonia del Sacramento)

10. Guyana, the best country to visit in South America for hidden gems

Last but not least, Guyana is an underrated country, but this just means you’ll be able to see one of the top places in South America without all the tourist crowds.

Organize your trip around the capital city of Georgetown and start your visit with this city tour . You’ll learn all about Georgetown’s history and visit the most popular attractions like Providence Stadium , the Demerara Harbour Bridge , St. George’s Cathedral , and the bustling Stabroek Market .

After spending time in Georgetown, venture off the beaten path to find some amazing hidden gems. For example, Kaieteur Falls is a 740-foot-tall single-drop waterfall nestled in the country’s Amazon region. It’s part of Kaieteur National Park, home to the tiny golden frog and the Guianan cock-of-the-rock, a colorful bird species.

Another natural beauty is the Iwokrama Rainforest , known as the “Green Heart of Guyana.” This protected area preserves the country’s tropical forest and wildlife, which includes over 800 local species. Keep an eye out for red howler monkeys, macaws, jaguars, and caiman! If you’re interested in ecotourism in South America , the forest has an impressive Canopy Walkway suspended 100 feet in the air.

And of course, Guyana isn’t without its beaches, particularly Shell Beach , which is about 140 miles northwest of Georgetown. Getting to the beach is tricky since you can’t drive there, but there are boats and excursions available. It’s worth it to see this pristine ecosystem of mangroves and swamps. Plus, the beach is a nesting site for endangered sea turtles.

• Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown (Georgetown)
• Ramada by Wyndham Princess Georgetown (Georgetown)
• El Dorado Inn (Georgetown)

Now you’re ready to plan your trip through South America . While planning your itinerary, keep this travel map of South America handy so you can quickly locate the attractions you’re interested in.

If you have any questions or you’d like to give me your opinion on the best places to visit in South America , leave me a comment. I’d love to hear from you! Safe travels and enjoy your South American adventure!

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Best Places to Visit in South America: 30 Unmissable Destinations

Ready to discover the best places to visit in South America? From the colourful Rainbow Mountain of Peru to the glacier-filled landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park, these are the destinations you NEED to add to your bucket list.

How do I sum up a place like South America? The easiest way would be to speak in superlatives – the varied landscape is filled with the highest, the driest, the deepest, the rarest…

Okay, I think you get it.

Whether you’re dreaming of a trip ogling some of the most iconic South American landmarks (Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, and Nazca Lines, I’m talking about you) or you fancy immersing yourself in the culture of places like Cusco and Quito, this continent truly has something to offer every kind of traveller.

Ready to discover the best places to visit in South America? Read on for my top picks…

Best Places to Travel in South America

Rio de janeiro, brazil.

When it comes to vibrant cities, South America boasts some of the best. And you don’t have to look any further than Rio de Janeiro for evidence of this. 

Considering what the city has to offer, it is also unsurprising that it’s one of the most visited.

Iconic attractions? Tick. Look no further than the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain for those. Plus, it also has the top-rated beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana. 

And sprinkled between all of these, you’ll find everything from luxury hotels to charming little cafes.

Machu Picchu, Peru

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu hardly needs an introduction. 

As one of the most-visited sites in South America, the Inca ruins provide a deeply fascinating glimpse into indigenous South American culture and heritage.

However, that’s not the only glimpse you’ll get here. At an elevation of 7,700 feet, when  visiting Machu Picchu , you’ll also encounter out-of-this-world views of the surrounding mountains. 

There is a limit on the daily number of tourists permitted, but that doesn’t mean you’ll easily avoid crowds at Machu Picchu .

Cusco, Peru

The city of Cusco is so much more than just a list of things to do (although they are pretty incredible). 

With its rich and colourful historic past, the city in Peru, located at an elevation of 11,000 feet within the Andes Mountains, was once the capital city of the Inca Empire.

However, during the 16th century, the Spanish invasion decimated the Incas and the city of Cusco. 

Today, the city is known as the historical capital of Peru , with many Incan ruins visible in the surrounding areas. At the same time, the Spanish colonial heritage reigns supreme within the Old Town of Cusco.

Medellín, Colombia

As one of the best places to travel in South America – but seriously underrated, in my eyes – the city of Medellín showcases some of the best things to do in Colombia . 

With a vibrant nightlife and a thriving community of international travellers, the town is ideal for digital nomads and those seeking a livelier trip.

Beyond that, the city is also home to the captivating rock of Guatape, so those of you looking for some natural beauty won’t leave feeling disappointed. However, for anyone yearning for some urban exploring, the city brims with world-class malls, outdoor spaces, and the infamous Comuna 13.

The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Fascinated by prehistoric animals? Eager for some natural beauty? Looking for the next entry in your South American tourist attractions list? If you answered yes to any of those, heading to the Galápagos Islands is your next adventure.

Here you’ll find a collection of wildlife that redefines expectations. From giant tortoises to fear-inducing iguanas, these beasts were the impetus for Charles Darwin’s iconic book, On the Origin of Species . 

Now with a calling card like that, the 18-island archipelago, formed by volcanic action, is a must for your South American bucket list .

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Wondering where to go in South America? Look no further than the Torres del Paine National Park. 

It sits within the furthest reaches of Chilean Patagonia and is home to the unique (and challenging) W Trek , but it’s so much more than that.

With the three peaks of the Paine Mountains dominating the landscape, it’s a visual treat for any brave explorer. But beyond its mountains, the park features numerous glaciers, rivers, forests, and endangered wildlife. 

And if you’re an outdoors enthusiast, camping in Torres del Paine is an experience second to none.

Sitting at the southernmost tip of South America, the region of Patagonia splits itself between Chile and Argentina. With its kaleidoscopic collection of landscapes, it’s one of  (if not the ) must-see places in South America.

Yes, the striking views and captivating landscapes are enough to take your breath away, but save some air for the best national parks in Patagonia . These hold icy glaciers, eye-catching lakes, and rivers, making them nature lovers’ nirvana. 

Oh, and did I mention wildlife? I mean, Tierra del Fuego has those stunning landscapes and penguins to boot.

Cartagena, Colombia

The city of Cartagena in Colombia manages to do a few things other cities can’t. 

Okay, beyond being one of the top places to visit in South America, this coastal gem boasts a specific culture distinctly different from other similar cities like Medellín in the Antioquia region.

Although it is a historical city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena emanates a unique touristy vibe. Immerse yourself within the poppin’ nightlife in its old city, while just beyond its city borders lie some of the best beaches and offshore islands around.

São Paulo, Brazil

A genuinely diverse city, São Paulo brandishes an international flavour well represented within its cuisine and cultural activities. 

In fact, the culinary scene within the city makes it one of the best places in South America to visit. With an irresistible mix of European, Middle-Eastern, and Asian flavours, it’s foodie heaven.

If you’re after a more culture-centric trip, São Paulo also has that covered. Standouts include the British Culture Centre, Germany’s Goethe Institute, and Spain’s Instituto Cervantes. And for an authentic taste of its celebration of diversity, head to the Museum of Sexual Diversity.

Read Next: Incredible Things to do in Brazil

Atacama Desert, Chile

As far as South American travel destinations go, few are as unique as the Atacama Desert . 

Don’t believe me? Well, wrap your head around this. It’s the driest non-polar desert in the world, and it only rains maybe once every four years (yes, four). It’s also not small, at about 1,000 miles from end to end.

With a size like that, it’s no surprise that there are some incredible things to do in the Atacama. 

Perhaps you’d like to hike up Cerro Toco , heading to the summit of a dormant volcano? Or maybe you just want to admire its vast salt flats, active geysers, or intense blue lagoons.

Read Next: Unmissable Things to do in the Atacama Desert

Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil

So, get this. An infinite sea of white sand dunes separated by small lagoons of rainwater that change shape depending on wind direction. Sounds almost unreal, doesn’t it? 

Welcome to Lençóis Maranhenses, a captivating natural paradise in Brazil’s Maranhão state.

This is the ticket if you’re looking for a cool place to visit in South America. It’s a landscape of rare phenomena thanks to abundant rainfall that ceases from March to June, resulting in picturesque white sand sheets and deep blue lagoons.

While there are many noteworthy things to see in Lima , there are a few reasons it’s one of the best places in South America to visit. 

Beyond having a really cool origin name, Ciudad de Los Reyes (City of the Kings), it’s a spectacular blend of a bustling metropolis and historical highlights.

And while that’s already reason enough to visit, a food tour of Lima is a must if you’re after some of the best cuisines on the continent. Whether you’re in the mood for anticucho from a street vendor, the best ceviche you’ve ever had, or a ten-course Andean tasting menu, you’ll find it all in Lima.

Rainbow Mountain, Peru

Considered a holy site in Peru, Rainbow Mountain is relatively new regarding buzzworthy South American destinations. 

What do I mean? Well, until very recently (although no one is sure when), thick layers of ice covered the region. As the ice melted, the mountain appeared, displaying various colours.

And not just a blend of colours. These cascade down the mountain in yellow, green, red, and purple hues. Today, it’s the second-most-visited attraction in the country, so read my guide on how to visit Rainbow Mountain and get packing your bags.

Iguazu Falls (Brazil & Argentina)

One of the best destinations in South America is the glorious Iguazu Falls ( Cataratas del Iguazú in Spanish or Foz do Iguaçu in Portuguese). 

Located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, few waterfalls come close to the gloriously beautiful Iguazu Falls. That’s partly because it is not just one waterfall, but actually, 275 individual falls.

Naturally dividing the Iguazu River into an upper and lower area, the falls sit within two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Brazil, they lie within the Iguaçu National Park, and in Argentina, they lie within the Iguazu National Park. 

While both sides have walkways to help you view the falls, Devil’s Throat is the most prominent and noteworthy on the Argentinian side.

Salta, Argentina

Situated at the foothills of the Andes in the northwest of Argentina, you’ll find the elegant and leafy city of Salta . If you’re after a scene-stealing look into the Andean culture while in the country, this city reigns supreme as an Argentinian landmark .

Here you’ll find neoclassical architecture that nods to Salta’s colonial past, while the city’s atmosphere and vibe are distinctly Andean. 

It’s easy to have yourself swept up by the music from local peñas, but exploring its museums or heading out on a horse riding adventure in Salta is a must.

Baños, Ecuador

It’s almost whimsical that a continent with so many bustling cities and buzzworthy attractions has its fair share of mystical little towns. And Baños in Ecuador is precisely that. 

Sitting at the base of the Tungurahua volcano amidst majestic waterfalls, this town holds the nickname “Gateway to the Amazon”.

Here, you can indulge in many activities beyond heading into the Amazon. What more could you want — from mountain biking from Baños to Punyo, soaking in stunning hot springs, or horseback riding along Andean hills? 

How about stealing a seat at the Swing at the End of the World in Casa de Arbol? Thought so.

Easter Island, Chile

As far as cool places in South America go, Easter Island takes first prize. One of the world’s most remote islands, this mysterious standout off the coast of Chile is best known for its collection of centuries-old Moai.

What on Earth is a moai? I’m glad you asked. Have you ever seen the pictures of those giant stone statues overlooking the ocean? Or, maybe you recognise the emoji – well, those are moai. 

And while most find them mysterious and shrouded in secrecy, they represent the dramatic history of one of the world’s most secluded Polynesian cultures.

Lake Titicaca (Bolivia & Peru)

From the shores of Lake Titicaca, it’s pretty believable that Andean legend viewed it as the sun’s birthplace (like the actual sun). As the largest high-altitude body of water on the planet, it sits at an elevation of 12,500 feet and straddles the border between Bolivia and Peru.

Its sapphire-blue waters and a surrounding ring of ice-speckled mountains genuinely give off a mystical vibe. While it is the highest and most navigable lake in the world, it’s from Peru, where you can take a boat trip to Puno. 

Here you’ll face dozens of floating islands constructed from reeds by the indigenous Uros.

Salvador, Brazil

The city of Salvador da Bahia, also locally known as just Salvador, has more than a few attractive elements to it (and reasons to visit).

Firstly, it’s one of the oldest colonial cities in America, as the Spanish founded it in 1548. Traces of this past still linger here, most noticeably in Pelourinho, named after a whipping post during the slave trade.

Beyond that, it’s the third-largest city in Brazil and was the first slave port in the Americas, and you can find traces of African heritage throughout. These are especially evident in the cuisine. 

Oh, one last thing. Salvador is also a notorious party city, hosting the lively annual Carnival. This is an epic time to visit if you can stand the crowds.

Montevideo, Uruguay

Another entry into the list of best places to travel in South America is the city of Montevideo in Uruguay. And don’t just go there because it’s the country’s capital city; so much is hidden within its streets awaiting exploration.

It’s a very laid-back city, as evident from the casual atmosphere the city exudes. To immerse yourself in this, stroll along the promenade, which connects the city’s beaches. Or head to Ciudad Vieja, where you’ll find many of Montevideo’s monuments, museums, and markets.

Calafate, Argentina

You could say that El Calafate, Argentina , is the ideal starting point for any excursion into Patagonia. And while you’d be correct, this top destination in South America is that and a lot more. 

How does exploring the 13.7-mile loop trail to Upsala Glacier Viewpoint or marvelling at glaciers from the Perito Moreno Boardwalk sound?

Pardon the pun, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The city of El Calafate finds itself surrounded with such immense natural beauty that it’s impossible to run through everything here. 

Highlights include heading to the La Leona Petrified Forest, and hiking Cascada de Los Perros.

Ushuaia, Argentina

In the mood for something a bit off the beaten path? Well, the remote city of Ushuaia in Argentina should make your bucket list then. This is the capital of Tierra del Fuego, and it’s considered by most to be the southernmost city in the world. And as the last stop on the train to the End of the World, it is precisely that.

Nestled between mountains along a picturesque bay, it’s visually appealing (when it’s not cloudy, that is). 

Although there’s not much going on here, there is a museum dedicated to the city’s colonial history and plenty of wildlife spotting chances. This is the spot if you want to see penguins, orca whales, and seals.

Amazon Rainforest

Okay, no surprise here, but the Amazon Rainforest is a no-brainer place to visit in South America. 

Home to a vast (that’s a bit of an understatement) ecosystem that includes more than 40,000 tropical plant species, it also boasts some of the rarest animals in the world, like pink dolphins.

It’s the world’s largest rainforest; you can explore it on foot or by boat. It has many popular entry points, including Manaus in Brazil, Coca in Ecuador, Rurrenabaque in Bolivia, and Iquitos in Peru. 

You can even stay in a magical jungle lodge nestled in the furthest reaches of the forest. How’s that for an epic South American itinerary ?

Angel Falls, Venezuela

Toss everything you think you know about the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world right out the window. I bet you thought it was Niagara Falls. 

I’ve got news for you. That title actually belongs to Angel Falls, the showstopping 3,200-foot waterfall in Venezuela’s Guayana Highlands.

It’s 15 times higher than Niagara Falls and cascades down the Auyantepui Mountain into the Rio Kerepakupai Meru river. But why call it Angel Falls? Well, that’s thanks to American pilot Jimmy Angel, the first pilot to fly over the falls in 1937.

Nazca Lines, Peru

If you’ve ever watched any documentary on ancient mystery sites worldwide, chances are you’ve seen the Nazca Lines. This intriguing collection of geometric patterns and symbols dominates the desert landscape between the Inca and Nazca Valleys.

Although the purpose of these lines remains a mystery today, those who can’t tame their curiosity should plan a visit. With various plant and animal figures clustered together in one area and massive geoglyphs stretching for 37 miles, it’s the stuff of legend and worth a trip.

Bolivia Salt Flats, Bolivia

I think it’s obvious by now that South America is not ashamed of showcasing breathtaking natural landscapes. And if it’s not, let’s keep the ball rolling with the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia . And if you’re wondering when to visit Bolivia’s salt flats , stick around.

Seemingly stretching far beyond the horizon during the dry season, the blinding white plains are pretty impressive. 

