South America is a continent full of culture, history, and natural beauty. While it may be tempting to just book a flight and dive right in, there are a few things you should know before you visit. There is no one way, to sum up, the immense and varied continent of South America. However, there are a few key things that everyone should know before venturing into this amazing part of the world. From the Inca Empire to the Amazon rainforest, here are our pick of the top 10 things to know about South America before you visit.
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Iguazu Falls, Argentina
More than 250 waterfalls can be found in the tropical jungle of Argentina and Brazil at Iguazu Falls. The best views are from the Argentinean side. From there, you will be able to get even closer to the falls.
South America is full of natural wonders that make it charming. One of those wonders is the Iguazu Falls that Argentina and Brazil share
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Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile
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Torres del Paine is considered one of South America’s most beautiful national parks. The Patagonian part of the reserve offers hiking enthusiasts some of the most stunning scenery, including emerald forests, crystal lakes, and spectacular glaciers.
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Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
Located in South America, Lake Titicaca is home to a number of indigenous communities that have preserved the country’s culture and history. Visit the floating islands of the Uros people, a group of 60 islands, and spend time with the local families.
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Machu Picchu, Peru
Among the best-preserved archaeological sites of the ancient Incan culture is Machu Picchu. Located high in the Andes mountains, one can either hike or take the train to reach this hidden gem.
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The Amazon via Quito, Ecuador
Ecuador is one of the most popular entryways to the Amazon. Experience one of our planet’s most unique ecological communities, which is home to colorful birds, monkeys, jaguars, caimans, iguanas, and anacondas.
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Angel Falls, Venezuela
Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall in the world at 979 meters. With its remote location in Canaima National Park, it is a difficult sight to catch, but one that you are unlikely to forget.
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Easter Islands, Chile
Around 1000 monolithic statues are scattered over the landscape of Chile’s Easter Islands. In addition to this piece of Polynesian culture, the island’s beaches offer excellent opportunities for surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
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Huacachina, Peru
In the south of Peru, Huacachina is a magical oasis amidst a desert landscape. A turquoise lagoon and enormous dunes surround the small village with several resorts and restaurants.
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Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
The Fernando de Noronha archipelago consists of 21 islands just north of the Brazilian coast. Only 420 visitors are allowed on the main island at a time, but once you arrive you will be rewarded with breathtaking seaside scenery.
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Asuncion, Paraguay
When you prefer to avoid mass tourist attractions, Asuncion will be your cup of tea. The Paraguayan capital is home to 65 per cent of the country’s population under 30 and offers a vibrant nightlife, shops, markets and other cultural experiences.
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Valparaiso, Chile
Valparaiso in Chile is another hidden gem. There are several cultural influences and a flourishing art scene in this little seaside village east of Santiago. Additionally, it was the birthplace of renowned poet Pablo Neruda, one of South America’s most famous writers.
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Santuario de las Lajas, Colombia
Upon crossing the border between Ecuador and Colombia, you will arrive in the town of Ipiales. There may not be much to see or do there, but it will lead to the Santuario de las Lajas, a neo-Gothic cathedral located on the bridge over the Guaitara River between 1910 and 1944.
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Potosi, Bolivia
Apart from being one of the highest cities in the world, Potosi is also one of South America’s wealthiest cities because of its silver mining history. In addition to the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, it is also home to three species of flamingos.
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Florianopolis, Brazil
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In addition to being called “The Best Place to Live in Brazil“, Florianopolis has been compared to St. Tropez and Ibiza, but without the attitude or the high prices. As a result, it offers not only a great party culture, but also outstanding surfing conditions, idyllic beaches, and fantastic seafood.
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Laguna Verde, Bolivia
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Laguna Verde is one of several stunning water gatherings in the Bolivian countryside. The colours vary depending on the weather and lighting. The majestic Licancabur volcano rises in the background of this lake, making it one of the most beautiful spots in the country.
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Los Roques, Venezuela
The Los Roques National Park consists of approximately 350 islands. The waters surrounding this island paradise in the Caribbean are home to 280 species of fish and nearly 100 different bird species.
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Perito Moreno Glacier, Venezuela
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Perito Moreno Glacier is known for its dynamic changes that result in ice falling from its front. You can see enormous ice blocks breaking off as the ice melts between November and March.
