What to Know Before Visiting the Most Beautiful Places in South America
Planning a trip to South America? I’ve been there—literally. And after months of exploring the continent’s cities, beaches, mountains, and jungle trails, I kept hearing the same question from fellow travelers: What are the best places to visit in South America?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best countries to visit in South America depend on what you’re looking for—stunning scenery, vibrant culture, affordability, or solo travel safety. So I decided to rank the top destinations based on what actually matters to travelers like us: beauty, cost, and safety.
Whether you’re backpacking South America on a budget, looking for the most beautiful places to visit, or planning your dream vacation route, this list has you covered. From iconic landmarks like Machu Picchu to underrated gems like Guyana’s waterfalls, this guide combines firsthand experience with what people are really searching for—so you can plan your trip smarter.
Top 25 Best Places to Visit in South America (Ranked by Cost, Safety & Beauty)
South America is a massive, diverse continent — and not all destinations offer the same experience. I’ve handpicked these 25 places based on my personal travels, safety, affordability, and overall impact. Some are famous for a reason. Others are underrated gems that deserve way more attention.
Here are the top places to visit in South America, especially if you’re looking to balance breathtaking views with smart travel choices.
1. Machu Picchu, Peru — Ancient Wonder in the Andes
No list of the best places to visit in South America is complete without Machu Picchu. Trekking the Inca Trail was one of the hardest but most rewarding things I’ve ever done. When I finally reached the Sun Gate and saw the ruins appear through the mist — it felt like stepping into a lost world.
Why go: It’s historic, spiritual, and awe-inspiring. Plus, Peru is one of the safest and most affordable countries to explore.
Nearby gems: Sacred Valley, Cusco, Rainbow Mountain
2. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia — Nature’s Giant Mirror
Salar de Uyuni isn’t just one of the most beautiful places in South America — it’s like another planet. I went during the rainy season, when the salt flats turn into a glassy reflection of the sky. There’s no horizon, no up or down — just pure, surreal magic.
Why go: Budget-friendly tours, dramatic landscapes, and unmatched photo ops.
Pro tip: Stay overnight in a salt hotel for the full experience.
3. Iguazu Falls, Argentina & Brazil — The Thundering Border
Iguazu is raw power — more than 270 waterfalls crashing through a jungle gorge. I visited the Argentine side for the up-close trails, but the Brazilian side gave me that jaw-dropping panoramic view. If you only see one waterfall in your life, make it this one.
Why go: Safe, well-developed for tourists, and absolutely unforgettable.
Don’t miss: Devil’s Throat walkway — just bring a poncho.
4. Torres del Paine, Chile — Patagonia’s Wild Heart
If you crave silence, mountains, and glaciers, Torres del Paine delivers. Hiking the W Trek here pushed me to my limits, but every sunrise and icy river made it worth it. It’s remote, clean, and easily one of the best vacation spots in South America for nature lovers.
Why go: Stunning hikes, safe for solo travel, and uncrowded even in high season.
Pro tip: Camp under the stars — it’s mind-blowing.
5. Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina — Ice That Roars
Unlike many glaciers around the world, Perito Moreno is still growing — and cracking loudly as it does. I stood on a platform for an hour just listening to the thunder of falling ice. For an extra thrill, you can even hike on the glacier itself.
Why go: Safe and organized tourism in El Calafate + incredible access to nature.
Also see: El Chaltén and Mount Fitz Roy for more Patagonia adventures.
6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — A City That Lives and Breathes Culture
Rio isn’t just one of the best places to visit in South America — it’s the heartbeat of Brazil. Between the golden curve of Copacabana Beach and the towering Christ the Redeemer statue, the city pulses with energy. When I stood atop Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset, samba music floating from below, it felt like the entire city was dancing with me.
Highlights:
- Explore Ipanema, Lapa’s street parties, and the colorful Selarón Steps.
- For a quieter escape, visit colonial Paraty just a few hours away.
7. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador — Wildlife Encounters You’ll Never Forget
Off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos feel untouched by time. I swam alongside sea lions and walked beside giant tortoises. Every island had its own charm, from volcanic landscapes to pristine beaches.
Why go:
- These islands are some of the most biodiverse and beautiful places in South America.
- It’s not cheap, but worth every cent if nature and conservation inspire you.
8. Atacama Desert, Chile — A Landscape from Another World
The Atacama Desert is the driest place on Earth — and it’s surreal. I stood among flamingos in salt lagoons, watched geysers erupt at dawn, and lay beneath some of the clearest skies I’ve ever seen.
Perfect for:
- Stargazers, photographers, and solitude seekers.
- Combine with: San Pedro de Atacama’s charming desert town.
9. Tayrona National Park, Colombia — Where Jungle Meets the Sea
After hiking through dense rainforest, I reached a quiet beach where the Caribbean waves kissed golden sand. Tayrona National Park is one of the most underrated South America destinations. It blends wildlife, hiking, and perfect beach spots.
Why I loved it:
- Slept in a hammock by the ocean.
- Monkeys overhead, fresh fish for dinner, and total peace.
10. Quito & The Quilotoa Loop, Ecuador — City Heights and Crater Views
Quito was my gateway to Ecuador — a historic capital nestled high in the Andes. But the real magic came when I set off on the Quilotoa Loop, a series of mountain villages and crater lake hikes that felt like a hidden backpacker’s dream.
Don’t miss:
- The view from Quilotoa crater at sunrise — unreal.
- Affordable guesthouses and welcoming locals along the trail.
11. Cartagena, Colombia — Caribbean Color & Colonial Charm
Cartagena was my first taste of Colombia’s coast — and it was love at first sight. The city’s walled Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets, vibrant buildings, and bougainvillea-covered balconies.
Why go:
- Perfect mix of history, nightlife, and beach escapes.
- Day trip to Playa Blanca or Rosario Islands for turquoise waters.
12. Lake Titicaca, Peru/Bolivia — Sacred Waters at Altitude
Sitting at 12,500 ft, Lake Titicaca is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world — and absolutely worth the altitude headaches. I visited the floating Uros Islands and met communities who live entirely on reeds.
What stood out:
- Staying overnight on Amantaní Island with a local family.
- The stars at night felt impossibly close.
13. Medellín, Colombia — From Dangerous to Dynamic
Once known for all the wrong reasons, Medellín is now one of the coolest cities in South America. I spent weeks working from cafés in El Poblado, riding the metro cable over hillside neighborhoods, and exploring art-filled parks.
Must do:
- Comuna 13 street art tour
- Ride the Metrocable up to Parque Arví for city views and hiking trails
14. Paraty, Brazil — Where Jungle Meets the Sea
Tucked between Rio and São Paulo, Paraty is Brazil’s quiet coastal escape. Colonial streets flood with water at high tide, and jungle-covered mountains rise just beyond the beach. I kayaked through mangroves and sipped cachaça in the sun.
Why I loved it:
- Fewer tourists, more charm
- Great base for boat trips and waterfalls
15. Mendoza, Argentina — Wine, Mountains & Laid-Back Vibes
If sipping Malbec beneath the Andes sounds like your kind of vacation — Mendoza is for you. I biked between vineyards, picnicked in olive groves, and watched sunsets with the Andes glowing in the distance.
Tip:
- Visit in March during harvest season (Vendimia Festival)
- Add to your Patagonia route for a wine-country detour
16. The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador — Nature’s Living Laboratory
Visiting the Galápagos felt like walking into a David Attenborough documentary. Sea lions napped beside my backpack, blue-footed boobies danced on rocks, and giant tortoises plodded past like prehistoric kings.
Why visit:
- One of the most biodiverse places on Earth
- Incredible for wildlife lovers, photographers, and families
17. Sucre, Bolivia — Whitewashed Charm & Colonial Calm
While La Paz is Bolivia’s administrative capital, Sucre quietly stole my heart. With gleaming white buildings, rooftop cafés, and slower pace, this city felt like a deep breath.
