22 of the Best Places to Visit in South America

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South America is an unlimited territory that incorporates the Amazon Rainforest, the Mountainous peaks of the Andes, the remnants of among the oldest civilizations, and two of the seven wonders of the world. There could be little question it’s the proper vacation spot for any journey traveler.

The Latin-flavored continent has nearly all the things you possibly can anticipate: vibrant cities, colonial cities, smoky volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, deep traditions, and, above all, among the friendliest folks on earth.

In the event you journey to South America by yourself, you’ll see that the hospitality and kindness of its inhabitants shouldn’t be a delusion, however a actuality.

You would possibly adore it a lot that you simply keep there!

That’s what occurred to me.

Right this moment, after 5 years of dwelling round Colombia, Perú, Argentina, and Brazil, I made a decision to slender down my high websites within the area, and current to you the most effective locations to go to in South America.

22 Prime Locations to Go to in South America

1. Angel Falls, Venezuela

Beginning with Salto Angel, also referred to as Kerepakupai (the deepest fall) to the Pemón tribe, is among the most breathtaking locations I’ve seen in my life.

It’s positioned in Canaima Nationwide Park and, at 979 meters excessive, is the best uninterrupted waterfall on the planet.

If you wish to get there, you’ll have to fly to Canaima as a result of there are not any accessible roads. I took the overflight to look at it from above and it was a mind-blowing expertise!

2. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Sticking with the “data” theme, Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat, at over 10,000 sq. kilometers.

I used to be impressed by the area’s infinite white expanses and surreal panorama. It actually regarded like I had arrived on one other planet during which smoky volcanoes, coloured lagoons and nice deserts create the surroundings.

It’s additionally an awesome place for watching wildlife like llamas and pink flamingos all around the lakes. Undoubtedly the most effective locations to go to in South America!

3. Machu Picchu, Perú

The sacred metropolis of Machu Picchu was constructed within the fifteenth century and later deserted. In all probability probably the most well-known archaeological locations to go to in South America, this Incan citadel is known worldwide for its big stone partitions and mysterious historical past.

I like to recommend visiting Machu Picchu early within the morning to look at the solar rising over the inexperienced peaks.

To get to Machu Picchu, you’ll first have to journey to Cusco, a colonial metropolis during which Spanish structure blends with indigenous traditions.

I liked Cusco a lot that I stayed there for over three months, volunteering and visiting close by villages.

One other well-liked solution to go to Macchu Pichu is to hike. You may take the historic Inca Path or the Salkantey Trek, which is much less historic however stated to be extra lovely.

4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Among the finest locations to go to in South America is Rio de Janeiro – a place that actually touched my coronary heart.

Most individuals prefer it as a result of it gives good seashores and loopy events, in addition to internet hosting the largest celebration on the planet: Carnival.

That’s true. Nevertheless, Rio gives hidden secrets and techniques as properly. You’ll have the prospect to take pleasure in a captivating mixture of African-European tradition and top-class mountain climbing.

The town boasts the world’s largest city forest, which incorporates magnificent mountains and peaks. Rio de Janeiro has dozens of mountain climbing trails, so I like to recommend going as much as the mountains and having fun with the town from above.

In the event you’re on the lookout for enjoyable issues to do in Rio de Janeiro, you possibly can’t go unsuitable with a day spent on the white sand seashores of Copacabana Seashore or Ipanema Seashore.

5. Eje Cafetero, Colombia

Colombia has among the finest espresso on the planet, so I couldn’t resist the temptation of making an attempt a scrumptious cup proper on a espresso plantation! It was nice to study in regards to the historical past of espresso, the method, and the varieties grown.

Essentially the most well-known getaways are Salento, Filandia, and Pijao – all pretty colonial cities during which it appears like no time has handed.

Furthermore, the luxurious, inexperienced mountains provide a variety of actions like mountain climbing, horseback using, kayaking, canopying and extra. One of many highlights of the go to was taking a hike round Valle del Cocora.

Extremely really useful to your South America journey!

6. Isla del Sol, Bolivia

Positioned within the exceptional Lago Titicaca, the Island of the Solar is at the moment dwelling to the Quechua and Aymara folks, who nonetheless protect their languages and previous traditions.

Whereas taking the boat to this small island, I felt like I used to be in a sacred place.

The lake is big; once you have a look at it, it seems like you might be surrounded by an ocean. I like to recommend strolling as much as one of many hills to take pleasure in unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.

7. Cotopaxi Nationwide Park, Ecuador

This conical-shaped stratovolcano has turn into one of many largest vacationer sights in Ecuador, and it’s no shock why.

As a mountain climbing lover, I made a decision to climb to the highest (virtually 6,000 meters excessive), and it was really a novel expertise. Be aware of the excessive altitude and ascend slowly to assist with altitude illness.

