22 of the Best Places to Visit in South America

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South America is a vast territory that contains the Amazon Rainforest, the Mountainous peaks of the Andes, the remnants of some of the oldest civilizations, and two of the seven wonders of the world. There can be no doubt it’s the perfect destination for any adventure traveler.

The Latin-flavored continent has virtually everything you could expect: vibrant cities, colonial towns, smoky volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, deep traditions, and, above all, some of the friendliest people on earth.

If you travel to South America on your own, you’ll see that the hospitality and kindness of its inhabitants is not a myth, but a reality.

You might love it so much that you stay there!

That’s what happened to me.

Today, after five years of living around Colombia, Perú, Argentina, and Brazil, I decided to narrow down my top sites in the region, and present to you the best places to visit in South America.

22 Top Places to Visit in South America

1. Angel Falls, Venezuela

Starting with Salto Angel, also known as Kerepakupai (the deepest fall) to the Pemón tribe, is one of the most breathtaking places I’ve seen in my life.

Angel Falls, Venezuela. One of the best places to visit in South America

It’s located in Canaima National Park and, at 979 meters high, is the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world.

If you want to get there, you’ll need to fly to Canaima because there are no accessible roads. I took the overflight to watch it from above and it was a mind-blowing experience!

2. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Sticking with the “records” theme, Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat, at over 10,000 square kilometers.

Uyuni laguna colorada

I was impressed by the region’s endless white expanses and surreal landscape. It really looked like I had arrived on another planet in which smoky volcanoes, colored lagoons and great deserts create the scenery.

It’s also a great place for watching wildlife like llamas and pink flamingos all over the lakes. Definitely one of the best places to visit in South America!

Need more inspiration about the salt flats of Bolivia? Here’s some helpful resources:

3. Machu Picchu, Perú

The sacred city of Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century and later abandoned. Probably the most famous archaeological places to visit in South America, this Incan citadel is famous worldwide for its huge stone walls and mysterious history.

Machu Picchu, Perú - One of the best places to visit in South America

I recommend visiting Machu Picchu early in the morning to watch the sun rising over the green peaks.

To get to Machu Picchu, you’ll first need to travel to Cusco, a colonial city in which Spanish architecture blends with indigenous traditions.

I loved Cusco so much that I stayed there for over three months, volunteering and visiting nearby villages.

Another popular way to visit Macchu Pichu is to hike. You can take the historic Inca Trail or the Salkantey Trek, which is less historic but said to be more beautiful.

4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

One of the best places to visit in South America is Rio de Janeiro – a place that really touched my heart.

Cristo Rio de Janeiro

Most people like it because it offers nice beaches and crazy parties, as well as hosting the biggest celebration in the world: Carnival.

That’s true. However, Rio offers hidden secrets as well. You’ll have the chance to enjoy a fascinating mix of African-European culture and top-class hiking.

The city boasts the world’s largest urban forest, which contains magnificent mountains and peaks. Rio de Janeiro has dozens of hiking trails, so I recommend going up to the mountains and enjoying the city from above.

If you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Rio de Janeiro, you can’t go wrong with a day spent on the white sand beaches of Copacabana Beach or Ipanema Beach.

5. Eje Cafetero, Colombia

Colombia has some of the best coffee in the world, so I couldn’t resist the temptation of trying a delicious cup right on a coffee plantation! It was great to learn about the history of coffee, the process, and the varieties grown.

Colombia eje cafetero

The most famous getaways are Salento, Filandia, and Pijao – all lovely colonial towns in which it looks like no time has passed.

Moreover, the lush, green mountains offer a wide range of activities like hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, canopying and more. One of the highlights of the visit was taking a hike around Valle del Cocora.

Highly recommended for your South America trip!

6. Isla del Sol, Bolivia

Located in the remarkable Lago Titicaca, the Island of the Sun is today home to the Quechua and Aymara people, who still preserve their languages and old traditions.

Isla del Sol Bolivia

While taking the boat to this small island, I felt like I was in a sacred place.

The lake is huge; when you look at it, it feels like you are surrounded by an ocean. I recommend walking up to one of the hills to enjoy unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.

7. Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

man on a snowy mountain

This conical-shaped stratovolcano has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in Ecuador, and it’s no surprise why.

As a hiking lover, I decided to climb to the top (almost 6,000 meters high), and it was truly a unique experience. Be mindful of the high altitude and ascend slowly to help with altitude sickness.

Keep in mind that it’s a challenging ascension against the darkness, the height, and the freezing wind. If you attempt the climb, you’ll need to hire a good guide and bring special gear such as crampons and ice axes.