Don’t miss:
- Climbing the bell tower at San Felipe Neri at sunset
- Tasting fresh salteñas (juicy Bolivian empanadas) for breakfast
18. The Amazon Rainforest (Peru/Brazil/Colombia) — The Lungs of the Earth
I entered the Amazon through Puerto Maldonado in Peru and was instantly swallowed by green — parrots, howler monkeys, and the buzz of life everywhere. Whether you go from Brazil, Peru, or Colombia, the Amazon is an unforgettable immersion.
Tip:
- Choose eco-lodges that support conservation
- Go during the dry season (June–November) for easier wildlife spotting
19. Valparaíso, Chile — Hills, Art & Coastal Soul
If street art and seafood are your thing, you’ll fall hard for Valparaíso. I wandered narrow staircases, rode rickety funiculars, and stumbled upon murals that turned alleys into open-air galleries.
Make time for:
- The poet Pablo Neruda’s eccentric home
- Sunset from Cerro Alegre
20. Jericoacoara, Brazil — Sand Dunes & Slow Days
No roads, no rush — just wind-sculpted dunes, caipirinhas by the sea, and sunset from atop a giant sand dune. Jericoacoara (aka “Jeri”) was a detour I didn’t plan — and I stayed for a week.
Why it’s special:
- Windsurfing, buggy rides, and lagoons to float in
- Feels like a secret slice of paradise
21. Bariloche, Argentina — Patagonia Meets Swiss Alps
With chocolate shops, alpine-style chalets, and stunning lakes, Bariloche felt like a mountain town from Europe—dropped into the heart of Patagonia. I spent days hiking forested trails and evenings sipping Malbec by the fireplace.
Great for:
- Outdoor lovers, honeymooners, and winter ski fans
- Try the Circuito Chico for a scenic drive or bike loop
22. Tayrona National Park, Colombia — Jungle to Sea Escape
Tayrona gave me a kind of paradise I didn’t expect — palm-lined beaches, ancient indigenous ruins, and wild monkeys overhead. You hike in, you sleep in a hammock, and you wake to the ocean. It’s magic.
Tips:
- Go early to beat the heat
- Stay overnight in Cabo San Juan if you can
23. Lake Titicaca, Peru & Bolivia — Sacred Water at Altitude
Straddling Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is South America’s highest navigable lake — and one of the most spiritual places I visited. I spent two nights on Isla del Sol, hiking ancient paths above the clouds.
Highlights:
- Visit floating Uros islands (Peru side)
- Hike and unplug on Isla del Sol (Bolivia side)
24. Mendoza, Argentina — Wine, Sun, and Andean Views
If you love wine, put Mendoza high on your list. I biked between vineyards, tasted Malbec under grapevines, and stared at the snowcapped Andes while sipping Torrontés. Mendoza is affordable luxury — and way less crowded than Napa.
Good to know:
- Visit in March for harvest season
- Combine with a few days in nearby Uco Valley for smaller wineries
25. Cartagena, Colombia — Caribbean Soul with Colonial Flair
The old city of Cartagena is golden in every way. Stone walls, colorful doors, Caribbean heat, and music on every corner. It’s one of those cities where time slows down — and so do you.
My highlights:
- Sunset drinks on the city wall
- Day trips to the Rosario Islands
Where Will You Go First in South America?
After exploring the most beautiful places in South America — from ancient citadels to wild glaciers and sun-soaked beaches — one thing became clear: there’s no single “best place.” The best destinations are the ones that speak to your travel style, budget, and curiosity.
Whether you’re planning to hike through Patagonia, dive into Colombian culture, or sip wine beneath the Andes, South America has something unforgettable waiting for you.
My advice? Start with the places that excite you most — and leave room for surprises. Some of my favorite memories came from the hidden gems I hadn’t even planned to visit.
And if you’re ready to keep planning, don’t miss:
- [Safest Countries to Visit in South America in 2025]
- [The Ultimate South America Travel Guide (2025 Edition)]
Happy travels, and see you on the road.
