Travelers from all over the world wants to visit South America because of its captivating landscapes, dynamic cultures, and extensive history. South America has a lot of pretty places that appeal to all kinds of travelers, from the verdant Amazon jungle to the towering peaks of the Andes. South America has plenty to offer everyone regardless of your interests. So, if you are thinking of going on a trip to South America, here are some of the best South American countries to visit:
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Peru
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Bolivia
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Paraguay
1. Brazil
Number one on our Best South American Countries To Visit list
With its breathtaking Amazon Rainforest and magnificent Iguazu Falls, Brazil is home to some of the continent’s most amazing natural treasures. Adventurers can take on exciting jungle expeditions, explore the rich variety of the Amazon, or simply admire the majesty of Iguazu Falls.
Some of the beaches with the greatest recognition in the world, such as Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana and Ipanema, are located in Brazil. Sunseekers can chill on beautiful beaches, take in the lively environment, and partake in beach volleyball, samba dance, and surfing.
Brazilian food is an enticing blend of flavors influenced by African, Portuguese, indigenous, and immigrant cultures. Eat the national cuisine of Brazil, feijoada, a hearty stew of pork, sausage, and black beans that is eaten with rice, farofa, and orange slices. Taste the flavors of freshly caught seafood in dishes like moqueca (fish stew) and acarajé (black-eyed pea fritters), or sample street food favorites like coxinha (deep-fried chicken croquettes) and pastel (savory turnovers). To celebrate the tastes of Brazil, wash it all down with a caipirinha, the country’s national drink, which is created with cachaca, lime, sugar, and ice.
Trekking through the Pantanal, the biggest tropical wetland in the world allows visitors to see rare birds, capybaras, and jaguars in their natural habitat. In addition, you may go hiking in the breathtaking waterfalls, caverns, and rock formations of Chapada Diamantina National Park or take a boat tour along the Rio Negro in the Amazon to see piranhas, enormous water lilies, and pink river dolphins.
2. Argentina
Number two on our Best South American Countries To Visit list
Start your journey through Argentina via Buenos Aires, the modern metropolis renowned for its lively neighborhoods, architecture influenced by Europe, and intense tango culture. You’ll enjoy the view of the colonial structures that hold unique stores, art galleries, and street markets that come alive with music and dance on Sundays throughout San Telmo’s historic streets. You may also decide to experience the zeal and passion of Argentine soccer as you stroll around the vibrant streets of La Boca, which is home to the famous Caminito street and the Boca Juniors football stadium. Visitors may also choose the sophistication and elegance of Recoleta, where there are sweeping boulevards and verdant gardens.
One option for tourists is to take a tour to see the breathtaking scenery found in Los Glaciares National Park, which is home to the massive Perito Moreno Glacier and where you can see Lake Argentino’s breathtaking blue waters. A trip to the foot of Mount Fitz Roy wouldn’t be bad because you will see its stunning rock formations and sharp peaks making it a photographer’s dream come true.
From flavorful grilled meats and hearty stews to delicate pastries and superb wines, Argentine cuisine offers a delicious fusion of flavors and influences. You may decide to eat the authentic Argentine barbecue known as asado, which consists of tender slices of lamb, beef, and chorizo cooked over an open flame and accompanied with grilled veggies, crusty bread, and chimichurri sauce. You can also try some empanadas, the popular stuffed pastries from Argentina that come with a range of delectable contents, including cheese, meat, chicken, or veggies. Tourists can also enjoy classic meals like milanesa, a breaded and fried cutlet served with mashed potatoes or salad, or locro, a substantial stew made with corn, beans, and beef.
3. Peru
Number three on our Best South American Countries To Visit list
Unquestionably one of the most famous ancient sites in the world, Machu Picchu is tucked away high in the Andes Mountains. Situated on a mist-covered ridge, this historic Inca citadel provides an amazing view of the Inca civilization’s architectural strength and inventiveness. Reach this mysterious location by hiking the fabled Inca Trail or by taking a picturesque train ride. Feel the romance and mystery that envelop Machu Picchu as you stroll through the painstakingly built terraces, temples, and palaces; you’ll be in awe of its enduring beauty and significance.
Once the Inca Empire’s capital, Cusco is a charming city with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and a thriving cultural scene. You can admire the striking combination of Inca ruins and Spanish cathedrals scattered throughout the historic center as you stroll around it. Discover the vibrant San Pedro Market, where you can eat local specialties, handmade crafts, and unusual fruits.
The culinary capital of South America, Lima, provides an unparalleled delicious foods experience. Savor the national cuisine of Peru, ceviche, which is a fresh fish marinated in citrus liquids with cilantro, onions, and chili peppers garnishes. You can also Savor typical Peruvian dishes like grilled skewers, causa (potato terrine), and lomo saltado (steak stir-fried). Tourists can toast to the flavors of Peru while sipping on a classic pisco sour, which consists of pisco, lime juice, syrup, egg white, and bitters.
