South America is one of those continents where dreams of travel turn into reality. From salty deserts to archaeological sites, from busy cities to untouched nature, all of this makes South America distinct and appealing. This South America travel guide is focused on highlighting the top 50 best places to visit in South America  that you have to see at least once in your life. 

Wonders of Nature

Enjoy breathtaking scenery, stunning mountains, fantastic beaches, and natural wonders that will definitely make your South America tourist destinations awe-inspiring, mesmerizing, and unforgettable.

1. Machu Picchu Peru

Ancient City of the Incas, located at a higher altitude inside the Andes Mountain Range, which has an amazing environment with mountain views.

• Best Time To Visit: April to October 

• Nearest Airport: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (Cusco)

2. Iguazu Falls Argentina and Brazil

A breathtaking combination of waterfalls nestled within dense rainforests, and home to rich biodiversity. 

• Best Time To Visit: March to May and August to October 

• Nearest Airport: Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport (Argentina) 

3. Perito Moreno Glacier (Argentina)

One of the only growing glaciers in the world, known for its massive ice calving.

• Best Time To Visit: October to April 

• Nearest Airport: Comandante Armando Tola International Airport 

4. Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia)

The world's largest salt pan that produces incredible mirror-like reflection during the rainy season.

• Best Time To Visit: December to April and May to November 

• Nearest Airport: Uyuni Airport

5. Angel Falls (Venezuela) 

World’s tallest unbroken waterfall flowing down a spectacular tabletop mountain.

• Best Time To Visit: June to November

• Nearest Airport: Canaima Airport 

6. Galapagos Islands Ecuador 

Unusual volcanic islands known for their special wildlife and scientific importance.

• Best Time To Visit: December to May 

• Nearest Airport: Seymour Airport (Baltra Island) 

7. Atacama Desert (Chile) 

Driest desert on Earth with salt pans, geysers, and amazing stargazing spots.

• Best Time To Visit: March to May and September to November 

• Nearest Airport: El Loa Airport (Calama) 

8. The Amazon Rainforest (Brazil/Peru/Ecuador/Colombia) 

Largest rainforest on earth full of biodiversity, rivers, and indigenous communities.

• Best Time To Visit: June to November 

• Nearest Airport: Eduardo Gomes International Airport (Manaus) 

9. Torres del Paine National Park (Chile) 

Granite peaks, glaciers, lakes, and trekking routes characterize Patagonia’s wilderness.

• Best Time To Visit: November to March 

• Nearest Airport: Presidente Carlos Ibanez del Campo International Airport 

10. Rainbow Mountain (Peru)

A brightly colored striped mountain with beautiful and rich mineral-filled rock layers.

• Best Time To Visit: May to September 

• Nearest Airport: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (Cusco) 

11. Lake Titicaca (Peru/Bolivia) 

The highest navigable lake on earth, culturally significant and having floating islands.

• Best Time To Visit: May to October 

• Nearest Airport: Inca Manco Capac International Airport (Juliaca) 

12. Canaima National Park (Venezuela) 

Large expanse of untamed nature featuring huge tepuis, waterfalls, and untouched landscapes.

• Best Time To Visit: June to November 

• Nearest Airport: Canaima Airport 

13. Cotopaxi Stratovolcano (Ecuador)

An awe-inspiring mountain covered with snow and known for trekking, mountaineering, and photography and one of the best places to visit in South America.

• Best Time To Visit: June to September 

• Nearest Airport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito) 

14. Fernando de Noronha (Brazil) 

An idyllic island known for its clear waters and sea creatures.

• Best Time To Visit: August to December 

• Nearest Airport: Fernando de Noronha Airport 

15. Marble Caves (Chile/Argentina) 

Stunning marble constructions molded by the turquoise water for years.

• Best Time To Visit: December to March 

• Nearest Airport: Balmaceda Airport (Chile) 

Iconic Cities & Towns

Visit some of the best countries to visit in South America, which have exciting capitals, historic towns of colonial times, and interesting places that are rich in culture. 

16. Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) 

Rio de Janeiro landmark famous for its fantastic beaches, samba rhythms, and magnificent view of the entire city from the mountains surrounding it.

• Best Time To Visit: December to March 

• Top Attraction: Christ the Redeemer 

17. Buenos Aires (Argentina) 

Capital city with elegance, featuring architecture that is a combination of the European style, tango music, and nightlife.

• Best Time To Visit: March to May and September to November 

• Top Attraction: La Boca 

18. Cusco (Peru) 

Inca capital city, which houses ancient ruins and colonial-style streets.

• Best Time To Visit: May to September 

• Top Attraction: Plaza de Armas 

19. Cartagena (Colombia) 

Multicolored city in the Caribbean, noted for its colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

• Best Time To Visit: December to April 

• Top Attraction: Walled City 

20. Quito (Ecuador) 

The city has a high altitude position, surrounded by volcanoes and with preserved colonial architecture.

• Best Time To Visit: June to September 

• Top Attraction: Old Town Quito 

21. Santiago (Chile) 

Contemporary town situated in the background of the Andes Mountains.

• Best Time To Visit: September to November and March to May 

• Top Attraction: San Cristobal Hill 

22. Medellin (Colombia)

Unique town that is known for great weather, culture, and urbanization.

• Best Time To Visit: December to March 

• Top Attraction: Comuna 13 

23. Ouro Preto (Brazil) 

Colonial town that gained fame through its baroque churches and cobblestone roads.

• Best Time To Visit: April to September 

• Top Attraction: Sao Francisco de Assis Church 

24. Barichara (Colombia)

Attractive heritage town famous for its stoned streets and beautiful surroundings.

• Best Time To Visit: December to March 

• Top Attraction: Camino Real Trail 

25. Valparaiso (Chile) 

Hillside city is renowned for its street art and bohemian flair.

• Best Time To Visit: November to March 

• Top Attraction: Cerro Alegre 

26. Bogota (Colombia) 

Capital city that has both historical significance and museums alongside city life.

• Best Time To Visit: December to March and July to August 

• Top Attraction: Monserrate 

27. Montevideo (Uruguay) 

One of the best places to visit in South America, Montevideo which is the coastal capital that is known for its beaches and cultural sites.

• Best Time To Visit: November to March 

• Top Attraction: Ciudad Vieja 

28. Salvador (Brazil) 

City known for Afro-Brazilian culture with vibrant architecture and customs.

• Best Time To Visit: September to March 

• Top Attraction: Pelourinho 

29. La Paz (Bolivia) 

Highest altitude capital city on earth which is encircled by awesome mountains.

• Best Time To Visit: May to October 

• Top Attraction: Mi Teleferico 

30. Lima (Peru)

Capital city situated on the coast with its scrumptious foods and famous tourist attractions.

• Best Time To Visit: December to April 

• Top Attraction: Historic Centre of Lima 

Adventure & Scenic Drives

Embark on exciting road journeys, amazing hikes, and spectacular views by experiencing South America’s most scenic road journeys and adventurous places.

31. Inca Trail (Peru) 

Hiking trail connecting amazing Andean sceneries all the way to the magnificent Machu Picchu.

• Best Time to Visit: May to September

• Things to Do: Exploring Incan ruins, trekking, camping

32. Carretera Austral (Chile) 

Spectacular roads passing through icebergs, forest, mountains, and clean lakes.

• Best Time to Visit: November to March 

• Things to Do: Road trip, hiking, photography 

33. Death Road (Bolivia) 

Experience the exciting mountain drive renowned for its challenging cycle downhills.

• Best Time to Visit: April to October 

• Things to Do: Mountain biking, sightseeing

34. Colca Canyon (Peru) 

A place where the best places to visit in South America and deepest canyons in the world exist with stunning landscapes and gigantic birds.

• Best Time to Visit: April to November 

• Things to Do: Hiking, condor watching, hot springs 

35. Patagonia Marble Caves (Chile) 

Breathtaking marble landscape sculpted by blue glacial waters.

• Best Time to Visit: December to March 

• Things to Do: Kayaking, boat tour, photography 

36. Mendoza Wine Route (Argentina) 

Popular wine-producing region with vineyards located within mountain ranges of the Andes region.

• Best Time to Visit: March to May 

• Things to Do: Cycling, wine tasting, vineyard tours 

37. Chapada Diamantina National Park (Brazil) 

Paradise for all adventurers with waterfalls, caves, canyons, and beautiful paths to walk on.

