23 Best Places to Visit in South America

South America, a continent pulsating with energy, is a treasure trove of destinations waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a culinary enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. It’s often overlooked by travelers for more popular destinations. I’m here to tell you that it shouldn’t be! There are so many places to visit in South America that you’ll find a place that is perfect for you. Discover the rainforest in Brazil or be enchanted by the colors of Colombia!

Be sure to check out the other dream destinations series: Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and USA

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Lençóis Marenhenses, Brazil

Recommended by Sophie and Adam of We Dream of Travel

Tucked away on the north coast of Brazil is Lençóis Marenhenses National Park, home to one of the country’s most spectacular natural marvels.  Spread out over 383,000 acres you will discover one of the top dream destinations with endless stretches of undulating, windswept sand dunes and deep blue freshwater lagoons. 

In Portuguese, Lençóis Marenhenses literally means “bedsheets of Maranhão”, and after one glimpse of the blindingly white dunes, it’s easy to see how the area got its name. 

Due to its remote location, this extraordinary national park receives less than 5% of the number of visitors of the more popular natural attraction Iguaçu Falls.  As such, the best way to explore the area is through a guided tour on a buggy or jeep.  As the lakes are seasonal, the tours will take you to the fullest lakes depending on when you visit, where you can swim in the rainwater-filled lagoons.

You can also choose to visit by horseback, quad bike or even on foot at certain times of the year.   The dunes are best visited between June and September when the weather is cooler and the lakes are full.

It is also worth taking the time to explore the nearby Rio Preguicas by boat, kayak, or paddleboard. Barreirinhas is the main gateway to Lençóis Marenhenses and has a variety of accommodation options from basic pousadas to more upscale hotels.  There are also many restaurants here, although they are mostly Brazilian so expect similar menus at each. 

Lençóis Marenhense. Photo by We Dream of Travel

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Recommended by Victoria of Guide Your Travel

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most scenic cities in South America and should be at the top of your list of places to see. The iconic Copacabana is of course one of the best beaches in the area and is a great place for sunbathing, swimming, or playing volleyball. You can also find fantastic beach parties here especially during February when the annual carnival celebrations take place. No trip to Rio de Janeiro is complete without visiting the incredible Christ the Redeemer statue. The views of the surrounding area and city are absolutely stunning and can’t be missed. You can hike all the way to the top if you don’t mind working out in the high humidity climate of Brazil.

Of course, you can also take a bus which is far more relaxing. The nearby Botanical Gardens of Rio are also well worth a visit and a fantastic place for an afternoon walk or picnic. If you’re looking for a more formal place to eat head to Giuseppe Grill which serves authentic meat and delicious seafood. The best place to stay in Rio de Janeiro is close to the beach of Ipanema which is almost as beautiful as the Copacabana.

The beaches of Rio. Photo by Guide Your Travel

Iguazu Falls, Brazil & Argentina

Recommended by Margarita of The Wildlife Diaries

Stretching for over 2.7 kilometers and comprising up to 300 separate waterfalls, Iguazu Falls is one of the most spectacular places to visit in South America. This epic waterfall system straddles the border between Brazil and Argentina and can be visited from both countries. About 80 percent of Iguazu Falls flow on the Argentine side, meaning that you get a bigger picture view of the falls from the Brazilian size, looking towards Argentina. And there are lots of ways to experience Iguazu Falls in Brazil.

Start your day at Devil’s Throat. About half of the Iguazu River flows through this narrow chasm so the power of the falls here is extraordinary. You will need your raincoat for visiting this section of the falls if you are not keen on getting wet.

For a more adventurous way to experience the falls, take the Macuco Safari speed boat ride that takes you underneath a thundering 80-meter tall waterfall.

When you are ready for lunch, head to Restaurante Porto Canoas that sits on the bank of the Iguazu River, just before the river reaches the Devil’s Throat. The buffet lunch is a mouth-watering spread of traditional Brazilian cuisine and the view from the open-air terrace is quite spectacular.

If you feel like a splurge, spend a night at Hotel das Cataratas, the only hotel within the National Park and you’ll have the falls to yourself outside of the park’s visiting hours. For a more economic option, consider Pousada Cris Garden Bed & Breakfast in the nearby town of Foz do Iguaçu.

