The continent of South America is as vast as it is varied. From cities in South America like Rio de Janeiro to the beauty of Argentinian Patagonia, South America has a destination to suit every taste. However, with so many places, it can be totally bamboozling to find the right place to start your adventure, especially as some of the best places in South America to visit are at other ends of the continent.
Over the years, we’ve visited South America many times. It’s incredible, and it’s the reason we keep going back. However, one word of advice: if it’s your first time visiting South America, try not to get overwhelmed with all the choices—which can be tough, I know. Plan any trip to South America in bite-size and achievable chunks of time, focusing on the areas you love most.
So, to help you find the areas in South America to visit, I’m sharing the top places we absolutely love. Have the most amazing time visiting South America.
1.) Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is an incredible city and easily one of the best places in South America to explore if you’re exploring wider Argentina. As you’d expect, it’s got the hustle and bustle of any global city, but it also has pockets of really cool and fun places to visit.
Once here, you must check out San Telmo Market for the food. We’ve been here many times, and the stalls and traders are incredible. I loved Beba Cocina, and their empanadas are incredible.
Oh, and don’t forget to visit the colourful district of La Boca, which you can walk around for an afternoon trip. Plus, places like the Colon Theatre are perfect for seeing a show (or tour) in one of South America’s most grand settings.
Finally, don’t forget about the Buenos Aires milongas or tango halls, which are authentic and exciting places for a night out. If you think you’re not up for this, you can just opt for a tango show, which is so exciting for a night out.
Read more: Best things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina
2.) Cusco, Peru
Probably one of Peru’s most popular cities to visit, Cusco is charming and so historic to spend a day exploring. Now, in lots of ways, Cusco acts as a gateway to the Inca Trail or for taking the train to Machu Picchu; but it’s also a destination in its own right.
If you’re already visiting Macchu Picchu, I’d recommend staying in Cusco for at least four days. Not just to acclimatise to the high altitude, but you’ve also got heaps of Inca sites, just outside the city limits.
You can see Cusco’s historic centre and even use the city as a jumping-off point to explore places like Rainbow Mountain or even take the Andean Explorer to Lake Titicaca. We had the best time visiting Peru, and it’s easily one of the top countries to visit in South America if you want to explore the continent’s ancient history. It’s amazing.
Read more: What is it like to visit Cusco
3.) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
One of the most spectacular and the most popular cities in Brazil (and in the whole world) is Rio de Janeiro. It’s a hive of activities, right by the beach, and there are so many things to see and do while you’re here.
Once here, you must visit Christ the Redeemer’s 30-metre statue, with the best views around sunset. That being said, it can also be super busy, so be prepared for that and secure these tickets in advance.
Also, don’t forget about Escadaria Selaron’s vibrant red steps and Sugarloaf Mountain’s unbeatable view of the coast.
In addition to the impressive views and spots mentioned above, Rio de Janeiro also has many different beaches. Obviously, the most famous is Copacabana Beach.
However, there are loads more, like Ipanema Beach and Prainha Beach, to name a few.
As with any global city, it’s worth remembering safety. Never wear flashy jewellery or watches or head down dark alleys. It’s the usual stuff, I know, but you do need to be extra vigilant in Rio de Janeiro, as muggings can be possible.
Read more: Best things to do in Rio de Janeiro
4.) Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia
Nestled in the southwest of Bolivia, the Uyuni Salt Flat is easily one of the best places in South America that is totally unique. You see, Uyuni Salt Flat is one of the largest salt flats in the entire world, and it’s stunning to see.
The whole landscape around Uyuni Salt Flat feels like a totally different planet, though it did look very different long ago. You see, the Uyuni Salt Flat was formed when a really old lake evaporated and finally disappeared. It left this stunning landscape.
It’s the perfect addition to any South American trip itinerary and really easy to visit if you’re already visiting La Paz in Bolivia or even in Peru (as they are neighbouring countries).
Read more: Best places to visit in Bolivia
5.) Medellin, Colombia
Medellin has had something of a resurgence in recent years, and with good reason, it’s beautiful. Now, at one point, not too far in the distant past, Medellin was extremely dangerous and was known the world over for its cartels and drug lords operating in the area.
Although it is still a little rough around the edges (and you should always travel safely), Medellin is an incredible place in South America to visit if you’re already in Colombia. In fact, the whole country of Colombia has so many places you can’t miss.
Once here, stroll around Plaza Botero, visit the Botanic Gardens of Medellin and explore the El Castillo Museum. You can easily spend four days in Medellin, which will give you a great feel for the city.
Read more: Best places in Colombia to visit
6.) Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is hands down one of the best places in South America to visit. The ruined Inca citadel is thousands of years old and is one of the world’s seven wonders.
We spent about a week around the Inca Trail, taking the train to Machu Picchu town and staying in the local area, where we even picked our tea.
Now, to get to Machu Picchu, is a trek in itself. It can take upwards of five days, and the views you’ll get to see during your hike will surely be as incredible as the top of Machu Picchu.
That being said, you can also take the train from Cusco for a much easier route and then buy your entry to Machu Picchu. Though, do this well before you arrive; tickets to Machu Picchu sell out fast.
