10 best travel destinations in South America

Caught the travel bug? Then this list of the ten most beautiful destinations in South America is just what you’re looking for. Here we’ve brought together all the highlights the continent is famous for: fascinating places of almost magical beauty that simply must be seen when travelling through South America.

A word of warning: everyone at Viventura has a deep and genuine love for South America, so we’re not entirely objective when we say that some of the world’s most beautiful destinations are found here. That said, one thing is undeniable – the sheer variety of highlights is extraordinary. Each one, in its own right, is worth a journey all by itself.

Take a look at our current Viventura journeys here!

The Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world, covering an area of around 3800 square miles (~10,000km²). In some places, the salt crust is even up to ten metres thick.

This vast, desert-like expanse is a surreal paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike. February is an especially tempting time to visit the Salar de Uyuni, when parts of the salt flat are covered by a thin layer of water for a few weeks. This creates a breathtaking mirror effect and dreamlike, almost surreal photo opportunities. Particularly striking are the colourful lagoons, where mineral deposits cause the salt to shimmer in shades of red, yellow and even purple.

Some routes continue from the Salar de Uyuni across the desert and over the Chilean border, leading to an entirely different category of natural wonders. These journeys therefore combine several of South America’s most beautiful destinations in one remarkable experience.

A small word of warning: unrefined salt does not taste good at all, so best keep your fingers off it!

If you would like to experience the otherworldly beauty of the Salar de Uyuni for yourself, we recommend our grand Explorer journey through Peru, Bolivia and Chile. Along the way, you’ll visit world-famous highlights such as Machu Picchu, as well as Bolivia and the vast salt flats themselves.

Travelling by 4x4 jeep, we cross the desert in full, even stopping at the Hotel San Juan, a remarkable hotel built entirely from salt. An unforgettable adventure through some of South America’s most extraordinary landscapes.

Few cities are as polarising, defined by such striking contrasts and yet blessed with such extraordinary natural beauty. Surrounded by sea, rainforest and mountains, it’s easy to see why Rio de Janeiro ranks among the ten most beautiful destinations in South America.

Discover the slightly faded glamour of bygone days along the world-famous Copacabana beach, visit the iconic statue of Cristo Redentor and meet the warm-hearted Cariocas, the people of Rio. Samba, Carnival and the legendary meat restaurants known as churrascarias may well keep you in Rio longer than you ever expected.

Would you like to experience Rio and combine it with the Iguazú Falls at the same time? On our 20-day Patagonia: Andes, glaciers and tropics tour, we show you some of the key highlights of the country’s beauty.

Are you craving white sandy beaches and lush green jungle? Then it’s time for Tayrona National Park.

Along this stretch of Colombia’s Caribbean coast lies a true paradise – the park is sacred land for Indigenous communities. Sink into a hammock, grab a surfboard or simply let the waves wash over your feet.

If you’d rather follow in the footsteps of Indiana Jones, set out on the adventurous trek to Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City. Deep in the jungle, traces of ancient civilisations and dramatic mountain scenery await.

Off to paradise! Tayrona National Park, mystical statues and the Tatacoa Desert all feature on our 20-day Explorer Journey through Colombia.

Ciudad Perdida in Colombia is by no means the only “Lost City” on this ancient continent, Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the number one sight in all of South America. Almost everyone has heard of the former Inca citadel, once forgotten and now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Without question, Machu Picchu ranks among the most impressive and best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Set high in the Peruvian Andes, it can be reached, among other ways, via the Inca Trail. This route requires an experienced guide, a good level of fitness and enough time to acclimatise to the altitude changes.

As a more relaxed alternative to the demanding Inca Trail hike, there is a train from Cusco to the gateway town of Aguas Calientes. From there, you can either tackle the early-morning ascent on foot or take a bus up to the ruins, arriving comfortably at the famous site.

Watching the sun rise over this magical setting is worth every effort. It is unquestionably one of the ten most beautiful destinations in South America. Our advice, if you wish to visit Machu Picchu, plan well in advance. The Inca Trail, train tickets and the climb of Huayna Picchu are often fully booked far ahead, Machu Picchu has not been a hidden secret for a long time.

On our round trips through Peru, such as the Peru: Treasures of the Andes, all entrance fees are already included. To avoid the large crowds of day visitors, we rise as early as five in the morning, allowing us to enjoy the precious early hours almost to ourselves.

Angel Falls in Venezuela is the world’s highest free-falling waterfall, with water plunging from a height of over 3200 feet (~980 metres). The “Angel’s Leap” takes its name from the pilot Jimmie Angel, who rediscovered the waterfall more than 20 years after it was first recorded in 1910 while on a gold prospecting expedition. Only by executing a daring dive over the edge of the plateau did he manage to escape – hence the name Salto Ángel: where Angel leapt.

This spectacular natural wonder lies deep within Canaima National Park. Dense jungle and extraordinary biodiversity make the journey itself an unforgettable experience which is why this is without question one of the most beautiful destinations in South America.

Few places have played such a pivotal role in our understanding of human evolution as the Galapagos Islands.

A boat trip across shimmering turquoise waters, snorkelling alongside sea turtles – it’s no surprise they rank among our ten most beautiful destinations in South America.

Discover the UNESCO-listed “enchanted islands”, stroll along idyllic beaches shared with sea lions and blue-footed boobies, and experience the extraordinary biodiversity of this vast Pacific archipelago off the coast of Ecuador.

Would you like to relax by the sea while also hiking, spotting wildlife, and exploring volcanoes? With Galapatours, you can discover the Galapagos Islands, experiencing everything these amazing islands have to offer. Explore our journeys and enjoy unforgettable adventures both on land and at sea.

Just two hours from Puerto Natales lies a true trekking classic and one of our most beautiful destinations in South America, Torres del Paine National Park.

The park takes its name from the three towering bluish stone spires that rise above glaciers and lakes. “Paine” is an old Spanish word meaning blue.

To truly appreciate the park, it is worth allowing time for a multi-day trek such as the Big Circuit, which opens in November. If you prefer not to carry tents and heavy packs yourself, we recommend travelling with a guide who provides food and equipment, allowing you to focus fully on the landscapes around you.

Has the urge to explore taken hold? On our extensive Explore Patagonia Tour, you can set out on trekking routes through extraordinary scenery and paddle by canoe through dramatic fjords. The journey does a full round-trip of Argentina, starting in Buenos Aires before heading south towards Tierra del Fuego before coming back north to Iguazu Falls, allowing you to visit 3 countries in a single trip.

The island of Rapa Nui is one of the most isolated and mysterious places in the world. Lying far from the mainland in the Pacific Ocean, it officially belongs to Chile and was formerly known as Easter Island. Although the roughly 6,000 inhabitants of Rapa Nui now rely largely on tourism, the island remains the most extraordinary of our South American destinations.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers fascinating insights into the island’s unique Polynesian culture alongside striking natural landscapes. The undisputed highlight is, of course, the Moai statues, created by the Indigenous Rapa Nui people as part of their spiritual traditions to honour their ancestors. These monumental stone figures have endured for centuries and continue to leave a powerful and unforgettable impression.

The Iguazú Falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, straddling the border between Brazil and Argentina.

Accessible from both countries, they are not only higher than Niagara Falls, but also twice as wide. This sheer scale famously prompted Eleanor Roosevelt to offer her condolences to Niagara Falls after visiting Iguazú.

Take your time to admire the waterfalls from every angle. Several excellent walking trails lead you to the most impressive viewpoints. Don’t forget a waterproof cover for your camera, especially if you plan to take a boat trip, as you certainly won’t stay dry.

The national parks on both sides protect what remains of the Atlantic Rainforest, making this natural spectacle without doubt one of South America’s most beautiful destinations.

After the Iguazú Falls, are you ready for even more of South America? Our ABC Explorer Journey through South America takes you across three countries, Argentina, Brazil and Chile. Over 20 days, you’ll marvel at waterfalls and glaciers, explore the southernmost city in the world and dance the night away in Buenos Aires.

The Amazon is far more than just any rainforest. It is the rainforest.

Stretching across nine countries, with Brazil holding the largest share, it accounts for over half of the world’s remaining rainforest area. It is also home to numerous Indigenous communities and, with more than 16,000 plant and animal species, represents the most biodiverse ecosystem on Earth.

It is little surprise, then, that the Amazon rainforest and its lifeblood, the Amazon River, are counted among the New Seven Wonders of Nature and feature on our list of the most beautiful destinations in South America.

Nature lovers will find endless rewards here: guided walks through the jungle, birdwatching, canoe trips and insight into the daily lives of Indigenous communities. And with a bit of luck, you may even catch sight of a jaguar or the elusive pink river dolphin.

Would you like to experience the best of Brazil’s natural and cultural wonders? On our Argentina, Brazil and Chile Explore Tour, you’ll discover Brazil’s most iconic highlights, including the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls and the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy guided visits to lush rainforests, feel the energy of Brazil’s famous beaches, and immerse yourself in the country’s lively atmosphere—an unforgettable Brazilian adventure awaits you.

So, has your wanderlust been awakened? Would you like to experience these highlights of South America for yourself? Take a look at our bestselling journeys, which combine several countries and many of these top destinations.

Viventura, we are South America.