Iguazu Falls, Brazil. Photo by The Wildlife Diaries.

Bogota, Colombia

Recommended by Venaugh of Venaugh

The capital of Colombia, Bogotá, is an amazing vacation in South America. The weather is chilly since it is on the Andes mountains so be sure to carry a jacket. Also, rain is very unpredictable so you should always carry an umbrella with you. There are so many things to do, my top recommendation would be to go to Monserrate, Bogotá to get an amazing view of the city. From here you can also browse the city centre for a lovely day out. Some other great spots would be Parque Simon Bolivar, the Botanical Gardens, and exploring the Chico area around Parque 93.

This area is where I would recommend accommodation as well, at the Click Clack Hotel.  You can eat at the hotel or take a walk out to Parque 93. There are restaurants all around so you can just walk around till you see which you like most. Most have menus outside that you can check including Osaki and Wok. This area is one of the most expensive in Bogotá and it is generally very safe in comparison to other areas. Of course, as with any big city, be aware of your surroundings.

Bogota, Columbia. Photo by Venaugh.

The Lost City, Columbia

Recommended by Claire of This Travel Lover

The Lost City, or La Ciudad Perdida in Spanish, is a unique place in South America, and one of my favourite places I visited during my solo travels in Colombia.  You can only visit the ruins of the city by joining a tour, which involves a 2-day trek through the jungle to reach the city – and the same back.

The Teyuna people built their City deep in the forest around 800 AD.  It was abandoned during the Spanish conquest, and while local indigenous people still knew of its existence, the city was ‘lost’ to all outsiders for hundreds of years.  It was rediscovered by treasure hunters in 1972 when they stumbled across stone steps in the jungle leading to the city ruins.

There are various companies that are allowed to run tours to the city, and if you choose a company such as Wiwa Tours who have indigenous guides descended from the Teyuna people, they can teach you about their culture and traditions.  Tours start from the nearby city of Santa Marta, where you can arrange tours directly or via your accommodation.  For budget travellers, the Dreamer Hostel in Santa Marta is a great choice.

The trek itself is challenging due to humidity and mosquitoes and while accommodation along the way is basic it is certainly an adventure.  When you reach the Lost City, you can explore the ruins, walk around the terraces, and even meet the local shaman if you are lucky! 

The Lost City, Columbia. Photo by This Travel Lover

Medellin, Colombia

Recommended by Deborah of Passport The World

Medellín is one of the best cities to visit in Colombia.  It is often called “The city of eternal spring” because of the pleasant climate all year round. Medellín was known as one of the most dangerous cities in the world, because of the Medellín cartel. But after the death of drug lord Pablo Escobar, the city has gone through a huge transformation.  Nowadays Medellín is a bustling and cosmopolitan metropolis, where you easily can spend days.

One of the best things to do is to visit Comuna 13, a former slum, that has been transformed into a popular area, famous for its amazing street art and interesting social projects. Looking for great city views? Take the metro and change to the cable car, which will take you all the way up the mountain, while offering incredible views of Medellín and its surroundings.

Of course, you want to explore the city center, visit landmarks and stroll around Botero square. Here you’ll find the famous sculptures of Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most famous artist. But also other areas are worth exploring. El Poblado is Medellin’s most trendy neighborhood, with restaurants and design stores. La Hacienda is the place to be if you are looking for a traditional meal, such as bandeja paisa. Alambique is a trendy rooftop restaurant with great food and drinks. You’ll find a lovely hotel in El Poblado. It’s a great starting point for discovering the different sides of Medellín. Find more things to do in Medellin Colombia.

Medellin from the cable car. Photo by Passport The World.

Cartagena, Columbia

Recommended by Adam of Cartegena Explorer

Cartagena has to be considered one of the best places to visit in South America in 2023!  An important colonial port town, it was one of the jewels of the Spanish empire and it shows today with beautiful colonial architecture and neat historic walls and fortifications.  There are also terrific beaches in Cartagena.