Read more: How to visit Machu Picchu in Peru
7.) Montevideo, Uruguay
Not too far from Buenos Aires in Argentina, Montevideo can be considered a hidden gem in South America. Well, obviously, it’s not hidden per se; it’s more forgotten in lieu of bigger cities in South America to visit.
Now, I definitely feel like Montevideo is one of the best places in South America to visit if you’re looking for a slightly cheaper option compared to places like Rio. After arriving in Montevideo, make sure to go to the beautiful Solis Theatre and stroll through Palacio Salvo.
Not only that, the city is such a foodie destination, and the Port Market and Agrícola de Montevideo Market are both so delicious.
Read more: Best cities in South America to visit
8.) Patagonia, Argentina
Argentinian Patagonia is best described as the vast area to the country’s south, and it is incredible to visit. It’s one of the best places in South America to explore if you love the great outdoors and adventure travel.
Known for its geological activity and vast ice reserves, Patagonia is a place worth visiting if you love hiking. You’ll get to explore places like the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier.
In the months between November and March, huge ice blocks melt and break off. Though this happens throughout the year, but we always recommend visiting during these summer months to have the best chance of good weather.
Also, don’t forget about other incredible places around the region, like Fitzroy Mountain, exploring the region around El Calafate and El Chaltén, and heading further south to places like Ushuaia (the gateway city to Antarctica).
Read more: Things to know before booking an Antarctic expedition
9.) Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
Iguazu Falls is the largest waterfall system on the globe and one of the best places in South America to visit if you’re travelling through Argentina or Brazil. It is right on the Argentine and Brazilian border, and the whole area around it is just stunning.
Now, one thing to know about Iguazu Falls is that it gets very hot and humid in the height of summer. The whole area is lush, green and quite wet (as you can imagine) – so make sure you’re prepared for that.
Also, don’t forget about mosquitos. They love the area and are often in the shallow, still pools in and around Iguazu Falls. You’ll leave with heaps of bites if you’re anything like me.
10.) Santiago, Chile
Santiago, the capital of Chile, is well worth visiting for a few days. Like many South American cities, it can act as a gateway to explore the wider Chile.
Once you’ve arrived in Santiago, make sure to see the stunning views from Sky Costanera. You get the most gorgeous vistas of the city, and it’s stunning. Oh, and be sure to head to the Museum of Chile, Precolombian Art. We loved our visit, and you can explore thousands of years of history in one place.
Read more: Best things to do in Santiago, Chile
11.) Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Fernando de Noronha in Brazil is stunning. It’s a cluster of 21 mind-blowing islands, with the main island being absolutely stunning to visit.
Just be aware it’s over 300 km from the coast of Brazil itself, but Fernando de Noronha is one of the best places in South America to visit if you want to see an unspoilt region.
Remember, Fernando de Noronha is well-protected, and conservation policies mean that only a certain number of people can visit it at any time.
So, if you are planning a visit to Fernando de Noronha, plan it well in advance. It’s not the place in South America where you can just rock up and ‘wing it’.
12.) Valparaiso, Chile
Both are a little chaotic but totally wonderful. Valparaiso is one of the best places in South America to visit as you travel through Chile. It’s totally historic and filled with incredible streets, especially around the clifftop.
Once here, make sure to visit La Sebastiana Museo de Pablo Neruda and explore Baburizza Palace and the hill area of Cerro Alegre. However, Valparaiso is filled with hills at every turn. Also, did I mention that this city is most famous for its art? No. Well, many of the winding historic streets are decorated – it’s perfect if you love street art.
Oh, and a heads up on safety: as with most South American cities, you need to have your wits about you here. If unsure of the area, go around with a qualified guide and don’t take or wear any valuables that might make you a target for muggings.
13.) La Paz, Bolivia
La Paz is beautiful, with many places to explore, so you will never run out of things to do here. Some of the best places to visit in La Paz include Valle de la Luna, the Witches Market (El Mercado de las Brujas), Death Road and La Paz’s loft viewpoints.
La Paz is also the world’s highest administrative capital, and you can take in the magnificent view of the city as you visit. The aerial cable car system is also worth checking out.
La Paz is also one of the best cities in the region, so make sure you explore for a few days when seeing the top spots in Bolivia.
Read more: Best places to visit in Bolivia
14.) Mendoza, Argentina
Argentian wine country—my gosh, I loved Mendoza. A quick two-hour flight from Buenos Aires will get you to the foothills of the Andes and the spiritual home of Malbec. Mendoza is easily one of the best places in South America to visit if you love wines. The red wine variety, Malbec, is known the world over and is delicious here.
We spent 5-6 days travelling through Mendoza and loved every second of it. Just make sure to give yourself enough time to visit a few wineries and vineyards while you’re here. It’s much more of a slower-paced region to travel around, perfect if you’ve had a chaotic and busy few days in Buenos Aires.
15.) Quito, Ecuador
Considered the highest capital city in the world, Quito will give your lungs a workout! I mean that in terms of oxygen as it’s so high, and the amount of walking you’ll do!
Spring-like weather can be experienced all year long in Quito, and you can also explore places like Plaza San Francisco and the La Ronda neighbourhood while you’re in the area with ease. Though, it’s always better to explore Quito with a qualified guide, especially if its your first time in the city.
Getting peckish? Make sure to try some totally delicious humitas or cheese empanadas. My gosh, they are good.
Read more: Best cities in South America to visit
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