South America is a continent you really need to explore with so many incredible and diverse destinations. From world famous cities, beaches, islands, the largest rainforest in the world, waterfalls, exotic wildlife and more.
Planning a trip to South America can be a daunting experience, especially if you have never been here before and due to the size of the continent – it is huge!
Whether you are keen on a short break, or are lucky enough to be able to travel or go backpacking for months, we have put together a list of the highlights of South America that you really need to try to see.
To really discover this continent you need at least 2-3 months but some of the main highlights can be seen in much shorter trips. How many places you can visit really depends on how much time you have to travel and what budget you have available.
South America Travel Essentials
If you are looking to plan a trip to South America check out these websites:
• Book cheap flights to Bali on Skyscanner
• Find the hotels in Bali with Booking.com
• Get reliable travel insurance through World Nomads
• Browse small group adventure tours with G Adventures or Contiki
Getting Around South America
You could plan the trip and travel independently, either catching flights or travelling overland. Some countries have better transport links than others, and flying can be the best way to cross borders as the distances to travel by bus in South America are huge.
We highly recommend small group tours which are a great hassle free way to get guided to the best places, travel with likeminded people and have a lot of fun. Lots of local and International travel operators offer trips with monthly departures, we recommend G Adventures who are one of the best companies.
Ultimate South America Bucket List
Here are some of the best places you have to see in South America.
1. Foz do Iguaçu
Located on the border between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, Foz do Iguaçu is a huge complex of waterfalls which makes Niagara Falls look small and average.
Foz do Iguaçu is one of the most spectacular natural wonders you can see on earth, and whether you are planning a trip to Argentina, Brazil or South America, it really is an essential place to add to
your itinerary.
Up close in person Foz do Iguaçu is even more impressive, and there are so many walks, trails, hikes and tours available where you can really get a close up experience. One must do activity is to ride a speed boat which takes you right up to the falls (as seen in this articles featured image) – this is thrilling!
2. Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
The Perito Moreno Glacier located in Patagonia is one of those awe-striking locations that will take your breath away. Pictures and videos don’t do it justice when you are actually up close. This is one of the most remote places on our list, but it is also one of the most impressive.
The Perito Moreno Glacier is a glacier located in the Los Glaciares National Park in southwest Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Patagonia. It’s amazing to see the glacier up close, with an average height of 70 metres it is huge!
Due to climate change and the worlds rapidly changing weather, its probably best to see the Perito Moreno Glacier soon.
3. Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is one of the best places to see in Brazil, an iconic city with world famous tourist attractions. Rio de Janeiro is spectacular and as a tourist it is an amazing city to explore.
Some places you have to see in Rio include the Chris Redeemer, Copacobana beach, Sugar Loaf mountain, Ipanema and the trendy neighbourhood of Santa Theresa.
4. Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the most recognisable travel destinations on the planet and somewhere you really have to see once in your life. This is one of the best adventures you can do in South America and the world.
The ruins of Machu Picchu are consider to be one of the greatest creations of the Inca Empire located a staggering 8,000 feet (2,430 meters) up in the mountains surrounded by tropical forest with spectacular scenery.
Machu Picchu is one of the most important heritage sites in the world and there are lots tours, from short day trips on a train to epic long hiking adventures. One trip we recommend is travelling along the Inca Trail, a magical trip which takes you through the Sacred Valley with stunning scenery.
5. Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon rainforest, is the world’s largest tropical rainforest, rich in biodiversity and wildlife. The Amazon is mainly located in northwestern Brazil, Colombia, Peru and some other smaller parts are located in other South American countries.
The Amazon is spectacular with thousands of rivers, trees and animals – and is somewhere which really needs to be protected. Deforestation is sadly on the increase but eco tourism is playing a role in education and also protecting thousands of hectors of the Amazon.
By visiting you will get to learn a lot about the local fauna and flora, tribes and conservation efforts being made to protect this spectacular region.
6. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni, is the world’s largest salt flat located in Bolivia which was created from a prehistoric lake that went dry, leaving behind a desertlike, nearly 11,000-sq.-km. landscape of bright-white salt and rock formations.
Salar de Uyuni has scenery which looks like somewhere from Mars rather than Earth, and is a great destination to get photos. Though your chances of seeing animals in this dry rugged terrain is rare, there are lots of pink flamingos which live here.
8. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is large cosmopolitan city and the capital of Argentina. Buenos Aires is one of the most visited places in Argentina with an alluring vibe and a no trip to South America would be complete without going here.
Buenos Aires is famous for football (you can’t stay long here without someone mentioning Diego Maradona) and steaks which are as big as your head — but there is way more to this fabulous city.
It boasts stunning architecture, street art and countryside and one of the craziest nightlife scenes in the world, however with many clubs opening their doors from 2am, it’s not for the faint-hearted.
If the club scene isn’t your thing, then fear not — Buenos Aires is home of tango. Grab a group of mates and take in the city’s tango shows.
There are so many neighbourhoods to see in Buenos Aires and popular tourist attractions to check out include Plaza de Mayo, the presidential palace, Teatro Colón, the MALBA museum and the La Boca neighbourhood with its colourful buildings.
Wandering around Buenos Aires you can get a real feel for the city, expect to see tango dances and lots of street entertainment.
9. Galapagos Islands
If you are looking to go off the beaten track and see somewhere totally unique unlike many other places in the world, then the Galapagos will not dissapoint.
The Galapagos Islands are extremely isolated from South America and the rest of the world which have helped to keep this area pristine and untouched by globalisation.
