The continent of South America is as huge as it’s different. From cities in South America like Rio de Janeiro to the fantastic thing about Argentinian Patagonia, South America has a vacation spot to go well with each style. Nonetheless, with so many locations, it may be completely bamboozling to search out the proper place to start out your journey, particularly as a number of the greatest locations in South America to go to are at different ends of the continent.
Through the years, we’ve visited South America many instances. It’s unbelievable, and it’s the rationale we preserve going again. Nonetheless, one phrase of recommendation: if it’s your first time visiting South America, attempt to not get overwhelmed with all the alternatives—which may be powerful, I do know. Plan any journey to South America in bite-size and achievable chunks of time, specializing in the areas you like most.
So, that can assist you discover the areas in South America to go to, I’m sharing the highest locations we completely love. Have essentially the most wonderful time visiting South America.
1.) Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is an unbelievable metropolis and simply among the finest locations in South America to discover in the event you’re exploring wider Argentina. As you’d anticipate, it’s obtained the hustle and bustle of any world metropolis, however it additionally has pockets of actually cool and enjoyable locations to go to.
As soon as right here, you could try San Telmo Marketplace for the meals. We’ve been right here many instances, and the stalls and merchants are unbelievable. I cherished Beba Cocina, and their empanadas are unbelievable.
Oh, and don’t neglect to go to the colorful district of La Boca, which you’ll stroll round for a day journey. Plus, locations just like the Colon Theatre are excellent for seeing a present (or tour) in one in all South America’s most grand settings.
Lastly, don’t neglect concerning the Buenos Aires milongas or tango halls, that are genuine and thrilling locations for an evening out. When you assume you’re not up for this, you may simply go for a tango present, which is so thrilling for an evening out.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina
2.) Cusco, Peru
Most likely one in all Peru’s hottest cities to go to, Cusco is charming and so historic to spend a day exploring. Now, in a lot of methods, Cusco acts as a gateway to the Inca Path or for taking the practice to Machu Picchu; however it’s additionally a vacation spot in its personal proper.
When you’re already visiting Macchu Picchu, I’d suggest staying in Cusco for no less than 4 days. Not simply to acclimatise to the excessive altitude, however you’ve additionally obtained heaps of Inca websites, simply outdoors the town limits.
You may see Cusco’s historic centre and even use the town as a jumping-off level to discover locations like Rainbow Mountain and even take the Andean Explorer to Lake Titicaca. We had the most effective time visiting Peru, and it’s simply one of many prime international locations to go to in South America if you wish to discover the continent’s historic historical past. It’s wonderful.
Learn extra: What’s it like to go to Cusco
3.) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
One of the crucial spectacular and the preferred cities in Brazil (and in the entire world) is Rio de Janeiro. It’s a hive of actions, proper by the seashore, and there are such a lot of issues to see and do when you’re right here.
As soon as right here, you could go to Christ the Redeemer’s 30-metre statue, with the most effective views round sundown. That being stated, it will also be tremendous busy, so be ready for that and safe these tickets upfront.
Additionally, don’t neglect about Escadaria Selaron’s vibrant purple steps and Sugarloaf Mountain’s unbeatable view of the coast.
Along with the spectacular views and spots talked about above, Rio de Janeiro additionally has many various seashores. Clearly, essentially the most well-known is Copacabana Seashore.
Nonetheless, there are hundreds extra, like Ipanema Seashore and Prainha Seashore, to call a couple of.
As with every world metropolis, it’s value remembering security. By no means put on flashy jewelry or watches or head down darkish alleys. It’s the standard stuff, I do know, however you do must be further vigilant in Rio de Janeiro, as muggings may be attainable.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Rio de Janeiro
4.) Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia
Nestled within the southwest of Bolivia, the Uyuni Salt Flat is well among the finest locations in South America that’s completely distinctive. You see, Uyuni Salt Flat is likely one of the largest salt flats in your entire world, and it’s gorgeous to see.
