The 25 Locations you Should Go to in South America

South America can really feel overwhelming to plan for — a continent of salt flats, glaciers, rainforest, and Andean citadels all competing for house on one itinerary. Whether or not you’re chasing bucket-list landmarks or lesser-known pure wonders, these 25 locations symbolize the perfect of what the continent has to supply, from Patagonia’s peaks to the Amazon’s depths.

Up to date July 2026

The Locations you will need to go to in South America

1. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The world’s largest salt flat spans almost 11,000 sq. kilometers in southwest Bolivia. Its look shifts dramatically by season, with the moist months (January–April) producing the mirror-like reflections it’s well-known for. Getting there by public bus is a part of the expertise — delays are widespread, so pack persistence together with a great guide.

2. Santuario de las Lajas, Colombia

This well-known basilica church in southern Colombian is positioned within the Division of Nariño. The Gothic Revival model church has develop into synonymous with the south of Colombia due to its distinctive location and was constructed between 1916 and 1949. Now it is without doubt one of the most photographed areas in Colombia attributable to its dramatic positioning and spectacular construction.

3. See the Milkyway over Lake Titicaca, Peru

Straddling the Peru-Bolivia border excessive within the Andes, Titicaca is taken into account the mythological birthplace of the Incas. It additionally sits inside one of many darkest sky reserves in South America, making it an distinctive spot for stargazing away from the lakeside cities.

4. Cartagena, Colombia

The historic colonial metropolis of Cartagena is without doubt one of the most lovely locations to discover in South America. The town is protected by UNESCO World Heritage standing which permits a substantial amount of perception into colonisation in South America. Situated on the Caribbean coast, the outdated city was based again within the sixteenth century. To today you’ll be able to wander across the cobblestone streets, vibrant home facades and colonial buildings. If you wish to really feel as when you stepped again in time, that is the place to take action.

5. Mount Fitz Roy, Argentina

Mount Fitz Roy is positioned in Patagonia and is without doubt one of the favorite selections for mountaineers and mountain climbing fanatics when visiting South America. It’s positioned on the border between Chile and Argentina, close to El Chalten. It was first summited in 1952 by French alpinists Lionel Terray and Guido Magnone. To today it’s a standard hike on this Southern a part of Argentina. It’s stated to be the second hottest mountain climbing path after Torres del Paine, which straddles the border of each Argentina and Chile.

6. The Amazon River

Because the longest river system in South America, the Amazon is greatest explored by small riverboat cruise, which permits entry to distant villages and a real have a look at life alongside the water. I spent per week on a river cruise and actually loved attending to know the lay of the land, assembly locals and expertise life on the water with native guides. And the meals? Recent, scrumptious, with a good dose of spice to maintain it genuine!

7. The World’s Most Harmful Street, Bolivia

There have been many instances using down demise street in Bolivia that I questioned my sanity. Though that is one loopy journey to the underside, it’s a actually enjoyable, exhilarating one.

Learn extra: Bike using Loss of life Street in Bolivia

8. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands is an archipelago of volcanic islands in Ecuador. They’re well-known for being residence to an enormous number of marine wildlife and thus one of the vital wanted locations for snorkelling and diving on the planet. That is a type of locations you will have to remain some time and definitely probably the greatest locations you will need to go to in South America in case you have the time.

9. Machu Picchu, Peru

It was a pinch-me second the day I stood atop Machu Picchu in Peru. This unbelievable citadel set excessive within the Andes mountains has shortly develop into one of many world’s high bucket record locations.

Learn extra: Visiting Peru for the primary time: All the pieces it’s good to know

 

 

10. La Paz, Bolivia

Once I made a final minute resolution to journey to La Paz, Bolivia, I wasn’t solely positive what to anticipate. What got here subsequent was a world of color, vibrant road tradition and infrequently chaos. This unbelievable metropolis appears like a step again in time.

