If you are heading to South America for the first time, you have come to the right place. When I first visited South America a few years ago, I had no idea where to go or what to do. I didn’t want to miss anything, but I didn’t know where to go! But don’t be afraid. We’ve created a list of the best places to see and visit in South America. If you like this post, follow me Instagram To stay up to date on my adventures!
Updated October 2021
Places to visit in South America
1. Saradeu Yui, Bolivia
Located southwest of BoliviaSalar de uyuni is undoubtedly the most popular destination in Bolivia. It is the world’s largest salt flat, covering approximately 11,000 square kilometers. The salt flats look different all year round, but there is no doubt that the most photographed is the rainy season (January to April). The adventure to Salah de Uyuni is of course half the fun. As they say in this part of the world, “the only consistency is inconsistency,” so be prepared for cancellations and delays! The most authentic way to reach salt flats is by public transport. There are buses that depart to Salad Uyuni every day, but these are often delayed. So get ready to spend your downtime with podcasts preloaded with good books and podcasts.
2. Sanctuary of Laslahas, Colombia
This famous cathedral church in southern Colombia is located in the province of Narigno. The Gothic Revival Style Church became synonymous with South Colombia thanks to its unique location and was built between 1916 and 1949. Today, it is one of Colombia’s most photo-taking locations due to its dramatic positioning and impressive construction.
3. See the Milky Way on Lake Titicaca in Peru
Lake Titicaca spans the Bolivia-Peru border in the Andes Mountains. Lake Titicaca, said to be the birthplace of the Incas, is one of the most magical places in South America to experience the Milky Way. This is because you will find yourself in one of the darkest sky reserves in this remote area of Peru. So make sure you leave town and take a picture of the Milky Way in pure darkness. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
4. Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena’s historic colonial city is one of the most beautiful places in South America. The city is protected by UNESCO World Heritage Sites, allowing many insights into South America’s colonization. The old town, located on the Caribbean coast, was founded in the 16th century. To this day, you can wander around cobblestone streets, colorful house facades, and colonial buildings. If you want to feel like you’ve stepped back in time, this is where you’ll do so.
5. Fitzmountroy in Argentina
Fitzmount Troy is located in Patagonia and is one of the favorite options for mountaineers and hiking enthusiasts when visiting South America. It is located on the border between Chile and Argentina and near El Chalten. It was first registered in 1952 by French alpinists Lionel Terrey and Guido Magnon. To this day, it is a popular hike in this southern part of Argentina. It is said to be the second most popular hiking trail after Torres del Payne, which spans both Argentina and Chilean boundaries.
6. Amazon River
The Amazon River is one of the longest rivers in the world (by some definitions) and is certainly the longest river in South America. There are many ways to experience Amazon, but a great way to truly get to know Amazon is to take a small cruise to a remote village. This way you can meet locals and learn more about the lifestyles you live on Amazon.
7. The most dangerous road in the world, Bolivia
On my ride on Death Road in Bolivia, I questioned my sanity. This is a crazy ride to the bottom, but it’s really fun and exhilarating.
read more: Bolivian bicycle ride Death Road
8. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of the volcanic islands of Ecuador. They are renowned for being home to a wide variety of marine wildlife and therefore are one of the most popular destinations for snorkeling and diving in the world. This is one of the destinations you need to stay for a while and one of the best places you need to visit in South America if you have time.
9. Machu Picchu, Peru
The day I was standing at the top of Machu Picchu in Peru was a moment of crisis. Set high in the Andes, this incredible Citadel quickly became one of the world’s top bucket list destinations.
read more: Visit Peru for the first time: Everything you need to know
10. LaPaz, Bolivia
When I made my final decision to travel to La Paz, Bolivia, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Next came a world of colour, vibrant street culture, and often chaos. This incredible city feels like a step back in time.
read more: I went to La Paz, Bolivia
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11. Swinging at the end of the world of Banos in Ecuador
You may have seen swings at the end of the world before, have you ever visited them? The swing is located in Banos, Ecuador. You can reach a swing (actually three swings) especially if you’re traveling throughout Ecuador.
12. Torres del Payne, Chile
Torres del Payne became my favorite hiking destination when I first visited five years ago. Chile is one of the most diverse countries to visit, and you can really see why when you visit the south of the country.
13. Moai statue on Easter Island, Chile
Speaking of diversity, Easter Island is a hidden gem of Chile. This mystical island is famous for its moai statues scattered throughout the island in a variety of formations. There are many myths and legends about why they are there, but in essence it remains a mystery.
14. Riode Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most photographic cities in the world. At the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, seek out a spectacular view of Rio from above, including the statue of the city’s famous Christ, the Savior.
read more: Touring Fabella in Rio de Janeiro
15. Canopy Walk, Peru, Amazon
Amazon is full of epic experiences, and the Canopy Walk is no exception. You can easily spend a month exploring the depths of the Amazon that stretch through Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil.
16. Valparaiso, Chile
You may not have imagined skiing in South America, but the good news for ski lovers is what you can do! Valparaiso is a short drive from Santiago, the capital of Chile, and offers some fantastic slopes for all experience levels.
read more: Top 10 cities to visit in South America
17. Angel Falls, Venezuela
The magnificent angel of Venezuela stands at a whopping 979 metres, making it the world’s largest uninterrupted waterfall. The entire area is protected by UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
18. Geiser Elde Tatio, Chile
Located in northern Chile, Geiser El de Tatio is the third largest Gaisier field in the world. This natural phenomenon is best enjoyed in the morning when fog fills the air and the morning sun hits the surrounding mountains. This is one of the lesser known places you need to visit in South America, so include it in your trip.
19. Chile, Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places in the world, but this does not mean it lacks vitality. There is a cactus valley to explore, and there is a lot of local culture, which is one of the best places to take advantage of light pollution and see the Milky Way.
20. Sacred Valley, Peru
The sacred valley It’s the heart and soul of Peru. It is here that you can learn about ancient traditions, customs and cultures. Start your journey in Cusco Then, a few days later, we head towards the sacred valley on a journey to Machu Picchu.
21. Iguazu is a waterfall that borders Argentina and Brazil
I will never forget my visit to Iguazu Falls, located on the Argentina-Brazil border. This is mainly because I didn’t have the right visa to do so, and I quickly learned the trial and hardships to get it in a short period of time. Regardless of the lessons I learned, Iguazu Falls was one of my favourite places in South America.
twenty two. Cusco, Peru
There are no other cities in the world like Cusco. This was once the capital of the Inca Empire, and to this day you can still feel the remains of it.
Read more: 3 days in Cusco, Peru
twenty three. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires feels more like a European city than anywhere else in South America. The Argentina capital thrives with nightlife, great food and a vibrant culture, and is quick to feel at ease.
Read more: 9 Things You Don’t Miss in Buenos Aires
twenty four. Santiago, Chile
Chilean capital is often overlooked or given only one day to explore as a stopover city. There is so much to see in Chile, so it’s not difficult to see why you skip Santiago. If you have time, this is the perfect city to feel South America before heading out to the more adventurous parts of the continent.
twenty five. Sail to Antarctica
A special finale concludes our list of places to visit in South America. If you feel very adventurous or want to check out from the last continent on your travel list, a cruise through Antarctica is one of the most popular bucket list experiences in the world.
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