Very few experiences in life can inspire and uplift the spirit like traveling the world. There’s just nothing quite like packing your bag, buying a plane ticket, and setting out on a grand adventure.
The world is an amazing place filled with countless beautiful destinations. And few destinations hold as much beauty and adventure as South America.
In this article, we take a look at some of the best places to visit in South America that you’ll definitely want to add to your bucket list. Keeping reading to gain insight into the best countries to explore as you follow your wanderlust into the most exotic locales in the world.
1. Machu Picchu, Perú
There are few destinations on earth as remote or awe-inspiring as the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, this is one of the most famous archeological sites found anywhere on earth.
When visiting Machu Picchu, it’s nearly impossible to not let your imagination run wild. Lose yourself among the huge stone walls and take a moment to imagine the ancient civilization that once occupied the surrounding mountains.
Those who arrive early will be treated to a sunrise over the green peaks that will leave you gasping for breath.
2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio rests at the mouth of a bay harbor and is lined with gorgeous white-sand beaches, and is surrounded by green mountains and lush rainforests.
This exotic city is a chosen destination for millions of visitors each year. Here you’ll find pristine beaches filled with brown-skinned bikini-clad beachgoers lounging in the sun as the tide rolls in and music wafts through the air.
Rio is a slice of paradise. So if you want to visit heaven before you die, you know exactly where to find it.
3. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
This is the destination for the ultimate explorer. Once you visit there will be no mystery why Charles Darwin was drawn here for his work on the Theory of Evolution.
And yet there is more to discover in the Galápagos than an understanding of the origins of life on the planet. In fact, there is more adventure to be found here than you could fully experience in a lifetime.
The warm weather and crystal clear waters brimming with marine life make this exotic destination a snorkeler’s paradise.
Swim with sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, and dozens of tropic fish to name only a few of the natural wonders in the waters of the amazing vacation destination.
When planning your next visit, be sure to learn more about driving a car in Ecuador.
4. Patagonia, Argentina/Chile
The Patagonia region of Argentina and Chile encompasses an area of about 400,000 square miles of some of the most beautiful territory you could ever hope to discover.
Treks through this region will introduce you to one of the wildest places anywhere on earth. Here you’ll find towering mountain ranges, iced-over rivers, and lush forests that will make you want to leave civilization behind forever.
Enjoy world-class kayaking, boating, hiking, canoeing, and horseback riding across terrain unlike any you’ve ever experienced.
5. The Jungles of the Amazon
A journey into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest is a journey into the most diverse ecosystem on the planet.
This is home to countless species of mammals, reptiles, plants, birds, and amphibians, as well as millions of species of invertebrates.
These jungles are filled with mystery and adventure on a scale that is simply not available anywhere else. The raw expanse is bordered by no less than eight countries, and is a place that you could explore for lifetimes without even scratching the service of discovering everything that awaits.
6. Iguazú Falls, Argentina and Brazil
Not only is Iguazú Falls one of the most famous landmarks in South America, it also ranks among the seven wonders of nature.
You can visit the massive waterfalls from either Argentina or Brazil, though most people visit on the Argentina side which grants access to the Paseo del Diablo, a trail that leads to the highest fall in the park.
Iguazú means “Big Water” in the indigenous language of the Guarani, and they certainly knew what they were talking about.
7. Torres del Paine, Chile
There simply aren’t words in any language on earth to adequately describe the beauty of Chile. And Torres del Paine is a prime example of this.
This is a popular destination among visitors to the Chilean side of Patagonia. Travelers here should be aware that the park typically gets quite crowded during the high season, so you might want to plan your trip for the end of the season when you’ll likely encounter fewer hikers along the trail.
This is without doubt one of the most beautify regions of South America, and its dramatic peaks and vast glaciers only serve as icing on the cake for visitors to this showcase of natural wonders.
8. Cayo Sombrero, Venezuela
For those seeking warm water and the perfect beach rather than glacier-fed streams, Cayo Sombrero might be the ideal destination for you and your companion.
This is quite simply one of the most fabulous beaches in South America. And to add to the natural beauty, there are no roads or hotels, the water is turquoise, and no one lives here.
To reach Cayo Sombrero, you must first travel to Chichiriviche and then travel by boat to the cays.
For visitors here, we offer this fair warning: Once you’ve visited, you’ll lose all desire to leave. Welcome to paradise!
The Best Places to Visit in South America
Traveling the world and visiting amazing destinations is part of what makes life worth living. There is so much to see and do, that you’ll never get to experience it all in one lifetime.
This list of the best places to visit in South American is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to experiencing all that South America has to offer, but it provides a great starting point. So get out there and start exploring.
Click here to learn 10 ways to get ready for summer.
