Best south American countries to visit

• South America is home to many natural wonders, such as the Amazon rainforest and Iguazu Falls, as well as lively cities, such as Rio and Buenos Aires. 

• Bolivia, Columbia, and Paraguay are rich in history and culture and must-visits for those keen on learning about the heritage. 

•  For nature and adventure lovers, trekking in Patagonia and hiking on the Inca Trail are must-do activities in South America. 
   

South America is full of biodiversity- the great Amazon rainforest and the Andes are home to unique wildlife and ecosystems. An unforgettable trip awaits you with amazing places to see and one-of-a-kind activities to do. But where should you go? Here are the best South American countries to visit and what each has in store for you. 
 

Best South American Destinations for Beach Lovers 

Here are some of the best places to visit in South America if you prefer beach locations and tropical life: 

Brazil 

The mere mention of this country makes you almost hear the music from its beaches, streets, and carnivals. First, you can visit Rio de Janeiro, where you can visit the iconic Copacabana beach and enjoy the electric atmosphere that rarely fades away. Other than beaches, this place is known for its iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. 

Then, there is Fernando de Noronha, which also offers one of the best beaches, such as Baia does Sancho in Brazil. It is an archipelago known for its crystal clear waters and mixed marine life. Other than the beauty of natural surroundings here, you can also consider activities such as snorkeling and diving. 

You can also visit the State of Bahia in Brazil. Here, you can visit Praia do Espelho for clear waters and beautiful landscapes. Whether you want to relax on the beach, have fun, vibrant parties, or want to explore the untouched beauty, Brazil has it all. 

Uruguay 

Uruguay has a very relaxed vibe to it and welcomes visitors with a lively culture. This country also offers some of the best beach towns in the world. You can go to Punta del Este, the glamorous beach resort known for its beautiful beaches, nightlife, and the iconic La Mano sculpture. Next, head to Cabo Polonio, where you can enjoy the warm beaches and shop for handcrafted items. 

You can also consider discovering Jose Ignacio for spoiled shores and fresh seafood. The capital city of Montevideo also has nice beaches, such as Pocitos Beach, where you can spend the day enjoying the sun and sand. The beaches of Uruguay give you a fairy tale feel and a peaceful environment. 

Best South American Countries for Food and Wine Enthusiasts 

If you want to sample locally-made wine varieties or tour vast vineyards, here is where you can go: 

Argentina 

Buenos Aires, the capital city, will surely captivate you with its tango performances and lively areas, such as La Boca. Next, visit Patagonia for some natural attractions, such as the Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate and the peaks of Mount Fitz Roy in El Chaltén. 

If you seek a retreat away from the bustle, visit the Lake District and relax by the water and abundant forests. The culinary scene is quite rich and flavorsome, so try the local dishes, too. 

What if there are wine-tasting opportunities that you can add to your itinerary? Visit Mendoza, renowned for its Malbec wines and vineyard tours. You can also cycle through vineyards or go whitewater rafting for some outdoor fun. 

Next, the Iguazu Falls are simply a treat to watch due to the giant chain of waterfalls forming beautiful sceneries. Located at the confluence of three countries, Iguazu Falls offers unique panoramic views from each. 
 

Best Cultural and Historical Wonders in South America 

Here are the top South American destinations that offer opportunities to explore rich cultures and heritage: 

Colombia 

The next country you can visit in South America is Colombia, which offers a mix of history and natural beauty alongside urban life. You can visit Cartagena to witness its bright colonial architecture and cultural scene. Also, walk through the streets and indulge in the local cuisine. 

Next, visit the capital city, Bogotá, where you can see the cobbled streets of the La Candelaria district. This place will take you back to colonial times. 

Furthermore, consider visiting the Coffee Triangle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its stunning hills and coffee plantations. Colombia is a country that offers both modernity and historical traditions. 

Bolivia 

For more history and culture exposure, visit Bolivia in South America. You can visit the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also visit Lake Titicaca and explore the remains on its Sun and Moon islands. 

The capital city, Sucre, is also home to museums and architecture that showcase the revolutionary history. If you want to see the colonial past of the country, then go to Potosi, where you can see the Cerro Rico mountain.  

The culture of Bolivia can also be seen in its traditional markets, festivals, and indigenous communities such as Quechua, Aymara, Charca, etc. 

Paraguay 

While the history and culture of Paraguay are fascinating, they are often overlooked by travelers. The capital city, Asunción, is a must-visit because it is home to iconic landmarks such as the Independence House Museum, the National Pantheon of Heroes, etc. You can also walk along and click photos of the Palacio de los López from the sidewalks or shop for souvenirs from the Mercado 4. 

For insights into the colonial history of the country, you can visit the Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue, which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.  

Other than these, you can get involved in the beauty of traditional music and dance. You can also explore handicrafts and learn about the culture of the country. 

Best South American Countries to Visit for Trekking 

Here are the best countries in South America that are ideal for trekking, hiking, and camping: 

Peru 

Peru is home to one of the most iconic trails in the world. The topmost on the list is the Inca trail, where you can see the beauty of the Andean landscape as well as the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. 

If you are one of those travelers who like less crowded peaks, you can consider the Salkantay trek. This trek provides an alternative path showing the beauty of cloud forests, glacial lakes, and snow-capped peaks. 

Other than these, you can also explore the depths of Colca Canyon. It is one of the deepest canyons in the world and offers challenging hikes to adventure lovers. Peru offers a lot of hiking opportunities for a beginner as well as an experienced trekker. 

Chile 

Chile has a wide variety of trekking options. The great Atacama Desert in north Chile is one worth seeing, stretching out for many miles and home to fabulous attractions such as the El Tatio geyser field.  

The Valle de la Luna is another top pick that gets very little snow. This surreal desert landscape is great for day hikes. While hiking, make sure that you do not miss it near sunset on Sacramento Hill. Then, there is the Dientes Circuit on Navarino Island, which is the southernmost walk in the world.  

With all these types of treks, dedicated hikers are guaranteed the opportunity to experience something special during their visit anywhere in Chile. 

Tips for Visiting the Best South American Countries 

To make your travels through the countries of South America go as smoothly as possible, please consider following these tips: 

• Never leave your home without a travel insurance policy that includes coverage for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, interruptions, and evacuation, at the least. 

• Make sure that you use trusted transport services like app-based rideshares or registered taxis, wherever necessary. 

• Take buses or metro rides to get around in cities like Bogotá, Buenos Aires, and Santiago. 

• For remote areas, such as Patagonia or the Amazon, you should travel by air or on long-route buses. 

• Respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting areas with indigenous communities. 

• A couple of words in the local language, i.e., Spanish or Portuguese, will definitely improve your experience. 
   

FAQs  

1. Which cities are must-visit in South America? 

Cities like Rio de Janeiro, Cuzco, Mendoza, Buenos Aires, and Bogota are some of the must-visit destinations in South America. 

2. Is travel insurance mandatory for a trip to South America? 

Travel insurance is not mandatory for trips to South America, but it is highly suggested for covering unexpected travel disruptions and medical emergencies. 

3. What countries offer the best natural wonders and wildlife experiences in South America? 

Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina are top South American countries for exploring nature and wildlife. 

4. What is the best time for a trip to South America? 

For southern countries, the best time to visit is from December to March. For high-altitude places like La Paz and Amazon’s dry season, visit during the months of June to September.