4. Chile
Number four on our Best South American Countries To Visit list
Start your journey through Chile in the surreal surroundings of the world’s driest desert, the Atacama. Also discover the lunar-like Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), where granite formations, salt flats, and sand dunes combine to create an otherworldly scene that looks like it belongs in a science fiction film. You can also see the spectacle of steam vents and bubbling hot springs against the backdrop of the Andes Mountains as you visit the El Tatio Geysers at sunrise. At one of the best places on Earth for stargazing, you may marvel at the Milky Way and constellations with unmatched clarity.
Travel to Torres del Paine National Park in the south, one of the world’s most breathtaking wilderness areas and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. You can also marvel at the recognizable granite spires of the Torres del Paine massif as you hike through untamed mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes. Experience stunning views, unspoiled nature, and an abundance of wildlife, including guanacos, foxes, and condors, by hiking the well-known W Circuit or taking on the strenuous O Circuit.
As a tourist visiting Colombia, you can discover the vibrant port city of Valparaiso which is along Chile’s central coast to see its bohemian charm and artistic vibe. You can discover the city’s cultural attractions, such as Pablo Neruda’s Chilean residence, La Sebastiana, and the Museo a Cielo Abierto (Open Air Museum). The fresh seafood and Chilean wines in neighborhood eateries and seafood markets will satisfy your taste buds.
5. Columbia
Number five on our Best South American Countries To Visit list
You can start your journey through Colombia with the ancient port city of Cartagena, where colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vivid colors provide a gorgeous setting for discovery. Visitors may choose to explore the Old Town which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and admire the elegant cathedrals, quaint plazas, and beautifully maintained colonial structures. Also, you can also discover the famous and impressive Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a stronghold that provides expansive views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.
In Colombia, you can explore the core of Colombia’s coffee tradition as you travel through the verdant Andean landscapes. You’ll see working coffee plantations and discover the craft of coffee growing, harvesting, and roasting when you travel to the charming Coffee Triangle, which includes the cities of Salento, Manizales, and Armenia. During guided tastings and coffee classes, you can sample the full range of flavors and fragrances of Colombian coffee, gaining a greater understanding of the nation’s most well-known commodity.
In Colombia , you will discover the dynamic culture and inventive vibe of Medellin, the second-biggest city in Colombia, dubbed the “City of Eternal Spring” because of its consistently pleasant weather throughout the year. You’ll examine how the once-famous drug capital of the world become a thriving center of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the arts. Also, you can discover the city’s hillsides from above with the famous Metrocable cable cars, which give expansive views of the surrounding mountains and Medellin’s skyline. Tourists can go to museums, cultural centers, and botanical gardens that highlight the city’s artistic innovation and rich history. You may choose to explore Medellin’s vibrant nightlife which includes live music venues, rooftop pubs, and salsa clubs that are teeming with excitement.
6. Ecuador
Number six on our Best South American Countries To Visit list
Ecuador is a living example of the extraordinary diversity of South America’s environments, people, and experiences. You can discover the immaculate beaches, glistening oceans, and striking volcanic vistas that served as the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution while visiting Ecuador. As you snorkel, dive, or kayak through this natural wonderland, you’ll come across rare species that you won’t find anywhere else on Earth like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and Galapagos penguins. Also you can discover conservation initiatives that preserves the delicate ecosystems of the islands so that future generations will continue to discover the beauty of the Galapagos Islands by visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Tourists may explore cultural wealth of Ecuador’s highlands by taking a journey into the heart of the Andes Mountains. You can also explore Quito, the nation’s capital and its colonial charm which is reflected in its elaborate cathedrals, old plazas, and cobblestone streets. You’ll also see the city and surrounding mountains from the summit of Pichincha Volcano by taking the Teleferico cable car. Alternatively, you may visit the neighboring indigenous marketplaces of Otavalo and Cotacachi where you can purchase handcrafted goods, traditional Andean artwork, and textiles.
You may choose to explore the magnificent Avenue of the Volcanoes, a section of the Andean highlands bounded by towering peaks and active volcanoes. One of the tallest active volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi Volcano, has a snow-capped summit that may be reached by hiking. You can choose to see the emerald-green waters of the Quilotoa Crater Lake which is located inside an old volcano’s collapsed crater and wonder at it.
7. Bolivia
Number seven on our Best South American Countries To Visit list
The Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat and one of the most bizarre places on earth, is the perfect place to start your Bolivian experience. You’ll discover the stunningly large area of white salt crust that spreads to the horizon, forming an enthralling scene that appears to melt into the sky. Tourists will also be able to admire the area’s natural beauties such as the rocky island of Isla Incahuasi, which is covered in enormous cactus and the salt flats’ shiny surface which is responsible for producing breathtaking optical illusions at sunrise and sunset.
You can also discover the dynamic culture and lively atmosphere of La Paz, the tallest capital city in the world, which is tucked away in a spacious valley beneath the majestic Andes hills. The vibrant marketplaces, historical buildings, and native communities that contribute to the city’s distinct appeal are also there to be attract you. As you soar above the busy streets below on the Mi Teleferico cable car system, you can take in the expansive vistas of the city and surrounding mountains. You may choose to enjoy the views in the museums, galleries and cultural centers that highlight Bolivia’s rich history and creative legacy, or stop by the Witches’ Market to buy traditional herbs, potions, and folk remedies.
