Do you want to explore nature and get to know the locals in South America? There are amazing places to see. Here are 9 best places to visit in South America.
With its glorious peaks, beguiling archaeological sites, and pristine jungles, South America is without a doubt an incredible destination, perfect for the adventurous wanderer.
Vibrant and colorful, this majestic continent also has plenty to offer for the occasional traveler. It’s full of lively cities, striking natural wonders, deep traditions, and picturesque colonial towns.
Coveted for its diverse and mouthwatering cuisines, South America boasts a wide range of delicacies to excite your taste buds and sate your gastronomic desires.
Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or bona fide traveler, you can scratch your travel itch with these nine best places to visit in South America.
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
If you’re looking for a historic place in South America, few are as amazing and spectacular as Machu Picchu, Peru’s crown jewel.
Founded in the 1400s, this incredible archaeological marvel is a symbol not only of Peru but also the historic Inca Empire. It’s also the epitome of Peru’s civilization.
Machu Picchu was later “discovered” in the 1900s by an American professor. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site that’ll leave you in awe. You’ll be at a loss for words with its breath-taking views and elaborate ruins.
Made from polished stones, this vacation spot is a captivating example of the traditional Inca architecture. It’s the most visited attraction in Peru.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
One of the best cities to visit in South America, Buenos Aires marries European grandeur with Latin passion. Its lively nature charms visitors with art, gastronomy, architecture, music, and nightlife.
Known for its diverse food choices, Buenos Aires features a variety of parrillas (steakhouses) that have mastered the skill of making mouth-watering steaks. This city never sleeps, with its thriving nightlife consisting of diverse bars, clubs, and live music venues. Here, you can definitely party well into the small hours.
During the day, Buenos Aires morphs into an architectural and cultural paradise. Several French and Italian-style palaces line the streets, boasting exquisite art galleries, incredible museums, and colorful murals.
3. The Amazon Rainforest, South America
There’s nowhere else in the world quite like South America’s Amazon Rainforest. It’s known as the biggest tropical rainforest in the world and the world’s last frontier. The Amazon is definitely a phenomenal, mind-boggling stretch of land, home to a whopping 390 billion trees and covering about 40% of South America.
What’s more, it has a ton of fascinating and incredible creatures. You’ll find the glass frog, pink river dolphin, capybara, black caiman, arapaima, piranhas, spider monkey, and anaconda.
4. The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
These islands are by miles the ultimate heaven for animal lovers. After all, the Galapagos is probably the only place on earth where wild animals live free and people continue to respect the boundaries of Mother Nature.
There’s arguably nowhere else in the world where wild creatures wander and frolick about, without a fear of humans. You can play alongside the sea lions, have a laugh with the penguins, and swim with the sea turtles on these islands.
And please visit here to check out the best haciendas in Ecuador.
5. Cartagena, Colombia
Stunning beaches, dynamic natural landscapes, and colorful colonial architecture fill this Colombian city. Located on the Caribbean coast, this UNESCO World Heritage site was founded by Pedro de Heredia in 1533.
A lively culinary scene, vibrant nightlife, and lots of cultural festivals offer plenty to do and see. Walking through Cartagena’s narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll find an array of parks, museums, churches, castles, and squares.
Must-see attractions include the Clock Tower, Palace of the Inquisition, and Castle of San Felipe. Its numerous beaches offer opportunities to enjoy a variety of water activities like snorkeling, sailing, and scuba diving.
6. Easter Island, Chile
This isn’t one of the easiest places to visit in South America. It’s located in the South Pacific, more than 1,800 miles off the coast of Chile.
On the plus side, however, its isolation has helped conserve the mysterious Maoi–a 1,300-year bunch of volcanic rock statues that have made the island world-famous.
Once you’ve had a tour of its breathtaking landscape, relax on a comfortable, less crowded beach and enjoy being in one of the most mystical places in the world.
7. Atacama Desert, Chile
This desert is one of a kind: It’s the world’s driest desert, seeing rain only once every four years. It stretches around 1,000 miles (1,600 km) along Chile’s coast, located between the Pacific Ocean and Andes.
Its soil is like that of Mars. In fact, parts of the desert represented Mars in the film Space Odyssey: Voyage to the Planets. Active geysers, intense blue lagoons, and vast salt flats are only a few of the remarkable features of this area.
8. Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Featuring over 250 waterfalls surrounded by Brazil’s and Argentina’s tropical jungle, Iguazu Falls is one of the world’s seven natural wonders. It’s definitely one of the best South America vacation spots and Niagara Falls pales in comparison.
The best side to visit is the Argentine one, as you can get really close to the falls and feel the mist. You’ll get even closer with a thrilling boat ride. But get ready to be drenched!
9. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
No list of best places to travel in South America would be complete without Rio de Janeiro, the biggest tourist destination in Brazil.
With its lively street scenes and nightlife, Rio de Janeiro offers an exciting and fun escape from the urban chaos at any time. Moreover, the city boasts beautiful world-class beaches teeming with gorgeous and fit people. These include Copacabana Beach, Prainha, Grumari Beach, and Ipanema Beach.
To top it all off, there are several landmarks in the city that’ll provoke the itchy feet in you. Plan a visit to Sugar Loaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, Santa Teresa, Ilha Fiscal, Jardim Botanico, Lapa, and Tijuca National Park.
Summing Up the Best Places to Visit in South America
We hope that this list of best places to visit in South America has made you consider booking a holiday to this unique continent. Do so and you’ll be in for a real treat, we promise!
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