What are the best places to visit in South America?
Some places you may already be familiar with, while others are tiny places just waiting to be discovered. South America offers so much to travelers. You’ll find vibrant cities, stunning beaches, ancient ruins, snow-capped mountains, and more.
There’s a reason why more visitors are traveling to the region. There truly is something for everyone there.
Ready to explore the places you have to visit in South America? Get out your bucket list and get ready to add these 10 places to travel to.
1. Macchu Pichu
Macchu Pichu is almost always on the list of best places to visit in South America. It was recently awarded the honor of being the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction. It’s one of the world’s leading tourist destinations.
Visitors from all over travel here to explore this amazing archeological site that’s full of mystery.
2. Galapagos Islands
Animal lovers should rejoice that climate change hasn’t completely destroyed the environment. The Galapagos Islands remain one place where you can see animal species that you can’t see anywhere else.
You’ll see turtles, penguins, sea lions, and species that seem like they came right out of a cartoon.
There are tours that will let you kayak or hike through the islands. These can be done as day trips on one island or multi-day excursions.
Would you like to know more about these beautiful islands? Check out these unique Galapagos Islands facts.
3. Buenos Aires
Hello, Buenos Aires! Who can’t forget that memorable introduction to Buenos Aires in Evita!
Argentina’s capital city of about 3 million people is full of energy and architecture. You’ll be inspired to learn to tango and explore the city’s different neighborhoods.
There are dozens of museums, cultural activities, restaurants, and theatres to see while you’re there. Talk to the locals and you’ll get a sense of the city’s love of football and politics. There’s enough drama in these areas to satisfy the biggest telenovela watcher.
4. Angel Falls
Angels Falls is situated in Venezuela. This is the highest waterfall in the world. You can find it within the Canamina National Park.
There is a trip through the jungle to get to this site, giving you a look at a tropical rainforest and a spectacular treat at the end.
As you may have seen on the news, Venezuela is in crisis. There’s political strife, along with food and health care shortages. Before you travel, be sure to check with the State Department for any travel warnings to the country.
5. Salar de Uyuni
It might surprise you to hear that the world’s largest salt flat isn’t in the Western United States. It can be found in Bolivia.
The reason why this is on the best places to visit in South America list is that it is so expansive. You’ll feel like you’re in another world here.
Check out the hashtag #salardeuyuni on Instagram. You’ll find over 300,000 posts by travelers and professional photographers. These images will give you a glimpse into the beauty of the area.
6. Rio de Janeiro
Urban forests, beaches, friendly people, and amazing views. That’s what you’ll have a chance to experience in Rio.
Of course, if you want to experience the insane side of Rio, go during Carnival. You’ll be smashed alongside two million other revelers from around the world in the week leading up to Lent.
7. Easter Island
Do you want to get lost on a remote island? Easter Island is as remote as it gets. It sits in the Pacific Ocean, about 2100 miles from the coast of Chile.
It’s part of the Polynesian Triangle, and evidence of the Polynesian culture is on display throughout the island.
No one seems to know what happened to the original population of the island, though statues have remained through the centuries. A new theory emerged about the inhabitants of Easter Island last year.
8. Iguazu Falls
Sitting on the border of Brazil and Argentina, Iguazu Falls makes Niagara Falls look tiny.
This is a series of 275 waterfalls from the Iguazu River.
Iguazu Falls has the unique distinction to be listed twice on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. One is for being in Brazil’s Iguacu National Park and the other for Argentina’s Iguazu National Park.
9. Cartagena de las Indias
Colombia’s most popular port city is one of the most charming cities in South America. The buildings are painted in bright colors. You can wander aimlessly through cobblestone streets, go to the beach, or enter an old church.
Cartagena is on UNESCO’s list as a World Heritage Site, making it a shoo-in as one of the best places to visit in South America.
You might decide that you love the city so much that you want to invest in a vacation home. The competition is fierce there, but you may find that owning a property in this magnificent city is worth it.
10. Cusco
Cusco is known as the city to travel to on your way to Machu Pichu. There is a lot to do and explore here. Cusco has the perfect blend of traditional indigenous culture and modern living.
The best time to travel to Cusco is during Semana Santa, the week leading up to Easter Sunday. You’ll experience processions that bring thousands of people to the city.
The Best Places to Visit in South America
In the dead of winter, you might be inclined to get some warmth and sunshine. South America will give you that.
The best places to visit in South America will give you the option to do it all. You can enjoy the quiet natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands, see the ancient ruins of Machu Pichu, or explore amazing cities.
Before you book your flights, you want to be sure that your passports are in order. Need a passport in a hurry? Have a look at these tips to get your passport fast with minimal hassle.