Best Travel Destinations in South America (With a Travel Guide!)

Bjorn Koch tavel south america

While Europe may immediately come to mind for most people when they hear “international travel,” there are many other gorgeous travel destinations throughout the world that you can go to, often for a much cheaper price than heading to a European country.

 

The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

 

These islands are off of the coast of Ecuador and are beautiful, rich in wildlife and with limited human corruption, so you’re entering a space that’s very close to how nature intended. You’ll encounter unique wildlife specimens who remain relatively unafraid of humans. Visitors can even snorkel with sea lions and turtles!

 

 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 

The former capital of Brazil has stunning white sand beaches and a vibrant nightlife; you won’t feel at a loss for things to do while you’re here! Rio is home to the famous beach, Ipanema, and is a beautiful place to relax. Carnival is a fantastic festival to experience, as is a hike to the Christ the Redeemer statue that overlooks the city.

 

Argentine Patagonia, Argentina

 

The Patagonia region is rich with a variety of different environments. From the stunning mountain ranges, to the Lake District, and prairies with roaming cattle, this is the perfect South American destination to see stunning vistas. This area has been referred to as South America’s best national park, which is no surprise considering all of the natural beauty for your eyes to feast upon.

 

Angel Falls, Venezuela

 

Angel Falls is located in Canaima National Park and is the tallest waterfall in the world – it’s 19 times higher than Niagara Falls! It’s in a pretty remote location as well, around 1000 miles outside of the capital of Venezuela, so you won’t be overwhelmed by the amount of tourists. Getting there is a bit of a trek, either by boat, flying, or hiking through the jungle, but the trip will be a great adventure.

 

Huacachina, Peru

 

Huacachina is a tiny city located in the middle of the desert in Peru. It’s a literal oasis city, mainly around for the use of tourists to come and visit. There’s a lagoon that’s rumored to have a mermaid in it and buggy rides over the sand dunes that are at a breakneck pace! End your day at Huacachina by watching a sunset over the sand dunes, a truly unforgettable experience.

 

Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

 

This lake is set in the middle of the Andes mountains and has gorgeous views of the sky and mountains surrounding it. Plan to go out on the lake on a clear day, when the clouds and mountains will be reflected on the mirror-like surface. It’s South America’s largest lake and possesses a rich history, with various groups of indigenous people living around the lake, who are often willing to teach a visitor about their way of life.