But what about during the rainy season? Every year, quite a spectacle occurs as the salt flats transform into the world’s largest mirror thanks to continuous rainfall. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best places to visit in Bolivia .

Quito, Ecuador

The capital of Ecuador, Quito, sits quite uniquely amongst world capitals. As the highest capital city in the world, it’s also the one closest to the equator. 

The Spanish founded the city in 1534, and the Old Town of Quito is one of the best-preserved, least changed, and most prominent in the Americas.

The city’s historic value is second to none, as are the natural landscapes surrounding it. Located in the northern highlands of Ecuador, the city has numerous volcanoes that encircle it, making it one of the capital cities in the world under constant volcanic threat.

El Chalten, Argentina

So, you’ve come to Patagonia, wondering where to start exploring this almost ethereal South American destination. Trust me, you’re not the first and won’t be the last. 

Let me be the first to direct you to the charming little town of El Chalten.

This is a quintessential adventure town where it’s easy to walk directly from your hotel onto any of the numerous hiking trails without even noticing it. It sits within the Los Glaciares National Park and showcases terrific views, enticing hikes, and abundant outdoor activity. 

You’re in the right place if you’re here for adventure, photography, or thrill-seeking.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Easily one of the best places to go in South America, the city of Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan love affair filled with culture and history. Whether you spend 3 days in Buenos Aires or 3 months, there is always more to discover and enjoy.

It’s got everything you’d expect from a city with roughly 17 million inhabitants—an endless list of tourist attractions , fabulous beaches in and around it , and stunning cultural landmarks. 

A must-visit in the city is the residential neighbourhood of Recoleta. The Recoleta Cemetery is famous worldwide as Eva Peron’s burial site.

La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz in Bolivia is a quintessential sky-high city in a canyon formed by the mesmerising Choqueyapu River. While other cities pride themselves on their laid-back appeal, La Paz boasts an energetic, adventure-filled landscape perfectly aimed at tourists.

It is a cacophony of activity, noise, and an urban jungle akin to none. Cobblestone streets transform into paved concrete highways; modern hotels blend with colonial architecture, and quiet plazas battle bustling markets. 

Beyond that, it’s home to striking ancient ruins, epic museums, picturesque cathedrals, and a subway in the sky.

Read Next: Incredible Places to Visit in Bolivia

Practical Tips for Exploring the Best Places in South America

One of the most essential tips to keep in mind when travelling to South America is always to have safety at the forefront of your trip. This comes into play within its cities and in its outdoor landscapes. Mind your surroundings if you’re heading into the urban jungles of Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires. If you’re out and about exploring Torres del Paine, heed safety instructions and warnings.

When travelling between countries, always make sure you know what visa requirements are in place. There’s nothing as frustrating as visa issues when trying to enjoy a waterfall.

Places in South America: Map

Planning a South America Trip? Read These Articles Next…

• 12 Famous South American Landmarks You NEED to Visit
• A Killer 2-Week South America Itinerary
• Planning Your Trip to Machu Picchu Made Easy
• What to do in Bolivia
• Awesome Places to Visit in Argentina
• Incredible Landmarks in Brazil
• When’s the Best Time to Visit the Bolivia Salt Flats?
• 8 Brilliant National Parks in Patagonia

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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The 25 Places you Must Visit in South America

If you are heading to South America for the first time, you have come to the right place. When I first visited South America a few years ago, I had no idea where to go or what to do. I didn’t want to miss anything, but I had no idea where to go! But fear not. We’ve put together a list of the best places to see and visit in South America. If you love this post, follow along on Instagram to stay updated with my adventures!

Updated October 2021

The Places you must visit in South America

1. salar de uyuni, bolivia.

Located in the Southwest of Bolivia , Salar de Uyuni is without a doubt the most popular destination in Bolivia to visit. It is the world’s largest salt flat and spans nearly 11,000 square kilometres. The salt flats look different year-round, arguably the most photographic in the wet season (January to April). The adventure to Salar de Uyuni is of course half the fun. As they say in this part of the world, “the only consistency is inconsistency”, so be prepared for cancellations and delays! The most authentic way to reach the salt flats is by public transport. There are buses departing daily to Salar de Uyuni, but these are often delayed. So come prepared to spend some downtime with a good book or podcast pre-loaded.

2. Santuario de las Lajas, Colombia

This famous basilica church in southern Colombian is located in the Department of Nariño. The Gothic Revival style church has become synonymous with the south of Colombia thanks to its unique location and was built between 1916 and 1949. Now it is one of the most photographed locations in Colombia due to its dramatic positioning and impressive structure.

3. See the Milkyway over Lake Titicaca, Peru

Lake Titicaca straddles the border between Bolivia and Peru in the Andes Mountains. Said to be the birthplace of the Incas, Lake Titicaca is one of the most magical places in South America to experience the Milky Way. This is because you will find yourself under one of the darkest sky reserves here in this remote part of Peru. So be sure to venture out from the town and photograph the Milky Way in pure darkness. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

4. Cartagena, Colombia

The historic colonial city of Cartagena is one of the most beautiful places to explore in South America. The city is protected by UNESCO World Heritage status which allows a great deal of insight into colonisation in South America. Located on the Caribbean coast, the old town was founded back in the 16th century. To this day you can wander around the cobblestone streets, colourful house facades and colonial buildings. If you want to feel as if you stepped back in time, this is the place to do so.

5. Mount Fitz Roy, Argentina

Mount Fitz Roy is located in Patagonia and is one of the favourite choices for mountaineers and hiking enthusiasts when visiting South America. It is located on the border between Chile and Argentina, near El Chalten. It was first summited in 1952 by French alpinists Lionel Terray and Guido Magnone. To this day it is a popular hike in this Southern part of Argentina. It is said to be the second most popular hiking trail after Torres del Paine, which straddles the border of both Argentina and Chile.

6. The Amazon River

The Amazon river is one of the world’s longest rivers (by some definitions it is) and certainly the longest river in South America. There are many ways to experience the Amazon, but a great way to really get to know the Amazon is to join a small cruise that will take you to remote villages. This way you can meet local people and learn more about the way of life in the Amazon.

7. The World’s Most Dangerous Road, Bolivia

There were many times riding down death road in Bolivia that I questioned my sanity. Although this is one crazy ride to the bottom, it is a really fun, exhilarating one.

Read more: Bike riding Death Road in Bolivia

8. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands is an archipelago of volcanic islands in Ecuador. They are famous for being home to a huge variety of marine wildlife and thus one of the most sought after destinations for snorkelling and diving in the world. This is one of those destinations you will need to stay a while and certainly one of the best places you must visit in South America if you have the time.

9. Machu Picchu, Peru

It was a pinch-me moment the day I stood atop Machu Picchu in Peru. This incredible citadel set high in the Andes mountains has quickly become one of the world’s top bucket list destinations.

Read more: Visiting Peru for the first time: Everything you need to know

10. La Paz, Bolivia

When I made a last minute decision to travel to La Paz, Bolivia, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. What came next was a world of colour, vibrant street culture and often chaos. This incredible city feels like a step back in time.

Read more: This one time I went to La Paz, Bolivia

11. Swing at the End of the World in Banos, Ecuador

Chances are you’ve seen the swing at the end of the world before, but have you ever visited!? The swing is located in Banos, Ecuador. You can reach the swing (which is now in fact three swings) relatively easily, especially if you are travelling throughout Ecuador.

12. Torres del Paine, Chile

Torres del Paine became my favourite hiking destination when I first visited some five years ago. Chile is one of the most diverse countries to visit and you can really see why when you visit the South of the country.

13. Moai Statues on Easter Island, Chile

Speaking of diversity, Easter Island is Chile’s hidden gem. This mystical island is famous for the Moai statues that dot the island in various formations. There are many myths and legends as to why they are there but essentially, it remains a mystery.

14. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is easily one of the most photogenic cities in the world. Be sure to venture to the top of Sugar Loaf mountain for an epic view of Rio from above, including the cities’ famous Christ the Redeemer statue.

Read more: Touring a Favela in Rio de Janeiro

15. Canopy Walk, The Amazon, Peru

The Amazon is full of epic experiences and the canopy walk is no exception. You could easily spend an entire month exploring the depths of the Amazon, which stretches through Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil.

16. Valparaiso, Chile

Chances are you didn’t imagine yourself skiing in South America but the good news for ski enthusiasts is that you can! Valparaiso is located a short drive from Chile’s capital Santiago and offers some great slopes for all experience levels.

Read more: The top 10 cities to visit in South America

17. Angel Falls, Venezuela

The epic Angel Falls in Venezuela stands at a whopping 979 metres, making it the world’s largest uninterrupted waterfall. The entire area is protected by UNESCO World Heritage status.

18. Geysers el de Tatio, Chile

Located in Northern Chile, the Geysers el de Tatio is the third-largest geysier field in the world. This natural phenomenon is best enjoyed in the morning when the mist fills the air and the morning sun hits the surrounding mountains. This is one of the lesser known places you must visit in South America, so be sure to include it on your travels.

19. Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places in the world, but this does not mean it is lacking in liveliness. There are cactus valleys to explore, local cultures a plenty and this is one of the best places to take advantage of no light pollution and see the Milky Way.

20. The Sacred Valley, Peru

The Sacred Valley is the heart and soul of Peru. It is here where you can learn about ancient traditions, customs and cultures. Begin your journey in Cusco and after a few days in the hustle and bustle, make your way in to the Sacred Valley on a journey towards Machu Picchu.

21. Iguassu Falls, bordering Argentina and Brazil

I will never forget the time I visited Iguassu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. This is mostly because I didn’t have the appropriate visa to do so and quickly learned of the trials and tribulations to obtaining one at short notice. Regardless of the lessons learned, Iguassu Falls was easily one of my favourite places in South America.

22. Cusco, Peru

There is no other city in the world quite like Cusco. This was once the capital of the Inca Empire and to this day you can still feel remnants of that.

Read more: 3 days in Cusco , Peru

23. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires feels more like a European city than anywhere else in South America. The capital of Argentina is thriving with nightlife, great food and vibrant culture that will leave you feeling carefree in no time.

Read more: 9 things not to miss in Buenos Aires

24. Santiago, Chile

The capital of Chile is often overlooked or given just one day to explore as a stopover city. There is so much to see and do in Chile that it isn’t hard to see why you might skip over Santiago. If you do have time, this is a great city to get a feel for South America before you venture off in to the more adventurous parts of the continent.

25. Sail to Antarctica

Rounding out our list of the places you must visit in South America is a special finale. If you’re feeling very adventurous or looking to check off the last continent on your travel list, then a cruise through Antarctica is one of the world’s most sought after bucket list experiences.

Like this? Now read:

The Top 10 Must Visit Cities in South America

Bike Riding Death Road in Bolivia (and living to tell the tale)

Exploring the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile

Follow us on Instagram to see new adventures!

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Hi! Loved the post but I think you confused Valparaíso with Valle Nevado in Chile?

Amazing blog, very interesting, please keep on writing blogs like this more often.

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30 Best Places to Visit in South America 2024

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Filled with otherworldly landscapes, incredible weather and, bustling cultures, the colourful continent of South America has brought me back time and time again.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration on where to go in South America or are already planning a trip, make sure you don’t miss out on this categorised list of the best places to visit in South America !

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to yourself. This helps towards the upkeep of this website for which I am grateful.

Best Cities to Visit in South America

The South American continent is filled with diverse cities, most are bustling and filled with colourful colonial architecture, making them a must see vacation spot in South America.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The lively city of Rio de Janeiro is a must see in South America. 

With epic views from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio de Janeiro is like no other city.

However if you want a unique birds eye view, make sure you try hand gliding over Rio !

Other than the views, the city is home to a number of South American tourist attractions such as Ipanema and Copacabana beach as well as the mosaic covered steps of Selarón in Lapa and the Rio Carnival in February.

Salvador de Bahia, Brazil

The coastal city of Salvador , is the capital of Brazil’s northeastern state of Bahia.

It is known for its Portuguese colonial architecture, Afro-Brazilian culture and a tropical coastline.

The Pelourinho neighbourhood is its historic heart, with cobblestone alleys opening onto large squares, colourful buildings and baroque churches such as São Francisco, featuring gilt woodwork.

This city is a must if you are wondering where to visit in South America!

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena de Indias is one of the best cities to visit in South America, with its Caribbean climate, colourful walled city and nearby white sand beaches, it’s no wonder so many tourists flock to the ‘Jewel of the Indies’.

My favourite neighbourhood is Getsemani, an edgy quarter filled with street art, that wonderfully contrasts the old city.

There are plenty of things to do in Cartagena including trying their famous from food stalls, fresh juices and fresh seafood.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The combination of South American flair and European elegance make Buenos Aires , a one of a kind destination in South America.

Famous things to do in the instagrammable city of Buenos Aires , include visiting the iconic presidential palace, Casa Rosada , and the grand opera house, Teatro Colón , as well as the colourful area of La Boca .

No trip to Buenos Aires would be complete without trying their tasty empanadas , and some Dulce de Leche ice cream .

La Paz, Bolivia

The highest capital city in the world, La Paz rests on the Andes’ Altiplano plateau at more than 3600m above sea level.

The best places to visit in La Paz are Valle de la Luna, Death road , the Witches market and the lofty viewpoints of La Paz.

Bolivia’s capital is also connected to the rest of the country, so it’s easy to get a bus to Salar de Uyuni , Lake Titicaca or to the Bolivian Amazon jungle .

Medellin, Colombia

The ‘City of Eternal Spring’, Medellin was once one of the most dangerous cities in the world, but is now a haven for tourists and digital nomads.

Known for its nightlife, Medellin is a great place to spend a few days exploring and understanding quickly why it was named the most Innovative City in the World back in 2013.

The modern buildings of Medellin are surrounded by the green hills, which are perfect for paragliding off.

This was one of my favourite activities in South America, and a tandem paraglide in Medellin is a fraction of the cost anywhere else in the world.

Valparaiso, Chile

The colourful and bohemian UNESCO World Heritage town of Valparaiso , is only an hour and a half from Santiago in Chile , making it perfect for a weekend break or even a day trip if you are short on time.

Valparaiso is full of unique buildings, endless staircases, narrow streets and funicular elevators.

I highly recommend searching out some of the lofty lookout points to get a panoramic view of Valparaiso, and it’s rainbow coloured buildings.

Best Places to Visit in South America on a Budget

As a whole the continent of South America is budget friendly however the Galapagos Islands, Easter Island and the countries of Chile and Argentina (especially Patagonia) are a lot more expensive.

The coolest places to visit in South America on a budget, include some of my favourites spots on the continent, including Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, Quito in Ecuador and Lake Titicaca on the border of Peru and Bolivia.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Sixteen thousand years ago, this area in the south of Bolivia was a high altitude salt lake.

The water has since evaporated, leaving a unique and unforgettable landscape of flat white salt as far as the eye can see.

Dotted somewhere in the middle of the twelve thousand square metres of salt, lies Incahuasi – a rock island covered in hundreds of flowering cacti, an unmissable spot on a trip to Bolivia.

Strangely unique, there’s not many places I could visit over and over again (the world is far too big for that!) but I’d happily return to Salar de Uyuni during the rainy season to capture the mirror image reflections on these salt flats.

Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat and best visited on the popular three day tour from Uyuni or San Pedro de Atacama .

During the multi day trip you will visit several lakes including one of the best places to visit in Latin America, Laguna Colorada .

Quito, Ecuador

The capital city of Quito (a UNESCO World Heritage site), is the gateway to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands , Pacific coast, Andes and the Amazon rainforest.

Quito has everything from bustling cafes to volcano peaks, and there are plenty of things to do in Quito to keep you busy for at least three days.

The must visit places in Quito and the old town are La Ronda – the cities cultural hub, and La Mitad del Mundo – the Equator line.

Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

Lake Titicaca is a stunning and inspiring place to relax for a night or two on the border between Peru and Bolivia.

Serene, sacred and steeped in rich cultures past and present, the beautiful Lake Titicaca is easily one of South America’s most alluring destinations.