The best of those beaches are located out in the Rosario Islands nearby and they should be at or near the top of the list of things to do in Cartagena.  You will also want to spend some time taking in the charm of the historic Walled City and neighboring Getsemaní district, where you’ll find a mix of trendy cafés, bars, and restaurants mixed in with the historic houses.  The Castillo San Felipe fortress is also a must-see, as is taking a stroll along the city wall itself while looking out over the Caribbean.

It’s best to stay in the Walled City or in Getsemaní.  Casa San Agustín is the finest hotel in town, while the Casona del Colegio, Casa Claver Boutique, and Hotel Capellán are also all lovely options.  For where to eat, consider trying the wonderful fresh seafood served atop a colonial era fort at Club de Pesca, the fresh local fare served up at reasonable prices at La Mulata in the Walled City, and the neat dishes and drinks at Buena Vida Marisquería.

Cartagena, Columbia. Photo by Cartagena Explorers.

Sucre, Bolivia

Recommended by Jen of Dabbling in Jet Lag

Sucre is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in Bolivia. Here you’ll find narrow cobblestoned streets lined with whitewashed colonial buildings, magnificent churches, and picturesque parks. In fact, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is often referred to as “The White City.” This combined with its laidback atmosphere attracts travelers of every kind. And, of course, there’s no shortage of things to do in Sucre. For the best panoramic views head up to Recoleta. It’s a grueling climb to the top, but the views are spectacular! Afterward stop by Sucre’s largest market, Mercado Campesino, for a hearty meal. A delicious bowl of traditional soup is sure to satisfy your appetite and warm your soul.

No trip to Sucre is complete without seeing a dinosaur footprint. Visit Parque Cretacico for one of the largest collections or, if you’re up for an adventure, hike to Maragua Crater. You’ll walk through small villages on the outskirts of Sucre to a remote excavation site. It’s an unforgettable experience, to say the least! Then at the end of the day, there’s no better place to stay than Villa Oropeza Guest House. Relax in the spacious garden or in one of their gorgeous rooms.

Sucre, Bolivia. Photo by Dabbling in Jet Lag.

Amazon Rainforest, Bolivia

Recommended by Michelle of Moyer Memoirs

The Amazon Rainforest covers over 2 million square miles in many different countries of South America.  One of the best places to experience the Amazon Rainforest is in Bolivia.  While the area is smaller, it is also less populated with tourists, less explored, and an overall cheaper travel destination.

To get to the Amazon is a long-haul trip by way of a tiny plane to the small town of Rurrenabaque, Bolivia, whose airport is no larger than a tractor shed.  This is followed by a 2-hour canoe ride to deep within the rainforest or a 3-hour 4×4 trip to the pampas, the wetland savanna on the edge of the jungle.

There are many tour companies that offer tours within the Amazon Rainforest of Bolivia.  They have eco-lodges, cabins, or simple huts for camping overnight.  They cook elaborate buffet meals for their guests in the meal halls.

Common activities for an Amazon Rainforest trekking adventure include piranha fishing, viewing the macaws in their natural habitat, swimming with pink dolphins, night walks through the jungle looking for anaconda, canoe rides past sun-basking caiman alligators, observing all the unique flora and fauna resident to the jungle and following the calls of the monkeys to catch a glimpse of them before they scatter in the tall trees.

Boating in the Amazon Rainforest. Photo by Moyer Memoirs.

The Salar de Uyuni Salt Falts, Bolivia

Recommended by Claire of Tales of a Backpacker

The Salar de Uyuni salt flats in southern Bolivia is one of the best things to do in Bolivia – and should definitely be on any South America itinerary.  While it is possible to visit the salt flats independently if you have your own vehicle, joining a tour is the easiest way to see the highlights of this incredible place.

If you’re short on time then you can arrange a day tour of the Salar from the town of Uyuni, but the 3- or 4-day Bolivian salt flats tour from Tupiza, Uyuni, or San Pedro de Atacama in Chile is definitely worth the extra time if you can spare it, especially if you are travelling to Bolivia from Chile or Argentina or vice versa. 

With the longer tours, you will see more of the incredible Bolivian scenery, including striking coloured lagoons where flamingos feed.  On the salt flats themselves, watching the sunrise from Isla Incahuasi, an “island” in the middle of the salt desert is a must, as is exploring the train graveyard near the town of Uyuni.