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Cartagena, Colombia
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Cartagena, a historic colonial city in South America, is one of the most beautiful cities to explore. UNESCO has designated the city a World Heritage Site, which allows a great deal of insight into colonisation in South America. Originally founded in the 16th century, the old town is situated on the Caribbean coast. There are still cobblestone streets, colourful house facades, and colonial buildings to see today. If you want to feel like you stepped back in time, this is the place for you.
Cartagena’s narrow cobblestoned streets, colourful architecture and horse-drawn carriages make it a romantic getaway for lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. Additionally, it is a mecca for designer fashions and handcrafted accessories.
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Lima, Peru
Lima’s rich cultural history makes it a feast for the eyes, soul, mind, and stomach. Ancient archaeological sites and opulent architecture from the Spanish colonial period can be found throughout the city.
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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In South America, Rio de Janeiro is a popular tourist destination. Christ the Redeemer statue, beach lifestyle, tropical countryside, and cultural history make the city famous.
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Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Ecuador is home to the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago of volcanic islands. Known for being home to a wide variety of marine wildlife, they are one of the most sought-after snorkelling and diving destinations in the world. If you have the time, this is one of those locations for which you will need to stay a while, and certainly one of the best places in South America to visit.
The Galapagos Islands should be on your bucket list if you want to get up close and personal with some of South America’s most fascinating wildlife. The place is 575 miles off Ecuador’s coast and is a haven for nature lovers and snorkelers alike.
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Kaieteur Falls, Guyana
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The small nation of Guyana is a perfect destination for those looking to travel due to its lack of infrastructure and tourism. The world’s tallest single-drop waterfall, Kaieteur Falls, can be seen on a weeklong hike in the Amazon.
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Cusco, Peru
Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, is known for its historic ruins and colonial architecture. On the way to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley is home to several high-altitude villages and ruins.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Buenos Aires is known for its juicy steaks and dancing. As the birthplace of tango, this city knows how to entertain. There is something for everyone, whether you prefer electronica, jazz, or are looking to perfect your moves at a dance salon.
There is magnificent neoclassical architecture, traditional porte*o neighbourhoods, delicious steakhouses, and milongas (tango halls). The city of Buenos Aires is considered one of the most culturally vibrant places in South America, making it an ideal destination for Argentina vacations.
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Sao Paulo, Brazil
Sao Paulo may seem overwhelming to newcomers as the largest city in Brazil. But with a little help from the locals, you’ll soon discover all the hidden treasures this place has to offer.
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Jijoca de Jericoacoara, Brazil
The idyllic fishing village of Jericoacoara is a mecca for windsurfing and kitesurfing. “Jeri”, as the locals call it, is surrounded by multiple freshwater lagoons and a lush nature reserve with vast dunes.
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Santiago de Chile
Santiago de Chile is one of those cities that is best explored on foot. Visit the city’s picturesque neighbourhoods, admire its grand architecture, and relax at the sidewalk eateries in Barrios Brazil, Lastarria, and Bellavista.
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Bogotá, Colombia
Bogotá is a great destination for tourists who are interested in experiencing the city’s vibrant and urban culture. A popular destination is the historic downtown neighbourhood, which offers a mix of well-preserved 300-year-old buildings next to restaurants, hotels and bars.
The Colombian capital has become an important business center in Latin America. It is the gateway to the millions of tourists that visit the country and has become a cosmopolitan pearl full of culture, art, and good vibes. Find out what to see in Bogota.
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Mendoza Wine Region, Argentina
Over 1500 vineyards can be found in the world-famous Mendoza wine region. With a gorgeous mountain backdrop, the region is a feast for your eyes as well as your taste buds.
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Baños, Ecuador
Baños is a gateway to the nearby Amazon Basin. You can hike tropical trails to the active Tungurahua volcano, soak in one of the mineral-rich hot springs or swing off the edge of the world from the tree house swing.
Summarily, South America is a vast continent full of wonder, surprise, and exploration. It’s not just the world’s largest island, it’s also home to hundreds of varieties of unique flowers, plants, and animals, as well as hundreds of different cultures, and thousands of years of history. There is so much to do in South America, and so many different ways to do it. Whether it’s visiting ancient pyramids or rain forests, meeting unique people, exploring ancient ruins or underground caves, catching a glimpse of local wildlife or exotic animals, or simply going out to eat, South America has something for everyone.
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