Over forty islands are sprinkled throughout, the largest of which is Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun), which has over 180 ancient Incan ruins.

Spend a day hiking across the island and spend the evening relax in a hot tub at this amazing hotel .

Iguazu falls, Argentina and Brazil

Iguazú Falls are one of the best places to travel in South America, due to the sheer size of the waterfalls.

Located on the border between Brazil and Argentina in a large expanse of national park, the falls are surrounded by unique flora and fauna.

Visiting on the Argentinean side is recommended as you can hike along the waterfalls, but remember to bring a waterproof jacket as you will get wet!

Best Places to go Hiking in South America

If you are wondering where to travel in South America to go hiking, look no further.

Here are a collection of a few of best hikes in South America ranging from one day to multi day hikes in some of the best South American countries to visit.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu has been voted one of the new seven Wonders of the World and is a must visit for all travellers in South America.

These majestic ruins were built by the Inca Empire and are located in the scenic Andes mountain range, surrounded by beautiful cloud forests and mountain scenery.

Machu Picchu is only accessible from the city of Cusco, which you can reach by bus or air travel.

It’s worth staying a few days to enjoy all the things to do in Cusco before heading off to Machu Picchu.

Whilst the ruins are impressive, I actually enjoyed the four day Inca Trail hike more than the final destination, due to the beautiful scenery and sereneness of the Inca trail .

Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia

Ancient forests, towering granite peaks, glaciers, lakes, rivers, and pampas, Torres del Paine National Park is the gem of Patagonia. 

Named after the three iconic granite spires that rise out of the heart of the Paine Massif, Torres del Paine is located in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica region of southern Chile.

The hiking trails in Torres del Paine, like the  W Trek  draw in more than 250,000 visitors a year from Chile and abroad.

The park was founded in 1959 and became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978 to protect the fragile landscapes, plants, and wildlife that call this place home.  

Torres del Paine National Park is popular for its hiking trails , but there are plenty of other activities to be enjoyed like wildlife viewing, kayaking, boating, and cycling, making it one of the best places to visit South America.

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Active geysers, coloured lagoons and breathtaking salt flats make up the landscape surrounding San Pedro de Atacama .

It is one of the best adventure travel destinations in South America, especially if you enjoy mountain biking or sand boarding down the dunes.

You can also relax in one of the natural hot springs and visit the Atacama desert at night to experience the endless stargazing in the driest desert in the world.

Easter Island, Chile

As one of the world’s most remote islands, Easter Island is on many people’s bucket lists.

This island has 887 mythic moai stone statues, strewn across the 63 square-mile land constructed around 1200 to 1600 A.D.

However the island is also full of volcanic craters, preserved stone villages, beaches, fantastic seafood and world-class diving.

Rapa Nui , the native name of the Easter Island is a Chile-governed territory, but is 2,200 miles away from South America’s mainland.

El Calafate, Patagonia

El Calafate is just a short bus ride away from one of the continent’s last advancing glaciers, Perito Moreno Glacier .

It is best to view the glacier from the walkways, and via boat before heading onto the ice for a memorable trekking adventure .

I highly recommend doing the Big Ice experience, which involves walking through ice caves, and seeing the striking blue colour of the lagoons up close.

Colca Canyon, Peru

Peru has plenty of places to visit other than Machu Picchu , such as Colca Canyon.

Located four hours from the city of Arequipa, it is the second deepest canyon in the world and one of the best places to visit in South America to see the Andean Condor.

With a weight up to 12 kg and a wingspan of over three metres, they are an impressive bird to see up close.

Colca Canyon is also one of the most popular destinations for trekking in South America .

I did the overnight hike into the canyon, and spent the night in one of the villages at the base before hiking 1100 metres up to the ridge.

It is a tough hike so for those looking to relax a bit more and take it slower you can do the three day version instead of the two day trip .

Either way it’s easy to see why Colca Canyon is in the top South America places to visit.

Rainbow Mountain, Peru

A day trip from Cusco, the Rainbow Mountain takes only a few hours to climb.

This site – which is also known as Vinicunca, Winikunka, Montaña de Siete Colores, and Montaña de Colores – was covered in thick snow and ice until the end of 2015, when the striped colours have now become visible.

The summit is at 5200m so make sure you are acclimated to the altitude in Cusco before setting off on this trek.

Best Places to Visit in South America for Wildlife

South America is filled with diverse wildlife from penguins and crocodiles to whales and flamingos, making it a great hotspot for nature lovers.

Before embarking on your trip make sure you research wildlife photography tips so you can make the most of it.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

One of the most spectacular places to visit in South America has to be the Galapagos Islands .

Although the islands aren’t the cheapest or the most accessible place in the world to visit, they still attract an extraordinary number of visitors.

This number is however restricted, so a trip to these famed islands needs to be planned well in advance.

Don’t let this put you off visiting one of the most diverse and unique places on the planet, as a visit to the Galapagos Islands are a chance to experience pristine beaches, incomparable wildlife, and volcanic landscapes like no other.

Laguna Colorada, Bolivia

Bolivia is home to one of the most surreal landscapes in South America.

Located 4300m above sea level lies a distinct lake covered in a sheet of pink algae and white borax islands.

Laguna Colorada is home to hundreds of rare flamingos that flock there to feed on the algae, which in turn helps the flamingos earn their unmistakable colour.

As the wind blows, the algae is affected and the lake seems to change colour in front of your eyes from pink to red to a deep orange.

A unique place to add to your South America bucket list.

Magdalena Island, Chile

Thousands of playful penguins can be found in their natural habitat on a tour of Magdalena Island from Punta Arenas.

Cruise past stunning seaside scenery as you venture to a picturesque and protected nature reserve to observe the incredible creatures.

Gain insight into the penguins physiology and behaviour with a knowledgeable guide and embark on a hike to a legendary lighthouse.

Weather permitting, you can also sail to the shores of Isla Marta to witness sea lions and elephant seals splashing in the sea.

It’s easy to see why Magdalena Island is one of the best vacation spots in South America.

Pantanal, Brazil

Brazil’s best kept secret is the Pantanal . Located in the heart of South America and as the world’s largest tropical wetland area, it should be on everyone’s bucket list.

The Pantanal stretches across the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul and also spills into  Bolivia  and Paraguay.

While the Amazon gets more credit, the best opportunities for wildlife spotting are in the Pantanal so be sure to carve out a few days to visit.

If you want to do some jaguar spotting, visit the Mato Grosso along the Cuiabá River from July to September.

Ballestas Islands, Peru

The Ballestas Islands are a group of rocky islands located off the Pacific coast of Peru near the town of Paracas, three hours south of Lima.

Nicknamed “The Poor Man’s Galapagos”, the islands are a must see for all wildlife lovers as they are home to thousands of birds and mammals including penguins, sea lions, pelicans and dolphins.

The islands, locally known as Las Islas Ballestas, are protected, meaning you cannot swim with the animals or walk on the islands themselves, but you can get very close to them on a boat tour .

Underrated Places to Visit in South America

Here are a list of the best hidden gems in South America, from jungles and deserts to mountains and beaches, as well as the most underrated city in South America!

Ciudad Perdida, Colombia

Located deep in the Colombian jungle lies Ciudad Perdida or “The Lost City”, it is one of the most underrated places to visit in South America.

An archaeological site that was undiscovered for centuries until 1972.

Ciudad Perdida is around 650 years older than Machu Picchu, however only around 10% of the site has been uncovered.

Despite being accessible to tourists for the past 10+ years, the ruins are still surprisingly quiet, but well worth visiting for an authentic experience.

The ruins can be reached by hiking 4 – 6 days (46 km round trip)  through the lush green humid jungles of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

River crossings, steep hills, and tropical heat make this trek a gruelling one.

Compared to the infamous Inca trail, this adventurous trek involves sleeping in hammocks, swimming in crystal clear pools, visiting local indigenous communities and if you’re lucky, spotting a rare toucan. 

Visiting this part of Colombia, during dry season is advised (December to March) when the river crossings are knee height as opposed to chest height during wet season!

Huacachina, Peru

Located four hours south of Lima, close to the city of Ica. Huacachina is South America’s ONLY natural desert oasis and is home to the largest sand dunes in the continent.

Huacachina is perfect for a two night stay, and a visit has to include exploring the sand dunes on foot at sunset or sunrise.

Another great way to experience the desert is by joining a dune buggy tour and trying your hand at sand boarding .

Mount Roraima, Venezuela

Straddling on the border of Venezuela , Guyana and Brazil , the table top mountain of Mount Roraima is located 2810 meters above sea level.

Mount Roraima is the highest of the Pakaraima chain of tepui plateaus in South America.

Few places on earth conjure up the feeling of a truly alien landscape, but Mount Roraima, with its lakes, strange shaped rocks and extraordinary panoramic views, perfectly encapsulates the “Lost World” of Victorian literature.

The summit can be reached via a six day trek from Santa Elena , and the best time to visit Mount Roraima is between December and April when the weather is drier.

The views from the top are why it’s one of the best South American destinations.

Tatacoa Desert, Colombia

The second largest arid zone, the Tatacoa Desert, in Colombia occupies more than 330 square kilometers.

The landscape is covered in rocky canyons rather than sand.

As the desert is located close to the Equator its possible to view both the Northern and Southern skies, coupled with no light population, this makes Tatacoa Desert one of the best places to stargaze in the world.

Though small, there is an observatory with a team of knowledgeable astronomers who open the observatory doors each night to teach visitors, about constellations and use the telescopes to get a closer look.

The easiest way to reach Tatacoa Desert is by getting a bus from the closest town Neiva to Villavieja .

Ilha Grande, Brazil

Ilha Grande, remains one of my all time favourite beach destinations in South America.

Set in a National Park, Ilha Grande has gotten more popular over the years due to its proximity to Rio de Janeiro , but if you want to get away from the crowds make sure you visit the hidden gem of Lopes Mendes.

This beach is as secluded as it gets, there are no toilets, no restaurants, and likely no other tourists, as it takes two hours to hike to the beach, but I’m sure you’ll agree it’s worth it.

Guatape, Colombia

The best day trip from Medellin, is the full day tour to Guatape .

The trip includes walking 740 steps to the top of El Peñol for the panoramic views of the surrounding islands, (this sounds like a lot but it actually only takes about ten minutes at a medium pace).

After the climb you should visit the colourful facades of Pueblo de Zócalos and see El Peñol from afar.

Guatape is around two hours away from Medellin and the day tours include a boat ride through the emerald green waterways and past the home of Pablo Escobar, making it one of the great South America vacation spots.

Montevideo, Uruguay

A hidden gem and one of the most beautiful places to visit in South America is the laidback capital of Uruguay.

Considered one of the safest cities on the continent, Montevideo is great for culture vultures.

The pedestrian-only walkways of Ciudad Vieja are filled with colourful boutiques, cafes and markets, and the beaches of Montevideo are great for kite surfers.

If you want to learn to dance the tango, the city is a great place to take lessons, and if you want to relax with a good glass of wine, make sure you don’t miss out on a tour to one of the cities wineries .

Has this list of the best tourist destinations in South America by category inspired you to visit the continent? Let me know in the comments and if you love hiking, check out the 15 best hikes in South America .

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The Nine Best Countries to Visit in South America in 2023 for Nature, Culture, and Adventure

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 12th December 2023

Why do we travel? This is one of those existential questions best to answer with an example or experience, and the amazing continent of South America is full of them.

Chances are you’ve got a friend who raves about their time in Peru, Brazil, or Chile and you’re itching to get there yourself.

I’m here to give you a leg up on where to go, what to do, and how to do it best. I’ve visited almost all of the countries in South America (I’m just missing Ecuador, Brazil, Venezuela, and French Guiana), so I’m in a pretty unique position to guide you through this continent’s most spectacular places.

From towering mountain ranges to lush rainforests, dynamic cities, and spectacular beaches, South America serves up some of the world’s greatest adventures.

If you’re after unspoiled nature, beautiful landscapes, incomparable ruins, sun, and surf, or world-class food and drink, I’ve got you covered.

So which are the best countries to visit in South America? That’s for you to decide – but here are my suggestions.

Click to navigate this article:

Safety at a glance

It’s never been safer! Security has steadily improved across the continent, and most places in South America are now secure destinations for individuals and families. While petty crimes such as pickpocketing, car break-ins, and muggings can still occur, most trouble can be avoided by observing common sense.

While you should consult with your government travel advisories, we can confidently say that South America is an open and friendly travel destination.

As a general rule, the larger cities and capitals have the most crime, and visitors should avoid walking there late at night. It is advisable to take a taxi or Uber to your destination after dark. Avoid walking around with large amounts of cash, expensive jewelry, or with your phone out to ensure you are not a target.

Of the South American countries, Uruguay is statistically the safest country in South America, and Chile, Argentina, and Guyana rank as the next most secure. Violent crime is quite uncommon in these countries.

Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Colombia are also generally safe for visitors who avoid the worse areas of the largest cities. Brazil has the highest crime rate of the countries covered here, but travelers who avoid flashing their valuables in public rarely run into trouble.

For more information on the current safety situation in South America, read our guide to the safest countries in South America .

All countries in South America are now open for travel. We strongly encourage all travelers to be fully vaccinated before journeying abroad.

At the time of writing, no country requires full vaccination for entry, but some countries require a negative PCR test prior to departure. If fully vaccinated, testing is not necessary.

In addition, proof of travel insurance covering Covid-related illness is required in all South American countries.

1. Peru: food and archaeological heritage

Let’s kick off with an unforgettable destination: Peru. The land of the Inca is one of superlatives, from the topography to the kitchen. A lifetime could be spent exploring this country, and it would be a life well spent.

Everyone who visits raves about Peruvian food . While the ceviche gets the most airtime, the sheer variety of dishes never fails to impress. Its influences range from Inca to Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese. Few countries have incorporated so many ingredients and flavors into such a sumptuous cuisine.

A great choice for ceviche in Lima is La Mar Cevicheria , serving up the daily catch to discerning locals. For a truly special meal in Lima, head to the Michelin star-rated Maido , which specializes in nikkei , a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian foods.

Of special note is the cuisine of Peru’s southern city, Arequipa. For a taste of chupe de camarón (prawns in a rich curry-like soup) and rocoto relleno (spicy pepper stuffed with mince and veggies), try Victoria Picanteria Democrática in the center of Arequipa. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a pisco sour or chicha morada .

Between feasts, Peru has some of the best archaeological sites to explore. While everyone (rightly) praises the mountaintop citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu, this wonder is just the tip of the iceberg. In the Sacred Valley region near Cusco, visitors shouldn’t miss Saqsaywamán , Pisac , and Ollantaytambo .

If ancient mysteries are your thing, check out the expansive Nazca Lines in the desert in the south of the country. In the north just outside Trujillo is the ancient city of Chan Chan , which predates the Incas. Last, one of Peru’s best-kept secrets is Kuélap , built a thousand years before the arrival of the Spanish.

Planning Your Trip to South America?

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Steph’s help laying out an itinerary for Chile was huge toward us having a great trip.  She listened to our interests and compiled a framework that we could follow to make our plans.  She included many practical tips as well as numerous options. She truly saved us many, many hours of research.

For more details about visiting Peru, check out my guides to visiting Machu Picchu (and the Inca Trail ), the Sacred Valley , and all things Peru .

2. Chile: Desert, hiking havens, ancient ruins, and wine

Venturing south, Chile is a land of extremes. It is a country with temperate rainforests and Earth’s driest desert, the towering Andes mountains, and bucolic wine country. It seems a world apart from even the neighboring countries, and this isolation has given it its distinct character.

At nearly opposite ends of the country are two of Chile’s biggest draws, the glacier-marked southern region of Patagonia, and the northern Atacama Desert. Both are prime destinations for trekking, camping, and getting away from it all.

Nature lovers will find themselves in heaven further south, though. Chilean Patagonia has an end-of-the-world feel to it, between the wind-swept high plains, glacial lakes, and snow-clad Andean peaks of Torres del Paine National Park .

This massive region, which includes the isolated landscapes of barely-visited Tierra del Fuego, is ripe for exploration, and all four seasons offer a different adventure for visitors, including camping, hiking, wildlife spotting, kayaking, and much more. For details, take a look at my Patagonia itineraries .

The stark beauty of the Atacama Desert draws visitors for its wildlife, salt flats, geysers, and stargazing. San Pedro de Atacama is the central hub for journeys further afield, and travelers can either do a guided tour (mention Worldly Adventurer for a 5% discount) or go it alone with a rented 4X4. For more, read up on my guide to the Atacama .

Across the Pacific Ocean – just 3,686 kilometers (2,290 miles) away! – Chile’s most enigmatic island rises out of the ocean. Dotted with angular stone heads known as moai, Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is a living relic of the Rapanui culture who’ve inhabited this remote island for over 800 years.

Closer to civilization, the fertile lands of central Chile are home to some of the world’s best vineyards. The rich volcanic soil is ideal for many grape varietals, including cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and chardonnay, as well as rarer finds such as carignan, cabernet franc, and carmenere.

Between Santiago and Valparaiso is the Casablanca Valley, home to several award-winning wine producers, including Viña Casas del Bosque . Further south, Viña Montes in the Colchagua Valley specializes in bold cabernet sauvignon and complex carmenere.

For more on Chile, read my other guides and discover how to travel in Chile safely .

3. Argentina: football, barbecue, and vast natural spectacles

Chile’s neighbor across the Andes, Argentina, is a land of passion. The music, the dancing, the sport, and the food are all a reflection of this large, confident, and diverse country.

Much of what Chilean Patagonia offers can be found in southern Argentina, but a lot of the country’s appeal is in its cities and culture. A prime example is football.

Recently crowned World Cup champions for a third time, La Albiceleste are a national obsession bordering on religion.

The cities of Buenos Aires , Rosario, Santa Fe, and Cordoba are home to the most storied of the nation’s football clubs, and visitors are eagerly recruited into their fan bases at the first opportunity.

Arguably the most-storied of these clubs, Boca Juniors, play their home matches at La Bombonera, a temple, and cauldron of footballing passion. For those keen on an unforgettable experience, take a tour of the stadium.

It is very difficult, but possible, to get tickets to a match, but beware: a grudge match between rivals can make a London derby seem like a mild affair. The only way to get tickets is through the broker Landingpadba .

Other clubs in the capital to watch include River Plate, Estudiantes, and San Lorenzo.

Argentines are nearly as passionate about their asado as they are about their football. As the world’s largest producer of beef, asado restaurants can be found everywhere, and almost without exception serve expertly grilled prime cuts.

For some serious steak, head to Don Julio in Palermo District, Buenos Aires. While the focus is rightly on the beef (with optional chimichurri sauce), don’t miss the bife de chorizo sausage and a glass of malbec wine.

Finally, I’d be remiss if I failed to mention some of Argentina’s vast natural landmarks. Iguaza Falls straddles the border with Brazil, and while both sides allow you to appreciate this 80-meter-high (262-foot) cascade of thundering water, Argentina can lay claim to some of the more dazzling viewpoints.

In the far south of the country, Argentina’s other giant natural icon is water but in a colder form. Located close to the Patagonian town of El Calafate, the Perito Moreno Glacier is perhaps the easiest glacier to reach in all of South America, measures 250 square kilometers (96 square miles), and – for added drama – is known for its spectacular calving of ice.

The area’s within striking distance of Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia, a city with a dramatic situation upon the Beagle Channel and the hub for cruises to the White Continent, aka Antarctica (read my list of the best books about Antarctica for inspiration and learn when’s the best time to visit !)

Looking to head to the White Continent?  I highly recommend the brilliant Swoop Antarctica. Their staff have extensive, first-hand experience of sailing to Antarctica and, because they sell cruises for all the well-known companies, they can give you handy, impartial advice for choosing the one that best suits you. What’s more, they specialize in small ship expedition cruises, which means you’ll be allowed to get off the boat at every stop on the itinerary (which is not the case for large ships!) and you won’t pay a cent more by booking through them rather than directly with the cruise company themselves.  Ready to be inspired?  Check out their  classic cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula , or their more unusual trips to  wildlife-rich South Georgia and the Falklands , or go further than most on  a cruise to the Antarctic Circle .

For more on Argentina, check out my other guides .

4. Brazil: Beach and carnaval

For decades, the word Brazil has been synonymous with fun. And given Brazilians’ love for music, dancing, and hanging out at the beach, how could it not? The biggest country in South America, Brazil has a culture and vibe all its own. I’m betting its infectious personality rubs off on you.

In Southern Brazil near the city of Florianópolis is the island of Santa Catarina, perhaps Brazil’s top destination for beach-goers. Visitors from all over come for the white sand beaches, swimming, surfing, and all-night parties.

The island has several beaches, from busy and buzzing to secluded and relaxed. These are indeed cool places to travel.

In addition to the coastline on the sea, there are the calmer waters of the lagoon, Lagoa da Conceição, for several types of water sports, including wakeboarding, water skiing, kayaking, and sailing.

The most popular beach for surfing and hanging out with locals is Praia Mole . There are seafood restaurants, beachside bars, and DJ parties year-round. Go to Barraco da Mole for a cold caipirinha overlooking the beach, and Tropical da Mole next door for a seafood feast.

For gorgeous beaches away from the crowds, try Praia da Lagoinha do Leste in the south of the island. You’ll need to hike a bit to get there, but it’s well worth the effort.

And of course, visitors to Brazil won’t want to miss out on the annual Carnaval, celebrated across the country but best experienced in Rio de Janeiro or Salvador.

The ultra-popular Rio festival is exuberantly celebrated by locals and visitors alike, and everyone is welcome to join the street parties, music, and dancing. The most famous parade is in the Sambadrome . It’s a jaw-dropping spectacle with its riotous floats, costumes, and displays.

Every neighborhood in the city has its own celebration, though. Each bloco (street party) reflects the neighborhood and people who live there. Just put on something yellow and blue and join in!

While Carnaval in Rio gets international plaudits, Salvador’s celebration, in the northern state of Bahia, is no less fun. Carnaval in Salvador reflects the large Afro-Brazilian population and their unique culture. This one sees less foreign tourism and may be a more local experience for travelers.

5. Colombia: Cartagena and national parks

One visit to Colombia and you might get hooked. There’s so much to see and do that it merits repeated visits, and the local people are some of the friendliest you’ll meet anywhere in the world.

Travelers to Colombia are drawn to its well-preserved colonial architecture, warm and welcoming people and its incomparable national parks.

Cartagena , on the Caribbean coast in the north, is one of the most atmospheric colonial cities from the Spanish era. Its brightly-colored buildings crowd the streets, providing shade from the intense heat of the sun. The narrow streets open into leafy plazas with outstanding museums, cathedrals, and monuments.

Travelers should make sure to visit the massive San Felipe de Barajas fortress , Palace of the Inquisition in the Cartagena Museum , and the Santa Catalina de Alejandría Cathedral .

Taking a tour with an indigenous Zenú guide offers the opportunity to peer under the superlatively beautiful skin of the city and learn about the struggles of Colombia’s indigenous people – and how tourism can help them revive their culture.

Just as stunning as the sights is the food. As Cartagena has grown in tourist popularity, its restaurant scene has exploded. Of special note are Restaurante Celele and Doña Lola in the Getsemaní neighborhood.

After dinner, head to Donde Fidel for salsa music and dancing, or Alquímico for DJs and cocktails. Read the full list of the best restaurants in Cartagena for more inspiration.

The astounding range of Colombia’s natural environments never fails to impress. With the Amazon rainforest, sun-drenched beaches, towering mountain ranges, and cloud forests, few countries can match Colombia’s amazing variety of national parks .

Tayrona National Park is an idyllic Caribbean beach retreat with jungle leading right down to the sand. For a slice of deep Amazonian jungle, head to Amacayacu , a remote national park. The high Andes El Cocuy offers prime trekking and camping opportunities, and Los Nevados is famous for its ethereal cloud forest under towering wax palm trees.

However, if you want to combine jungle landscapes with hidden archeological sites, don’t miss Colombia’s Ciudad Perdida, a “lost” city tucked away in the forests of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and only reachable as part of a five-day trek.

For all things Colombia, read my other guides .

6. Ecuador: The Galapágos Islands and Scenic Train Journeys

This relatively small country in South America is packed full of unforgettable experiences. Wedged between Colombia and Peru, it shares characteristics with both, yet has its own distinct culture, cuisine, and vibe.

From the spectacle of the Galápagos to the towering active volcanoes in the country’s center, Ecuador has so much to offer visitors.

The Galápagos Islands are a living laboratory for evolving species, having inspired Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and now drawing tourists for its unique wildlife, including penguins, iguanas, giant Galápagos tortoises, manta rays, whale sharks, and blue-footed boobies.

Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts will love exploring the reefs around the different islands and there are ways that you can even explore Galapagos on a budget .

While South America leaves much to be desired in the rail travel department, Ecuador has some scenic rail lines catering to travelers.

Routes include the Quito – El Boliche that passes by Cotopaxi Volcano, the thrilling Devil’s Nose which switchbacks down a steep ridge, and the Ibarra – Salinas line with several tunnels and marvelous bridges over river gorges.

Many of these excursions include food and local guided tours at the destination. For more information about traveling on Ecuador’s railways, check out their website .

7. Bolivia: Lake Titicaca and the Salar de Uyuni

In the middle of the Andes range is a country known for its high altitude and stark natural beauty. Bolivia may not be as touristy as its neighboring countries, but that’s not due to a lack of attractions.

Its most famous destination is the world’s highest lake, Titicaca, which it shares with Peru. Close to its border with Chile is the world’s largest salt flats: the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni.

Lake Titicaca is a natural wonder of the world, a huge expanse filled with glacial meltwater sitting at a dizzying height of 3812 meters (12,507 feet). Travelers shouldn’t miss a visit to Isla del Sol in the middle of the lake, the mythical birthplace of the Incas.

Copacabana, the gateway town to the lake, is easily reachable from the city of La Paz , itself the highest capital city in the world.

On the Peruvian side of Titicaca are the Uros Islands , famous for being constructed out of reeds. Their homes, boats, and furniture are all hand-woven and float on the lake.

In the high desert of western Bolivia, the Salar de Uyuni stretches to the horizon and during the rainy season acts as a perfect mirror of the sky above. In the dry season the salt flat turns paper white, and the terrain is less muddy and easier to traverse.

Also of interest just outside the town of Uyuni is the eerie train graveyard, a remnant of decades past when local mining was big business. In fact, Uyuni will likely gain importance in the years to come as the area is rich in lithium, the key mineral required for producing batteries.

Check out my other guides for a comprehensive list of what to do in Bolivia .

8. Uruguay: Cowboy Ranches and Punta del Este

Sandwiched between Argentina and Brazil, the Spanish-speaking country of Uruguay is influenced by its neighbors but has a distinctly European feel to it.

As in Argentina, this is gaucho (cowboy) country, and cattle and horse ranches are big business. And like Brazil, Uruguay has a legendary beach hotspot, Punta del Este, to call its own.

A major draw of Uruguay is its estancias : working cattle ranches that are often open to tourists. The plains, rolling hills, and marshlands of rural Uruguay are ideal for horseback riding.

Visitors can learn the life of a cattle rancher or go on an extended horse-riding trip at Estancia Aguila Blanca or San Pedro de Timote .

The country’s biggest and buzziest draw is the long, sandy stretch of beach in Punta del Este in the southeast. Surfers, scenesters, and the international jet set have been coming here for decades to bask in the sun and party till dawn.

The best-known symbol of Punta del Este is the striking La Mano , a statue of stone fingers emerging from the sand.

It’s easy to get your own piece of sand, too, as the beautiful beaches stretch for over 20 kilometers on either side of the peninsula. Surfers should head for Playa Brava just east of the point.

Beyond the sand, visitors shouldn’t miss the renowned Ralli and MACA museums. After dark, dine at the outstanding Lo de Tere or Leonardo Etxea . Following dinner, have a drink at Bigote or Moby Dick before dancing at Ovo into the small hours.

The area also attracts visitors for its range of wildlife. Southern right whales are often spotted from June to November, as are dolphins and orcas, while nearby Isla de Lobos has South America’s largest colony of sea lions.

9. Guyana: rainforests and giant wildlife

Mylast destination is far less known than the other countries on this list. However, Guyana will no doubt appeal to the intrepid traveler.

About 80% of the country is covered in rainforest, English is the national language and you’re likely to encounter few if any tour groups.

Because Guyana has retained its large swathes of primary forest, the habitats of its diverse species have remained intact, with many large species resident in this country.

In the national reserves, you may encounter jaguars, huge bird-eating spiders, howler monkeys, and harpy eagles. To see some of these animals and for an unforgettable experience, stay at the ATTA Rainforest Lodge in the Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve.

In the south of Guyana stretch the grasslands of Rupunupi. Visitors to Karanambu Lodge have the opportunity to spot capybaras, caimans, giant anteaters, and giant otters.

For those who dream of seeing the Angel Falls in neighboring Venezuela, Kaieteur Falls are no less spectacular, plummeting 226 meters (741 feet) and officially the longest single-drop waterfall on Earth.

For more on the hidden gem of Guyana, read my guides or contact my recommended tour agency, Wilderness Explorers (and mention Worldly Adventurer for a 5% discount).

Wednesday 15th of March 2023

What about Suriname (former Dutch Guiana) and French Guyane (still French Overseas department)??? A combined package tour of Guyana - Suriname and French Guiana gives you the authenticity of these 3 small countries called The Guianas!

Friday 24th of February 2023

Easter Island is an independent country now and it's not in South America. It is a Polynesian island good try on trying to claim it.

Steph Dyson

Tuesday 28th of February 2023

Nope...Rapa Nui is still part of Chile and thus part of South America.

Beginner's guide to South America

Apr 6, 2012 • 3 min read

South America has long captivated travellers with its plethora of natural and cultural wonders. Take a quick inventory of continental highlights, and it's easy to see why - idyllic beaches, snow-covered mountains and tropical rainforests, all of which make a fine backdrop for a memorable holiday.

There's just one catch: this continent is massive. There's simply no way to see it all (unless you've got a couple of spare years up your sleeve). So if you've been thinking of going but don't quite know where to begin, here's a quick primer on top destinations:

Peru and Bolivia

One of the classic South American journeys is bumping around the Andes, visiting indigenous villages, colonial towns and ancient ruins amid those staggering mountain peaks. Peru is a great place to start. High in the Andes, you'll find enchanting Cuzco , the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent and a fine base for exploring archaeological treasures like nearby Machu Picchu . Other Peruvian highlights: trekking in the Cordillera Blanca, walking the cobblestone streets of Arequipa , flying over the mystical Nazca Lines and visiting the floating islands in Lake Titicaca .

At Titicaca, you can continue by boat across to Bolivia , home to enthralling indigenous villages, biologically rich forests, soaring mountains and the bizarre and beautiful salt flats of Salar de Uyuni .

If time is limited and you hope to pack a lot into your itinerary, smallish Ecuador is a good bet. It has beautiful colonial towns like Quito and Cuenca that are among the best places to study Spanish in South America (notable for inexpensive one-on-one language schools and homestays with local families). The famed Andean mountains are never far, and you can trek through alpine scenery (the four-day Quilotoa loop is popular and you can generally do it on your own), mountain bike along rugged mountain roads, go bird-watching in cloud forests or arrange horseback rides on the flanks of snow-covered volcanoes (like Cotopaxi ). You can also spend a few days in a rainforest lodge in the Amazon. If time and budget allow, tack on a 5-day tour island-hopping in the Galapagos at the journey's end.

