Most travelers stick to Europe or Asia and miss the world’s most spectacular continent. South America hides waterfalls that dwarf Niagara, deserts that look like alien planets, and cities where time stands still.
You could spend months researching where to go and still miss the hidden gems. Which destinations truly deserve your limited vacation time? Where will you find experiences that photos can’t capture?
These handpicked locations represent South America at its finest. Each spot offers something you simply cannot find elsewhere – from mirror-like salt flats to jungle cities lost in time.
Stop wasting time on ordinary trips. Your extraordinary South American experience starts right here.
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
The Lost City of the Incas sits high in the Andes Mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws millions of visitors each year. Built in the 15th century, Machu Picchu shows the skill of the Inca people.
Best experiences include:
- Hiking the famous Inca Trail to reach the ruins
- Watching the sunrise over the ancient stone buildings
- Taking guided tours to learn about Inca history
- Exploring the Sacred Valley nearby
Travel tip: Visit between May and September for the best weather. Book your Inca Trail permits months ahead as spots fill up fast.
2. Iguazu Falls, Argentina & Brazil
These waterfalls create one of nature’s most powerful shows. The falls stretch across both countries with 275 individual drops. The sound of rushing water can be heard from miles away.
Best experiences include:
- Taking boat rides that go right under the falls
- Visiting Devil’s Throat, the largest and most impressive waterfall
- Walking the trails on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides
- Spotting colorful birds and butterflies in the surrounding forest
Travel tip: See both sides of the falls. The Brazilian side gives better views while the Argentine side lets you get closer to the water.
3. Patagonia, Chile & Argentina
This wild region covers the southern tip of South America. Patagonia offers some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes on Earth. Glaciers, mountains, and fjords create scenes that look like another planet.
Best experiences include:
- Hiking in Torres del Paine National Park
- Walking on Perito Moreno Glacier
- Taking boat trips through the fjords
- Camping under the clearest night skies you’ll ever see
Travel tip: Pack layers for all types of weather. Patagonia’s climate changes quickly, even in summer.
4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio mixes city life with natural beauty better than anywhere else. This coastal city sits between mountains and ocean. The energy here never stops, especially during Carnival season.
Best experiences include:
- Visiting Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain
- Taking a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for sunset views
- Relaxing on famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches
- Dancing samba in the lively Santa Teresa neighborhood
Travel tip: Visit during Carnival in February or March for the biggest party on Earth. Stay aware of your surroundings and don’t flash expensive items.
5. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
This salt flat creates some of the most surreal photos you’ll ever take. During rainy season, a thin layer of water turns the ground into a perfect mirror. In dry season, the white salt stretches to the horizon.
Best experiences include:
- Taking mirror photos during the wet season
- Staying overnight in a hotel made entirely of salt
- Watching flamingos feed in nearby colored lakes
- Seeing the Milky Way with zero light pollution
Travel tip: Visit January to March for mirror effects, or April to December for clear skies and salt formations.
6. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
These volcanic islands changed how we understand evolution. The animals here fear nothing because they evolved without natural predators. You can get incredibly close to wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.
Best experiences include:
- Swimming with playful sea lions
- Snorkeling with marine iguanas and sea turtles
- Watching giant tortoises in their natural habitat
- Taking island-hopping cruises to see different ecosystems
Travel tip: Follow all park rules to protect this fragile environment. Book tours with companies that support conservation efforts.
7. Cartagena, Colombia
This Caribbean coastal city feels like stepping back in time. Colorful colonial buildings line cobblestone streets within the old walled city. The mix of history and beach culture makes Cartagena special.
Best experiences include:
- Walking through the UNESCO-listed Old Town
- Taking day trips to the nearby Rosario Islands
- Watching sunsets from the city walls
- Trying fresh seafood at local restaurants
Travel tip: Stay inside the walled city for the best atmosphere. The area gets hot, so plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening.
8. Atacama Desert, Chile
The world’s driest desert creates landscapes that look like Mars. Some areas haven’t seen rain in decades. This creates unique rock formations and the clearest skies for stargazing.
Best experiences include:
- Watching sunset at Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna)
- Taking astronomy tours to see the southern sky
- Visiting colorful lakes filled with flamingos
- Exploring geysers and hot springs
Travel tip: The desert sits at high altitude. Take time to adjust and drink lots of water to avoid altitude sickness.
9. Buenos Aires, Argentina
This sophisticated city blends European style with Latin American spirit. Wide avenues, beautiful architecture, and world-class restaurants make Buenos Aires feel like Paris in South America.
Best experiences include:
- Learning to tango in San Telmo neighborhood
- Shopping for antiques at Sunday markets
- Eating the best steak dinners of your life
- Exploring colorful La Boca district
Travel tip: Stay in Palermo or Recoleta neighborhoods for the best mix of safety, restaurants, and nightlife.
