The continent of South America is as huge as it’s various. From cities in South America like Rio de Janeiro to the great 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 seek out the correct 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 occasions. It’s unimaginable, and it’s the rationale we hold going again. Nonetheless, one phrase of recommendation: if it’s your first time visiting South America, strive to not get overwhelmed with all the alternatives—which will be robust, I do know. Plan any journey to South America in bite-size and achievable chunks of time, specializing in the areas you’re keen on most.
So, that will help you discover the areas in South America to go to, I’m sharing the highest locations we completely love. Have essentially the most superb time visiting South America.
1.) Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is an unimaginable metropolis and simply top-of-the-line locations in South America to discover in case you’re exploring wider Argentina. As you’d anticipate, it’s bought 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 should take a look at San Telmo Marketplace for the meals. We’ve been right here many occasions, and the stalls and merchants are unimaginable. I liked Beba Cocina, and their empanadas are unimaginable.
Oh, and don’t overlook 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 considered one of South America’s most grand settings.
Lastly, don’t overlook in regards to the Buenos Aires milongas or tango halls, that are genuine and thrilling locations for an evening out. If you happen to assume you’re not up for this, you possibly can 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 considered one of Peru’s hottest cities to go to, Cusco is charming and so historic to spend a day exploring. Now, in numerous 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.
If you happen to’re already visiting Macchu Picchu, I’d advocate staying in Cusco for no less than 4 days. Not simply to acclimatise to the excessive altitude, however you’ve additionally bought heaps of Inca websites, simply exterior town limits.
You’ll be able to see Cusco’s historic centre and even use town as a jumping-off level to discover locations like Rainbow Mountain and even take the Andean Explorer to Lake Titicaca. We had one of the best 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 superb.
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 whilst you’re right here.
As soon as right here, you should go to Christ the Redeemer’s 30-metre statue, with one of the best views round sundown. That being mentioned, it may also be tremendous busy, so be ready for that and safe these tickets upfront.
Additionally, don’t overlook 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 Seaside.
Nonetheless, there are hundreds extra, like Ipanema Seaside and Prainha Seaside, to call just a few.
As with all world metropolis, it’s price remembering security. By no means put on flashy jewelry or watches or head down darkish alleys. It’s the same old stuff, I do know, however you do should be further vigilant in Rio de Janeiro, as muggings will be potential.
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 top-of-the-line 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 beautiful to see.
The entire panorama round Uyuni Salt Flat appears like a completely completely different planet, although it did look very completely different way back. You see, the Uyuni Salt Flat was fashioned when a very outdated lake evaporated and eventually disappeared. It left this beautiful panorama.
It’s the proper addition to any South American journey itinerary and very easy to go to in case 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 cause, it’s lovely. Now, at one level, not too far within the distant previous, Medellin was extraordinarily harmful and was identified the world over for its cartels and drug lords working within the space.
Though it’s nonetheless a bit tough across the edges (and you must all the time journey safely), Medellin is an unimaginable place in South America to go to in case you’re already in Colombia. In reality, the entire nation of Colombia has so many locations you possibly can’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’ll be able to simply spend 4 days in Medellin, which will provide you with an excellent really feel for town.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Colombia to go to
6.) Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is fingers down top-of-the-line locations in South America to go to. The ruined Inca citadel is 1000’s of years outdated 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 take upwards of 5 days, and the views you’ll get to see throughout your hike will certainly be as unimaginable as the highest of Machu Picchu.
That being mentioned, you may also 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: Find out how to go to Machu Picchu in Peru
7.) Montevideo, Uruguay
Not too removed from Buenos Aires in Argentina, Montevideo will be thought-about a hidden gem in South America. Nicely, clearly, it’s not hidden per se; it’s extra forgotten in lieu of larger cities in South America to go to.
Now, I positively really feel like Montevideo is likely one of the greatest locations in South America to go to in case you’re searching 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 Palacio Salvo.
Not solely that, 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 unimaginable to go to. It’s top-of-the-line locations in South America to discover in case you love the nice outdoor and journey journey.
Recognized for its geological exercise and huge ice reserves, Patagonia is a spot price visiting in case you love climbing. You’ll get to discover locations just like the unimaginable Perito Moreno Glacier.
Within the months between November and March, large ice blocks soften and break off. Although this occurs all year long, however we all the time advocate visiting throughout these summer time months to have one of the best likelihood of fine climate.
Additionally, don’t overlook about different unimaginable 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 top-of-the-line locations in South America to go to in case you’re travelling by Argentina or Brazil. It’s proper on the Argentine and Brazilian border, and the entire space round it is simply beautiful.
Now, one factor to find out about Iguazu Falls is that it will get highly regarded and humid within the top of summer time. The entire space is lush, inexperienced and fairly moist (as you possibly can think about) – so ensure you’re ready for that.
Additionally, don’t overlook 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 case you’re something like me.
10.) Santiago, Chile
Santiago, the capital of Chile, is effectively price visiting for just a few days. Like many South American cities, it may well act as a gateway to discover the broader Chile.
When you’ve arrived in Santiago, ensure to see the beautiful views from Sky Costanera. You get essentially the most beautiful vistas of town, and it’s beautiful. Oh, and you should definitely head to the Museum of Chile, Precolombian Artwork. We liked our go to, and you’ll 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 beautiful. It’s a cluster of 21 mind-blowing islands, with the primary island being completely beautiful 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.
Bear in mind, Fernando de Noronha is well-protected, and conservation insurance policies imply that solely a sure variety of individuals 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 possibly can simply rock up and ‘wing it’.
12.) Valparaiso, Chile
Each are a bit chaotic however completely fantastic. Valparaiso is likely one of the greatest locations in South America to go to as you journey by Chile. It’s completely historic and full of unimaginable 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. Nicely, lots of the winding historic streets are adorned – it’s excellent in case you love avenue artwork.
Oh, and a heads up on security: as with most South American cities, you want 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 few of the greatest locations to go to in La Paz embrace Valle de la Luna, the Witches Market (El Mercado de las Brujas), Demise Highway and La Paz’s loft viewpoints.
La Paz can be the world’s highest administrative capital, and you’ll take within the magnificent view of town as you go to. The aerial cable automotive system can be price testing.
La Paz can be top-of-the-line cities within the area, so ensure you probe for just a few 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 liked 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 top-of-the-line locations in South America to go to in case 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 Mendoza and liked each second of it. Simply ensure to present your self sufficient time to go to just a few wineries and vineyards whilst you’re right here. It’s rather more of a slower-paced area to journey round, excellent in case you’ve had a chaotic and busy few days in Buenos Aires.
15.) Quito, Ecuador
Thought-about the very best capital metropolis on the planet, Quito will give your lungs a exercise! I imply that by way of oxygen because it’s so excessive, and the quantity of strolling you’ll do!
Spring-like climate will be skilled all yr lengthy in Quito, and you may also discover locations like Plaza San Francisco and the La Ronda neighbourhood whilst you’re within the space with ease. Although, it’s all the time higher to discover Quito with a professional information, particularly if its your first time within the metropolis.
Getting peckish? Be sure to strive 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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