The 25 Places you Must Visit in South America

If you might be heading to South America for the primary time, you’ve come to the fitting place. When I first visited South America a couple of years ago, I had no idea where to go or what to do. I didn’t wish to miss anything, but I had no idea where to go! But fear not. We’ve put together an inventory of the perfect places to see and visit in South America. If you like this post, follow along on Instagram to remain updated with my adventures!

Updated October 2021

The Places you should visit in South America

1. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Located within the Southwest of Bolivia, Salar de Uyuni is certainly the preferred destination in Bolivia to go to. It is the world’s largest salt flat and spans nearly 11,000 square kilometres. The salt flats look different year-round, arguably essentially the most photographic within the wet season (January to April). The adventure to Salar de Uyuni is in fact half the fun. As they are saying on this a part of the world, “the one consistency is inconsistency”, so be prepared for cancellations and delays! The most authentic strategy to reach the salt flats is by public transport. There are buses departing each day to Salar de Uyuni, but these are sometimes delayed. So come prepared to spend some downtime with a great book or podcast pre-loaded.

2. Santuario de las Lajas, Colombia

This famous basilica church in southern Colombian is positioned within the Department of Nariño. The Gothic Revival style church has grow to be synonymous with the south of Colombia due to its unique location and was built between 1916 and 1949. Now it’s one of the crucial photographed locations in Colombia on account of its dramatic positioning and impressive structure.

3. See the Milkyway over Lake Titicaca, Peru

Lake Titicaca straddles the border between Bolivia and Peru within the Andes Mountains. Said to be the birthplace of the Incas, Lake Titicaca is one of the crucial magical places in South America to experience the Milky Way. This is because you will discover yourself under considered one of the darkest sky reserves here on this distant a part of Peru. So you’ll want to enterprise out from the town and photograph the Milky Way in pure darkness. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

4. Cartagena, Colombia

The historic colonial city of Cartagena is one of the crucial beautiful places to explore in South America. The city is protected by UNESCO World Heritage status which allows an ideal deal of insight into colonisation in South America. Located on the Caribbean coast, the old town was founded back within the sixteenth century. To at the present time you’ll be able to wander across the cobblestone streets, vibrant house facades and colonial buildings. If you wish to feel as for those who stepped back in time, that is the place to accomplish that.

5. Mount Fitz Roy, Argentina

Mount Fitz Roy is positioned in Patagonia and is considered one of the favourite selections for mountaineers and hiking enthusiasts when visiting South America. It is positioned on the border between Chile and Argentina, near El Chalten. It was first summited in 1952 by French alpinists Lionel Terray and Guido Magnone. To at the present time it’s a well-liked hike on this Southern a part of Argentina. It is alleged to be the second hottest hiking trail after Torres del Paine, which straddles the border of each Argentina and Chile.

6. The Amazon River

The Amazon river is considered one of the world’s longest rivers (by some definitions it’s) and definitely the longest river in South America. There are some ways to experience the Amazon, but an ideal strategy to really get to know the Amazon is to hitch a small cruise that can take you to distant villages. This way you’ll be able to meet local people and learn more in regards to the lifestyle within the Amazon.

7. The World’s Most Dangerous Road, Bolivia

There were persistently riding down death road in Bolivia that I questioned my sanity. Although that is one crazy ride to the underside, it’s a very fun, exhilarating one.

Read more: Bike riding Death Road in Bolivia

8. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands is an archipelago of volcanic islands in Ecuador. They are famous for being home to an enormous number of marine wildlife and thus one of the crucial wanted destinations for snorkelling and diving on the earth. This is considered one of those destinations you will want to remain some time and definitely among the best places you should visit in South America if you’ve the time.

9. Machu Picchu, Peru

It was a pinch-me moment the day I stood atop Machu Picchu in Peru. This incredible citadel set high within the Andes mountains has quickly grow to be considered one of the world’s top bucket list destinations.