10. Amazon Rainforest, Brazil/Peru/Ecuador
The world’s largest tropical rainforest covers much of northern South America. This green wilderness holds more plant and animal species than anywhere else on Earth. The forest creates its own weather and sounds.
Best experiences include:
- Taking guided jungle walks to spot wildlife
- Cruising rivers to see pink dolphins
- Staying in eco-lodges deep in the forest
- Learning about medicinal plants from local guides
Travel tip: Choose eco-lodges that support local communities. Pack light, quick-dry clothes for the humid conditions.
11. Easter Island, Chile
This remote island sits 2,300 miles from the nearest populated land. The mysterious Moai statues make Easter Island famous worldwide. Nearly 1,000 of these stone heads dot the island.
Best experiences include:
- Watching sunrise at Ahu Tongariki with 15 restored statues
- Visiting Rano Raraku quarry where most statues were carved
- Learning about Polynesian culture at local museums
- Hiking to the island’s highest point
Travel tip: Flights only come from Chile and Tahiti. Book early as seats sell out months ahead.
12. Medellín, Colombia
Once known for violence, Medellín has transformed into a modern, safe city. The “City of Eternal Spring” enjoys perfect weather year-round. Innovation and culture now define this mountain city.
Best experiences include:
- Taking street art tours in Comuna 13 neighborhood
- Riding cable cars for views over the city
- Visiting colorful Guatapé town and climbing the rock
- Experiencing the famous Flower Festival in August
Travel tip: August brings the spectacular Flower Festival with parades and events throughout the city.
13. Lake Titicaca, Peru & Bolivia
The world’s highest navigable lake sits 12,500 feet above sea level. Local people have lived on and around this lake for thousands of years. The deep blue water creates a striking contrast with the surrounding mountains.
Best experiences include:
- Visiting the Uros people on their floating reed islands
- Staying with families on Taquile Island
- Taking boats across the border between Peru and Bolivia
- Learning about ancient cultures around the lake
Travel tip: The high altitude affects most visitors. Arrive a day early to adjust and drink coca tea to help with symptoms.
Travel Tips for Exploring South America
Traveling across South America is an unforgettable experience, but a little preparation goes a long way in making your trip smooth, safe, and memorable. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind before you go.
1. Best Time to Visit: May–September is generally dry and ideal for hiking, exploring Patagonia, or visiting the Amazon. The wet season (Dec–Mar) brings lush landscapes but can limit access to some trails. Remember, seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere.
2. Getting Around: Flights are the quickest way to cover long distances; buses are affordable and comfortable for shorter routes. In cities, use official taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber for safety.
3. Safety: Stay alert in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets. Avoid flashing valuables, research safe neighborhoods, and follow local advice when going out at night.
4. Health: Altitude sickness is common above 2,500m; acclimate slowly, and stay hydrated. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and check with your doctor about vaccinations such as yellow fever or hepatitis A.
5. Culture: Spanish is spoken in most countries; Portuguese is spoken in Brazil. Learn a few basic phrases to connect with locals. Respect customs, ask before taking photos, and try local dishes like ceviche, empanadas, or feijoada.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to explore South America confidently and make the most of every moment.
Traveler-Approved: Community Picks for the Best Places
Sometimes, the best travel advice comes straight from those who’ve been there.
We gathered recommendations, tips, and hidden gems from real travelers to bring you a list of South America’s most loved destinations — tried, tested, and approved by the travel community
“I’ve been to Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina – I’d say Argentina and Colombia were my favorites! Ecuador and Chile but mostly for The Galápagos and Patagonia. And Peru – anywhere but Lima. Cuzco and Ollantaytambo were incredible.”
SOURCE : REDDIT
“I am, of course, biased: I love Peru. If you have maybe a month, you could probably get started with seeing all the fantastic places this country has. That would just be a starter, and there are lots of other fantastic places on this continent (or half continent, depending upon your point of view). People come to Peru and miss out on knowing Lima and environs.”
SOURCE: QUORA
These community favorites prove that South America’s magic lies not just in its famous landmarks, but also in the personal stories and unforgettable moments travelers take home.
The Bottom Line
South America stands ready to rewrite your definition of travel. From Machu Picchu’s ancient stones to Patagonia’s wild landscapes, these destinations offer experiences that will stay with you forever.
Each location brings something special – whether it’s swimming with sea lions in the Galápagos or watching sunrise over Iguazu Falls.
Why does this matter? Ordinary vacations fade from memory, but South American adventures become part of who you are. The continent changes how you see the world and yourself.
Ready to turn these dreams into reality? Start planning your South American trip today. Book those flights, research your first destination, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Your future self will thank you for taking this leap.
Which destination calls to you first?
