Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the best places to visit in South America.
I’ve lived in Brazil and Argentina, and we’ve taken our kids all over South America. There are so many cool places to visit in South America; it would take a lifetime to see them all. So, I’m going to focus on some of the big attractions that I think everyone needs to see when they visit South America.
Iguazu Waterfalls
Brazil & Argentina border
These waterfalls are world-famous and featured in many Hollywood movies. This is the largest waterfall in the world, so you can’t pass it up! You can visit from the Brazil side, or the Argentina side. The park on the Argentina side is larger, with more hiking and activities, but both sides offer fantastic views of the Iguazu waterfalls.
Peru’s Incan Empire
High in the mountains of Peru, you’ll find the heart of the Incan Empire, which is best seen at Machu Picchu and the city of Cusco. The “lost city” of Machu Picchu is truly an amazing place to visit, whether you hike there on the Inca Trail or take a day trip. Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, and today it’s a great city that is considered the gateway to Machu Picchu.
What to Know Before You Visit Cusco
Buenos Aires, Argentina
The capital city of Argentina is probably the most “European” city you’ll find in South America. The architecture is amazing, and there are so many great neighborhoods to explore. The Recoleta cemetery is a “must-see” spot in Buenos Aires. Of course, you’ll have to sample the “two reds” of Argentina. Famous for steak and red wine, you will eat (and drink) very well in Argentina.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio has a reputation for being unsafe for travelers, and some of them are warranted. However, I’ve visited Rio many times, including with my family, and it’s a great city. Don’t skip it because of the safety warnings; just take extra precautions. It’s totally worth it! Rio was the capital of Brazil for a long time, so there are tons of cool museums and public buildings to check out. We can’t forget to mention the famous Rio beaches, like Copacabana!
Safety Advice for Visiting Brazil
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Located off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are unlike any other destination in South America. It can be pricy to visit, but the wildlife and ecosystem are truly fascinating. The most popular way to visit the Galapagos Islands is to take a cruise, however, there are also land-based tours available if you have limited time or funds.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
These salt flats in the mountains of Bolivia are really cool. You can take a cheap tour and check them out. There are islands and things growing in these salt flats. It’s such a unique landscape and a fun experience. At one point, you can see Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia all from one spot!
Ouro Preto, Brazil
This city was the colonial center of Brazil. Most of the mines were centered around here, so there is a history of great wealth in the region. There are some really great cathedrals and some of the best food in Brazil. It’s also relatively safe, so it’s a good destination in Brazil. It also makes a great home base for day trips into the surrounding region, which offers a ton of outdoor activities.
Colonia, Uruguay
Uruguay is not one of the more popular destinations in South America. It’s really easy to reach Colonia by ferry from Argentina, so I recommend doing this to go off the beaten path a little bit. You can even visit on a day trip from Buenos Aires! The town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
Patagonia Region
This is a huge region covering the southern part of South America. Patagonia includes Argentina and Chile, with so many cool natural sites to see. There’s a national park with glaciers, mountains, and beaches. You can see penguins in Patagonia and lots of other cool wildlife. If you like hiking, you will love Patagonia!
Santiago, Chile
Another capital city of South America well worth visiting is Santiago, Chile. The Chilean coast has some of the most beautiful sunsets you can imagine. It’s a great city, but also a great home base for exploring central Chile.
Amazon Rainforest
This is probably one of the most common places people think of when they think about South America. You can visit from Peru, Brazil or Ecuador, and there are many different ways to experience the Amazon rainforest.
Pantanal, Brazil
Many people expect to see a lot of wildlife in the Amazon rainforest, but the Pantanal region in southern Brazil is even better for wildlife spotting. This is a major hub of ecotourism in Brazil, so you can take float trips down piranha-filled rivers, or go snorkeling, spelunking, or hiking.
Other Places to Visit in South America
This is only a small sampling of some of our favorite places to see in South America. Other spots we love include:
- Cartagena, Colombia
- Lima, Peru
- Cuenca, Ecuador
- Mendoza, Argentina
- Joao Pessoa, Brazil
- Lake Titicaca, Peru
Hopefully, by discussing some of these South America destinations, we can inspire you to start planning your next trip to South America. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth time, you will love exploring the diversity of South America, and you will always leave wanting to see more. If you’d like more tips for when you visit South America, check out these other blog posts: