Places to visit in South America are many, by this traveling around in South America for a year of time has given me a glimmer of all the sparkling delights. South America is surrounded by marvelous destinations with beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking mountains and incredible sophisticated ruins and cultures that go decades back in the history of humanity.
21 Sensational Places to Visit in South America includes:
Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia.
I haven’t been everywhere in South America, or at least not yet. This blog post is the list of 25 Spectacular places that I have visited during my travels in South America, yes I miss some of the classic spots, but then again I have discovered the undiscovered places or the places that got forgotten due to the famous sites. Sometimes it is not about the places visited, but about the food or the people or the energy of the place.
If you are planning to travel around in South America, start planning your budget and include the activities you want to do as well. South America is less pricey than Europe, but you still need around 1500 US dollars per month traveling (backpacking) and doing the fun things as well, like eating, scuba diving, horseback riding and did I mention eating ice cream?
The Ultimate Bucket List in South America
I’m starting from Argentina, towards Uruguay, and then back to Argentina, moving towards Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. By this, some countries are missing indeed. I still think it is a great start for exploring the continent and creating the bucket list for the adventures you want to do in South America. I’m for sure glad, that I have ticked off these boxes in my Bucket List of South America.
1. Buenos Aires the City that Hypnotizes You, Argentina
Why is Buenos Aires number one on my list? That’s the first place I visited in South America, and that’s when I understood; I’m home, far away from home. If you are planning to travel around in South America, you should give it a stop at least for a week!
Buenos Aires is maybe one of the best cities in the world, the energy is vibrating on another level, people are hustling around, but somehow most slowly. People are eating half a kilo of meat a day in Palermo and are pretending to be vampires at night, and then who do not love a nap in the middle of the day?
Take a glass of Malbec and enjoy the energy of Buena Onda, the good vibe.
Read More:
La Boca – The Colorful Neighborhood of Buenos Aires
La Boca in Argentina 
Argentina 
Parilla in Argentina 
Casa Rosada in Argentina 
Dulce de Leche 
Neighbours
Avenue the America in Buenos Aires
2. Iguazu Falls Argentina & Brazil
It’s probably one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world!! And are also a part of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Yes, you should do the Argentinean side and the Brazilian side, because they give different views of the waterfalls that are spectacular in their unique way.
World Heritage Site
with 275 Watterfalls
Read More:
Iguazu Falls Argentinae
Iguazu Falls Brazil
3. Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
After being in Buenos Aires, you take the boat over to Colonia del Sacramento, and escape the hypnotizing effect of Buenos Aires. You finally managed to leave that love affair. Colonia del Sacramento is an antique little town in Uruguay, that makes your pulse slow down entirely, and suddenly you forget the hours and end up drinking coffee with your friends for the next three hours. And almost forgot to catch the bus to Montevideo.
4. Montevideo the Capital of Uruguay
Well, the plan was Cabo Polonia, which everyone should visit if being in Uruguay, of course also Punta del Este if you want to party like you were in St. Tropez. Somehow I ended up in Montevideo, due to short time for traveling. Montevideo is the little brother to Buenos Aires.
What I loved about the capital of Uruguay, is that it is maybe the sleepiest capital I have ever visited. I did spend Sunday in Montevideo. When I crossed the main avenue with four lines, it was more or less without cars. They had the cutest Sunday market. If you need a weekend getaway from Buenos Aires, then little brother: Montevideo is an excellent choice, and the best they have the lovely Tannat wine, a grape that is forgotten in the old wine world.
5. Patagonia Argentina
If you love hiking, spectacular mountains, and incredible scenery, then go to Patagonia Argentina and take a break from the world in El Chaltén between the mountains like Fitz Roy. Spending 5 Days Traveling in Patagonia Argentina is maybe one of my best travel decisions in South America.
6. Perito Moreno in Argentina
Perito Moreno is one of only three glaciers in the world that grows rather than retreat. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s incredible with its massive height that goes as high as 75 meters. Perito Moreno is a most when exploring Patagonia Argentina and are one the sensational Places to Visit in South America. It is genuinely a massive block of ice that is stunning and the sound when the ice-blocks drops in the water will give you some goosebumps and excitement.
7. Santiago de Chile
From Mendoza to Santiago de Chile with a bus is indeed a grand bus trip through the Andes Mountains. I would recommend this budget-friendly way of crossing the border into Chile.
Mendoza to Santiago de Chile with Bus
Santiago de Chile was a natural stop along my backpacking route through South America. I had three popping days in Santiago de Chile. The best part was probably all the cool street art and the San Cristobal Hill, and Bellavista Barrio with the selection of restaurants and nightlife. The best trip was the winery of the famous Castillo de Diablo, perfect for a mid-day trip with some wine and great scenery.
The saddest part of my days in Santiago was that i did not plan for more time in Chile. For some reason, I think was affected by the Argentinean and there lack of interest for Chile. One day I have to go back and visit Valparaíso and explore Torres del Paine in Patagonia Chile. And also San Pedro de Atacama.
From Mendoza to Santiago de Chile 
San Cristobal Hill 
Bellavista Barrio 
Pauline Travels 
8. Casilero del Diablo, Chile
If you are not a wine lover, keep scrolling down! If you are a wine lover, well then make sure to have a day for exploring the wine region outside of Santiago de Chile. I had one day of exploring the winery of Concha y Toro, the producers that have the famous wine bottle with the name: Casillero del Diablo the Cellar of the Devil.
Concha y Toro Winery 
9. Cusco the Entrance to Machu Picchu, Peru
Cusco city is the entrance to Machu Picchu, and where the altitude starts at 3 400 Meters above sea level. Flying in from Santiago de Chile with a hangover is not recommended. Fighting the stairs to my dorm, my first day in Cusco went slow. Cusco is a magnificent city with colors, culture, and rich Peruvian food with every ingredient from the Amazons that you probably will never know the name. My best memory from Cusco was in the local market drinking fruit juices from the tastiest and exotic fruits I have ever tasted before.
10. Machu Picchu, Peru
Do I even need to explain? As voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the world and a UNESCO world heritage site in 1938. You don’t want to miss Machu Picchu when you are in Peru, and is absolutely one of the 21 sensational places to visit in South America. It is a once in a lifetime experience. It was an incredible experience to walk around and see the accuracy and the precision the Inca people put into their constructions. Machu Picchu is another level of intelligence, filled with mystery and admiration.
Read More:
Travel to Machu Picchu On a Budget Or Convenient
11. Lima City the Capital of Peru & Dining the Amazon
The number one reason to go to Lima is the food scene if you ask me. Lima is the grandest food scene in Latin America. You can eat everything in Lima! The City is a fusion of Amazon, Inka, and the modern world.
Lima is a sizable city with many variations and attractions! In the end, it is all about what you want to experience in the city? All the choices are in Lima, Peru.
There are must-see things in Lima as in any capital of the world. Don’t miss them. My favorite was eating Ceviche in different places, hanging out in Miraflores and live in Barranco the neighborhood with soul and history.
12. Ceviche in Lima, Peru
The best surprise about Lima and Peru is the Ceviche that is maybe some of the best seafood I have tasted when it comes to seafood around the world. And it should not be missed when exploring Lima and the generous, vibrant food scene of Latin America. When a Norwegian girl that is from the coast of Norway, says the seafood is good, it is holy.
It is safe to eat Ceviche in Peru. I was never sick after eating Ceviche, and it is the freshest seafood food you can eat in Peru.
13. Barranco in Lima, Peru
One of the best parts about traveling around in the countries and cities is the exploration of neighborhoods. I love finding does small quirky neighborhoods that give you a taste of the town, and it’s soul. In Lima, that neighborhood is Barranco, and I ended up staying there for five days, walking around watching the architecture and eating on the corner restaurant. And making locals explain to me the ceviche variations.
14. San Cristobal in Galapagos, Ecuador
If you are traveling to South America, why not make sure to have enough money for a lavish adventure for some days? Galapagos is maybe one of the most exciting places left in the world. There are animals you will never see any other areas, and the wilderness is utterly precious and pure.
I spent around 12 days in San Cristobal Island, which is maybe the best island if you are staying on the island and exploring around with day trips and diving. I went on a budget!
15. Sea Lions in Galapagos, Ecuador
My best memories from 12 days in Galapagos was swimming with the sea lions in San Cristobal at the naturally shaped bay of Tijeretas. They are adorable on land; bud did you know that they are ROCKSTARS underwater? They are laughing at your swimming skills, they can bend like a banana and go everywhere, and they will even play with you! Of course, never touch them! You can kill them with the bacterias you have! The best part it was for FREE swimming around the ocean with the sea lions.
I had the pleasure of exploring San Cristobal Island in Galapagos for 12 days on a budget and as a solo female traveler. With this, I created the ultimate list of 7 Great Things to Do in San Cristobal.
16. Kicker Rock in Galapagos, Ecuador
I have been diving on some pretty magnificent locations around the world, Cozumel in Mexico, the Great Blue Hole in Belize, Great Barrier Reef Australia, Key West in the United States of America and Providencia in Colombia. I have been spoiled. Kicker Rock in Galapagos is bucket list thing to do for any adventures diver! Hard conditions, strong current and big animals – Hammerhead sharks and Galapagos shark and other sharks.
17. Cartagena de Indias in Colombia
Cartagena de Indias, is maybe the best place to start your travel in Colombia. This is probably the safest city in Colombia, and it gives the transition a bit easier if you are coming in from Europe.
I traveled
Cartagena de Indias is maybe one of the prettiest colonial towns you can find in South America. If you ever wondered how ten colors of yellow or purple look like, you will know after being in Cartagena de Indias.
18. Getsemani in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
Getsemani is, without doubt, the coolest neighborhood in Cartagena de Indias and maybe in Colombia? The neighborhood has mesmerizing energy that pulls you to the plaza of Trinidad, and then you end up watching people for hours! The Getsemani Blog
Read it here:
Ultimate Guide to Getsemani the Authentic Neighborhood in Cartagena de Indias
19. Providencia in Colombia
I don’t know if this is fun or not, but I managed to kidnap myself faraway to Providencia in Colombia, the neighbor Island to the famous San Andres. To make myself disappear for some days, I went on a teeny tiny airplane to Providencia Island. Which is a paradise Island with 50 shades of blue water and one of the most magnificent coral reefs to dive in the
If you are looking for a perfect island escape in South America, look no further then Providencia. It has been a famous hiding place for pirates and also Drug Lords, but is now considered safe and beautiful.
20. Costeno Beach close to Santa Marta in Colombia
If you can’t go to Tayrona National Park because it is under conservation restrictions, well then discover the tranquility of Costeno Beach, even the dogs are excessively happy, you will be to if you go!
Costeno Beach is all about being and not very much about what you are doing. Have a break and get into a profound conversation on the beach, maybe the first time in a long time? Costeno beach, have minimal wifi, in the end, you surrender yourself to the situation and forget about your phone and start to live in the moment.
Colombia has many blissful beaches!
21. Cocora Valley in Salento, Colombia
One of the highest palms trees in the world can be explored in Cocora Valley close to the small town of Salento.
If you think Palms isn’t that spectacular, well think again! Cocora Valley was one of my best days in Colombia, and the surroundings give you deep calmness of tranquility and the power of beautiful nature. Take a deep breath and hug one of the tallest palms trees in the world, even if it feels stupid! Cocora Valley is utterly one of the exciting places to visit in South America! beautiful
21 Sensational Places to Visit in South America
I have a deep love for this beautiful continent; it has a vast of things to do in every corner and every country. I recommend traveling around in South America, and it is a continent with fireworks of people, culture, and places to discover.
The different cultures and the various countries keep pulling me back to explore more of South America. I have to say if you can practice some Spanish things will be more comfortable and maybe even more fun. I survived the first three months with my basic in Buenos Aires, but after speaking half okay Spanish, I love even more traveling around in South America and exploring the many levels of the continent.
If I have to chose countries, you are asking a hard question, but I do have to say that I have generous love for Colombia and Argentina, I think that is mostly because I spent the most time there, that’s where I surrounded myself to the culture and the people
Please feel free to ask any questions about South America and put on more places you wan to visit on the list!
9 Comments
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I’m glad that they also made your list!! 🙂
I’m glad to hear!! I hope you liked it 🙂
Some of these places are really on my to-go-to list. South America is stunning in all its glory. Definitely a must-see!
Takk for det! 🙂 Da har du jo fått med deg noe av det beste 🙂 Men også Galapagos og Patagonia er noe som bør oppleves en gang i livet 🙂
Herlig innlegg med flotte og fristende bilder. Galapagos og Patagonia står virkelig på listen min. Vi var i Sør-Amerika for noen år siden og da fikk vi med oss blant annet Iguazu fall, Lima og Macchu Picchu av de du nevner. Tenker at jeg må nok tilbake 🙂
Så hyggelig å høre Marianne 🙂 Du hadde jo fått besøkt en god del du også! Patagonia var kanskje det beste jeg gjorde i Sør-Amerika! Vi får møtes i Antarktis, det står høyt på listen min også!!
Dette er et innlegg som definitivt trigger reiselysten! Av disse stedene, har jeg besøkt Iguazu Falls, Colonia del Sacramento og Montevideo. Av de andre destinasjonene, er det nok Patagonia som står øverst på ønskelisten. Aller helst i kombinasjon med en tur til Syd-Georgia, Falklandsøyene og Antarktis. Det er bare litt dyrt… 😀