Understand that it’s a difficult ascension towards the darkness, the peak, and the freezing wind. In the event you try the climb, you’ll want to rent a great information and produce particular gear corresponding to crampons and ice axes.

In the event you don’t suppose the climb is such an awesome concept, you possibly can take a jeep tour of the refuge, which gives wonderful views of neighboring volcanoes.

8. Iguazú Falls, Argentina and Brazil

The identify Iguazú means “huge water” within the indigenous Guarani language, and little question they’re proper!

One of many new seven wonders of nature and one of the well-known South American landmarks, these imposing waterfalls could be visited from both Brazil or Argentina.

As most individuals do, I visited the falls from the Argentinian aspect as a result of it provides entry to “Paseo del Diablo”, a path that takes you proper over the falls of Devi’s Throat, the best fall within the park.

Make sure you put Iguazú Falls in your bucket checklist of the most effective locations to go to in South America!

9. Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

If you’re on the lookout for colonial structure, Colombia gives among the best-preserved colonial cities on the continent.

Cartagena de Indias is a stunning metropolis stuffed with power, Caribbean vibes, and pleasant folks.

It was one of many largest slave ports within the Spanish colony, and you may really feel it once you have a look at its folks and study its historical past.

It was nice to spend just a few days strolling its colourful streets, previous church buildings, and splendid castles, imagining that I used to be in one in every of Gabriel García Marquez’s tales.

10. Mount Roraima, Venezuela

Mount Roraima is an impressive table-shaped mountain positioned within the south of Venezuela. It’s the best tepui within the area, and in addition serves because the triple border level of Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana.

I took the five-day hike to the highest and loved the loopy surroundings of unusual rock formations, lots of of waterfalls descending from big cliffs, and vertigo views in all instructions.

It’s thought-about one of the lovely hikes on the planet, and I promise it’s a kind of locations in South America that’s properly definitely worth the effort.

11. Torres del Paine, Chile

Torres del Paine is a extremely popular vacation spot amongst vacationers visiting Chilean Patagonia. Puerto Natales is the getaway to this nationwide park, during which you’ll discover a number of day hikes and longer multi-day trails.

The park can get fairly crowded in the course of the excessive season. Luckily, I visited Torres del Paine on the finish of the season, when there have been just a few different hikers.

I took the Torres W trek, which could be accomplished in 5 days, however it’s also possible to attempt the well-known O circuit, which often takes from seven to 10 days.

The area’s color-changing bushes, big glaciers, and dramatic peaks make it one of the engaging locations to go to in South America.

12. Tayrona Park, Colombia

Tayrona Nationwide Park, dwelling to the indigenous Tairona folks till the fifteenth century, is among the most genuine locations within the nation. One of many issues that struck me most was the place’s wild nature.

The seashores are in contrast to every other Caribbean seashores you’ve seen. It’s all surrounded by lush inexperienced mountains and peaks, giving it an untamed character.

As well as, you possibly can go to a number of archaeological websites hidden within the thick forest, or scuba dive within the clear waters round Cabo San Juan.

13. El Chaltén, Argentina

The Argentinian Patagonia is an actual paradise for mountain climbing lovers and the most effective locations to journey in South America.

El Chalten might be the most effective place to begin for exploring the area. Don’t miss the path that takes you to Fitz Roy Mount and Cerro Torre.

One of many nice benefits there’s you could take day excursions to discover the mountains, lakes and glaciers, then return to city later to take pleasure in a sizzling bathe and comfortable mattress.

14. Iquitos, Perú

No go to to South America can be full with out an expedition into the Amazonas.

I like to recommend that you simply use Iquitos as your base. This metropolis, accessible solely by boat or aircraft, deserves just a few days spent wandering round its markets and studying in regards to the historical past of rubber.

You’ll discover excursions to get you into the jungle and see the wild natural world.

In my expertise, a three-day tour was good for attending to know the jungle. We went to a conventional village, navigated rivers, visited a stunning lake, and walked by way of the rainforest.

Throughout that point, we had been fortunate sufficient to see plenty of animals, together with monkeys, tarantulas, caimans, piranhas, sloths, and lots of of birds.

15. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Essentially the most European of cities in South America, Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan hub with numerous museums, artwork galleries, theaters and cultural facilities.

I spent just a few days wandering round Sant Telmo, Puerto Madero, La Boca, Palermo and the town heart.

I liked La Boca as a result of it’s a colourful neighborhood stuffed with historical past. It was one of many essential settlements of the Italian migrants, and it has a novel character.

That is additionally a great place to see the well-known tango dances, and even take some classes in the event you really feel prefer it.

Ensure you solely go to within the day time and keep on the vacationer path, as La Boca is notoriously harmful.

