15 Unforgettable Top Places to Visit in South America (2025 Guide)

From the towering Andes to lush Amazon rainforests, South America is a continent of extremes — and endless adventure. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Brazil or dancing tango in Argentina, this diverse region offers something for every kind of traveler.

In this 2025 guide, I’ll walk you through the top places to visit in South America, including a mix of iconic sites and hidden gems South America has tucked away. These destinations will inspire your next journey — and maybe even change how you travel.

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

Standing at the edge of Machu Picchu at sunrise was one of the most surreal moments of my travels. The mist curling around the ancient Incan ruins, with the backdrop of jagged green peaks, feels like something straight out of a fantasy novel.

Whether you hike the Inca Trail or take the scenic train from Cusco, visiting this South America bucket list site is a must. Don’t miss the Sun Gate for a sweeping view — and bring plenty of water if you’re trekking.

📍 Best time to visit: May to September (dry season)

2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Few places buzz with energy quite like Rio de Janeiro. Between the legendary Christ the Redeemer, the rhythmic beat of Samba, and sun-soaked beaches like Copacabana, this city is pure magic.

Try to visit during Carnival if you can — but even off-season, the city’s culture and color are irresistible. I’ll never forget sipping fresh coconut water on Ipanema beach while watching hang gliders float down from the mountains.

🌟 Don’t miss: A cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset.

3. Patagonia, Chile & Argentina

Patagonia is where you go to feel tiny in the best way. This remote, rugged region stretches across southern Chile and Argentina, home to glaciers, dramatic peaks, and wind-swept plains.

I spent days hiking in Torres del Paine, surrounded by turquoise lakes and guanacos (think South American llamas). It’s a dream for outdoor lovers, and one of the must-see places in South America if you want to unplug and reconnect with nature.

🎒 Packing tip: Bring windproof layers — the gusts are real.

4. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Often called the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires blends European elegance with Latin passion. You’ll fall in love with its leafy boulevards, art deco buildings, and late-night cafés.

Catch a live tango show in San Telmo, sip Malbec in Palermo, and sample the world-famous steaks. The city is also incredibly walkable — just wear comfy shoes and get lost in the charm.

🥩 Foodie tip: Try a choripán (Argentinian sausage sandwich) from a local parrilla.

5. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

A living laboratory of evolution, the Galápagos Islands are like nowhere else on Earth. I still can’t believe I snorkeled next to sea lions, turtles, and even penguins!

Whether you explore by cruise or stay on the main islands, this South America tourist destination is perfect for nature lovers. Just remember — conservation comes first, so travel responsibly.

🐢 Wildlife to watch: Marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and giant tortoises.

6. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Imagine standing on a giant mirror, sky above and sky below. That’s Salar de Uyuni during the rainy season — the world’s largest salt flat and a truly alien landscape.

I went during the dry season and still felt like I’d landed on another planet. Don’t forget to bring props for the classic perspective photos (tiny dinosaur chasing you, anyone?).

🚗 Pro tip: Take a 3-day jeep tour from Uyuni to also explore volcanoes and red lagoons.

7. Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is pure Caribbean charm. Colorful colonial buildings, flower-covered balconies, and lively street music make every corner feel like a postcard.

Wander the walled Old Town, relax on nearby Rosario Islands, and don’t miss the local arepas. Honestly, I didn’t expect to fall in love with Colombia — but I did.

🎨 Photo spot: Plaza Santo Domingo at golden hour.

8. Quito, Ecuador

High in the Andes, Quito is a blend of indigenous roots and Spanish history. Its UNESCO-listed historic center is packed with ornate churches and vibrant markets.

Don’t skip the Mitad del Mundo, where you can literally straddle the equator. It’s cheesy, yes — but kind of cool too.

⛰️ Altitude tip: Arrive slowly and drink coca tea to help adjust.

9. Atacama Desert, Chile

You know those places that feel like Mars? That’s the Atacama Desert. This is one of the driest places on Earth, but it’s teeming with natural wonders — geysers, salt flats, pink flamingos, and lunar valleys.

The night skies here? Unreal. I joined a local stargazing tour, and it was the first time I saw Saturn’s rings through a telescope.