The entire panorama round Uyuni Salt Flat appears like a very completely different planet, although it did look very completely different way back. You see, the Uyuni Salt Flat was shaped when a extremely previous lake evaporated and eventually disappeared. It left this gorgeous panorama.
It’s the right addition to any South American journey itinerary and very easy to go to in the event you’re already visiting La Paz in Bolivia and even in Peru (as they’re neighbouring international locations).
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to in Bolivia
5.) Medellin, Colombia
Medellin has had one thing of a resurgence lately, and with good purpose, it’s stunning. Now, at one level, not too far within the distant previous, Medellin was extraordinarily harmful and was recognized the world over for its cartels and drug lords working within the space.
Though it’s nonetheless just a little tough across the edges (and it is best to at all times journey safely), Medellin is an unbelievable place in South America to go to in the event you’re already in Colombia. Actually, the entire nation of Colombia has so many locations you may’t miss.
As soon as right here, stroll round Plaza Botero, go to the Botanic Gardens of Medellin and discover the El Castillo Museum. You may simply spend 4 days in Medellin, which gives you an incredible really feel for the town.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Colombia to go to
6.) Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is palms down among the finest locations in South America to go to. The ruined Inca citadel is 1000’s of years previous and is likely one of the world’s seven wonders.
We spent a few week across the Inca Path, taking the practice to Machu Picchu city and staying within the native space, the place we even picked our tea.
Now, to get to Machu Picchu, is a trek in itself. It could actually take upwards of 5 days, and the views you’ll get to see throughout your hike will certainly be as unbelievable as the highest of Machu Picchu.
That being stated, it’s also possible to take the practice from Cusco for a a lot simpler route after which purchase your entry to Machu Picchu. Although, do that effectively earlier than you arrive; tickets to Machu Picchu promote out quick.
Learn extra: How you can go to Machu Picchu in Peru
7.) Montevideo, Uruguay
Not too removed from Buenos Aires in Argentina, Montevideo may be thought of a hidden gem in South America. Properly, clearly, it’s not hidden per se; it’s extra forgotten in lieu of larger cities in South America to go to.
Now, I undoubtedly really feel like Montevideo is likely one of the greatest locations in South America to go to in the event you’re on the lookout for a barely cheaper possibility in comparison with locations like Rio. After arriving in Montevideo, ensure to go to the attractive Solis Theatre and stroll by means of Palacio Salvo.
Not solely that, the town is such a foodie vacation spot, and the Port Market and Agrícola de Montevideo Market are each so scrumptious.
Learn extra: Finest cities in South America to go to
8.) Patagonia, Argentina
Argentinian Patagonia is greatest described because the huge space to the nation’s south, and it’s unbelievable to go to. It’s among the finest locations in South America to discover in the event you love the good outdoor and journey journey.
Identified for its geological exercise and huge ice reserves, Patagonia is a spot value visiting in the event you love mountaineering. You’ll get to discover locations just like the unbelievable Perito Moreno Glacier.
Within the months between November and March, big ice blocks soften and break off. Although this occurs all year long, however we at all times suggest visiting throughout these summer time months to have the most effective likelihood of fine climate.
Additionally, don’t neglect about different unbelievable locations across the area, like Fitzroy Mountain, exploring the area round El Calafate and El Chaltén, and heading additional south to locations like Ushuaia (the gateway metropolis to Antarctica).
Learn extra: Issues to know earlier than reserving an Antarctic expedition
9.) Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
Iguazu Falls is the biggest waterfall system on the globe and among the finest locations in South America to go to in the event you’re travelling by means of Argentina or Brazil. It’s proper on the Argentine and Brazilian border, and the entire space round it is simply gorgeous.
Now, one factor to learn about Iguazu Falls is that it will get very popular and humid within the peak of summer time. The entire space is lush, inexperienced and fairly moist (as you may think about) – so be sure to’re ready for that.
