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 swimsuit each style. Nonetheless, with so many locations, it may be completely bamboozling to search out the best place to begin your journey, particularly as a number of the greatest locations in South America to go to are at different ends of the continent.
Over time, we’ve visited South America many occasions. It’s unbelievable, and it’s the explanation we maintain 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 could 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 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 wonderful time visiting South America.
1.) Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is an unbelievable metropolis and simply the most effective locations in South America to discover in the event you’re exploring wider Argentina. As you’d anticipate, it’s acquired the hustle and bustle of any international metropolis, nevertheless it additionally has pockets of actually cool and enjoyable locations to go to.
As soon as right here, it’s essential to take a look at San Telmo Marketplace for the meals. We’ve been right here many occasions, and the stalls and merchants are unbelievable. I beloved Beba Cocina, and their empanadas are unbelievable.
Oh, and don’t overlook to go to the colorful district of La Boca, which you’ll be able to stroll round for a day journey. Plus, locations just like the Colon Theatre are excellent for seeing a present (or tour) in one among South America’s most grand settings.
Lastly, don’t overlook concerning the Buenos Aires milongas or tango halls, that are genuine and thrilling locations for an evening out. In the event you 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
In all probability one among Peru’s hottest cities to go to, Cusco is charming and so historic to spend a day exploring. Now, in a number of methods, Cusco acts as a gateway to the Inca Path or for taking the prepare to Machu Picchu; nevertheless it’s additionally a vacation spot in its personal proper.
In the event you’re already visiting Macchu Picchu, I’d suggest staying in Cusco for a minimum of 4 days. Not simply to acclimatise to the excessive altitude, however you’ve additionally acquired heaps of Inca websites, simply exterior town limits.
You possibly can 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 the perfect time visiting Peru, and it’s simply one of many high nations to go to in South America if you wish to discover the continent’s historical historical past. It’s wonderful.
Learn extra: What’s it like to go to Cusco
3.) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
One of the 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 seaside, and there are such a lot of issues to see and do when you’re right here.
As soon as right here, it’s essential to go to Christ the Redeemer’s 30-metre statue, with the perfect 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 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 alternative seashores. Clearly, essentially the most well-known is Copacabana Seaside.
Nonetheless, there are masses extra, like Ipanema Seaside and Prainha Seaside, to call a number of.
As with every international metropolis, it’s value 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 could be doable.
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 the most effective locations in South America that’s completely distinctive. You see, Uyuni Salt Flat is without doubt 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 very completely different planet, although it did look very completely different way back. You see, the Uyuni Salt Flat was shaped when a very previous lake evaporated and at last disappeared. It left this beautiful 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 nations).
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to in Bolivia
5.) Medellin, Colombia
Medellin has had one thing of a resurgence in recent times, and with good cause, it’s stunning. 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 little bit tough across the edges (and it’s 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 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 possibly can simply spend 4 days in Medellin, which provides you with an amazing really feel for town.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Colombia to go to
6.) Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is arms down the most effective locations in South America to go to. The ruined Inca citadel is 1000’s of years previous and is without doubt one of the world’s seven wonders.
We spent a few week across the Inca Path, taking the prepare 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 will possibly 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, you too can take the prepare 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 could be thought-about a hidden gem in South America. Nicely, clearly, it’s not hidden per se; it’s extra forgotten in lieu of greater cities in South America to go to.
Now, I undoubtedly really feel like Montevideo is without doubt one of the greatest locations in South America to go to in the event you’re in search of a barely cheaper possibility in comparison with locations like Rio. After arriving in Montevideo, make certain to go to the attractive Solis Theatre and stroll via 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 unbelievable to go to. It’s the most effective locations in South America to discover in the event you love the good open air and journey journey.
Identified for its geological exercise and huge ice reserves, Patagonia is a spot value visiting in the event you love mountain climbing. You’ll get to discover locations just like the unbelievable Perito Moreno Glacier.
Within the months between November and March, enormous ice blocks soften and break off. Although this occurs all year long, however we at all times suggest visiting throughout these summer season months to have the perfect likelihood of fine climate.
Additionally, don’t overlook 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 the most effective locations in South America to go to in the event you’re travelling via 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 extremely popular and humid within the peak of summer season. 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 realm and are sometimes within the shallow, nonetheless swimming pools in and round Iguazu Falls. You’ll go away 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 number of days. Like many South American cities, it could possibly act as a gateway to discover the broader Chile.
When you’ve arrived in Santiago, make certain to see the beautiful views from Sky Costanera. You get essentially the most attractive vistas of town, and it’s beautiful. Oh, and make sure you head to the Museum of Chile, Precolombian Artwork. We beloved 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 beautiful. It’s a cluster of 21 mind-blowing islands, with the principle island being completely beautiful to go to.
Simply bear in mind it’s over 300 km from the coast of Brazil itself, however Fernando de Noronha is without doubt 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 folks can go to it at any time.
So, in case you are 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 little bit chaotic however completely fantastic. Valparaiso is without doubt one of the greatest locations in South America to go to as you journey via Chile. It’s completely historic and stuffed with unbelievable streets, particularly across the clifftop.
As soon as right here, make certain to go to La Sebastiana Museo de Pablo Neruda and discover Baburizza Palace and the hill space of Cerro Alegre. Nonetheless, Valparaiso is stuffed with hills at each flip. Additionally, did I point out that this metropolis is most well-known for its artwork? No. Nicely, most of the winding historic streets are embellished – it’s excellent in the event you love avenue artwork.
Oh, and a heads up on security: as with most South American cities, you could have your wits about you right here. If not sure of the realm, go round with a certified 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. Among 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 may take within the magnificent view of town as you go to. The aerial cable automotive system can be value testing.
La Paz can be the most effective cities within the area, so ensure you probe for a number 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 beloved Mendoza. A fast two-hour flight from Buenos Aires will get you to the foothills of the Andes and the non secular house of Malbec. Mendoza is well the most effective 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 via Mendoza and beloved each second of it. Simply make certain to present your self sufficient time to go to a number of wineries and vineyards when you’re right here. It’s rather 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 this 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 could be skilled all yr lengthy in Quito, and you too can 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 certified information, particularly if its your first time within the metropolis.
Getting peckish? Be certain that 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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