🪐 Must-do: Watch the sunset over Valle de la Luna.

10. Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina

Iguazu Falls is one of the largest waterfall systems in the world — and it’s jaw-dropping from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides.

Walk along wooden platforms that take you close enough to feel the mist on your skin. The power of the falls is humbling — especially from the Devil’s Throat viewpoint.

💦 What to bring: A poncho and waterproof bag for your camera.

11. Lima, Peru

Most travelers skip Lima on their way to Cusco, but they’re missing out. This coastal capital is a culinary giant, blending indigenous, Spanish, Asian, and African influences into some of the best food I’ve ever eaten.

Try ceviche in Miraflores with ocean views, then explore the colonial architecture of the historic center.

🍽️ Restaurant tip: Central or Maido — both rank among the world’s best.

12. Medellín, Colombia

Once infamous, now inspiring — Medellín has reinvented itself as one of South America’s most innovative cities.

Ride the gondolas over hillside barrios, stroll through Botero Plaza, and take a coffee tour in the nearby countryside. The people here are warm, proud, and always ready to share their story.

🌤️ Best season: December to March for sunny days.

13. Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo might not be on every tourist’s radar, but it should be. This laid-back capital offers colonial architecture, beachfront boardwalks, and an unbeatable Sunday market culture.

Walk along the Rambla, sample mate tea with locals, or catch a tango performance in Ciudad Vieja.

🎶 Bonus: Head to nearby Punta del Este if you’re craving beach glamour.

14. Amazon Rainforest (Brazil/Peru/Ecuador)

You haven’t truly explored South America until you’ve stepped into the Amazon Rainforest. I stayed in an eco-lodge near Iquitos, Peru, where we paddled through flooded forests and spotted toucans, monkeys, and caimans.

The biodiversity here is mind-blowing, but the fragility is too — always choose responsible, local-run tours.

🌿 Must-do: A night walk to hear the jungle come alive.

15. Lake Titicaca, Peru/Bolivia

Lake Titicaca sits high in the Andes, straddling the Peru–Bolivia border. It’s considered the highest navigable lake in the world and a place of deep cultural significance.

Visit the floating Uros Islands, made entirely from reeds, and spend a night in a local guesthouse on Taquile Island for an unforgettable cultural exchange.

💙 Experience: The silence and starlight over the lake — peaceful beyond words.

🧭 Bonus: Hidden Gems Worth Discovering

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, add these hidden gems South America offers:

• Barichara, Colombia – A preserved colonial town with cobbled streets and timeless charm
• Valparaíso, Chile – Vibrant street art and funiculars on the Pacific coast
• Banos, Ecuador – Adventure hub with waterfalls and thermal baths
• Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay – A sleepy town with Portuguese vibes

🗓️ Sample 2-Week Itinerary

Want to see the highlights without rushing?

Week 1:

• Day 1–3: Lima → Cusco → Machu Picchu
• Day 4–5: Lake Titicaca
• Day 6–7: Fly to Buenos Aires

Week 2:

• Day 8–9: Buenos Aires → Iguazu Falls
• Day 10–12: Rio de Janeiro
• Day 13–14: Amazon lodge (Brazil or Peru)

✈️ Read more about how to pack for long-term travel on Ties That Travel.

☀️ Best Time to Visit South America

• Dry Season (May–October): Ideal for Andes trekking, Patagonia, and Machu Picchu
• Wet Season (November–April): Great for rainforest tours, lower crowds, and lush landscapes
• Always check regional weather — climates vary wildly from country to country.

🎒 Recommended Travel Gear

• Lightweight waterproof jacket
• Portable power bank
• Refillable water bottle
• Trekking shoes
• Microfiber towel

These must-haves make long travel days easier. Check out our full 13 Smart Ways to Get Cheap Flights for Family Vacations

✨ Conclusion: Top places to visit in south America.

Whether you crave epic hikes, rich culture, or up-close wildlife encounters, South America has it all. From the jungles of the Amazon to the peaks of Patagonia, this continent offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure — and then another.

So, what’s on your bucket list?

Which of these places would you visit first? Drop a comment or read more travel tips on Ties That Travel.

📚 Further Reading

• Lonely Planet’s South America Travel Guide
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