Additionally, don’t neglect about mosquitos. They love the world and are sometimes within the shallow, nonetheless swimming pools in and round Iguazu Falls. You’ll depart with heaps of bites in the event you’re something like me.
10.) Santiago, Chile
Santiago, the capital of Chile, is effectively value visiting for a couple of days. Like many South American cities, it will probably act as a gateway to discover the broader Chile.
When you’ve arrived in Santiago, ensure to see the gorgeous views from Sky Costanera. You get essentially the most attractive vistas of the town, and it’s gorgeous. Oh, and be sure you head to the Museum of Chile, Precolombian Artwork. We cherished our go to, and you may discover 1000’s of years of historical past in a single place.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Santiago, Chile
11.) Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Fernando de Noronha in Brazil is gorgeous. It’s a cluster of 21 mind-blowing islands, with the primary island being completely gorgeous to go to.
Simply remember it’s over 300 km from the coast of Brazil itself, however Fernando de Noronha is likely one of the greatest locations in South America to go to if you wish to see an unspoilt area.
Keep in mind, Fernando de Noronha is well-protected, and conservation insurance policies imply that solely a sure variety of folks can go to it at any time.
So, if you’re planning a go to to Fernando de Noronha, plan it effectively upfront. It’s not the place in South America the place you may simply rock up and ‘wing it’.
12.) Valparaiso, Chile
Each are just a little chaotic however completely fantastic. Valparaiso is likely one of the greatest locations in South America to go to as you journey by means of Chile. It’s completely historic and full of unbelievable streets, particularly across the clifftop.
As soon as right here, ensure to go to La Sebastiana Museo de Pablo Neruda and discover Baburizza Palace and the hill space of Cerro Alegre. Nonetheless, Valparaiso is full of hills at each flip. Additionally, did I point out that this metropolis is most well-known for its artwork? No. Properly, lots of the winding historic streets are adorned – it’s excellent in the event you love avenue artwork.
Oh, and a heads up on security: as with most South American cities, you have to have your wits about you right here. If not sure of the world, go round with a professional information and don’t take or put on any valuables which may make you a goal for muggings.
13.) La Paz, Bolivia
La Paz is gorgeous, with many locations to discover, so you’ll by no means run out of issues to do right here. A number of the greatest locations to go to in La Paz embrace Valle de la Luna, the Witches Market (El Mercado de las Brujas), Dying Highway and La Paz’s loft viewpoints.
La Paz can also be the world’s highest administrative capital, and you may take within the magnificent view of the town as you go to. The aerial cable automotive system can also be value trying out.
La Paz can also be among the finest cities within the area, so be sure to probe for a couple of days when seeing the highest spots in Bolivia.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to in Bolivia
14.) Mendoza, Argentina
Argentian wine nation—my gosh, I cherished Mendoza. A fast two-hour flight from Buenos Aires will get you to the foothills of the Andes and the religious house of Malbec. Mendoza is well among the finest locations in South America to go to in the event you love wines. The purple wine selection, Malbec, is thought the world over and is scrumptious right here.
We spent 5-6 days travelling by means of Mendoza and cherished each second of it. Simply ensure to present your self sufficient time to go to a couple of wineries and vineyards when you’re right here. It’s way more of a slower-paced area to journey round, excellent in the event you’ve had a chaotic and busy few days in Buenos Aires.
15.) Quito, Ecuador
Thought of the very best capital metropolis on the planet, Quito will give your lungs a exercise! I imply that when it comes to oxygen because it’s so excessive, and the quantity of strolling you’ll do!
Spring-like climate may be skilled all 12 months lengthy in Quito, and it’s also possible to discover locations like Plaza San Francisco and the La Ronda neighbourhood when you’re within the space with ease. Although, it’s at all times higher to discover Quito with a professional information, particularly if its your first time within the metropolis.
Getting peckish? Ensure to attempt some completely scrumptious humitas or cheese empanadas. My gosh, they’re good.
Learn extra: Finest cities in South America to go to
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