Learn extra: This one time I went to La Paz, Bolivia

11. Swing on the Finish of the World in Banos, Ecuador

Likelihood is you’ve seen the swing on the finish of the world earlier than, however have you ever ever visited!? The swing is positioned in Banos, Ecuador. You’ll be able to attain the swing (which is now in truth three swings) comparatively simply, particularly if you’re travelling all through Ecuador.

12. Torres del Paine, Chile

Torres del Paine turned my favorite mountain climbing vacation spot after I first visited some 5 years in the past. Chile is without doubt one of the most numerous international locations to go to and you’ll actually see why once you go to the South of the nation.

13. Moai Statues on Easter Island, Chile

Talking of range, Easter Island is Chile’s hidden gem. This mystical island is known for the Moai statues that dot the island in varied formations. There are various myths and legends as to why they’re there however basically, it stays a thriller.

14. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is well one of the vital photogenic cities on the planet. Remember to enterprise to the highest of Sugar Loaf mountain for an epic view of Rio from above, together with the cities’ well-known Christ the Redeemer statue.

Learn extra: Touring a Favela in Rio de Janeiro

15. Cover Stroll, The Amazon, Peru

The Amazon is filled with epic experiences and the cover stroll isn’t any exception. You possibly can simply spend a complete month exploring the depths of the Amazon, which stretches by means of Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil.

16. Valparaiso, Chile

Likelihood is you didn’t think about your self snowboarding in South America however the excellent news for ski fanatics is that you may! Valparaiso is positioned a brief drive from Chile’s capital Santiago and gives some nice slopes for all expertise ranges.

Learn extra: The highest 10 cities to go to in South America

17. Angel Falls, Venezuela

The epic Angel Falls in Venezuela stands at a whopping 979 metres, making it the world’s largest uninterrupted waterfall. Your entire space is protected by UNESCO World Heritage standing.

18. Geysers el de Tatio, Chile

Situated in Northern Chile, the Geysers el de Tatio is the third-largest geysier discipline on the planet. This pure phenomenon is greatest loved within the morning when the mist fills the air and the morning solar hits the encircling mountains. This is without doubt one of the lesser identified locations you will need to go to in South America, so remember to embrace it in your travels.

19. Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama Desert is without doubt one of the driest locations on the planet, however this doesn’t imply it’s missing in liveliness. There are cactus valleys to discover, native cultures a lots and this is without doubt one of the greatest locations to reap the benefits of no gentle air pollution and see the Milky Means.

20. The Sacred Valley, Peru

The Sacred Valley is the center and soul of Peru. It’s right here the place you’ll be able to find out about historic traditions, customs and cultures. Start your journey in Cusco and after just a few days within the hustle and bustle, make your means in to the Sacred Valley on a journey in the direction of Machu Picchu.

21. Iguassu Falls, bordering Argentina and Brazil

I’ll always remember the time I visited Iguassu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. That is largely as a result of I didn’t have the suitable visa to take action and shortly realized of the trials and tribulations to acquiring one at quick discover. Whatever the classes realized, Iguassu Falls was simply one among my favorite locations in South America.

22. Cusco, Peru

There isn’t any different metropolis on the planet fairly like Cusco. This was as soon as the capital of the Inca Empire and to today you’ll be able to nonetheless really feel remnants of that.

Learn extra: 3 days in Cusco, Peru

23. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires feels extra like a European metropolis than wherever else in South America. The capital of Argentina is flourishing with nightlife, nice meals and vibrant tradition that can depart you feeling carefree very quickly.

Learn extra: 9 issues to not miss in Buenos Aires

24. Santiago, Chile

The capital of Chile is commonly missed or given simply someday to discover as a stopover metropolis. There may be a lot to see and do in Chile that it isn’t laborious to see why you may skip over Santiago. In the event you do have time, this can be a nice metropolis to get a really feel for South America earlier than you enterprise off in to the extra adventurous components of the continent.

25. Sail to Antarctica

Rounding out our record of the locations you will need to go to in South America is a particular finale. In the event you’re feeling very adventurous or seeking to examine off the final continent in your journey record, then a cruise by means of Antarctica is without doubt one of the world’s most wanted bucket record experiences.

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