• Best Time to Visit: May to September 

• Things to Do: Cave exploration, hiking, waterfalls 

38. Route of the Seven Lakes (Argentina) 

Scenic route passing through clear lakes, green forests, and quaint mountain towns.

• Best Time to Visit: November to April 

• Things to Do: Hiking, scenic drive, camping 

39. Lencois Maranhenses National Park (Brazil) 

Distinctive white sand dunes sprinkled with crystal clear lagoons seasonally appearing.

• Best Time to Visit: June to September 

• Things to Do: Dune tours, swimming, photography 

40. Mount Fitz Roy (Argentina) 

Well-known Patagonia travel mountain known for its breathtaking views of alpine landscape.

• Best Time to Visit: November to March 

• Things to Do: Camping, hiking, photography 

Ancient Ruins & Culture

Discover some of the most interesting must-visit places in South America that are full of ancient civilization and UNESCO World Heritage sites along with tradition and culture.

41. Nazca Lines (Peru)

Mysterious geoglyphs that have been etched into the desert which appear amazing from an aerial view.

• Best Time To Visit: May to October 

• Highlights: Scenic flights, geoglyphs 

42. Easter Island/Rapa Nui (Chile)

Volcanic island famous for mysterious stone carvings named the Moai.

• Best Time To Visit: October to April 

• Highlights: Moai statues, Rano Raraku 

43. Tierradentro National Archaeological Park (Colombia)

Described as one of the best places to visit in South America and UNESCO world heritage site with incredible underground tombs decorated with native artwork. 

• Best Time To Visit: December to March 

• Highlights: Underground tombs, indigenous heritage 

44. San Agustín Archaeological Park (Colombia)

Features the largest number of mysterious stone carvings dating back to the pre-Columbian era in all of South America.

• Best Time To Visit: December to March 

• Highlights: Stone statues, archaeological sites 

45. Tiwanaku (Bolivia)

Ceremonial city that exhibits remarkable stone structures and interesting archeological sites.

• Best Time To Visit: May to October 

• Highlights: Gate of the Sun, Akapana Pyramid 

46. Kuelap (Peru)

Mountain-top fortification constructed by the Chachapoya culture in a cloud forest environment.

• Best Time To Visit: May to September 

• Highlights: Fortress ruins, cable car ride 

Hidden Gems & Off-The-Beaten-Path

Take a break from the masses to explore hidden villages, scenic lands, and best kept secrets of top South America destinations that will give you an unforgettable experience.

47. Huacachina (Peru)

A stunning oasis in the midst of massive sand dunes and adventurous landscapes.

• Best Time to Visit: May to October 

• Must-Do Activities: Sandboarding, dune buggy ride

48. Las Lajas Sanctuary (Colombia)

A magnificent Gothic church built marvelously over the gorge of a river.

• Best Time to Visit: June to September

• Must-DoActivities: Discover the sanctuary and bridge 

49. Ilha Grande (Brazil)

Considered as one of the best places to visit in South America, it seems like a paradise tropical island with beautiful beaches, rainforests, and clear waters.

• Best Time to Visit: May to September 

• Must-Do Activities: Snorkeling, beach hopping

50. Kaieteur Falls (Guyana)

Highest waterfall in the world set amidst a rainforest and exotic flora and fauna.

• Best Time to Visit: September to November 

• Must-Do Activities: Fantastic scenic flight, viewing waterfall 

Conclusion

Are you still dreaming of visiting South America? Come out of your dream itinerary by discovering some of the best places to visit in South America, offering spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and adventure for everyone.

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FAQ’s

What are the best places to visit in South America? 

Top attractions include Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Patagonia, the Galápagos Islands, and Salar de Uyuni.

What is the best time to visit South America? 

The best time to visit South America generally includes from April to October.

How many days are enough for a South America trip? 

A 2-4 week travel plan would be suitable to enjoy different places and visit the attractions.

Is South America safe for tourists? 

Yes, many places are safe if you plan well and take necessary measures when traveling.

Which country should I visit first in South America? 

Such places as Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia would be the best choice for the first visit.