This region has a unique ecosystem and environment, being located near the equator, but getting cool ocean currents. This helps to give a tropical climate which has helped local nature and wildlife thrive.
In the Galápagos you can see animals like iguanas, giant tortoises, Darwin’s finches, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, flightless cormorants and sally Lightfoot crabs – just to name a few.
10. Tayrona National Park, Colombia
The Tayrona National Park is located in northern Colombia and it is one of the most beautiful areas of South America. This National Park is in a protected area which runs from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to the stunning Caribbean coast.
If you are looking for a relaxing destination with palm trees, sandy beaches, lagoons, rainforest and lush biodiversity, you will fall in love and want to stay here. The nature and relaxing atmosphere is really special and once you’ve been here you will realise why it is one of the most popular destinations for foreign travellers.
11. Salvador, Brazil
Brazil has so many cities including Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Fortalaza and Brasilia. All these cities are worth visiting if you have the time, but Bahia is one of the most special places to go and offers a completely different experience to the mega cities mentioned above.
Salvador is located in the northeastern Brazilian state of Bahia and is a popular attraction due to its pretty Portuguese colonial architecture, Afro-Brazilian culture, tasty food, Carnival celebrations and the tropical coastline.
If you venture to Salvador you have to get the iconic photo of the cobblestone streets and colorful buildings in the historic Pelourinho neighborhood as seen in the image above.
12. Lake Titicaca, Peru & Bolivia
Lake Titicaca is located in the Andes Mountains on the border between Bolivia and Peru. This is a popular stop off for tourists visiting either country and is said to be the birthplace of the Inca civilisation.
Lake Titicaca is one of South America’s largest lakes and the world’s highest navigable body of water. There are lots of walks and ancient ruins you can spot around the lake, it is a very relaxing place to stay.
Night times here are also very special, the sky is usually crystal clear due to the weather conditions and you can see constellations like the Milky Way.
13. Santiago, Chile
Santiago is the capital and largest city in Chile located in a spectacular valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes and the Chilean Coast Range. The city is modern and has lots of tourist attractions to see including Plaza de Armas, National History Museum, and the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral.
14. Cusco, Peru
Peru is one of the most popular countries in South America and the chances are if you do visit you will pass through or stay in Cusco. Cusco is located high in the Peruvian Andes, and is the former capital of the Inca Empire.
The unique Spanish colonial architecture, squares and old buildings with arcades, carved wooden balconies and Incan wall ruins make exploring Cusco special. This city is also a great place to venture out and see more places in Peru.
15. Cartagena, Colombia
Colombia has lots of essential places to visit and Cartagena which is located on the Caribbean coast is up there with one of the best. Cartagena has UNESCO World Heritage status and is a historical colonial city with beautiful old colourful architecture.
Some buildings date back to the 16th century and the cobbled streets are very photogenic. This city is in stark contrast to more modern and concrete South American cities like São Paulo. Check out some important things to know before visiting Colombia.
16. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
If you have a love of the great outdoors then the Torres del Paine National Park is one of the best places to add to your South American travel itinerary. This area is spectacular and has scenery to rival anywhere in the world.
There are lots of organised hiking and trekking tours available to book with local and international travel operators which will show you the highlights and best viewing points in the region. This is one of the best hiking destinations in the world.
17. Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island is one of the most unique and strange locations in South America, this remote island located off the coast of Chile is famous for archaeological sites, including nearly 900 monumental statues called moai, created by inhabitants during the 13th–16th centuries.
The moai are carved human figures with oversize heads, often resting on massive stone pedestals called ahus. Ahu Tongariki has the largest group of upright moai.
18. Valparaiso, Chile
Valparaiso is one of the most unusual places to see in South America, and is a surprise entry on our list due to the amazing skiing here. Yes skiing! Not many people realise you can go skiing in South America, but Valparaiso has slopes for all levels and abilities. The slopes have amazing views and getting here is also easy, Valparaiso is only a short distance from Chile’s capital Santiago.
19. Pantanal, Brazil
If you have a passion for wildlife and nature, the Pantanal in Brazil is a fantastic place to add to your itinerary.
This is the world’s largest tropical wetland area, and the world’s largest flooded grasslands.
The Pantanal is located within the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, but it also covers areas into Mato Grosso and Bolivia and Paraguay. The nature here is stunning and this region is home to so many rare animals like the hyacinth macaw, capybara, jaguar, maned wolf and the jabiru stork.
If the Pantanal is on your wish list view some important things to know before visiting Brazil which will really help your trip more enjoyable.
20. Quito, Ecuador
Quito is the capital of Ecuador and one of the highest cities in the world with an altitude of 2,850m! Quito has well preserved colonial architecture, with 16th- and 17th-century churches and other structures blending European, Moorish and indigenous styles. These include the cathedral, in the Plaza Grande square, and ultra-ornate Compañia de Jesús Jesuit church.
21. Angel Falls, Venezuela
Venezuela is quite a volatile country to visit at the moment politically but if you do venture here there are lots of highly rated tourist destinations with the undoubted highlight being the impressive Angel Falls.
Angel Falls is a huge waterfall located within Canaima National Park in southeastern Venezuela. This area of Venezuela is rich in nature covering an area more than 11,500 square miles.
Angel Falls is huge, with a height of 979 m (3,212 ft), to put this into perspective this is almost 20 times higher than Niagara Falls!
We hope our travel guide to South America has wet your appetite and given you inspiration for where to go. This continent is huge, beautiful and diverse with so many special places to go.
