South America is an incredible destination to travel with a wide range of options ranging from ecotourism to large urban centers. After all, there are 10 beautiful countries waiting to show the best things they have. In this list, we bring some options that you should definitely check out before choosing your next vacation destination. These are some of the best places to visit in South America.
10. Cartagena, Colômbia
Cartagena was the first Spanish colony in America. Its strategic location in the Caribbean Sea made the city one of the main commercial ports at that time. So it was the target of many pirate attacks and invasion attempts. Cartagena led the emancipation movement from Spain, declaring its independence from the rest of the country in 1811. The city looks like an open-air museum and in 1984, Cartagena was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is also known as the “Jewel of the Colombian Caribbean”. In addition to the historic architecture, the city is protected by walls made of oceanic stones and corals. The place attracts tourists from all over the world for the beautiful sandy beaches, the delicious cuisine, and the lively nightlife.
9. Santiago, Chile
The Chilean capital is a destination full of charm, good walks, and restaurants. The Plaza de Armas is the starting point for those who visit the city. Founded in 1541, the place brings together some of the main buildings in the Chilean capital. Other tourist spots that cannot be left out are the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Palacio de La Moneda, the seat of the Chilean government. The National Museum of Fine Arts cannot be left out of the tour. Opened in 1880, making it the oldest art museum in South America.
Calle Bandera is in the center of Santiago and is famous for being colorful. There is a long stretch with multi-colored artistic interventions that attract attention. The street is named after Pedro Chacón y Morales, a well-known merchant in the city. The Mercado Central de Santiago is a great opportunity to enjoy the culture and flavors of Chilean cuisine. Santiago is close to several ski resorts, El Colorado and Valle Nevado, which are among the best ski slopes in the country.
8. Machu Picchu, Peru
The lost city of the Incas is probably the most typical symbol of the Inca Empire. It was the American professor Hiram Bingham who, during an expedition, rediscovered and introduced the world to Machu Picchu in 1911. Machu Picchu, which in Quechua means “old mountain”, is surrounded by riddles about its creation and usefulness, archaeologists were able to identify the 3 main structures of Machu Picchu: the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Intihuatana. Intihuatana is a stone that was created by the Incas to be used as a calendar or astronomical clock.
The place is declared by UNESCO as Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity and receives tourists from all over the world. And it is also considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Due to the great popularity of the place, the number of tourists and the time of visit happened to be controlled by the Peruvian government due to the high risk of deterioration.
7. Ilha de Páscoa, Chile
Beautiful and super mysterious, Easter Island is why many tourists who go to Chilean lands want to know the beauties of the island. Famous for its gigantic statues, called moai, dormant volcanoes and all the typography that hides caves and trails. Easter Island quickens the hearts and imaginations of mystery lovers. The famous moais, which are the celebrities of Easter Island. They are made from volcanic rocks and weigh around 80 tons. Some experts believe that the statues were built between 1100 and 1680 BC. to honor heads, ancestors, and important figures of the community. But the truth is that they have hardly been recorded. On Easter Island, there is only one city called Hanga Roa, where restaurants, shops, hotels are located.
6. Salar de Uyuni Bolívia
The Salar de Uyuni is known as the largest salt desert in the world. Located in the southwest of Bolivia. It is believed that thousands of years ago, the formation of the mountain range separated the area from the Pacific Ocean, creating several prehistoric lakes that would later dry up, giving rise to what we know today as the Salar de Uyuni. The landscape of the place is incredible, it is like a gigantic white sea. Most of the year the Salar is completely dry, but the rainy season turns the desert into a great mirror that reflects the sky. A true masterpiece of nature. Because it is such a big place and without references. Venturing alone into the Salar de Uyuni is not recommended. And, it is necessary to hire a guide due to the high risk of getting lost in the salt desert.
5. Ilhas Galápagos Ecuador
The place that inspired Charles Darwin and contributed to the founding of the Theory of Evolution. It is made up of 58 volcanic islands, the Galapagos archipelago, in Ecuador. Well known for its animal species, such as the giant tortoise and the marine iguana. Today, much of the Galapagos tourism potential follows in the footsteps of Charles Darwin. There are museums dedicated to him and his historical achievements, such as the Charles Darwin Foundation Museum. The Galapagos Islands are one of the largest reservoirs of life on the planet. In addition, the region is home to one of the highest concentrations of endemic species in the world. The place is also considered a World Heritage Site.
4. Bonito, Brazil
In free translation, the word Bonito means beautiful, which really is very suitable for a place like Bonito. A great place for those who want to do ecological tourism and know the Brazilian tourist attractions outside of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The city of Bonito is located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Ecotourism pole, its main attractions are the natural landscapes, the immersions in transparent water rivers, waterfalls, caves, and sinkholes. The city is located in the middle of one of the valleys of the Bodoquena plateau that form transparent rivers, caves, and waterfalls.
The best-known attractions are the Gruta do Lago Azul and the Gruta de São Miguel, which extends over a dry area that houses 650 million-year-old limestone rocks, which belong to the Precambrian period. The fauna and flora of the place are incredible attractions and include several characteristic species of the Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest.
3. Punta del leste, Uruguay
Considered the most luxurious beach resort in South America. Casapueblo is a must-see for those who go to Punta del Leste. The place is reminiscent of the white houses on the island of Santorini in Greece. Casapueblo was designed and built by the Uruguayan painter and sculptor Carlos Páez Vilaró. The house was modeled by hand and the name Casapueblo was chosen after a conversation between Vilaró and two friends. The inspiration for the construction of the house is based on a famous Brazilian lullaby, A Casa, by the composer Vinicius de Moraes who sings about a funny house, without a roof, and without a floor. Besides the museum, Casapueblo also houses cafes, a restaurant, and a hotel.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is the complete destination for those who want to know the heart of tango, dulce de leche, and fries. The Argentine capital is a city for people of all ages and of all tastes. It is exactly the potential to please so many people that makes the city so special. The Casa Rosada is the seat of the Argentine presidency and is one of the symbols of the country and its exterior was painted pink around 1870. The Obelisk is a historical monument created to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the city. It is located at the intersection between Corrientes and 9 de Julio avenues. Avenida 9 de Julio was once considered the widest avenue in the world. Corrientes is considered the Broadway of Buenos Aires due to the many theaters.
Argentines are considered one of the most romantic in the world. You can also consult the list of the most beautiful Argentine women.
1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is still beautiful as Gilberto Gil sang. The Brazilian city best known abroad has a reputation for having happy people who like soccer and samba. What many do not know is that the wonderful city, as the Brazilians say, also has history and was the seat of the colony, the seat of the Portuguese court, and later the capital of Brazil. The most famous tourist spot in Rio, Christ the Redeemer, was listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Pão de Açúcar should also be on the list of those who visit the city. The beaches of Copacabana and the Jardim Botânico with imperial palm trees, planted at the behest of Dom Pedro II, are worth a visit, and those who want to understand the Brazilian passion for soccer should go to the Maracana stadium. The nightlife in Rio is very lively, there are many bars, restaurants, and places to discover the culture of samba and carnival. Rio de Janeiro is an urban experience and a sensational natural landscape.
