Whoever travels to South America can dive into some of the most diverse natural landscapes and cultures in the world. From the Amazon rainforest to the mysterious temples of Machu Picchu on to the lively Rio de Janeiro. Here you can find out which destinations you have to see and which are the best places to visit in South America.
1. Rio de Janeiro
Often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Brazil is Rio – the “second capital”. What makes it so unique is the perfect scenery of its hills, forests and beaches. In the midst of this nature you will find the local Rio inhabitants called Cariocas, who will always keep up their good mood no matter how hard their lives are.
2. Buenos Aires
Argentina’s metropolis inspires with its almost Mediterranean way of life and its unique vitality. In the historical city centre, the magnificent buildings of the 19th and early 20th centuries are concentrated and you might feel like you are actually in another country at times. This diverse flair and the friendly locals make Buenos Aires a perfect place to explore on your South America trip.
3. Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon rainforest is one of the most impressive jungles in the world and in order to dive deep into nature, a boat tour or a jungle lodge is recommended. This is the best way to get close to the wealth of the Amazon and especially its flora. More than 60,000 plant species grow here and there are more species on one square kilometre than in the whole of Europe!
4. Salto Angel
The Salto Angel waterfall in Venezuela is the highest free-falling waterfall in the world with almost 1,000 meters height. The spectacular location lies deep in the Canaima National Park. Dense jungle and an enormous variety of species make the trek an unforgettable experience – a must-see when in South America!
5. Easter Island
Easter Island is one of the most isolated and mysterious places in the world. Far from the mainland, it officially belongs to Chile and hosts around 6,000 inhabitants nowadays. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers fascinating impressions of Polynesian culture and spectacular nature and you might know the famous Moai rock heads.
6. Machu Picchu
Whoever hasn’t seen Machu Picchu missed one of the best places to visit in South America – at least that’s what South Americans say. Without a doubt, the “old summit”, as Machu Picchu is called, is the most impressive Inca ruin on the continent on a height of 2,400 meters in the middle of the Andes. In the high season more than 2,000 visitors explore the World Heritage Site daily and it is recommended to get up really early to avoid the main crowds or maybe even see an amazing sunrise over the surrounding mountain world.
7. Bogotá
Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is one of the fastest growing cities and metropolitan regions in South America. With its old town, Monserrate and its rich offer of art and culture, Bogotá is steadily gaining in popularity with tourists. If you get close to Colombia somehow, make sure to visit this vibrant city!
8. Venezuela
Venezuela belongs to the most interesting countries in South America with its barely explored nature and highly diverse plant world. You could easily spend a few weeks exploring the country’s cities and more importantly its forests so it is a good idea to look more into the things you can do in Venezuela!
9. Galapagos Islands
A boat trip through crystal blue waters, snorkeling with sea turtles – one of the best places to visit in South America are the Galapagos Islands! Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the islands are a paradise for those who want to stroll along dream beaches between seals and other sea animals while experiencing the biodiversity of the huge island archipelago.
10. Bolivia
Bolivia probably gives you one of the most original experiences into the times before Columbus arrived. There are countless relics of the Inca period that can be visited and give a good insight into this culture. Those who travel to Bolivia can expect a spectacular nature, with tropical rainforests, huge mountains and deserts covering almost any kind of landscape you could imagine, making it one of the best places to visit in South America!