16. Chapada Diamantina, Brazil

Throughout my first go to to Brazil, Chapada Diamantina was the primary spot on my South America bucket checklist. All the park is fashioned by large valleys, deep canyons and, above all, lots of of spectacular waterfalls.

Essentially the most well-known one is Cachoeira da Fumaça, at 353 meters excessive. I noticed it from one other mount within the entrance, however there’s additionally a path that takes you proper to the highest, the place the autumn begins – that have to be unbelievable!

17. Cayo Sombrero, Venezuela

Cayo Sombrero is by far probably the most interesting of seashores in South America I’ve seen in all my travels.

First, it’s small; there are not any roads or motels, and no one lives there. Second, the sand is pure white, the water is turquoise and there are many reefs with tropical fish. It’s good!

To get there, you’ll have to journey to Chichiriviche. From there, it is going to be straightforward to discover a boat that may take you to any of the cays.

Take a full day to relax out and revel in this pristine paradise.

18. Perito Moreno, Argentina

It could be a sin to journey to South America and to Argentinian Patagonia with out together with this glacier in your itinerary.

The Perito Moreno glacier in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares appears to have been made to be admired; I can’t discover one other rationalization for it.

This big mass of ice is 5 kilometers lengthy and about 70 meters above the water stage. Nevertheless, what actually impressed me was catching a glimpse of the ice blocks falling away from the glacier and collapsing into the lake beneath. Unforgettable!

Don’t fear although, the glacier is reforming simply as shortly as it’s breaking apart, so you possibly can admire the pure phenomenon of the glacier falling with out worrying in regards to the setting.

This UNESCO world heritage website is among the most unmissable locations to go to in South America for nature lovers.

19. Salvador de Bahia, Brazil

Salvador was the primary capital and the principle slave port of the Portuguese empire in Brazil. Subsequently, most of its inhabitants are African descendants whose traditions and beliefs are fairly linked with Africa.

Most guests keep in Pelourinho, a captivating (though touristy) neighborhood of colourful streets and steep slopes. I believe it’s probably the most attention-grabbing Brazilian metropolis when it comes to tradition, colonial structure and historical past.

The African-influenced meals is scrumptious, and I’m already lacking these good “acarajés”.

20. Atacama Desert, Chile

Atacama, the world’s driest desert, is a “must-visit” vacation spot within the north of Chile. Its essential sights are salt flats, geysers, spring waters and large volcanoes.

I rented a bicycle and visited Valle de la Luna, which is barely 13 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama. The unusual rock formations and desert expanses make you suppose you’ve gotten flown to the moon. As well as, the sundown is spectacular.

One other place I liked was Piedra del Coyote, an enormous stone on which you’ll stand upon a rocky precipice. Don’t miss Atacama!

Which of those finest locations to go to in South America would you prefer to see first?

I hope this checklist of South America landmarks has made you need to pack your luggage and journey to South America? I promise you gained’t be dissatisfied!

21. Moai Statues of Easter Island

Off the coast of Chile on Easter Island is the mysterious Moai statues. These stone figures, generally known as moai, are thought to have been carved by the Rapa Nui ancestors within the 12 months 1000 C.E.

They stand with their backs to the ocean, which archaeologists imagine is alleged to symbolize the spirits of ancestors, chiefs and excessive rating males within the Rapa Nui tribes.

It’s a kind of unimaginable websites that you’ll always remember.

22. The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of islands within the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Ecuador. They’re well-known for having helped Charles Darwin give you his idea of evolution, which was detailed in his well-known ebook The Origin of Species.

What impressed Charles Darwin, and anybody who visits the Galapagos is the wildlife. It has a lot of endemic species, such because the Galapagos Big Tortoise. It’s also possible to see penguins, iguanas, and sea lions. For wildlife lovers, that is an unmissable place to go to in South America.

A lot of the Galapagos is protected, and solely a 4 of the 13 islands enable guests to remain on them; these are Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana. The Galapagos can also be probably the most volcanically lively place on the planet.

Earlier than You Go

By now you possibly can in all probability inform there are loads of unimaginable locations to go to in South America and selecting ones so as to add to your itinerary is not any straightforward process.

To see all of them, you’re going to want to spend a number of months exploring the nations in South America and can also have to get ready to do some mountain climbing.

Earlier than you go, one factor we should point out about South America is security. Whereas we don’t need to be a scare monger and it’s unlikely to fulfill any violent crime in South America, you must at all times train warning.

Vacationers are a goal for petty crimes like bag snatching and scams, however there are additionally some areas you must actively keep away from, too.

Do a little analysis on the cities you go to and which neighborhoods to keep away from, and stick with the vacationer trails. Don’t wander alone at evening, and keep in teams. Apply these phrases of recommendation and also you’ll be tremendous.

We hope this information was inspiring to you and that you’ve got an unimaginable time in South America.

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