Machu Picchu, Peru
Find this magical world heritage site that lies between the lush, cloudy mountains of Peru. The first glance at Machu Pichu will take your breath away. Valleys and verdant hills encompass this centuries-old sanctuary as if hiding the secrets of the once-reigning Inca Empire. You can find stone structures scattered throughout the meadowed hills in an organized manner. Thus, it is considered a masterpiece of the Inca Empire, portraying their expertise in astronomy and agriculture. With its breathtaking scenery and fascinating history, Machu Picchu is surely the best place to visit in South America.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Witness magnificent and untouched nature in this remote archipelago. The islands once inspired Charles Darwin, the legendary evolutionary biologist, to produce his famous work, ‘Theory of Evolution.’ With their hundreds-year-old animals and seemingly eternal reptiles, no wonder that Galapagos Islands are such a big deal for science. Besides that, traveling to Galapagos Islands is on lots of people’s bucket lists. Thus, a vacation to Galapagos Islands will be an enthralling adventure, especially for the nature-geeks!
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
As you set your eyes on the white-dominated scene, you will understand why Salar de Uyuni is the prettiest place in South America. Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat, extending around 10,000 kilometers square wide in the southern part of Bolivia. It looks like an endless land of snow-shrouded in white.
Easter Island, Chile
With a blend of outstanding scenery and world mystery, Easter Island is one of the top places to visit in South America. This island is off the coast of Chile and stretches around 2,000 miles from the mainland. It is home to one of the greatest enigmas on Earth, the gigantic Moai sculptures.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Patagonia is one of the best places to travel in South America, even the world. The mixture of Alpine scrubs, meadowed valleys, and icy glaciers create an ethereal landscape that will take your breath away. See a piece of Patagonia in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. This national park is calling adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina & Brazil
A list of the best places to visit in South America would not be complete without Iguazu Falls. This UNESCO World Heritage site features an extraordinary landscape of enormous waterfalls, stretching around 3km on the border of Brazil and Argentina. Lush rainforest and misty greeneries encompass the waterfall, creating spectacular scenery. Furthermore, Iguazu Falls are more than a jaw-dropping sight.
Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
Head to the southern end of the world, slightly before Antarctica. In this region of Argentina, you will find an unbelievable scene of towering glaciers, snow-draped land, and a brilliant turquoise body of water. The stunning sight in Los Glaciares National Park looks otherworldly, but at the same time, you will know what a ‘paradise on earth’ looks like. For that reason, it is one of the best places to visit in South America.
Los Roques Archipelago, Venezuela
This pristine archipelago calls everyone in love with the sea or tropical islands. Los Roques Archipelago boasts a handful of Pacific Ocean’s coral atolls where colorful underwater ecosystems live. This archipelago is located in Venezuela and is well-known as a natural reserve. Even though it is remote, you can still head to Los Roques Archipelago and be captivated by its untouched beauty.
Atacama Desert, Beautiful Picture
If you ever wonder how it feels to land on another planet, the Atacama Desert will give you a hint. The endless desert is shrouded in arid wildlands, enticing rock structures, and a silent void. There are almost no living creatures in the arid, reddish desert. It displays an extreme, inhospitable environment where no animals nor plants could live. However, the Atacama Desert leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazil is one of the best countries to visit in South America that should be on your bucket list. Then one of the reasons why Brazil is so special is because of its vibrant city Rio de Janeiro. As a cultural melting pot and inspiration in popular culture, Rio de Janeiro has lots to offer. It is home to Christ the Redeemer statue, which stands on the top of a lush hill and overlooks the brilliant ocean. The city’s icon is already astonishing, but Rio will amaze you with much more.
Cartagena Colombia
Visiting Cartagena might feel like visiting a European city. This is due to an array of neoclassical and baroque-style buildings lining the city. Besides the enchanting architecture, Cartagena offers an imposing sight of the Caribbean Sea. Furthermore, it offers dazzling attractions, such as colonial churches and flower-draped boulevards, that will make you stop and stare. Even though Cartagena is comprised of European-styled buildings, the atmosphere will remind you that you are in one of the best cities in South America.
Quito Ecuador
The classic and antique atmosphere in Quito makes it one of the best places to visit in South America. Thus, Quito is one of the highest cities in the world, standing at 9,350 feet above sea level. Like Cusco and Cartagena, Quito looks like a living museum. It is lined with historical buildings with iconic baroque and neoclassical architecture. For that reason, Quito is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
