South America is a continent brimming with incredible diversity, offering everything from lush rainforests and arid deserts to bustling cities and ancient ruins. For first-time travelers, discovering the best places to visit in South America is an adventure in itself. Each traveler will be drawn to something different, from the towering peaks of the Andes to the lush rainforests of the Amazon. Here are 17 of the best places to visit in South America for an unforgettable trip.
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is a bucket-list destination shrouded in mist and mystery. Perched high in the Andes mountains, this ancient Incan citadel is a curious glimpse into a lost civilization. Visitors can hike the Inca Trail for a rewarding adventure, or take the easy, scenic train to reach the hidden city. At Machu Picchu you’ll explore the Temple of the Sun, marvel at the intricate stonework, and discover its history.
2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Few cities in the world have both the natural beauty and energy of Rio de Janeiro. With golden beaches, lush mountains, and a pulsating culture, the mega Brazilian city is a must-visit. You can’t skip the hilltop Christ the Redeemer, ride a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain, or the sands of Copacabana Beach. By night, sip caipirinhas in Lapa or dance to samba beats.
3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Mixing European elegance and Latin American soul, Buenos Aires is a charming city that never stops. Stroll through the colorful streets of La Boca, watch a passionate tango performance in San Telmo (it’s Trafalgar’s Dive Into Culture), and sit down to a world-class steak paired with the country’s famed Malbec wine. Nearby you can join optional excursions to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta, or see how the traditional alpargatas shoes are made with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
4. Amazon Rainforest
Pink river dolphins, sloths and macaws are just three creatures that make the Amazon unique and one of the best places to visit in South America. Visiting the incredible biodiverse Amazon Rainforest is a must for any nature enthusiast, and with Trafalgar you can extend any Peru trip to spend three nights in the jungle. Here you’ll cruise along the Amazon River at night to spot caimans, climb the exhilarating Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, and hike through the thick jungle of Tambopata National Reserve with a backdrop of birdsong.
READ NEXT: 13 photos of South America’s amazing natural wonders
5. Cartagena, Colombia
Savor fresh ceviche and tropical cocktails as the sun sets over the Caribbean in Cartagena. This northern Colombia coastal city is a vibrant destination with colorful colonial architecture, imposing forts, and unique culture. Visit the imposing Castillo San Felipe, take a boat to the Rosario Islands, or dance to the rhythms of champeta in Getsemaní.
6. Patagonia & Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
Patagonia is a vast and untamed wilderness shared by Argentina and Chile. Sitting at the southern tip of both countries, this land of towering peaks, massive glaciers, and rugged national parks is one of the best places to visit in South America for adventurous travelers.
In Argentina’s Patagonia you can’t miss UNESCO-listed Los Glaciares National Park, where you’ll find the towering Perito Moreno Glacier with its massive ice walls and dramatic calving events. With Trafalgar, a Local Specialist will take you face-to-face with the arctic blue ice, fed by the massive South Patagonian Ice Field.
7. Patagonia, Puerto Natales & Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile
From the gateway town of Puerto Natales, venture into Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of towering granite peaks, shimmering lakes, and glaciers. Keep an eye out for guanacos and pumas in the wild as a Local Specialist takes you to Los Cuernos, Lago Pehoe, Salto Grande, the Park Administration (Conaf), and the Lago Grey viewpoint to marvel at the Grey Glacier. You also can’t miss the unique cyanobacteria with stromatolites at the Laguna Amarga caldera, or the striking Blue Lagoon.
8. Lima, Peru
Lima is the continent’s culinary capital, making it among the best places to visit in South America for eager foodies. Perched on dramatic coastal cliffs, the Peruvian capital is a cosmopolitan city where history, culture, and world-class cuisine mix. Wander through the colonial streets of the Historic Center and visit the ancient ruins of Huaca Pucllana to work up an appetite, then taste fresh ceviches, sip on pisco sours, and seek out globally-recognized restaurants.
READ NEXT: A food tour of South America
9. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was inspired by the Galápagos Islands’ incredible biodiversity and unique wildlife. See species found nowhere else on Earth, from giant tortoises to blue-footed boobies, as you cruise around the islands about the M/V Galápagos Legend. If you extend your trip to include a six-day cruise through the region you’ll get to snorkel amongst sea lions, turtles, reef sharks and spotted eagle rays too.
10. Iguazu Falls, Argentina & Brazil
Iguazu Falls is one of the most beautiful natural wonders on Earth. This breathtaking sight straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil with more than 275 individual waterfalls cascading across a lush rainforest. As you can imagine, both the sight and sound of Iguazu is pretty incredible! You can explore from both sides of the border and take a boat ride that brings you up close to the mighty “Devil’s Throat”.
11. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat – a surreal and vast landscape that stretches for over 10,000 square kilometers in southwestern Bolivia. When dry, the salt crust forms a geometric pattern, while during the rainy season, it transforms into a massive mirror reflecting the sky. Here you can visit the train graveyard, stay in salt hotels, and take photos that play with perspective.
READ NEXT: 7 reasons why South America is the most exciting continent on Earth
12. Cusco, Peru
Cusco was once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire. Here you’ll stroll the streets lined with both Incan ruins and Spanish colonial architecture, like the stunning Qorikancha temple. Before rushing off to Machu Picchu, don’t skip the vibrant San Pedro Market, or other sacred sites like Sacsayhuamán.
13. Salvador, Brazil
Explore a different side of Brazil in Salvador, a northeastern coastal city. This city is known for its Afro-Brazilian culture, which you’ll notice in the brightly colored streets of the Pelourinho district, and the distinctive rhythms of local music. Make sure you try a delicious moqueca (seafood stew), and don’t miss seeing the rhythmic movements of capoeira dancers.
14. Atacama Desert, Chile
The driest desert on Earth is a place of surreal landscapes and starry skies. Here in the Atacama Desert you’ll find salt flats, volcanoes, crazy pink lagoons, ancient geoglyphs, and the surreal rock formations of the otherworldly Valley of the Moon. Explore the El Tatio Geysers at sunrise, then stargaze in some of the clearest skies on Earth. Once you visit you’ll see why Atacama is one of the best places to visit in South America.
READ NEXT: What to pack for your 2-week tour to South America
15. Quito, Ecuador
Nestled high in the Andes, Quito has a beautiful, well-preserved historic centre with stunning colonial architecture, including the ornate La Compañía de Jesús church. Take a cable car up Pichincha Volcano for panoramic views of the city, or stand at the Equator at the nearby Mitad del Mundo monument.
READ NEXT: 8 tips to avoid looking like a tourist in South America
16. Montevideo, Uruguay
With a population of just 3.5 million, Uruguay is a small South American country. It’s capital Montevideo is a laid-back destination set on the shores of Río de la Plata. Explore the charming Ciudad Vieja, then relax on the long, sandy beaches of Playa de los Ingleses. Return to the city to explore art in Barrio Sur, and dance to tango and candombe rhythms by night.
17. Santiago, Chile
Skiing in South America? While the continent might conjure up beaches, warm weather, and fun in the sun, the Chilean capital is the opposite. Santiago is set between the towering Andes mountains and the Chilean Coast Range, with ski resorts close by! In the city, you can enjoy the lively Plaza de Armas, visit the historic La Moneda Palace, and take a cable car up San Cristóbal Hill for panoramic views of the city.
That’s our list of the best places to visit in South America. Anywhere you think is missing? Leave us a comment…