If you don’t think the climb is such a great idea, you can take a jeep tour of the refuge, which offers amazing views of neighboring volcanoes.

8. Iguazú Falls, Argentina and Brazil

The name Iguazú means “big water” in the indigenous Guarani language, and no doubt they are right!

One of the new seven wonders of nature and one of the most famous South American landmarks, these imposing waterfalls can be visited from either Brazil or Argentina.

Top tip: You can take a day trip to both sides of the falls to see which is better!

waterfalls

As most people do, I visited the falls from the Argentinian side because it gives access to “Paseo del Diablo”, a trail that takes you right over the falls of Devi’s Throat, the highest fall in the park.

Be sure to put Iguazú Falls on your bucket list of the best places to visit in South America!

9. Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

If you are looking for colonial architecture, Colombia offers some of the best-preserved colonial cities on the continent.

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

Cartagena de Indias is a lovely city full of energy, Caribbean vibes, and friendly people.

It was one of the biggest slave ports in the Spanish colony, and you can feel it when you look at its people and learn about its history.

It was great to spend a few days strolling its colorful streets, old churches, and splendid castles, imagining that I was in one of Gabriel García Marquez’s stories.

10. Mount Roraima, Venezuela

Mount Roraima is a majestic table-shaped mountain located in the south of Venezuela. It’s the highest tepui in the region, and also serves as the triple border point of Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana.

Mount Roraima, Venezuela

I took the five-day hike to the top and enjoyed the crazy scenery of strange rock formations, hundreds of waterfalls descending from huge cliffs, and vertigo views in all directions.

It’s considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, and I promise it’s one of those places in South America that’s well worth the effort.

11. Torres del Paine, Chile

Torres del Paine is a very popular destination among travelers visiting Chilean Patagonia. Puerto Natales is the getaway to this national park, in which you’ll find several day hikes and longer multi-day trails.

Torres del Paine, Chile

The park can get quite crowded during the high season. Fortunately, I visited Torres del Paine at the end of the season, when there were only a few other hikers.

I took the Torres W trek, which can be completed in five days, but you can also try the famous O circuit, which usually takes from seven to 10 days.

The region’s color-changing trees, huge glaciers, and dramatic peaks make it one of the most attractive places to visit in South America.

12. Tayrona Park, Colombia

Tayrona National Park, home to the indigenous Tairona people until the 15th century, is one of the most authentic places in the country. One of the things that struck me most was the place’s wild nature.

The beaches are unlike any other Caribbean beaches you’ve seen. It’s all surrounded by lush green mountains and peaks, giving it an untamed character.

Parque Tayrona, Colombia

In addition, you can visit several archaeological sites hidden in the thick forest, or scuba dive in the clear waters around Cabo San Juan.

Join a Snorkeling Tour in the National Park!

13. El Chaltén, Argentina

The Argentinian Patagonia is a real paradise for hiking lovers and one of the best places to travel in South America.

El Chalten, Fitz Roy

El Chalten is probably the best starting point for exploring the region. Don’t miss the trail that takes you to Fitz Roy Mount and Cerro Torre.

One of the great advantages there is that you can take day tours to explore the mountains, lakes and glaciers, then go back to town later to enjoy a hot shower and comfy bed.

Visit El Chalten and Viedma Glacier on a full day tour. 

14. Iquitos, Perú

No visit to South America would be complete without an expedition into the Amazonas.

I recommend that you use Iquitos as your base. This city, accessible only by boat or plane, deserves a few days spent wandering around its markets and learning about the history of rubber.

houses on the water

You’ll find tours to get you into the jungle and see the wild flora and fauna.

In my experience, a three-day tour was perfect for getting to know the jungle. We went to a traditional village, navigated rivers, visited a lovely lake, and walked through the rainforest.

During that time, we were lucky enough to see a number of animals, including monkeys, tarantulas, caimans, piranhas, sloths, and hundreds of birds.

15. Buenos Aires, Argentina

The most European of cities in South America, Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan hub with countless museums, art galleries, theaters and cultural centers.

La Boca, Buenos Aires

I spent a few days wandering around Sant Telmo, Puerto Madero, La Boca, Palermo and the city center.

I loved La Boca because it is a colorful neighborhood full of history. It was one of the main settlements of the Italian migrants, and it has a unique character.

This is also a good place to see the famous tango dances, and even take some lessons if you feel like it.

Make sure you only visit in the day time and stay on the tourist path, as La Boca is notoriously dangerous.

16. Chapada Diamantina, Brazil

During my first visit to Brazil, Chapada Diamantina was the first spot on my South America bucket list. The entire park is formed by giant valleys, deep canyons and, above all, hundreds of spectacular waterfalls.

Chapada Diamantina, Brazil

The most famous one is Cachoeira da Fumaça, at 353 meters high. I saw it from another mount in the front, but there’s also a path that takes you right to the top, where the fall begins – that must be fantastic!

17. Cayo Sombrero, Venezuela

Cayo Sombrero is by far the most appealing of beaches in South America I’ve seen in all my travels.

Cayo Sombrero, Venezuela

First, it’s small; there are no roads or hotels, and nobody lives there. Second, the sand is pure white, the water is turquoise and there are plenty of reefs with tropical fish. It’s perfect!

To get there, you’ll need to travel to Chichiriviche. From there, it will be easy to find a boat that will take you to any of the cays.

Take a full day to chill out and enjoy this pristine paradise.

18. Perito Moreno, Argentina

It would be a sin to travel to South America and to Argentinian Patagonia without including this glacier on your itinerary.

Perito Moreno, Argentina

The Perito Moreno glacier in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares seems to have been made to be admired; I can’t find another explanation for it.

This huge mass of ice is five kilometers long and about 70 meters above the water level. However, what really impressed me was catching a glimpse of the ice blocks falling away from the glacier and collapsing into the lake below. Unforgettable!

Don’t worry though, the glacier is reforming just as quickly as it is breaking up, so you can admire the natural phenomenon of the glacier falling without worrying about the environment.

This UNESCO world heritage site is one of the most unmissable places to visit in South America for nature lovers.

Get your tickets for the Perito Moreno glacier tour here.

19. Salvador de Bahia, Brazil

Salvador was the first capital and the main slave port of the Portuguese empire in Brazil. Therefore, most of its inhabitants are African descendants whose traditions and beliefs are quite connected with Africa.

Most visitors stay in Pelourinho, a charming (although touristy) neighborhood of colorful streets and steep slopes. I think it’s the most interesting Brazilian city in terms of culture, colonial architecture and history.

Salvador de Bahia, Brazil

The African-influenced food is delicious, and I’m already missing those nice “acarajés”.

20. Atacama Desert, Chile

Atacama, the world’s driest desert, is a “must-visit” destination in the north of Chile. Its main attractions are salt flats, geysers, spring waters and huge volcanoes.

man standing on a cliff

I rented a bicycle and visited Valle de la Luna, which is only 13 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama. The strange rock formations and desert expanses make you think you have flown to the moon. In addition, the sunset is spectacular.

Another place I loved was Piedra del Coyote, a big stone on which you can stand upon a rocky precipice. Don’t miss Atacama!

Which of these best places to visit in South America would you like to see first?

I hope this list of South America landmarks has made you want to pack your bags and travel to South America? I promise you won’t be disappointed!

21. Moai Statues of Easter Island

galapagos islands

Off the coast of Chile on Easter Island is the mysterious Moai statues. These stone figures, known as moai, are thought to have been carved by the Rapa Nui ancestors in the year 1000 C.E.

They stand with their backs to the sea, which archaeologists believe is said to represent the spirits of ancestors, chiefs and high ranking men in the Rapa Nui tribes.

It’s one of those incredible sites that you will never forget.

22. The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of islands in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Ecuador. They are famous for having helped Charles Darwin come up with his theory of evolution, which was detailed in his famous book The Origin of Species.

maoi statutes in a line at easter island

What inspired Charles Darwin, and anyone who visits the Galapagos is the wildlife. It has a large number of endemic species, such as the Galapagos Giant Tortoise. You can also see penguins, iguanas, and sea lions. For wildlife lovers, this is an unmissable place to visit in South America.

Much of the Galapagos is protected, and only a four of the thirteen islands allow visitors to stay on them; those are Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana. The Galapagos is also the most volcanically active place in the world.

Before You Go

By now you can probably tell there are a lot of incredible places to visit in South America and choosing ones to add to your itinerary is no easy task.

To see them all, you’re going to need to spend several months exploring the countries in South America and may also need to get prepared to do some hiking.

Before you go, one thing we must mention about South America is safety. While we don’t want to be a scare monger and it’s unlikely to meet any violent crime in South America, you should always exercise caution.

Tourists are a target for petty crimes like bag snatching and scams, but there are also some areas you should actively avoid, too.

Do some research on the cities you visit and which neighborhoods to avoid, and stick to the tourist trails. Don’t wander alone at night, and stay in groups. Practice these words of advice and you’ll be fine.

We hope this guide was inspiring to you and that you have an incredible time in South America.

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