Read more: Visiting Peru for the primary time: Everything you want to know

 

 

10. La Paz, Bolivia

When I made a final minute decision to travel to La Paz, Bolivia, I wasn’t entirely sure what to anticipate. What got here next was a world of color, vibrant street culture and infrequently chaos. This incredible city seems like a step back in time.

Read more: This one time I went to La Paz, Bolivia

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

Chances are you’ve seen the swing at the tip of the world before, but have you ever ever visited!? The swing is positioned in Banos, Ecuador. You can reach the swing (which is now in reality three swings) relatively easily, especially for those who are travelling throughout Ecuador.

12. Torres del Paine, Chile

Torres del Paine became my favourite hiking destination once I first visited some five years ago. Chile is one of the crucial diverse countries to go to and you’ll be able to really see why once you visit the South of the country.

13. Moai Statues on Easter Island, Chile

Speaking of diversity, Easter Island is Chile’s hidden gem. This mystical island is legendary for the Moai statues that dot the island in various formations. There are many myths and legends as to why they’re there but essentially, it stays a mystery.

14. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is definitely one of the crucial photogenic cities on the earth. Be sure to enterprise to the highest of Sugar Loaf mountain for an epic view of Rio from above, including the cities’ famous Christ the Redeemer statue.

Read more: Touring a Favela in Rio de Janeiro

15. Canopy Walk, The Amazon, Peru

The Amazon is filled with epic experiences and the cover walk is not any exception. You could easily spend a whole month exploring the depths of the Amazon, which stretches through Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil.

16. Valparaiso, Chile

Chances are you didn’t imagine yourself skiing in South America but the excellent news for ski enthusiasts is that you could! Valparaiso is positioned a brief drive from Chile’s capital Santiago and offers some great slopes for all experience levels.

Read more: The top 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. The entire area is protected by UNESCO World Heritage status.

18. Geysers el de Tatio, Chile

Located in Northern Chile, the Geysers el de Tatio is the third-largest geysier field on the earth. This natural phenomenon is best enjoyed within the morning when the mist fills the air and the morning sun hits the encompassing mountains. This is considered one of the lesser known places you should visit in South America, so you’ll want to include it in your travels.

19. Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama Desert is considered one of the driest places on the earth, but this doesn’t mean it’s lacking in liveliness. There are cactus valleys to explore, local cultures a plenty and that is among the best places to reap the benefits of no light pollution and see the Milky Way.

20. The Sacred Valley, Peru

The Sacred Valley is the center and soul of Peru. It is here where you’ll be able to find out about ancient traditions, customs and cultures. Begin your journey in Cusco and after a couple of days within the hustle and bustle, make your way in to the Sacred Valley on a journey towards 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. This is generally because I didn’t have the suitable visa to accomplish that and quickly learned of the trials and tribulations to obtaining one at short notice. Regardless of the teachings learned, Iguassu Falls was easily considered one of my favourite places in South America.

22. Cusco, Peru

There is not any other city on the earth quite like Cusco. This was once the capital of the Inca Empire and to at the present time you’ll be able to still feel remnants of that.

Read more: 3 days in Cusco, Peru

23. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires feels more like a European city than anywhere else in South America. The capital of Argentina is flourishing with nightlife, great food and vibrant culture that can leave you feeling carefree very quickly.

Read more: 9 things to not miss in Buenos Aires

24. Santiago, Chile

The capital of Chile is commonly missed or given just someday to explore as a stopover city. There is a lot to see and do in Chile that it isn’t hard to see why you would possibly skip over Santiago. If you do have time, that is an ideal city to get a feel for South America before you enterprise off in to the more adventurous parts of the continent.

25. Sail to Antarctica

Rounding out our list of the places you should visit in South America is a special finale. If you’re feeling very adventurous or looking to envision off the last continent in your travel list, then a cruise through Antarctica is considered one of the world’s most wanted bucket list experiences.

Like this? Now read:

The Top 10 Must Visit Cities in South America

Bike Riding Death Road in Bolivia (and living to inform the story)

Exploring the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile