South America, a continent brimming with vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, has become a premier destination for travelers seeking both ecotourism and thrilling adventures. Spanning twelve diverse countries, French Guiana, and the Falkland Islands, this region offers an unparalleled array of natural wonders.
Imagine exploring nearly 7 million square miles of the Earth’s most captivating ecosystems – the Amazon rainforest, the Pantanal wetlands, the majestic Andes mountains, and the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls. You could dedicate years to uncovering the continent’s hidden gems and still only scratch the surface.
It’s a challenge to encapsulate the sheer diversity of South America’s attractions in a single article. Consider this list a curated selection of exceptionally Cool Places To Travel In South America, perfect for crafting your dream itinerary.
ARGENTINA: Land of Tango and Glaciers
1. Iguazu Falls: Nature’s Immense Power
Nestled in northern Argentina, bordering Brazil, Iguazu Falls stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur. These colossal waterfalls, ranking among the world’s largest, command attention with their sheer scale. Plunging from heights of 197 to 269 feet and stretching 1.7 miles wide, Iguazu boasts 275 individual cascades and a phenomenal average flow rate of 62,010 cubic feet per second. This natural spectacle is a must-see on any South America travel itinerary.
The falls are embraced by the verdant rainforest of Iguazu National Park, a subtropical haven teeming with life. This ecological paradise shelters over 2,000 species of vascular plants and a rich tapestry of wildlife, including tapirs, howler monkeys, and the elusive jaguars. Exploring Iguazu is an immersive experience in the heart of South American biodiversity.
2. Peninsula Valdes: Wildlife Encounters on the Atlantic Coast
Located along Argentina’s Atlantic coast, Peninsula Valdes is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its remarkable marine wildlife. It is undoubtedly one of the coolest places to travel in South America for wildlife enthusiasts. Whale watching here is exceptional, particularly from June to November when Southern right whales arrive to calve. Orcas are also frequently spotted patrolling the shores, hunting seals and sea lions.
Beyond whales, the peninsula offers opportunities to observe elephant seals, Magellanic penguins, and land animals such as guanacos (Patagonian llamas) and rheas (emu relatives). Peninsula Valdes provides unparalleled access to the fascinating fauna of Patagonia.
3. Perito Moreno Glacier: A Dynamic Ice Giant
The Perito Moreno Glacier, arguably Patagonia’s most captivating attraction, is a colossal river of ice spanning 121 square miles. Rising an impressive 240 feet above the water’s surface and remarkably still growing, this glacier is a natural wonder. Located within Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina’s Santa Cruz Province, it’s named after a renowned 19th-century explorer.
Visitors can get remarkably close to the glacier via strategically designed boardwalks or boat tours on Lake Argentino. The experience is heightened by the glacier’s dramatic sounds – the haunting cracks and groans as massive ice chunks calve into the frigid waters. For the adventurous, guided ice hiking tours offer a unique perspective directly on the glacier itself.
4. Tierra del Fuego: Journey to the End of the World
At South America’s southernmost tip lies Tierra del Fuego, an archipelago of dramatic landscapes and untamed beauty. Its capital, Ushuaia, known as “el fin del mundo” (the end of the world), marks the last frontier before Antarctica. This region is packed with cool things to do.
Adventure awaits in Tierra del Fuego, from kayaking through Lapataia Bay and hiking or skiing on Mount Castor to venturing to the legendary Cape Horn. A half-day cruise along the Beagle Channel is a popular excursion, offering breathtaking views of penguins and diverse marine wildlife in their natural habitat.
BOLIVIA: High Altitude Wonders and Salt Flats
5. Lake Titicaca: The World’s Highest Navigable Lake
Straddling the border of Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca holds the distinction of being the world’s highest navigable lake, perched at an elevation of 12,338 feet. This high-altitude lake has been a cradle of indigenous cultures for centuries, making it an essential stop for travelers interested in South America’s rich history and people.
Begin your exploration in the town of Copacabana, Bolivia, a gateway to lake tours and boat trips to Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna. On these islands, immerse yourself in local culture by arranging a homestay with welcoming families, offering an authentic and enriching travel experience.
6. Salar de Uyuni: An Otherworldly Salt Desert
Salar de Uyuni, the planet’s largest salt flat, presents an otherworldly landscape spanning approximately 4,000 square miles, blanketed by a thick salt crust. This surreal expanse holds over 50% of the world’s lithium reserves. Despite its mineral wealth, flora is sparse, mainly giant cacti, and fauna is limited to resilient flamingos.
A visit to Salar de Uyuni unveils Laguna Blanca, a white lake tinted by minerals; Laguna Verde, a green, toxic lake colored by magnesium and arsenic; and Laguna Colorada, a red lake due to algae. Each lagoon offers a unique visual spectacle in this extraordinary environment.
BRAZIL: Amazonian Majesty and Pantanal Wildlife
7. Brazilian Amazon: Heart of the World’s Rainforest
Despite deforestation impacting 20% of its area in the last 40 years, the Amazon rainforest remains a colossal ecosystem, roughly the size of the lower 48 US states and containing half of Earth’s tropical forests. Brazil encompasses about two-thirds of the 3 million square mile Amazon Basin.
The Amazon is a biodiversity hotspot, harboring around 16,000 tree species, 2,000 fish species, 1,300 bird species, over 400 mammal species, nearly 400 reptile species, and an astonishing 2.5 million insect species. Venturing into the Brazilian Amazon is an unparalleled nature immersion, but remember, bug repellent is essential!
8. Pantanal: The World’s Largest Tropical Wetlands
Known as the Pantanal, these 75,000 square-mile wetlands straddling southwestern Brazil and eastern Bolivia constitute the world’s largest tropical wetland. Approximately 80% of the region submerges during the wet season, while the dry season transforms it into a haven for wildlife, particularly birdwatchers.
The Pantanal supports around 3,500 plant species, 300 mammal species, and over 1,000 bird species. Keep an eye out for hyacinth macaws, harpy eagles, white-banded tanagers, and the elusive jaguars, which thrive in this region. The Pantanal is a prime destination for wildlife observation in South America.
CHILE: Wine Country and Patagonian Peaks
10. Chilean Wine Country: Vineyards and Andes Views
Chile’s wines have earned global acclaim, exporting to Europe since the 1880s. Its emergence as a wine tourism destination is more recent, driven by its favorable climate and stunning Andean backdrop. This makes it a cool and sophisticated place to travel in South America.
Chile’s premier wine regions include the Colchagua Valley, celebrated for Malbec, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, and the Maipo Valley, renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, and Merlot. Exploring Chilean wine country offers a delightful blend of viticulture and scenic beauty.
11. Torres del Paine National Park: Patagonian Wilderness Trekking
Located in the heart of Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park delivers an unmatched wilderness experience. This remote park is a highlight for cool places to travel in South America for adventure. Avid hikers will find joy in the famed W Trek, traversing towering rock formations, including the iconic Paine Massif, stunning blue glacial lakes, and expansive grasslands dotted with wildflowers.
The park’s diverse wildlife, ranging from foxes and guanacos to Andean condors and pumas, adds another layer of appeal. Torres del Paine is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
COLOMBIA: Caribbean Charm and Coastal Parks
12. Cartagena: A Jewel of the Caribbean Coast
Cartagena, a personal favorite and a UNESCO-protected port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is truly captivating. Its walled Old Town, dating back to the 16th century, showcases fortresses, vibrant colonial architecture, public squares, and numerous historical monuments. Cartagena is a must-visit for anyone seeking cool places to travel in South America with historical and cultural richness.
Beyond history, Cartagena offers beautiful beaches and the tranquil tropical ambiance of the Islas de Rosario (Rosario Islands), a short 40-minute boat ride away. This city seamlessly blends history, culture, and Caribbean relaxation.
13. Tayrona National Park: Secluded Beaches and Jungle Trails
Nestled on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast, about 110 kilometers east of Barranquilla, Tayrona National Park is a secluded paradise boasting pristine beaches, biodiverse rainforests, and a car-free environment. Reaching the park’s accommodations requires an hour’s hike, adding to its remote charm.
Tayrona National Park is one of the most amazing places in South America to escape the everyday. Wildlife abounds, from diverse birdlife and monkeys to crocodiles, making it an adventure immersed in nature.
ECUADOR: Equator Adventures and Island Wonders
14. Galapagos Islands: Darwin’s Living Laboratory
Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a nature lover’s dream, teeming with unique endemic flora and fauna. Designated the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, this archipelago profoundly influenced Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. The Galapagos are undeniably cool places to travel in South America for science and nature enthusiasts.
Exploring the Galapagos today feels much like it did in Darwin’s time, with a minimal human presence and incredible wildlife at every turn, including Galapagos tortoises, penguins, sea lions, and many more fascinating species.
15. Quito: High-Altitude Colonial Capital
Ecuador’s capital, Quito, situated nearly 9,842 feet above sea level, is breathtaking in both senses of the word. Historically significant, Quito was conquered by the Inca and then the Spanish, resulting in stunning colonial architecture.
A cable car ride to 13,779 feet provides panoramic views of Quito and, on clear days, the Cotopaxi volcano. Nearby attractions include Mitad del Mundo (“Center of the Earth”), marking the equator with a monument and museum.
PERU: Inca Heritage and Amazonian Depths
16. Ballestas Islands: Peru’s Mini Galapagos
Often called “the poor man’s Galapagos,” the Ballestas Islands, off the coast of Pisco, are home to hundreds of thousands of seabirds, including boobies, large sea lion colonies, penguins, and dolphins. These islands offer a fantastic wildlife spectacle and are among the cool places to travel in South America for budget-conscious travelers.
Daily boat tours from the mainland take visitors past the “Candelabra,” a mysterious hillside geoglyph of ancient origin. Between June and August, Chilean flamingos often grace the southern part of the bay.
17. Machu Picchu: Lost City of the Incas
Machu Picchu, widely recognized as one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites, was constructed at the peak of the Inca Empire in the mid-15th century. Perched atop a mountain 8,000 feet high in the Andes, Peru’s most famous tourist attraction welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually.
The magnificent architecture of this ancient city remains largely intact, featuring massive stone walls, ancient temples, and verdant terraces overlooking a canyon carved by the Urubamba River and the surrounding Andes. Machu Picchu is an iconic symbol of South American history and a must-see destination.
18. Peruvian Amazon: Untamed Biodiversity by River
The world’s fourth-largest rainforest, the Peruvian Amazon, encompasses roughly 60% of Peru’s total area. It is a remarkably pristine biodiversity hotspot, supporting around 180 reptile species, 262 amphibian species, 293 mammal species, 806 bird species, and 2,500 butterfly species.
Plant enthusiasts will find over 700 fern species and more than 7,300 flowering plant species. The Peruvian Amazon is best explored by boat, offering an unforgettable small-ship cruise experience through this natural wonderland.
19. Sacred Valley: Inca Ruins Beyond Machu Picchu
Did you know Machu Picchu isn’t the largest, oldest, or most significant Inca site in Peru? For those, explore the lesser-known ruins of the Sacred Valley. Start at Pisac, an Inca agricultural center with terraced mountainsides.
Discover remarkable stonework in Vitcos and Ollantaytambo (the start of the Inca Trail), the circular Moray ruins, and Winay Wayna, resembling a miniature Machu Picchu. The Sacred Valley provides a deeper dive into Inca civilization and is a cool place to travel in South America for history buffs.
URUGUAY: Pampas and Untamed Landscapes
20. Pampas: South America’s Fertile Lowlands
Though less famous than other ecotourism destinations, the Uruguayan Pampas deserve recognition as one of South America’s best places to visit. These fertile lowlands cover nearly 290,000 square miles, encompassing Uruguay and parts of Argentina and Brazil.
The temperate climate supports regenerative agriculture and diverse wildlife, including pampas deer, plains viscacha, puma, maned wolf, pampas fox, and an impressive array of birds. The Pampas offer a unique glimpse into South America’s rural landscapes and wildlife.