Another highlight of the tours is spending the night in one of the salt hotels that are completely made of salt from the Salar.  Backpacker tours choose basic hotels, but the incredible Hotel Palacio de Sal is a four-star luxury salt hotel, and even has a swimming pool and spa!

Sunrise at the Salt Flats. Photo by Tales of a Backpacker

Atacama Desert, Chile

Recommended by Lori of Travlinmad

If you’re looking for adventure, one of the best places to visit in South America in 2023 is the Atacama Desert in northern Chile.
Situated between the Andes and the Chilean Coastal Range, the Atacama sits at an elevation of 8,200 feet above sea level and is the driest desert in the world. The landscape is parched and some areas of the Atacama have no recorded rainfall on record, ever. Pick up a rental car at the Calama Airport and venture out on your own rather than taking a guided tour. Base yourself in the town of San Pedro de Atacama and from there visit the Atacama salt flats and the Valle de la Luna for incredible sunsets.

Long before sunrise one day, head for the El Tatio Geysers at over 14,000 feet to see the geysers erupt and steam fumaroles in action. The place to stay in San Pedro is the Hotel Altiplanico, just a short walk into town. For dinner, Baltinache is a lovely restaurant serving unique Chilean dishes. There’s a lot to see in this otherworldly landscape, and you can combine a trip here with nearby Bolivia or the Central Valley around Santiago Chile.

Atacama Desert, Chile

Machu Picchu, Peru

Recommended by Claudia of My Adventures Across the World

If there is a place that screams South America more than any other, that is Machu Picchu, in Peru. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 15th-century citadel represents the peak moment of the Inca civilization. The site is located at more than 2,400 meters above sea level in the Andes Mountains of Peru, above the Urubamba Valley. Upon visiting, you will notice that the royal areas of the city are all built with dry-stone walls – without use of mortar; whereas the more modest dwellings see the use of mortar instead. Buildings at Machu Picchu have specific astronomical alignments.
Machu Picchu is best explored on guided tours. The site is spread out, and there is a lot to see – including a hike to Wayna Picchu mountain, for impressive views of Machu Picchu from above, and a walk to the Puente del Inca. So, only a guide can swiftly take you to all the most significant places.

The nearest point of access to Machu Picchu is Aguas Calientes, a small town about 100 km from Cuzco, in the Sacred Valley. There are regular buses covering the distance between the town and the site. If you are feeling adventurous, you should walk the Inca Trail, a 4-days hike that follows the sacred route the Incas would walk to get to Machu Picchu. The highlight of the hike is seeing the sunrise over Machu Picchu.

Aguas Calientes Offers a wide range of accommodation and eating options. One of the best places to stay in town is Tierra Viva Machu Picchu Hotel. Julian is definitely the top choice in terms of restaurants.

Machu Picchu, Peru. Photo by My Adventures Across The World.

Cusco, Peru

Recommended by Mal of Raw Mal Roams

Cusco is an excellent small town to visit in Peru, not just as a base for the local hike such as Machu Picchu but also for the local vibe, rich history, and excellent food scene. 

Visit Plaza de las Armas the most prominent square in Cusco, surrounded by beautiful churches and impressive colonial architecture. Stroll along many side streets coming off the main square teaming with life, street food, and colorful souvenirs. If you’re planning to buy something in Cusco, try one of the alpaca sweaters or huts. Make sure you walk slowly, as Cusco is situated at an altitude of 3,399 meters above sea level, and you may feel out of breath sooner than you think. For an impressive panoramic view over the entire town and surrounding areas, climb to the top of the bell tower at Saint Cristobal Church, located a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. 

There are also many exciting day trips you can take from Cusco. Apart from the most famous Machu Picchu hike, there is also a hike situated at a whopping 5,200 m Rainbow Mountain known for its beautiful colours.  Stay in the midrange boutique hotel El Balcon with traditional rooms, a spectacular view over the town, and an excellent daily breakfast. 

Colca Canyon, Peru

Recommended by Linn of Brainy Backpackers

One of the most impressive places to visit in South America is Colca Canyon in Peru, the world’s second deepest canyon. There is no arguing, this makes for one of the best hikes in Peru and can be done in two days. You can hike with a guide and the first day you will walk all the way down to the bottom of the canyon to spend the night in an oasis. Early, before sunrise the next day, you will have to hike straight up again. The views are spectacular and though it is a tough hike, it is worth it.

But for those that don’t want to sweat it for days to end, there are day trips from Arequipa that take you along the top of the canyon. The highlight is to see the Condor. One of the largest birds in the world with a wingspan of up to 3 meters. Usually, they are seen hunting in the early morning, so tours typically leave Arequipa at 4 am in the morning to make sure to reach the Cruz del Condor viewpoint at the time when it is most likely to see them. While they are wild animals and there is no guarantee to see them, the chances are big. And it is an experience of a lifetime!

Colca Canyon. Photo by Brainy Backpackers.

Easter Island, Chile

Recommended by Jackie of Life of Doing

Traveling to the remote island, Easter Island (also referred to as Rapa Nui in the Rapa Nui Polynesian language), off of Chile is such a fascinating place to visit. 

Easter Island is famous for the moai, large statues with huge heads and bodies made from stone. They can reach a height of 13 feet (4 meters). Many are erected on the ahu platform or are lying on the ground waiting to be restored and erected. It remains a mystery why they were built. You can find these moai around the island and the main tourist sites at Rano Raraku and Ahu Tongariki.

Other fun things to do on Easter Island include snorkeling and diving (depending on the current weather conditions) and exploring underground caves. You can also go on an all-day hike around half of the island and see the coastlines. 

The best place to eat is at Club Sandwich. It’s a simple place but serves the most monstrous size burgers and sandwiches for a good value. Try the tuna sandwich which comes with a thick layer of avocado. As with accommodations, stay on a campsite, guesthouses, Airbnbs, or luxury resorts. We stayed at an Airbnb with a private room and bathroom, and it was about 5-minutes away from the main town by walking. 

Easter Island, Chile. Photo by Life Of Doing.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler

Nicknamed the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires has so many things to experience! You can enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and experiences of this beautiful city. 

One of the most unique things to do in Buenos Aires is to pay your respects at the Recoleta Cemetery. It’s the resting place of many powerful and famous of Argentina – including Evita Peron. The architecture is stunning, but be respectful to others visiting. 

The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is home to incredible artwork from South America and around the world. Peruse through San Telmo Market on a Sunday. There are tons of antiques, handmade items, and street food! Learn to tango at a class – Buenos Aires is the home of the tango! At the heart of the city, you’ll see the floralis generica – a 105-foot wide giant metallic flower. It blooms every day at 8 am and closes each night as a symbol of rebirth.

For a break from the city, head to the Tigre to explore the delta. You can take the train for only 6 pesos ($.38 USD) and takes about an hour. You can get on the water in a sculling boat or kayak for some exercise. It’s a great way to see the area. 

Floralis Generica. Photo by The Directionally Challenged Traveler

Mendoza Wine Region, Argentina

Recommended by Cecily of Groovy Mashed Potatoes

If you are a wine lover and are looking for a place to unwind, you won’t want to miss adding Mendoza to your Argentina itinerary. The scenic wine region is located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains and has over 1,500 wineries, making it Argentina’s largest wine region. The New World wine region is most notable for its Malbec grapes, which create a wonderful full-bodied red that pairs perfectly with a juicy steak. Malbec grapes are also one of the six grape varieties allowed in a French Bordeaux wine.

Spend your days touring unique wineries, eating delicious Argentine cuisine and relaxing at your charming vineyard hotel. Winery visits need to be made by appointment. It’s best to hire a private driver so you can try all the wine you please. Organize two winery tours and a winery lunch per day. Any more than this and your head will be spinning from all the wine tastings!

Must-visit wineries are Chandon Winery, the first Moet and Chandon winery established outside of France, and O’Fournier, a spectacular winery with a James Bond-esque architecture. For a delectable winery lunch, don’t miss dining at Bodega Azul on their outside patio.

Stay at Casa de Huespedes Finca La Azul, a quaint boutique hotel sitting on the vineyard with fantastic views of the Andean Mountains. The service here is exceptional. It’s the perfect place to unwind by the pool after a day of winery hopping.

Mendoza Wine Region. Photo by Groovy Mashed Potatoes.

Ushuaia, Argentina

Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler

Ushuaia is a small city located at the base of Argentina. It’s typically not thought about unless you’re visiting Antarctica. Most cruises to Antarctica leave from the port of Ushuaia. However, there are more things to do in Ushuaia than just the hotel!

The nickname “City at the End of the World” or “Fin del Mundo” was given to Ushuaia because it is considered the southernmost city in the world. There are towns and villages that are more south, but not cities. It was built as a prison town. Prisoners from Buenos Aires and other places around Argentina sent their prisoners to Ushuaia. The catch? The prisoners had to build their own prison! They hiked with oxen into the nearby National Park for supplies, but eventually built the Souther Fuegian Railway to bring lumber and supplies down. (The train is now nicknamed “Train at the End of the World” or “tren del fin del Mundo“) The prison closed in 1947 and is now a naval base in town. You’ll find remnants of the history of Ushuaia all around town – from the railway itself to historic train cars.

After your train ride, be sure to explore Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (the National Park). There are some wonderful hikes with breathtaking views! You can see the mountains of Chile across the channel. Get your souvenirs at Feria de Artesonos – an artfully decorated building that’s home to incredible art. Don’t forget to get a freshly made churro at Dooley’s Churros! If you’re in Argentina, be sure not to miss Ushuaia!

A view of Ushuaia from above, looking out the Beagle Channel. Photo by The Directionally Challenged Traveler.

Cuenca, Ecuador

Recommended by Megan of Packing Up The Pieces

The colonial city of Cuenca Ecuador is one of the best places to visit in South America in 2023. The charming historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts picturesque Plazas, authentic markets, and a new streetcar that connects the best Cuenca attractions. Cuenca has a lovely walking path along the River Tomebamba. Stop by the colorful Flower Market, or appreciate the free Pumapungo ruins in the heart of the city. For the best views of Cuenca, catch the sunset at Mirador Turi.

Cuenca offers incredible day trips, like hiking in Cajas National Park. After a high altitude hike in the Andes, soak in the thermal hot springs of Baños de Cuenca, found on the rim of an extinct volcano. The largest Inca ruins in Ecuador are just over an hour away at Ingapirca. There area a handful of nearby artisanal villages that produce specialty items and should not be missed

The best places to eat in Cuenca are found at the local markets. Try the authentic pork dish of hornados at Mercado 10 de Agosto. Doña Elsita maybe has the most delicious plates of hornados in town. Sleep in the heart of Cuenca by staying at Casa Montalvo Bed & Breakfast.

Cuenca, Ecuador. Photo by Packing Up The Pieces.

Mindo, Ecuador

Recommended by Jade of The Migrant Yogi

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path for your next South American adventure, look no further than the cloud forest of Mindo, Ecuador. Located a mere three hours by bus from the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, Mindo is a nature lovers’ dream. In this charming town, you can find everything from zip lining and canyoning to checking out chocolate factories and a butterfly farm.

Surrounded by lush vegetation and the Andes Mountains, you can imagine the ample opportunities for seeing the local wildlife as well. Mindo is famed for being one of the earth’s best biodiversity hotspots – bird watching here is among the top things to do. If you’re a night owl, you can always take a night walk through the cloud forest (with a local guide, of course), to admire some of the area’s nocturnal species, such as the elusive kinkajou.

There are a number of restaurants in town to choose from. One of the best places to eat is El Chameleon, located in the center of town. You can find a number of vegan and vegetarian options at this expat-owned popular restaurant.

The entire town is pedestrian-friendly, but taxis are available in case you’re tired from all of the adventure activities.

A waterfall in Mindo. Photo by The Migrant Yogi.

Galapagos, Ecuador

Recommended by Isabella of Boundless Roads

A Unesco Heritage site and a protected area just 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast, the Galapagos Island are a dream destination for every nature lover. 
 It’s in fact considered one of the world’s foremost destinations for wildlife viewing and you can find thousands of spectacular animal species including many endemic ones, and the beauty of it is that you can get close to them in their natural environment as they don’t feel threatened by humans.

You will be surrounded by the funny blue-footed boobies marine iguanas and most of all the cute sea lions (make sure you don’t touch them) There are different ways to visit the Galapagos Islands. If you are on a budget you may want to fly either from Guayaquil or Quito to San Cristobal or to Santa Cruz, the two most developed islands and explore with tours and island hopping. 

I would recommend a Galapagos cruise, even if it may seem a little more expensive, but it is also the only possible way to visit the most untouched and remote islands. In this case though, in order to find the best deals but also the itinerary that you want you will need to book somewhat in advance. Some operators also include domestic flights from Guayaquil or Quito.  
There are cruises for every budget and style, but most of all you can choose the best itinerary according to what you want to see. 
Regardless of how you decide to travel, the Galapagos Islands will amaze you. 

Baby seals in the Galapagos. Photo by Boundless Roads.

Quito, Ecuador

Recommended by Sydney of A World in Reach

If you’re looking for a cheap destination with plenty of culture and beauty, make sure to add Quito, Ecuador to your radar for 2023 travel.

The star of the city is Quito’s Old Town, which is one of the best-preserved colonial centers in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can explore beautiful churches and monasteries dating back to the 16th century. For incredible views of Quito, take the TeleferiQo up the side of Pichincha Volcano, where you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the sprawling city. From here, you’ll be able to appreciate its unique layout: Quito is about 25 miles long but just over 3 miles wide.

Another must-do in Quito is taking a day trip to visit Ecuador’s namesake: the Equator. You can visit the equator at two different sites: the Intiñan Museum and the Middle of the World Monument. You can’t visit a new destination without sampling its cuisine, and Mercado Central is a must for your Quito itinerary. The market is home to numerous stalls selling favorite local dishes for super low prices – you can easily get a multi-course meal for less than $5 USD.

Accommodation is cheap in Quito – you can find boutique hotels and luxurious Airbnbs for prices similar to cheap hotels in major US and European cities. Masaya Hotel Quito is a great choice near the Old Town.

Voto Nacional in Quito. Photo by A World in Reach.

Guyana

Recommended by Claudia of My Adventures Across The World

If you are looking for a truly unique, lesser-known destination for your 2023 travels in South America, head to Guyana. Set between Venezuela, Brazil, and Suriname, Guyana is home to many sites of unique natural beauty and interesting indigenous cultures and is a perfect place to visit for extreme adventure kind of travelers and anyone who has a knack for wildlife and birdwatching. Among the best things to do in Guyana, there is piranha fishing in the Amazon basin. The best place to do that is Rewa River, where the local community will show you the secrets to how it is done. While comforts in this part of the country are little, this is a great place to completely disconnect from the stress of daily life. 

Visiting the capital Georgetown is another must. The city has a fabulous Caribbean feel! Make sure to visit the local markets and then head to a rum distillery for a tasting experience. 
The cherry on the cake of a trip to Guyana, however, is Kaieteur Falls. Beautifully remote, this one-drop waterfall only receives a handful of visitors daily. It can be reached via flights from Georgetown (the view from the plane is absolutely breathtaking) or after a challenging 5 day guided hike through the jungle. Once there, you will be guided to various viewpoints to admire the waterfall in all its might. 

For a comfortable stay in Georgetown, opt for Cara Lodge, a nice heritage hotel with comfortable rooms and a lush garden. The best restaurant in town is The Backyard Café. chef Delven Adams prepares interesting, tasty dishes using local ingredients he gets daily from the local market. If you care to try Guyanese Food, make sure to eat cook-up rice – a dish of rice and beans that can be found in any eatery in the country.

Kaieteur Falls. Photo by My Adventures Across The World.

Pin “Dream Destinations in South America” for Later!

Best Places to Visit in South America
Best Places to Visit in South America
Best Places to Visit in South America

Which one of these are you most excited to visit? Let me know in the comments!

1 thought on “23 Best Places to Visit in South America”

  1. I can’t wait to travel to South America for the first time! There are some beautiful locations in your blog post that I’ve now added to my list.

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