Image by Digo_Souza

Larger than the continental US, Brazil is the geographic (and economic) giant of South America. It's also Latin America's priciest country, so plan accordingly. Planted among forest-covered mountains, Rio de Janeiro is a magnificent introduction to Brazil, with a great music scene, alluring beaches and heady festivals. A few hours away, you can explore remote coastline, rainforest-covered islands (like Ilha Grande ) and colonial towns (jewel-box Paraty ). With more time, you can add a few flights and visit other regions, starting in the Northeast in Salvador , a colourful colonial city that's the drumming heart of Afro-Brazilian culture. Other options: thundering Iguazu Falls on the Argentine border; Belem or Manaus , gateways to the Amazon; and architecturally intriguing Brasilia .

If you haven't heard by now, Colombia is open for travel and safer than it's been in decades. Bogota , the high mountain capital, is a cultural behemoth with salsa-filled nightclubs, charming cafes and intriguing nearby sights - including the surreal underground salt cathedral, 50km north. Other Colombian hits: sunning on the Caribbean Coast at Taganga and the pristine beaches of nearby Parque Nacional Tayrona ; trekking to the Ciudad Perdida ('Lost City'), the largest pre-Colombian town in the Americas; and exploring the photogenic streets of colonial Cartagena and its neighbouring coral-fringed islands.

Argentina and Chile

Anchoring Latin America's southern extremes, these two countries have vineyards, lively capitals and share the laid-back Lakes District, home to hot springs, picturesque villages and loads of outdoor activities (hiking, rafting, climbing, skiing). There's unrivalled adventure in Patagonia : trekking and horse riding against a backdrop of glaciers, petrified forests, snow-covered peaks and other stunning scenery.

Hit the road - and stretch your budget - with the latest guide to South America on a Shoestring

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Ultimate SOUTH AMERICA Travel Guide

South America  is one of the most diverse places on the planet when it comes to landscapes and cultures. You can find ancient ruins, rich history, the largest rainforest on the planet and even glaciers. This South America guide is here to share our tips and advice for traveling across this continent.

Located south of  North America  and  Central America , South America stretches from  the Caribbean , across the equator and all the way south to the waters off  Antarctica . It is comprised of 12 countries and quite frankly, is massive.

These countries include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uraguay and Venezuela. Also included are the two dependent territories of the Falkland Islands, along with South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. French Guiana, while located physically in South America, is a territory of the French central state.

We’ve spent just over 2 months traveling to various countries and regions across South America in our travels. We haven’t been to every country, yet, but we will continue to update this guide as explore more of this fascinating continent.

Destinations

South america travel: quick tips, don’t visit south america without:.

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Visit the amazon rainforest.

Few things in life will be as stimulating as immersing yourself in the Amazon Rainforest. The  Peruvian Amazon  and  Ecuadorian Amazon  are easily accessible to most travelers. We’re enamored by it and have been five times!

EXPLORE PATAGONIA

Whether you find yourself in Torres del Paine or Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia offers some incredible scenery and adventure opportunities. World-famous for hiking, you’ll want to consider the  Basecamps Trek  in Argentina or the W Trek in Chile.

SAIL THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Cruising the Galapagos Islands  is at the top of many people’s bucket lists and for good reason! Not only can you spend your days observing unique  Galapagos animals  but you can also enjoy the stunning natural scenery and white sand beaches. 

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN SOUTH AMERICA

There is no shortage of amazing things to do in South America during your visit and the biggest problem you’ll face is fitting them all into your itinerary. Trust us, we’ve been there!

Each country has its own offering and unique things to check out during a visit, so be sure to look at our country guides once you decide where you’re itinerary will take you.

FLY TO EASTER ISLAND:   While it’s not widely known,  Easter Island  is actually part of Chile. At least politically anyways. This means that the remote island is accessible from Santiago by air. Once you arrive, you’ll spend your days in the  Rapa Nui National Park  learning about the famous Moai statues and Rapa Nui culture of the island. It’s well worth the time and expense to add this to your South America travel itinerary. Hot tip, plan at least a week (we stayed for 9 days!) as the weather can be unpredictable.

EXPLORE THE ATACAMA DESERT:  One of the most famous places to visit in Chile is the Atacama Desert. Here you can discover towering volcanoes, desolate salt pans, active geysers, vast cactus fields, massive flocks of pink flamingos, to name a few. Not to mention that it’s one of the best places in the world to view the sky. You’ll want to base yourself in  San Pedro de Atacama , a cute tourist town that gives you comfortable access to the entire area.

VISIT THE END OF THE EARTH IN USHUAIA:  The official jumping-off point for trips to  Antarctica , Ushuaia is literally at the end of the world. The town technically sits in a part of Patagonia, but you have to travel north before you get into the mountains. The town is rich in explorer history and you also have direct access to the Tierra del Fuego National Park too.

SEE MACHU PICCHU:   Visiting Machu Picchu  is easily the most visited site in South America and with good reason. It’s not only set in a stunning natural setting but offers you an intimate look into the Inca life and architecture. As a bonus,  Cusco offers plenty of things to do  including the Sacred Valley. This site alone makes  Peru  one of the top destinations to visit on the continent.

DISCOVER BOGOTA:  Despite the bad rap that Colombia often gets in the media, it has some intriguing destinations to discover within its borders including the  capital city of Bogota . The first trip I ever took to South America was to Bogota (I know, that’s weird and unconventional) and I’ll admit I was shocked by the rich culture and beauty of the city and surrounding area.

UNVEIL THE WONDERS OF RIO DE JANEIRO:  The first day we spent in Rio de Janeiro solidified the city on our list of favorite places in the world. Rio is diverse, cultural, historical and naturally stunning. No other city combines these elements in perfect harmony like this one and there are loads of  things to do in Rio de Janeiro  to boot.

SEE IGUAZU FALLS:  The largest waterfall in the world,  Iguazu Falls , can be accessed from both  Brazil  and Argentina. Set within a lush rainforest setting, these falls are stunning to visit. Both sides offer infrastructure to explore and view the falls safely. You’ll need at least 2 days, one for each side, but could easily spend 3 if you wanted to do everything available in the area.

VISIT THE WORLDS LARGEST WETLANDS:  Boasting a land area the size of France, the  Pantanal in Brazil  is a sight to behold. It’s also the best place in the world to view jaguars and with it a whole host of tropical birds. This area is remote and it is best visited by booking an all-inclusive safari package with a lodge that will include all your meals, lodging and wildlife viewing.

STAND IN AWE AT THE PERITO MORENO GLACIER:  The  Perito Moreno Glacier , situated within the Los Glaciares National Park, is Patagonia’s most famous glacier and is regarded as one of the top tourist attractions in Argentina. You can base yourself in El Calafate and then take the bus to explore this massive natural wonder. Be sure to go early and stay all day. There are miles of hiking trails that give you varying vantage points of the glacier, as well as boat tours to get close too.

OVERLAND THE HIGH CHILEAN ALTIPLANO:  If you seek an off-the-beaten path adventure, then overlanding from  Salta to the Atacama Desert  will give you just that. Starting in Salta, Argentina, you’ll make your way west, spending hours each day hiking in the desert and uncovering the history of the area before making your way to luxury infused base camps. You’ll cross over the Andes Mountains, experiencing altitude that will shock you, before descending to San Pedro de Atacama for a luxurious stay at the Explora Atacama property.

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Each country has its own unique culinary scene, which is one of the reasons that travel to South America is so exciting for foodies.

In Peru, you have to try  Ceviche , a raw seafood salad. In Argentina, it’s all about the enormous  cuts of steak , the  red wine , and the massive meat barbecues.  Feijoada , a hearty black bean stew, is a Brazilian favorite, while in Colombia, you can chow down on  Arepa , a sort of stuffed maize bread.

One staple you will find across the continent is  rice and beans , which makes an appearance in some form in every country in the region. If you’re ever in doubt, just order up a plate of rice and beans!

SOUTH AMERICA FESTIVALS

South America is a fantastic place to visit if you’re looking to enjoy local cultural events and plenty of lively carnivals. Every town and city has a carnival, but  Rio’s carnival  is the most famous in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Semana Santa  – or Holy Week – is one of the most important cultural weeks of the year in South America. This takes place during the last week before Easter.

Countries will celebrate their  independence days ; cities will host food festivals, drink festivals, and many more cultural events throughout the year, making South America an exciting prospect whenever you arrive on the continent!

PLAN AN EPIC SOUTH AMERICA ITINERARY!

Popular regions in south america.

The West Coast – or Pacific Coast – of South America, includes Colombia in the north, Ecuador,  Peru , Chile, and, if you head inland, Bolivia.  It is off of this coastline that you can also find the  Galapagos Islands , a place of incredible diversity and wildlife.  Inland, you can climb high into the Andes Mountains to discover Incan history (this is where you’ll find  Machu Picchu ) and beautiful scenery before dropping into the Amazon’s dense forests.

The Amazon Rainforest is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders and is the world’s largest rainforest. It blankets around 40 percent of the landmass of the South American continent. It stretches into Brazil,  Ecuador , Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana and can be explored from a number of locations. Multi-day expeditions that take you deep into the rainforest are among the best reasons to visit South America. Manaus in Brazil is the classic Amazon destination, a remote city from where you can venture deep into Amazonas. In  Peru , you can visit Iquitos or Puerto Maldanado. In Ecuador, pay a visit to the stunning  Yasuni National Park .

The eastern coastline of South America is long and incredibly diverse, covering  Brazil , Uruguay, and Argentina. You’ll also find hundreds of islands associated with these countries and at the very south of the continent, the Falkland Islands. The tropical rainforest turns into more temperate climes as you travel south. Explore Brazil’s famous coastal cities,  Rio de Janeiro  and São Paulo, and relax on Ilha Grande. Travel to Montevideo, the understated Uruguayan capital, before heading over to visit Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital.

NORTHEAST/CARIBBEAN

The Caribbean touching northeast is one of the most exciting places to visit when you travel to South America. Island hop through Colombia’s happening islands, where you’ll find snorkeling, parties, and laid-back beach vibes. Then head inland to explore  Bogota . Off the coast, you could explore the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curacao, or Trinidad and Tobago. Tucking back inland, you can get way off the beaten path in exploring Guyana, Suriname, or French Guiana. The truly adventurous could even venture to Venezuela. You’ll find lush rainforest, towering waterfalls, and intriguing cultures throughout these countries. 

Remote  Patagonia  is one of the most isolated yet spectacular places you can explore in South America. Located at the southern tip of the continent, Patagonia spans the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and is divided between Chile and Argentina. El Calafate and El Chalten in Argentina and Torres del Paine in Chile are amazing hubs for hiking in Patagonia. You’ll find endless trails, high mountain peaks, spectacular glaciers, and a landscape and climate more suited to  Greenland  or Scandinavia than anything you might be expecting of South America.

SOUTH AMERICA TRAVEL BUDGET

Setting a budget for travel to South America is highly dependent on your travel style. It is possible to visit just about anywhere on any budget and still have a great trip. That said, you can make your trip as basic or as luxurious as you desire.

To help you set your budget, we’ve included some base range price estimations for travel within South America. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

ACCOMMODATION:  On the lower end of the spectrum, you can travel to South America and spend just USD 10 per day on  hostel  accommodation. You can raise this to between USD 30 and USD 50 if you are looking for  private rooms . Upwards of USD 100 per night will give you a nice  luxury hotel .

FOOD:  Food is very inexpensive. To keep costs low during your South America travel trip, you can  eat locally  – brush up on your Spanish or Portuguese so you can order! You can eat out in most countries for no more than USD 5, but expect basic set meals. For between USD 10 and USD 20, you can enjoy  finer dining  experiences.

TRANSPORT:  Long-distance buses are the cheapest way to get around when you travel to South America.  Overnight buses  will cost around USD 50 per person, while local buses and transport are much cheaper for shorter journeys.  Flight  costs vary, but flying internationally can be expensive. A two-hour flight could easily cost hundreds of dollars (as opposed to Europe, where a two-hour flight could cost just USD 20 if booked in advance!).

ACTIVITIES:  There’s so much to plan with your South America travel itinerary, but it’s good to know that activities are very cost-effective. A  multi-day trek to Machu Picchu  will cost around USD 500, and this is the higher-end version.  Day tours  are around USD 30 per person, while a  multi-day Amazon expedition  will be around USD 100 per day.

30-50 USD PER DAY

Will include dorm beds, as well as street food, grocery shopping, overnight buses & plenty of budget day tours. Bring more cash if you want to join multi-day trips, such as Machu Picchu treks.

50-100 USD PER DAY

You will stay in private rooms and guesthouses and enjoy plenty of meals out. You’ll have lots of leftover cash for day trips, expeditions, and tourist buses between cities.

200 USD + PER DAY

Luxury travelers spending more than USD 200 per day will be able to employ private drivers, fly from one city to the next & book fancy hotels in stunning locations. 

WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTH AMERICA

Below you will find some of the places we have stayed during our travels in South America. These are individual properties that we enjoyed and would recommend to other travelers.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN SOUTH AMERICA

When you travel to South America, don’t underestimate how far apart destinations, cities, and countries are. This is a vast continent; it would take weeks to travel overland from Colombia all the way south to Argentina.

There are a few ways to get around South America during a visit, including cruises, ferries and flights. Plan ahead and be flexible to avoid frustration.

CRUISES:  All manner of cruises ply the waters off both coasts of South America and run the length of the continent. This also means you can find a wide range of time lengths and ship sizes. It is also possible to depart on small-ship expeditions to  Antarctica  from Ushuaia, Argentina.

BUS:  Long-distance buses are comfortable and safe, but they take a long time to get from one place to the next. South America has an extensive bus network that connects most of the countries, so bus travel can be a good way to go if you have time and a limited budget or perhaps just want a grand adventure.

FLIGHTS: Flights are the quickest way to get around; however, international routes and airlines aren’t cost-effective, and they certainly aren’t good value.

FERRIES:  Boat trips in some locations are a slow but scenic option (especially in the Amazon, where they are the only option).

CAR RENTAL:  It is possible to rent a car in plenty of cities around South America but is most popular in Argentina and Chile. Check out  Discover Rental Cars  for great deals.

TOP SOUTH AMERICA TOURS

End of the earth.

14 Days from Buenos Aires Visits: Patagonia, El Chalten, El Calafate, Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales & Ushuaia

ECUADOR MAINLAND & GALAPAGOS

14 Days from Quito, Ecuador Visits: Quito, Banos, Amazon Rainforest, Papallacta & the central Galapagos Islands

PERU & BOLIVIA – NAT GEO

16 Days Lima to La Paz Visits: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco, Amazon Rainforest, Uyuni, Potosi & Sucre

WHEN TO VISIT SOUTH AMERICA

When you’re planning your South America travel itinerary, don’t forget how vast this continent is. Each region has its own climate; when it’s cold in southern Argentina, it’s going to be hot and humid in Colombia!

The further north you travel , the more tropical the climate is. Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil all have  wet and dry seasons . The best time to plan your South America travel itinerary in the north is during the dry season, which runs from May to October.

This is the best time for hiking to Machu Picchu or experiencing the salt flats of Bolivia. It’s not too hot, and there’s almost no rain.

In the south , things are a lot more  temperate . If you’re looking to travel to South America to explore Uruguay, Chile, or Argentina, you’ll want to head here outside of winter.

Summer  is hot and busy (between November and February), while  spring and fall  can be more pleasant and less crowded. If you’re heading  far south  to Patagonia, you’ll want to visit in  summer  when all the hiking trails are definitely going to be open.

HIKE YOUR WAY AROUND SOUTH AMERICA LIKE A PRO!

Safety in south america.

If you’re planning to travel to South America, you’re probably already aware that the continent doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to crime. Most travelers will have a trouble-free trip, but you do need to be aware of a few things.

Petty theft, muggings, and even express kidnappings can be a problem for tourists. If you’re caught up in something like this, don’t put up a fight. Try not to flaunt cash or valuables when in public, to avoid attention.

When traveling by bus, book tickets on reputable, first-class buses that don’t stop outside designated bus stations. They are safer and much less likely to be held up.

Certain countries do have no-go zones for tourists – parts of Colombia and some areas of Brazilian cities, for instance. Try to keep abreast of political events while you’re in a country, as things can deteriorate without much warning, and governments often crack down hard on protestors.

If you know Spanish, or can learn the basics, you’ll have a much safer and easier time when you travel to South America (in Brazil, the same goes for learning Portuguese).

As with any destination, we recommend learning and adhering to certain safety practices when you travel. Be sure to read our personal  travel safety tips , compiled from our travels across 7 continents.

SOUTH AMERICA TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

South america travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to South America and start planning your dream trip.

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25 Best Places to Visit in South America 2023

TravelRaval » Blog » 25 Best Places to Visit in South America 2023

A ndy peaks, Amazon rainforest, Pampas glaciers, Aztec ruins, white-sand beaches, and wild nightlife—the marvels of South America set the backdrop for unforgettable adventures. You may spend the day experiencing a wildlife safari on one of the numerous igarapés in the Amazon, stroll past ancient Inca temples, and ponder the power of Iguazu Falls, these are the best places to visit in South America. 

And when you think you’ve seen it all, head to Tierra del Fuego for stunning scenery, the Galápagos for up-close encounters with remarkable wildlife, and the Gran Sabana for a view that looks like it belongs in the Mesozoic age.

The diversity of South America goes beyond its natural surroundings. Former colonial villages can be found where cobblestone streets wind through churches and plazas that haven’t changed much since the 18th century. 

At native marketplaces, you may bargain over vibrant tapestries, eat with tribals, and dance to the thumping beats of the Afro-Brazilian drum line. 

It’s simple to get a firsthand experience of South America’s incredible range of both contemporary and historical cultures by simply traveling there.

South America is home to a stunning variety of natural beauties, from the snow-capped Andes to the Amazon’s rippling rivers. 

This continent is home to lush rainforests, massive volcanoes, red-rock canyons, and glaciers that are ice-blue in color. You can travel to the coast for an exquisite escape among palm-fringed white sand beaches and picturesque tropical islands. There aren’t many other areas on earth that have as many different types of landscapes.

To aid in future travel, we have compiled a list of the best places to visit in South America. 

1. Marvel at the Natural Wonder of Iguazu Falls

2. experience culture in santiago, chile , 3. visit one of the best cities in south america – buenos aires, 4. the great blue hole in belize is the most visited atoll on the planet, 5. the salar de uyuni in bolivia is the largest salt flat in the world, 6. gaze at the milkyway over lake titicaca, peru, 7. machu picchu is one of the seven wonders of the world , 8. the inca trail in peru is something not to miss, 9. cartagena lets you teleport to the 16th century, 10. christ the redeemer in brazil is something not to miss, 11. take a boat ride into the planet’s unique ecosystem – the amazon rainforests, 12. solve the mystic behind chile’s hidden gem – the moai statue, 13. the galapagos in ecuador is an archipelago of active volcanoes, 14. swing at the edge of the world in banos, ecuador, 15. marvel at the tallest waterfall in the world – the angel falls, venezuela, 16. enjoy trekking at torres del paine, chile, 17. it is the atacama desert, chile that teleports you to the moon’s surface, 18. peru’s cusco is famous for its century-old architectural treasures, 19. lost in the elegant charm of the largest city on this continent – são paulo, brazil, 20. soak up the vibes of eternal springs at medellin, columbia, 21. the perito moreno glacier, argentina, 22. vacay at the southern tip of baja peninsula – the cabo san lucas, mexico, 23. explore the vibrant and rich cultural escape in montevideo, uruguay, 24. the resort destination of punta cana is strictly meant for laid-back travelers, 25. it is the wildlife galore at manuel antonio national park, costa rica.

Along Argentina’s border with Brazil, the breathtaking Iguazu Falls are located.  These enormous waterfalls, which are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are unquestionably one of the best places to travel in South America .

Thanks to a network of easily accessible walkways and viewing platforms created to provide the greatest views, including some near the bottom of the falls. At the Devil’s Throat, visitors can get pretty close to these thundering falls.

The falls is nestled inside Iguazu national park, which is partially located on the Argentinian and Brazilian side.  The entrance of the park collides with a train station with departures every 30 minutes to the Garganta del Diablo and the Cataratas train station.It is where the waterfall treks start.

Santiago serves as Chile’s cultural and entertainment hub despite being the nation’s commercial and financial hub. As a result, there are countless enjoyable things to do there, such as visiting the best museums and galleries, as well as top-notch places to shop, dine, and vacation. It is also one of the cheap places to visit in South America.

Most tourists start their Chilean vacations in Santiago, which is also the nation’s primary transit center, before moving on to the Andes or other regions that are known for their exceptional natural beauty.  But the savviest tourists will make the most of Chile’s itinerary by discovering Santiago first.

Taking the aerial tramway to San Cristóbal Hill for its breathtaking vistas is a primary highlight of any trip to Santiago. A 22-meter-tall monument of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an observatory, and an amphitheater are a few of the remarkable sights that are worth exploring.

Don’t forget to spend some time in the gigantic urban park known as Santiago Metropolitan Park.   

Buenos Aires , one of the most beautiful and largest cities in South America, is frequently the first impression that most visitors will receive of Argentina before continuing on to well-known tourist locations like Patagonia.

The wise ones, however, will stay longer and explore the numerous lovely art museums situated in the magnificent old colonial structures dispersed across the city’s districts.

Visit La Boca, the most vibrant district in Buenos Aires, which is also home to the eccentric Caminito Street Museum. La Boca is known for its brilliantly colorful homes, quirky statues, cafés, nightlife, and street ballet dancers. As per Planetware, this is one of the top places to visit in South America.

Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the most remote of Belize’s three atolls, is a diver and nature enthusiast’s paradise. With sparkling white sand beaches, coconut trees, and intriguing reef patterns, six cays encircle a blue lagoon.

The well-known Great Blue Hole , a Natural Monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best vacation spots in South America. When you dive into the turquoise crater, you will experience strange lime mossy rocks sticking out of the cliff sides and, if you’re lucky, you can spot reef sharks.

While divers enjoy the superb wall dives and a wealth of marine life nearby, you can also tour Half Moon Caye’s lighthouse and unwind on its lovely beaches.

With a height of 3653 meters, it is the largest salt flat in the world that covers an incredible 12,000 square kilometers. It was once a portion of Lago Minchin, a prehistoric salt lake that once spanned the majority of southwest Bolivia. 

When it dried up, Salar de Uyuni and a few periodic ponds were among the salt pans it left behind. This huge salt desert’s wild beauty makes it one of South America’s most mesmerizing sights.

This is an unforgettable Bolivia scenery, from weird islands in a sea of glaringly brilliant salt to beautifully colored mineral lakes in the lap of Andean mountains. And, it is one of the top South America attractions. 

In the Andes Mountains, on the boundary between Bolivia and Peru, is Lake Titicaca. One of South America’s most spectacular locations to view the Milky Way is Lake Titicaca, which is thought to be the birthplace of the Aztecs. You will be under the lap of one of the darkest sky reserves in this isolated region of Peru. 

So make sure to leave the city and capture the Milky Way in total darkness. A once-in-a-lifetime chance exists here and is a must-see places in South America!

The main objective of many visitors to Peru is to see the lost Mayan city of Machu Picchu.

The spectacular Inca City of Machu Picchu is perched high on a ridge, 300 meters above the Urubamba River, and is one of the most spectacular backdrops for a deserted city anywhere in the world. The breathtaking backdrop of steep, luxuriant, and frequently covered mountains is almost as magnificent as the ruins themselves.

Trains depart for Aguas Calientes from Cusco, Ollantaytambo, or Urubamba.

It is a 20-minute ride through a treacherous twisty road. It is possible to walk up this road to the site, although it is not advised because of the distance and steep climb. Machu Picchu is one of the top tourist attractions in South America. 

Wondering where to go in South America for hiking? Many people consider the famous Inca Trail, a four-day hike that leads to Machu Picchu, as the high point of their trip to Peru. The difficulty of this picturesque trail is frequently higher than what most people anticipate, but the rewards are far greater.

The Inca Trail has several potential hiking paths but the standard four-day journey starts at mile 82 of the Cusco-Aguas Calientes rail line. From here, the walk continues through breathtaking scenery and more than 30 Inca structures. 

The second day of the trip, which includes two high passes and an elevation rise of 1,200 meters, is the most challenging part of the trail.

There are campgrounds scattered throughout the trek, including one at Machu Picchu’s base.

Cartagena , a former colonial capital, is one of South America’s most picturesque tourist destinations. Due to the city’s protection as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you may learn a lot about South American colonization. The old town was established in the 16th century and is situated on the Caribbean shore. You may still roam around the colonial structures, colorful houses, and cobblestone streets. This is the place to go if you want to experience time travel.

Getsemani, a more relaxed neighborhood is located beyond the historic downtown. You can take refuge at Bocagrande, a more recent area of the city where premium hotels and condos compete for prime coastal real estate.  

Islands and beaches, which make for great day outings and retreats, are also only a half-hour by boat away and are one of the must-see places in South America.

Christ the Redeemer , a massive Art Deco statue of Christ that stands 28 meters tall and has arms outstretched as if to embrace all of humanity. The marvelous side of this attraction is it looks over Rio de Janeiro and the bay from the peak of Corcovado.

The statue is surrounded by a large plaza at the summit of the 709-meter peak, which is a part of the Tijuca National Park. A rack train ascends to the peak over 3.5 kilometers.

Within the eight-meter base is a chapel that is frequently used for weddings. Despite being one of the top places to visit in South America, the statue is frequently confused with the older statue that marks the border between Chile and Argentina.

The dark waters of the Rio Negro and the light, muddy waters of the Rio Solimes intersect the southeast of Manaus. Both rivers flow side by side for about 6 kilometers before combining to form the Amazon. 

This location, known as Encontro das Águas, or the meeting of the waters, is reachable by boat from Manaus.

Join the boat excursions that take you deep into the jungles. Experience the vast network of rivers, channels, and lakes that the three rivers have created. 

The Anavilhanas Islands, an archipelago in the Rio Negro alongside lakes, streams, and flooded woods, provide such a complete representation of the Amazonian biodiversity.

The lake is completely covered in enormous water lilies that are unique to the Amazon region. Amazon is one of the best places to go in South America.

A Chilean island in the southern Pacific Ocean is well-known for its numerous enormous statues, or Moais. There are 1000s of monolithic statues located all across the island famously known as Easter Island . They were built by the Rapa Nui people, who are supposed to have lived there starting in the 12th century.

Some are on stone platforms, some are upright, some are partially overturned, and several are still in the cave where they were made. Each carving, which ranges in size from a meter to 20 meters, is distinct and is considered to represent an ancestor.

Along with this aspect of Polynesian culture, the island’s beaches provide visitors with fantastic chances for snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. 

Chile is also one of the cool places in South America when it comes to beaches and nightlife. 

The Galápagos Islands have drawn tourists from all over the world since their “discovery” in the 16th century. 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is named for the giant turtles that inhabit the islands. It is home to a rare ecology that primarily developed without outside interference. 

Therefore, a trip to this undeveloped area presents a rare chance to see wildlife. Here, you can see a variety of rare wildlife on land and in the nearby waters.

The development of the islands is still taking place, and the Galápagos Islands continue to be one of the world’s most active volcanic zones. 

The majority of the 42 islets, 6 smaller islands, and 13 larger islands constitute the Galápagos. It was designated as a National Park and was designated as a component of the national park in 1952.

Unsurprisingly, only guided tours are allowed to view this delicate ecology. However, there are a few places where tourists can travel on their own, including several prominent scuba diving spots.

In central Ecuador, the small town of Banos de Agua Santa is a well-liked tourist destination because of its lovely surroundings and numerous hot springs. 

Banos, which is tucked away in dense, jungle-like forests at the western edge of the Amazon basin, provides a variety of outdoor activities, such as trekking and mountain climbing.

However, its numerous waterfalls and mineral-rich hot springs are the main attractions. You can also have access to some of the beautiful waterfalls that offer incredible views and deep pools.

Whitewater rafting and kayaking are among popular adventure activities in this region. Visit historic sites like the Virgen de Agua Santa chapel with its renowned Mary statue for more peaceful activities.

Ecuador is also one of the best countries to visit in South America due to being the hub of some of the best vacation spots on the planet. 

Angel Falls is located in the middle of the nation, where massive monolithic tabletop mountains rise from the surrounding countryside. It is the tallest waterfall in the world, falling 979 meters, and one of the best tourist places in South America.

The rainy season, which lasts from May to November, is the finest time to visit the falls since water is abundant. It is that time of the year when the falls don’t fade into a mist before they reach the bottom like they do in the dry season. 

You can access the falls via an observatory aircraft or a three-day boat excursion that starts in the town of Canaima. The boat ride is, by all means, an adventurous excursion; it also involves a hike through the jungle to the base of the falls and only moderate lodging along the way.

Put on your bulky pack and travel through roaring plains and twisty woodlands to see these holiest of holies granite mountain peaks.  

This breathtakingly gorgeous region is located in southern Patagonia, more than 100 kilometers north of the city of Puerto Natales. It includes mountains, glaciers, and numerous lakes and rivers.

The Cordillera del Paine, which symbolizes the change from the plains of Patagonia to the subpolar forests in the north, is the most significant portion of the park. 

The three 2,850-metre-tall granite peaks of the Paine Massif, are perhaps the most prominent of its many wonderful features.

Although Las Torres may be the main draw of the park bearing its name, there is much more to discover in this immense wilderness. 

Explore the serene backside of the ice trek which is the carved surface of the Glacier Grey. You can also kayak along the serene Rio Serrano, or climb Paso John Gardner for breathtaking views of the southern ice field. It is definitely one of the best vacation spots in South America .

This arid, unaccommodating terrain in the Atacama Desert draws many tourists because of its uncanny similarity to the moon’s surface. It is the result of sand and stone erosion that features over multiple centuries. 

Despite its isolation, this unexpectedly gorgeous landscape has supported human life as well as that of various animal and plant species for many years.

Being one of the driest places on earth, one of its most distinctive features is its dry lake beds. They are brilliantly white from salt deposits and frequently produce amazing natural saline boulders. And, is recognized as one of the top tourist attractions in South America .

The Atacama Desert is also known for its numerous catacombs, some of which show evidence of cave paintings made by early humans. It is also where some of the oldest mummies in the world are preserved due to the area’s drought conditions. The Chinchorro mummies, the most well-known of these, are currently on display in the San Miguel de Azapa archaeological museum.

Since Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is like roaming through a museum because history is layered on top of history. Many of the wonderful old colonial architecture bordering the narrow streets were built atop Inca ruins, highlighting the city’s rich heritage.

The Cathedral and La Compania, two equally spectacular buildings, are located on the city’s central square, Plaza de Armas. In the daytime, the square is an excellent area to grab lunch and take a heritage walk. 

Even though Cusco is home to a huge number of interesting structures and museums. One of the city’s top sights is the Cathedral of Santo Domingo which is built atop the remains of the Inca city of Coricancha. It must be on your bucket list as this is one of the best place in South America to visit for its heritage and ancient architecture. 

São Paulo , the biggest city in South America, is bordered by rivers that branch out into the interior and is positioned on the Piratininga plateau. Sao Paulo became the entry point to Brazil’s wilderness. It was the principal route of the bandit explorers who took trips into this area from the city. 

So Paulo has always been home to immigrants from all over the world, and you can still witness the legacy of Portuguese, Spanish, German, African, Jewish, Arab, and Japanese citizens in the city’s life and culture today. For instance, there are entire museums devoted to the contributions of Africans in Brazil and Japanese immigration.

The city’s vastness is arguably the hardest aspect to fathom. From the 46-story observation deck on Avenida Ipiranga, you may get a sense of how far it extends. Since many of So Paulo’s tourist attractions are dispersed, using the Metro will be a convenient way to get from one to the other. Undoubtedly, Sao Paulo is worth your time and the best place to visit in South America. 

Despite the fact that Bogotá is the country’s capital, tourists prefer the smaller, more accessible city of Medellin. Early in the 1990s, Medellin was named the most dangerous city in the world. A decade later, it is now known for something quite different: entrepreneurship and innovation. Planetware recognized this as one of the safest places to visit in South America . 

A fantastic day of exploring Medellin might begin at Botero Plaza in the Old Quarter, where you’ll find a collection of 23 stunning sculptures offered by the well-known Colombian artist Fernando Botero. The impressive Rafael Uribe Palace of Culture and the Antioquia Museum are both close to the square. Then, take Comuna 13’s modern escalator system into the hills above the city to discover this area’s vibrant residences and spectacular street murals.

The little hamlet of El Calafate serves as the primary entry point for travelers traveling to the Los Glaciares National Park , which is located in Patagonia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The majority of visitors embark on excursions from this location to view the park’s well-known glaciers, most notably the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier. A vast 30-kilometer-long ice formation and the third-largest freshwater reserve in the world, and is one of the #1 tourist attractions in South America. 

Another significant aspect of the is a significant aspect of Los Glaciares National Park is the 3,359-metre-tall Monte Fitz Roy. A breathtakingly gorgeous mountain that spans the border with Chile is reputedly more difficult to climb than Everest.

One of Mexico’s most popular beach destinations is Los Cabos a 30-kilometer stretch of pristine beaches, also known as the Los Cabos Corridor . It stretches from the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo and is famous for its clear waters, diving, snorkeling, and fishing. It is also one of the best places to vacation in South America . 

There are now many resorts from opulent spas to golf-focused resorts with some of the top courses in North America. However, Los Cabos tends to draw tourists with large vacation budgets.

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, a huge archway carved out of the coastline where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific, is one of the most well-preferred destinations for its coral reefs and pristine beaches. 

Read more here about the top things to do in Cabo San Lucas .

The Neoclassical and Colonial styles of architecture, as well as African and Modern European influences, are all mixed together in Uruguay’s capital city. 

A wonderful example of the style and ambiance you’ll encounter when exploring the city streets is the Legislative Palace, Palacio Salvo, and the Tango Museum.

The Citadel Gate and the lush Plaza Independencia square are two of Ciudad Vieja’s many notable attractions. Ciudad Vieja is the city’s oldest district and is now a lovely neighborhood.

The greatest place to sample world-class cuisine in Montevideo is at the Port Market which is one of the top South America attractions for its culinary scene.

The sizable National Museum of Visual Arts and the Museo Torres Garcia, honors the famed Uruguayan avant-garde sculptor, painter, and writer, are excellent examples of the city’s rich cultural past.

Punta Cana is located where an unending length of gorgeous white sand beach meets the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. This is the finest area to visit in the Dominican Republic if you’re searching for lavish all-inclusive resorts, a romantic getaway, or family-friendly lodging with an endless variety of beach adventures.

The most impressive beach in Punta Cana is Bavaro Beach, where you may wade into the water or spend all day strolling along the sand. The beach is lined with resorts that provide quick access to all the activities. 

Boats, parasailers, and tour boats are everyday life in this part of the world.  Swimming is safe in areas that have been fenced off. A few restaurants and shops are located inland from the beach, most of which are chic and eclectic—especially by Dominican Republic standards. And, is one of the great vacation spots in South America. 

One of Costa Rica’s best places to see wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park , which has the added benefit of having lovely beaches with smooth white sand.

Howler monkeys, orangutans, lemurs, white-nosed coatimundis, and squirrel monkeys are a few of the frequently seen animals in the park. In addition, look out for sparkling butterflies and a variety of colorful birds flying around. Although you can explore the trails on your own, you can opt for a guided tour for a richer experience. 

Stroll at the picturesque beachfront beach, where canopies and recliners line the sand. It is where the surfers from the globe take advantage of the often calm waves. It is one of the best places in South America for surfers and divers. 

The continent of South America is full of lavish sights to behold. It’s not exactly like Europe or Southeast Asia, where you have the option of traveling from one western-style city to another. It’s a region made up of mostly undeveloped wilderness, which can be unpredictable and hard to navigate. But it’s precisely that which makes this continent so appealing to so many visitors—especially those on a budget. Plus, no visa is required. If you’re looking for an exotic but affordable vacation experience, South America is the place for you!

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The Best Places to Go in Central & South America in 2024

By CNT Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2024 —find more travel inspiration here .

For a region so marked by its ancient cultures—the Mayans, the Olmecs, the Aztecs, the Incas, the Moche, the Wari, spanning 5,000 years of human history—it’s a real shift of perspective to look at a map, considering places to go in Central and South America, tilt your head, and ask: “So—what’s new?”

After all, superlatives are usually part of the draw in these parts. The oldest known civilization in the Americas flourished around 3,000 BC in Caral, Peru, with today’s travelers regularly driving three hours from Lima to walk its grounds. Tikal, the Mayan citadel in Guatemala, is described by UNESCO as “one of the most important archaeological complexes left by the Maya civilization,” and cars, buses, and helicopters bring visitors to it daily.

Yet around these gobsmacking, still-standing vestiges of cultures past, there is so much newness. There are museums of a staggering scale, like the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP)— Brazil ’s first modern art museum when it opened in 1947—that’s soon to become even bigger with a 14-story extension; just blocks away, a brand-new Soho House will be the club’s first outpost in South America . On the Magdalena River in Colombia , the charming city of Mompox (founded in 1540) that Gabriel García Márquez anointed in his novel The General in his Labyrinth, will become more accessible than ever thanks to new river cruises aboard the glossy AmaWaterways. (Expect to hear more brands hitting these waters in years to come.) As for Tikal, in Guatemala? It’ll be easier to reach in 2024 thanks to new direct flights from the US to Guatemala City (where you’ll want to stop to try food from the country’s rising chefs). There’s also glamping , ritzy resorts , and the makings of a few epic road trips .

These are the best places to go in Central and South America in 2024—where new meets the very, very old. — Megan Spurrell

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Chacarita in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Go for: cool wine bars, seasonally driven restaurants, and celebrated cocktail spots

At Sofá in Buenos Aires, up-and-coming bartender Agostina Elena makes expert cocktails in a moody space.

Small plates and late-night dancing round out the ambience at Sofá, emblematic of the casual-cool spots that have made Chacarita so popular.

Buenos Aires has long banked on grass-fed beef to propel its food scene, but that’s hardly all that’s on the menu these days—and Michelin’s first guide to Argentina , unveiled in November 2023, is proof. Porteños embrace a spontaneous approach to eating and drinking, and the Chacarita neighborhood—right near ever-cool Palermo—is the Argentine capital’s current casual-dining darling with a diverse collection of recently opened spots.

Wine bars are all the rage: At Naranjo , enjoy higher-welfare porchetta and skin-contact vintages under the orange tree for which it’s named; Anchoíta Cava’ s wine, cheese, and charcuterie lists are notable, while small plates, such as cacio e pepe, and a generous pick-your-own bottle selection are paired with charming floral arrangements at Lardito . Southeast Asian tapas such as chicken pao are on the menu at Apu Nena , while dishes are for sharing at Picaron and Condarco : When they appear on the changing menus, order the razor clams in salsa verde at the former and griddled oyster mushrooms at the latter. The 25-year-old chef, Nicolas Tykocki, at the opened-this-year Ácido , meanwhile, intrigues diners by making a daily off-menu dish. Chacarita’s drinks scene, spearheaded by vermouth specialist La Fuerza , also punches above its weight: Whiskey aficionados can sip from 110-plus cask-aged malts to a vinyl soundtrack at Sede ; find signature beverages from bartending legend Mona Gallosi at Punto Mona ; and try up-and-coming Agostina Elena’s cocktails at just-opened Sofá . If you’re traveling to eat and drink in the year ahead, Chacarita should be your first stop. — Sorrel Moseley-Williams

Colca Canyon, Peru

Go for: a stylish new tented camp, epic hiking, and unforgettable landscapes

In Peru's dramatic Colca Canyon, trekking and horsebacking riding are popular ways to traverse the epic Andean landscape.

Peru now has its first tented camp thanks to Puqio, with stylish interiors and elevated dining and excursions included in every stay.

Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon , Colca is a dramatic gash in Southern Peru where Inca-built agricultural terraces line the hillsides, and shadows of Andean condors—with all nine feet of their wingspans—ripple across the landscape. It’s long been worth the journey required to reach this hiking destination, which is about three hours by car from the colonial city of Arequipa (itself a 90-minute flight from Lima or Cusco). But with Peru’s first-ever tented camp, open as of September 2023, the Colca Canyon is set to climb even higher on visitors’ bucket lists.

Puqio—from the same team behind chic Cirqa in Arequipa, boutique Atemporal in Lima, and the lakeside lodge of Titilaka on Lake Titicaca—has all the makings of another destination-worthy stay. Safari-style tents and adobe huts are on offer, with all meals and drinks included—expect local dishes cooked in clay ovens, or over an open flame, and the zing of pisco in cocktails. Outdoor bath tubs and wood-burning stoves make it tempting to turn in early, but Puqio-organized excursions will keep you busy, whether you’re looking to learn from Andean herbalists, go horseback riding, embark on sweat-inducing treks, or dip into natural hot springs. It’s much of what already draws travelers to Colca, wrapped in a bow—go while it’s still easy to nab one of only eight accommodations available. — Megan Spurrell

Go for: new cruises leading to ancient ruins, and a burst of artsy openings

From the capital city to Antigua, new art, cultural, and community spaces beg travelers to venture beyond Mayan ruins like Tikal—and stay awhile.

Luna Zorro Studio, which sells artisan textiles, will open a boutique with a two-bedroom casita for rent in October 2024, in Antigua.

When National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions launch their new Belize to Tikal itinerary in January 2024, travelers may be tempted to tack on a few days ashore Belize’s white-sand beaches and palm-dotted islands. But Guatemala , home to the jungle-shrouded Mayan ruins of Tikal, is the extension not to skip. The country’s mix of rich Indigenous and colonial history, staggering natural beauty, and now expanding infrastructure for tourism in the form of restaurants, hotels, and tours makes 2024 the year to explore Guatemala in earnest. In the charming city of Antigua, the world class MUNAG (National Museum of Art Guatemala) , which covers 3,000 years of heritage through a contemporary lens, is now open, and a second-phase unveiling is expected imminently. Nearby, the team behind Luna Zorro studio —known for merging traditional craftsmanship with modern textile design and crafting boutique trips throughout Guatemala in collaboration with El Camino Travel —is renovating a historic property into La Valiente: It will house a Luna Zorro boutique and a coffee-and-wine bar in the front, with a two-bedroom casita for rent in the back, all set to open in October 2024. Café No Sé , meanwhile, an anchor of the old city that’s touted as the first mezcal bar outside of Mexico , will continue to honor “20-ish” years of being in business with events and live music. A flush of new art spaces, like Aura Galerías , and innovative restaurants continue to characterize the capital of Guatemala City.

Air carriers have taken notice of the increasing interest in this destination—in December 2023, Alaska will begin daily service from Los Angeles to Guatemala City, marking a new year-round route for the airline. Delta is bumping up access to Latin America in general and upping the frequency of winter flights from its Atlanta hub to Guatemala. — Ali Wunderman

Inhotim, Brazil

Go for: the chance to finally spend the night within the renowned open-air art museum

Inhotim has long been a jewel in the crown for art-loving travelers. In 2024, new bungalows on-site will make it possible to sleep among the masterpieces.

Nestled within Brazil’s Atlantic Forest , Inhotim is Latin America’s largest open-air art museum—and one that begs for slow, thoughtful exploration. Here, one of the most diverse collections of contemporary art in the world, with pieces ranging from large-scale sculptures to paintings and photographs, stretches over thousands of acres of botanical gardens. An art center of this magnitude begs for a multi-day visit, yet the lack of nearby accommodation has long made that difficult. This will all change next year.

Come September 2024, there will be 45 bungalows on-site, the first phase of a project spearheaded by Clara Resorts , a São Paulo–based hotel group focused on sustainable luxury. Each night, hotel guests will be able to retreat to luxurious rooms outfitted with balconies, fireplaces, and soapstone bath tubs; amenities like a 25-meter heated pool, sauna, massage room, gym, and events space are also planned. Plus, there will be a food hall with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. In an effort to create a welcoming and comfortable space for families, each bungalow will accommodate four to five people—and, once the bungalows are complete, 60 additional rooms and a spa will follow, and a larger resort with at least 150 rooms is expected to open by 2029.

The project will incorporate designs by architect Freusa Zechmeister, a native of the state of Minas Gerais, and overflow with stones from the state—nodding to the area’s prosperous mining history and inviting visitors to explore Brazil’s most destination-worthy museum, less than a two-hour drive from the city of Belo Horizonte. — Carla Vianna

Magdalena River, Colombia

Go for: scenic river cruises with a big hit of culture

Colombia's Magdalena River and the historic towns that line it are about to become more accessible than ever, thanks to new cruise itineraries coming via river sailing experts AmaWaterways.

Immortalized in Gabriel García Márquez’s classic Love in the Time of Cholera, the Magdalena River is Colombia’s largest and most important waterway. Running 930 miles from the snowcapped Andes through fertile valleys and into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean , it's the economic and cultural heart of the country. However, for many travelers, the mighty Magdalena has been off the radar.

But courtesy of luxe river-cruise company AmaWaterways , two different ships will kick off voyages in the future: AmaMagdalena , in November 2024, and AmaMelodia , in January 2025. Both ships will sail the Magic of Colombia itinerary, from Barranquilla to Cartagena , and the Wonders of Colombia itinerary, from Cartagena to Barranquilla—each taking passengers upriver to the UNESCO-designated city of Mompox , founded in 1540, where riverfront plazas and ornate churches await in this lost-in-time pueblo magico.

Along the way, the three-story ships, which come with rooftop sun decks and balconies, stop for birdwatching and hiking. What really sets this river sailing apart from those in the Amazon River , though, is its focus on culture: From musical explorations in the town of Palenque , the first “free” town founded by formerly enslaved people in the Americas, to jazz concerts in Mompox and a special Colombian Carnaval celebration in Barranquilla, this is a journey into the exuberant heart of Colombian life.

Fly via Cartagena, with its world-class beaches, dining, and nightlife—not to mention the new Casa Pestagua hotel , situated in a lavishly restored 17th-century palace—for a soft landing before or after the cruise. There are a number of existing nonstop flights from the US, including an increase in weekly flights from Atlanta via Delta as of October 2023. — Ocean Malandra

Panama City, Panama

Go for: a buzzy old quarter with new boutique hotels, and easy access to beaches and jungle

With new restaurants and boutique hotels in the UNESCO-designated Casco Viejo neighborhood, and bucket-list cruises offering multi-day itineraries via the port, Panama City is no longer just a stopover.

Once a mere stopover destination, Panama City is giving us new reasons to stay awhile. Go beyond the eponymous canal—arguably the most significant trade route of all time—to a city punctuated with mind-bending skyscrapers (like the F&F Tower), uniquely steeped in both American influence and Central American culture, and wrapped around its own rainforest (the 573-acre Metropolitan Natural Park ).

In the old quarter, UNESCO-designated Casco Viejo, the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Panama opened last year in a former social club founded in 1917. Breeze through its immaculate French-colonial-inspired lobby with fringed palms and tiled floors to Arcano, a speakeasy with tarot card readings and aged Panamanian rum. The new Kaandela restaurant, inside the adults-only Amarla boutique hotel, opened in 2022 and showcases open-fire cooking just behind the bar. Fan out from the old quarter on Truly Panama ’s new epicurean Flavors of Panama tour to score chicheme (a traditional, creamy spiced drink), ceviche at the fish market, tropical fruit at stands in sprawling Park Omar, and lunch at Afro-Panamanian La Tapa del Coco . Further north along the coast, stay at the sprawling Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort , for a round at its 72-par Jack Nicklaus golf course, backed by the Panama City skyline—or time your visit for January to catch the first-ever 2024 Latin American Amateur Golf Championships .

The city remains a perfect launching point for wide-ranging Panamanian adventures, too. Dive deep into nature with a quick flight to the rarely explored Gulf of Chiriqúi, plotting a new nighttime jungle hike and mod beachfront bungalow stay at Isla Palenque . Or stop over on a cruise that lands you at port at the new Fuerte Amador cruise terminal, with ideal access to the Panama Canal. Following a new multimillion-dollar refurbishment, the Crystal Serenity offers glam suites with Italian marble and custom-made Jesurum 1870 linens and will stop in this tropical metropolis on 2024’s World Cruise. — Nina Kokotas Hahn

Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica

Go for: glitzy resort openings from beloved brands

Villa Eram is one of several shiny new stays on Costa Rica's Papagayo Peninsula, where surf, sea, wellness, and high design collide.

You wouldn’t be alone in thinking Costa Rica was all barefoot backpackers, surf seekers, and adrenaline-fueled adventurers. But on a tiny Pacific peninsula in Guanacaste, beach lovers with deeper pockets can find sleek resorts from beloved hospitality brands like Four Seasons , Andaz , Hyatt-owned Secrets , and Marriott’s El Mangroove, Autograph Collection . This all-star resort destination will get even better in 2024 when it welcomes Nekajui , a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: an ultra-lavish playground with 107 rooms and 36 private residences overlooking Pochote’s horseshoe-shaped bay. Nekajui , which means “garden” in Chorotega (one of the region’s native languages), nods to the open-air experiences, from a showstopping infinity pool and a beach club reachable by funicular to a treehouse spa accessed via suspension bridge. Plus, the beloved, 20-year-old Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo just completed a major renovation as of November 1. There’s now a Mediterranean-inspired beach club on Playa Virador, improved sustainability on the 18-hole Arnold Palmer–designed golf course, and new wellness offerings for those seeking out Costa Rica’s Blue Zone benefits. With the much-anticipated arrival of Waldorf Astoria Residences Guanacaste on the other side of Culebra Bay coming in 2025, consider this your chance to get in on the exclusive enclave’s five-star service and unparalleled privacy while making the most of the Liberia airport’s new purpose-built terminal for private jets and Peninsula Papagayo’s 180-berth private marina, which can accommodate yachts up to 250 feet. Short-term renters can register their interest with Martha Dayton Design and U+B Architecture & Design’s latest project, Villa Eram , a biophilic retreat (opened in 2022) inspired by the rainforest, while brand loyalists should keep their eyes peeled: It’s rumored that Six Senses, One & Only, and Rosewood are all in talks with developers here too. — Anna Prendergast

Patagonia Azul, Argentina

Go for: seafaring excursions, wildlife sightings, and new eco-stays

The Patagonian steppe meets the Atlantic coast in the protected area of Patagonia Azul. Glamp by the sea—or stay in new oceanfront huts, open for the 2023-2024 austral summer—then boat, scuba dive, or whale watch with local tour operator Viento Azul.

Despite the challenges of taming Argentina’s vast and unmeasurable region of Patagonia , Fundación Rewilding’s Patagonia Azul Project park conservation effort has scaled up over the past two years with several gateways for visitors. And the adventures are rich: Navigations to Islas Blancas and the abandoned Isla Leones lighthouse with local tour operator Viento Azul , for example, put you in the company of petrels, cormorants, and Commerson’s dolphins as well as four species of whale—you can go even deeper into the blue with snorkeling and diving in Camarones. When calm, the Bustamante Bay’s waters are perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddling, while surfers come to Cabo Raso for the testing tubes.

Flights to Patagonia Azul arrive via the El Tehuelche Airport in Puerto Madryn or Trelew International Airport in the north and Comodoro Rivadavia in the south, then it’s a drive to the entry point of your choice. Plan on three hours to reach the portal near Camarones, where hardy travelers can bed down for free with no previous reservations a stone’s throw from the Argentine Sea’s winds and waves at the 10-spot Cañadón del Sauce and nine-spot Bahía Arredondo (the latter houses a simple kitchen and dining room for use). For those seeking greater creature comforts, Portal Isla Leones will assemble six new ocean-front huts in mid-December for the Southern Hemisphere's 2023–2024 summer. At Bahía Bustamante, an hour’s drive from Camarones, the eponymous eco lodge has also just opened four new marine lofts in addition to eleven existing cabins not far from a 100,000-strong colony of Magellanic penguins. — Sorrel Moseley-Williams

Quito, Ecuador

Go for: a city on the rise

Quito is catching up to culinary neighbor Lima with spots like Nuema, where award-winning chef and co-owner Pia Salazar blends sweet and savory ingredients.

Opposites also attract in the heart of Quito. Modern architecture lives alongside a UNESCO-anointed colonial center—in late 2023, an all-new metro will better connect the city's various parts.

Quito is finally getting its due. The city’s mile-high skyline got a lot higher thanks to the work of architects like Bjarke Ingels Group, whose 32-story IQON tower (completed in 2022) is now the city’s tallest. It's just one of several projects to come from Ecuadorian development firm Uribe Schwarzkopf , in its ongoing effort to mature the ancient Andean city into an unlikely new hub of contemporary architecture. That’s no small feat considering that Quito stands atop both the ruins of a pre-Columbian settlement and an earthquake-prone high plateau and is anchored by an untouchable colonial center with UNESCO status. But a new generation of Ecuadorian and international creatives are pushing the city toward the future—and not just for the sake of visitors.

Moving things along in that direction, an all-new metro system will be inaugurated in late 2023, with 15 stations spanning from Quitumbe in the southern part of the city to El Labrador in the north. New hotels have been slower to arrive, but one standout is the affordable 151-room Go Quito Hotel , which opened in June 2023 with a rooftop bar-restaurant, spa, sauna, pool, and airy rooms offering unbeatable views of the city. Meanwhile, Quito’s dining scene is finally catching up to culinary neighbor Lima . Buzzy new restaurants include Cardó , where Chef Adrián Escardó makes octopus bacon and suckling pig with naranjilla sauce; Aura , which leans into native Ecuadorian ingredients like Mashua honey and Manaba cheese from the coast; and Nuema , where chef and co-owner Pia Salazar’s sweet-salty hybrid desserts—think pastries with leek with lemon verbena and tonka bean, and white seaweed with black garlic—won her World’s Best Pastry Chef 2022, a first for Quito and Ecuador, and 2023. — Adam H. Graham

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Go for: stargazing, a luxe stay, and a super bloom in a new national park

The beloved Habitas brand laid roots in northern Chile in 2023, with a boutique hotel that complements the dramatic desert surrounds.

San Pedro de Atacama is known for its geographical wonders, from snowcapped volcanic mountains, to shimmering lakes with flamingos.

With its bronzed, dusty roadways and handcrafted adobe dwellings, Chile’s oldest village has captivated adventurous visitors for decades. But now, the soulful oasis of San Pedro de Atacama is securing the spotlight as Chile’s northern star, with a variety of travelers eager to experience its rugged-chic vibe. After all, this celestial city is a hotbed of geographical wonders, with snowcapped volcanic mountains in the world’s driest nonpolar region, high-altitude lagoons dotting the Andean desert, and dazzling salt flats.

Wildlife lovers flock to Los Flamencos National Reserve for up-close encounters with the world’s rarest flamingos and native vicuñas. And the surreal, dramatic scenery of the steaming El Tatio Geysers at sunrise can only be rivaled by the fiery palette of the Valle de Catarpe canyons at dusk. In 2024, El Niño is likely to spark an extraordinary Atacama superbloom inside Chile’s new national park, Desierto Florido .

Under the clearest skies on the planet, backyard astronomers can explore the cosmos on ethereal stargazing tours . The ALMA Observatory , poised at an atmosphere-topping 16,000 feet, promises expert-led interstellar experiences. But the most otherworldly excursion might be traversing the Valle de la Luna's inhospitable yet magically serene moonscape environment. Earthly travelers can seek solace in the area’s newest luxe property, Habitas Atacama . Opened in September 2023, the elite outdoorsy design guarantees a memorable stay before you jet off to glimpse Easter Island’s annular solar eclipse in October. — Colleen Kelly

São Paulo, Brazil

Go for: major openings for art lovers and jetsetting socialites

The Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) will massively expand in 2024, with a second building—making this an exciting year for culture vultures to fly South.

Just a few blocks from MASP, Cidade Matarazzo is a massive redevelopment project focused on showcasing Brazilian culture—Soho House São Paulo will open there in 2024.

Home to more than 12 million people, São Paulo is one of Latin America’s most diverse metropolises—the New York City of the Southern Hemisphere, if you will. In 2024, travelers have even more compelling reasons to visit, starting with the long-anticipated expansion of Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP). Connected via underpass to MASP’s original Lina Bo Bardi–designed modernist building, the 14-story LEED-certified addition will house five exhibition galleries, two multipurpose spaces, a restaurant, a shop, classrooms, and a restoration lab. Nearby Cidade Matarazzo , one of São Paulo’s biggest and most ambitious redevelopment projects, is busy transforming a warren of 20th-century buildings into an arts center, a retail village, restaurants, and a green space. Its anchor tenant, the 160-room Rosewood São Paulo hotel, opened in 2022 and features Philippe Starck interiors and 450 site-specific works by 57 Brazilian artists. Also coming to Cidade Matarazzo in 2024 is Soho House São Paulo , the club’s first foray into South America. Once complete, the 36-bedroom property will include a rooftop pool, a spa, a gym, members-only dining spaces, and interiors showcasing Brazilian designers. It’s a good thing reaching São Paulo just got easier, thanks to new direct flights from Los Angeles and London via Delta-LATAM and Virgin Atlantic , respectively. — Ashlea Halpern

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15 Best Places To Visit in South America According to Travelers

Posted: March 19, 2024 | Last updated: March 19, 2024

South America is a treasure trove of coffee plantations, tropical beaches, delicious food, and natural beauty. It’s no wonder travelers are constantly booking trips back to this continent to explore its many wonders.

1. Patagonia, Chile and Argentina

Patagonia is located between Chile and Argentina and is famous for its treks, reserves, forests, landscapes, native wildlife, and glaciers. It also offers some of the best whale-watching, is home to the largest Magellanic Penguin colony, and has one of the world’s last glaciers still growing.

2. The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands inspired Darwin’s evolution theory. They are one of the world’s most volcanically active regions and Ecuador’s first national park, with 97% of the landmass designated as a national park in 1959. These beautiful islands offer history, intrigue, wildlife, and panoramic views, which is why travelers love them.

3. Cuzco, Peru

Cuzco was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, as it used to be the capital of the Inca Empire and retains its ancient stone architecture. If this kind of ancient history appeals to you, you’ll be in your element visiting Cuzco.

4. Santiago, Chile

Step into a world of culture when you step into Santiago. The capital city of Chile houses gorgeous art galleries and museums, like the Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of Fine Arts. If it’s not the culture you’re after, Santiago’s cuisine scene will undoubtedly tickle your taste buds. Tuck into empanadas and asado at one of the many bars and restaurants in the city.

5. Lake Titicaca, Peru and Bolivia

This World Heritage Site is South America’s largest freshwater lake and one of the world’s twenty ancient lakes. While you can swim in the lake, it’s not recommended as it’s so cold. The main attractions are the floating islands of totora reeds that grow in the lake. You can take a boat to the floating islands.

6. Ollantaytambo, Peru

Ollantaytambo was the Incan Emperor Patchacuti’s royal estate. Outside of Machi Picchu, this area has some of the most incredible Incan Ruins and is well worth a visit. If you plan to stay in Ollantaytambo, there are many day trips that you can take to nearby sites that history enthusiasts will love.

7. Bogotá, Colombia

The country of Colombia is a firm favorite amongst travelers who’ve visited South America. It’s most well known for producing delicious Arabica coffee, throwing the most lively parties, and the passionate and friendly people who live there.

8. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni was another suggestion many travelers recommended visiting in South America. As the most extensive salt flat in the world at over 6,574 miles, it’s worth adding to the travel bucket list.

9. Quilotoa Loop, Ecuador

The Quilotoa Loop is Ecuador’s most famous trek for good reason. Hike across dusty paths, deep valleys, small settlements, and green hills. The trail begins or ends (depending on where you start) at the impressive Quilotoa Lake, a crater lake formed after an enormous eruption over 600 years ago.

10. Cuenca, Ecuador

One traveler said that Cuenca was her biggest surprise when visiting Ecuador, as it was a beautiful yet underrated city. Cuenca has incredible scenery, distinct and delicious cuisine, and vibrant festivals, all contributing to a fantastic travel experience.

11. San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

Bariloche is a mountain town located in northern Patagonia. Travelers love this spot because of the expansive amount of activities available, such as skiing at Catedral Alta Patagonia, taking the chairlift to see Lake Nahuel Huapi, and hiking the Cerro Llao Llao or Refugio Frey,

12. Banos, Ecuador

Nature lovers will feel like they’ve arrived in paradise when they visit Banos. The town sits at the base of the active Tungurahua Volcano and has been termed the “Gateway to the Amazon.” From Banos, you can explore impressive volcanoes, abundant wildlife, and national parks.

13. Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Ecuador

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is another item on the bucket list for nature enthusiasts. It abounds in incredible wildlife and has some of the most beautiful jungle scenery and views of the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

14. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is known as the Paris of South America, and it has a Latin atmosphere, French architecture, museums, and art galleries. The city has a plethora of things to do, from eating your way through their steakhouses and watching a live Tango performance to walking the tree-lined streets of Palermo and enjoying Carlos Thays Botanic Garden.

15. Ciapata Diamantina National Park, Brazil

Travelers love a trip to this national park in Brazi. The ecosystem varies from the dry Cerrado to the tropical Mata Atlantica, and everywhere, you’ll find beautiful orchids and bromelia, and you may even be lucky enough to spot a jaguatirica or puma. Trek through the park for the scenery and shower beneath Brazil’s highest waterfall while spending time in Ciapata Diamantina National Park.

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Tracking Abortion Bans Across the Country

By The New York Times Updated May 1, 4:40 P.M. ET

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Twenty-one states ban abortion or restrict the procedure earlier in pregnancy than the standard set by Roe v. Wade, which governed reproductive rights for nearly half a century until the Supreme Court overturned the decision in 2022.

In some states, the fight over abortion access is still taking place in courtrooms, where advocates have sued to block bans and restrictions. Other states have moved to expand access to abortion by adding legal protections.

Latest updates

• The Arizona state legislature voted to repeal an 1864 ban on nearly all abortions. Officials warned that the near-total ban may be briefly enforceable this summer until the repeal takes effect in the fall. A 15-week ban remains in effect.
• A ban on abortion after about six weeks of pregnancy took effect in Florida , following a ruling by the Florida Supreme Court that the privacy protections of the state’s Constitution do not extend to abortion.

The New York Times is tracking abortion laws in each state after the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization , which ended the constitutional right to an abortion.

Where abortion is legal

In a few states that have enacted bans or restrictions, abortion remains legal for now as courts determine whether these laws can take effect. Abortion is legal in the rest of the country, and many states have added new protections since Dobbs.

Ban in effect

Note: TK note here.

Legal for now

State details.

More details on the current status of abortion in each state are below.

An earlier version of this article misstated the legal status of abortion in Utah. As of 4 p.m. on June 24, the state attorney general had issued a statement saying the state’s abortion ban had been triggered, but it had not yet been authorized by the legislature’s general counsel. By 8:30 p.m., the counsel authorized the ban and it went into effect.

A table in an earlier version of this article misstated which abortion ban is being challenged in Texas state court. Abortion rights supporters are challenging a pre-Roe ban, not the state’s trigger ban.

An earlier version of this article referred incorrectly to the legal status of abortion in Indiana. While Indiana abortion providers stopped offering abortion services in anticipation of an abortion ban taking effect on Aug. 1, the law did not take effect.