Below are the five best South American nations you should absolutely visit the following year (and perhaps even this year), along with explanations of why.
With a total of 12 nations crammed into the fourth-largest continent in the globe, South America offers a substantial amount of geography and cultural diversity to explore. Overwhelmed?
Fear not, for we have listed the top 5 nations below which travelers from all over the world have consistently agreed are safe to visit.
But first things first…
Why Ought You to Travel to South America?
Simply told, South America is a continent brimming with accolades. South America might be the spot to travel if you’ve ever wanted to take advantage of everything our wonderful planet has to offer.
The world’s longest mountain range, largest river basin, driest location on the planet, second-largest river (just after Nile), and one of the planet’s highest concentrations of species are all found on this massive continent.
In addition, the continent is filled with a diverse array of fascinating cultures, histories, traditions, cuisines, and once-in-a-lifetime destinations.
This amazing corner of Earth is shared by 12 nations, so it is understandable that the thought of visiting South America may initially sound intimidating.
You could ask yourself, “Where do I even begin?”
Fortunately, some of the South American nations that are an absolute must-see have been highlighted by the enduring recollections and input of our valued travelers, whom we have escorted on so many excursions throughout this magnificent continent.
The top 5 South American nations that you should surely keep an eye on this year are listed here, along with all of the reasons we put them there!
Peru
Peru, which is praised for being one of the Inca civilization’s birthplaces, shines with its wealth of tourist attractions, including impressive hieroglyphics, ancient ruins, and amazing valleys alive with history.
Peruvians take great pride in their past and are happy to welcome any guests who want to see the stunning elements of their secure nation.
So, put an end to only looking at breathtaking landscape photos of Peru over computers or mobile phones or gambling at online casinos at topcasinoexpert.com/country/peru/ in the fourth Latin American nation that regulated the market.
Machu Picchu
Unquestionably, Machu Picchu, the magnificent ‘Lost City’, is the treasure of Peru and the continent. This archeological marvel, perched high in the mountains, never ceases to awe tourists who travel here from all over the world to take in its everlasting beauty and breathtaking views.
With its enormous walls, terraces, and ramps—many of which were expertly cut so that they nearly fit together perfectly—Machu Picchu continues to rank as one of the Inca Empire’s finest architectural achievements.
Cuzco
Cuzco (also known as the ‘Imperial City’), which once served as the Inca Empire’s capital, is teeming with impressive and still-standing examples of the civilization’s former architectural achievements.
Walking tours are essential in this area since you’ll want to go close to witness the spectacular stonemasonry of the Incas as well as other fascinating features of their long-extinct civilization.
The Sacred Valley
The Incas adored the Sacred Valley for the abundance and fertility of its fields. As a result, there are numerous archaeological sites scattered throughout this lovely canyon in Peru, along with the ruins of Písac and Ollantaytambo, each of which is now home to tiny towns with vibrant markets.
Lima
With a population of roughly 10 million, the capital of Peru is also dubbed as the ‘City of Kings’ owing to its founding through an important Catholic holiday and feast. From its historical core to its vibrant neighborhoods, which exude a gastronomic prowess that attracts chefs from all over the world, Lima has a lot to offer.
The city is also home to a good number of museums and archeological sites. You can also enjoy the city’s views and the Pacific Ocean from lovely panoramic overlooks.
Colombia
Colombia has a vibrant spot on the extensive list of South American nations that are a must-see. Its diverse culture, numerous tourist attractions, festivals, cuisine, and, of course, its well-known coffee have all greatly increased its attractiveness.
Colombia has developed into an immensely exciting and safe place to travel thanks to the emergence of a stable administration and increased austerity with regard to crime and violence.
Bogotá
The population of Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is around 8 million. It is a modern, cosmopolitan hub that has grown to be the focus of commerce, politics, and entertainment in recent years.
With its vibrant nightlife, several museums, outstanding outdoor terrace dining and bar lifestyle, and significant shopping districts, the metropolis has also been steadily reinventing itself into a fascinating tourist attraction. Its favorable position and national airport end up making it an excellent ‘jumping off point’ for other locations across the nation, like…
The Coffee Triangle
The main region for cultivating coffee in Colombia is known as the Coffee Triangle, or ‘La Zona Cafetera’ in Spanish. Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindío are the three states (or ‘departamentos’) that make up this area, which is structured like an inverted triangle and covers each of its three corners.
Among the most stunning spots to visit in Colombia is this triangle because of its extraordinary natural beauty. Visitors may enjoy the area’s verdant valleys, unique fauna, and mild weather.
In addition to having the freshest coffee cup you’ve ever tasted, this is the ideal location for relaxing and unwinding.
Ecuador
There is no finer place to begin your exploration of South America than in the center of the globe! To make it interesting, we put this country at the center of our list. Do not let Ecuador’s little size deceive you; this country, which spans the equator, is one of the smallest Andean nations and has one of the highest biodiversity densities per square kilometer in the entire globe.
Ecuador is now one of 17 megadiverse countries. Having stated that, it is not necessary to travel far within the nation in order to find novel and exciting items.
The first and second UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world are both located in Ecuador; more on that later.
The popularity of Ecuador has greatly increased in recent years. In fact, a lot of tourists end up remaining in this country because they are so in love with it! Even expats and retirees have turned to it as their preferred location for setting down, and for good reason: year-round ideal weather, a respectable standard of living, a manageable cost of living (the US Dollar is the official currency), stunning scenery, hospitable locals, amazing tourist attractions, and all of that in a comparatively small nation.
Here is a quick list of Ecuador’s best tourist destinations:
Quito
Around 2 million people call San Francisco de Quito, the capital of Ecuador, home, and it is well known across the world for having one of South America’s best-preserved Historic Quarters. In addition, it is the top UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city of Quito, which previously functioned as the (pre- and post-Hispanic) ecclesiastical center of the Americas, is frequently overwhelmed by the sheer number of magnificent churches and cathedrals, the bulk of which can be found on almost every square in its downtown area.
Not to mention that the city is surrounded by magnificent, towering mountains, and on a clear day, you can see a few stunning volcanoes dotting the rugged horizon.
The Galápagos Islands
Yes, Ecuador includes the alluring Galápagos Islands in its territory. In actuality, the only way to get there is by traveling to Ecuador first.
The islands, which are the No. 2 UNESCO World Heritage Site, are very popular with tourists from all over the world because of their courageous indigenous species, most of which have developed over thousands of years without being preyed upon by humans or other animals.
The Galápagos National Park remains to be a relatively undisturbed, living lab of evolution because of significant advancements in restoration efforts and visitation restrictions. