South America is a continent of dramatic contrasts: soaring peaks, sprawling rainforests, windswept deserts, and colorful colonial cities. Whether you crave remote wilderness, rich history, or vibrant urban culture, these 19 destinations should be on your radar. If you’re traveling solo and want city ideas or practical tips, consider the curated list of best cities for solo travelers in South America to help plan your route.
- Machu Picchu, Peru
An iconic Inca citadel perched high in the Andes, Machu Picchu rewards hikers and history lovers alike with dramatic terraces, stonework, and sweeping valley views. Visit early in the morning to catch mist rolling off the mountains. - Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
A living laboratory of evolution, the Galápagos offers unparalleled wildlife encounters—giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies—plus crystal-clear snorkeling and volcanic landscapes. - Iguazú Falls, Argentina/Brazil
One of the world’s largest waterfall systems, Iguazú’s thundering cascades are framed by subtropical rainforest. Walk the catwalks on both the Argentine and Brazilian sides for different perspectives. - Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Jagged granite towers, glacial lakes, and lenga forests make Torres del Paine a trekking mecca. Multi-day circuits and day hikes offer access to dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife. - Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
The planet’s largest salt flat transforms into a surreal mirror after rains and a blinding expanse of white in dry months. Visit the train cemetery, Incahuasi Island, and nearby deserts on a 4×4 tour. - Amazon Rainforest (Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia)
The Amazon Basin is a biodiversity hotspot. Stay at an eco-lodge or join a guided river expedition to see wildlife, learn about indigenous cultures, and explore flooded forests. - Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
Near El Calafate, this massive Patagonian glacier calves into Lake Argentino with spectacular crashes. Walk the viewing platforms or take a boat for a closer view. - Cartagena, Colombia
A beautifully preserved colonial port city on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena charms with pastel facades, walled streets, lively plazas, and excellent seafood. - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famed for its beaches, samba, and dramatic setting between mountains and ocean, Rio’s highlights include Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and Copacabana beach culture. - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Launched by European-style boulevards and vibrant neighborhoods like Palermo and San Telmo, Buenos Aires is the continent’s cultural hub—tango, parrillas (steakhouses), and late-night cafés. - Atacama Desert, Chile
One of the driest places on Earth, the Atacama offers otherworldly landscapes: salt flats, geysers, high-altitude lagoons, and some of the world’s best stargazing. - Lake Titicaca, Peru/Bolivia
The highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca is dotted with reed islands and traditional communities. Visit Uros floating islands and the Andean town of Copacabana. - Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile
Remote and mysterious, Easter Island’s moai statues and volcanic landscapes offer a unique cultural and archaeological experience in the middle of the Pacific. - Medellín, Colombia
Once infamous, Medellín is now celebrated for its transformation: pleasant climate, modern metro system, vibrant arts scene, and nearby cable-car trails to mountain viewpoints. - Cusco, Peru
The former Inca capital is a living museum of colonial and indigenous heritage. Use Cusco as a base for short treks, archaeological sites, and the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. - Colca Canyon, Peru
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in places, Colca Canyon offers dramatic hikes, terraced agriculture, and the chance to see Andean condors soaring above the cliffs. - Valparaíso, Chile
A colorful port city of steep hills, street art, and historic funiculars, Valparaíso’s bohemian neighborhoods and panoramic views make it an atmospheric stop along Chile’s coast. - San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
Set on a lake in the Argentine Lake District, Bariloche is popular for hiking, skiing, chocolate shops, and scenic drives through forests and alpine vistas. - La Candelaria / Bogotá, Colombia
Colombia’s capital blends museums, colonial architecture, and lively neighborhoods. La Candelaria’s cobblestone streets and cultural institutions provide a deep dive into Colombian history and art.
Conclusion
If you’re also planning trips in North America or want inspiration for travel timing, the guide to 19 Amazing Places To Visit In August In The USA offers seasonal ideas that complement a South American itinerary.