As tourists in Bolivia, you may also take part in lively carnivals in Oruro and the Inti Raymi festival, which commemorates the winter solstice and the sun’s reappearance, among other colorful festivals and celebrations that pay homage to the natural cycles, ancestral spirits, and historical customs.
8. Uruguay
Number eight on our Best South American Countries To Visit list
Considered the “Monaco of South America” or the “Hamptons of Uruguay,” Punta del Este is a great place to begin your trip through Uruguay. Jet-setters and celebrities from all over the world flock to this elegant resort town because of its brilliant nightlife, fine dining options, and immaculate beaches. You may choose to swim, surf, or just unwind on the golden beaches of Playa Brava or Playa Mansa while you soak up the sun. Tourists can also stroll along the beautiful boardwalk known as La Rambla, which provides sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the coastline
You can choose to enjoy the varied and distinctive delicious foods experience that Uruguay offers thanks to its rich culinary legacy which blends traditional South American flavors with European influences. Experience regional favorites like asado, a classic barbecue consisting of grilled meats, sausages, and vegetables, or chivito, a substantial sandwich made with beef, ham, cheese, and toppings. Enjoy delicacies made with fresh seafood from the Atlantic and Río de la Plata, such as grilled fish, shrimp, and calamari. Enjoy mate, a traditional herbal tea popular across Uruguay, or Tannat, the red wine that symbolizes the country, to wash it all down.
In Uruguay, tourists can explore the lively markets, historical buildings, and contemporary skyscrapers that harmoniously coexist in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. They may also choose to visit the ancient Ciudad Vieja, also known as Old Town by meandering through its winding cobblestone lanes which are dotted with cafes, art galleries, and buildings from the colonial era. Tourists can also visit the famous Plaza Independencia, home to the mausoleum of national hero Jose Gervasio Artigas and the Palacio Salvo which was formerly the highest structure in South America.
9. Venezuela
Number nine on our Best South American Countries To Visit list
With a variety of habitats ranging from lush rainforests to dramatic mountains and breathtaking coasts, Venezuela is a country blessed with amazing natural beauty. Angel Falls, which plunges an incredible 3,212 feet into the depths of Canaima National Park, is located in the nation and is the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world. Travelers can take breathtaking excursions to get up close and personal with this natural beauty while losing themselves in the untainted wildness of the surroundings.
Without indulging in some of Venezuela’s delectable cuisine, which reflects the nation’s varied cultural influences and abundant natural resources, a trip there wouldn’t be complete. Venezuelan food is a sensory extravaganza, featuring everything from exquisite seafood dishes served along the Caribbean coast to hearty arepas loaded with flavorful ingredients.
Venezuelans are well known for being hospitable and proud to show tourists around their stunning nation and rich cultural heritage. The people of Venezuela will welcome you with open arms, eager to share their history, culture, and tales with visitors from all over the world. Travelers can participate in traditional festivals and celebrations and learn about indigenous crafts and traditions by exploring Venezuela, which provides opportunities for true cultural engagement.
10. Paraguay
Number ten on our Best South American Countries To Visit list
Native dishes like sopa paraguaya (a savory cornbread), chipa (cheese bread), and asado (barbecue) will delight visitors and provide a taste of Paraguay’s culinary heritage. Visitors can experience Paraguayan hospitality firsthand by dining in local eateries known as comedores, where hearty meals are served. You should not forget to try tereré, a refreshing herbal drink enjoyed throughout Paraguay, especially during the hot summer months.
Visitors are greeted with open arms and sincere compassion by Paraguayans, who are renowned for their warmth and generosity. Whether you’re visiting a traditional dance show, taking part in a yerba mate ritual, or just striking up a discussion with locals, visitors will feel welcomed by the warmth of Paraguayan culture. Vibrant festivals and celebrations that highlight traditional music, dancing, and folklore are a testament to Paraguay’s strong feeling of community and cultural pride. In Paraguay, there’s always something to celebrate, from the exuberant Carnival celebrations to the vibrant Nanduti Festival.
Paraguay’s attractive towns and cities, with their old architecture and cobblestone streets will take tourists back in time by showcasing the country’s colonial heritage. The Metropolitan Cathedral and the Palacio de los López are two examples of the city of Asunción’s architectural riches. You’ll discover traditional products including pottery and handwoven fabrics at artisan fairs in the historic village of Areguá. The Jesuit Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provide insight into the colonial past of Paraguay as well as the impact of the Jesuit missionaries who founded colonies there.
CONCLUSION: Best South American Countries To Visit
South America is a genuinely remarkable destination for tourists of all interests since each of these best South American Countries To Visit offers a distinctive fusion of history, culture, and scenic beauty. You’ll undoubtedly find something you enjoy in South America, whether you’re strolling through pristine nature, visiting historic ruins, or just taking in the energetic vibe of a busy metropolis.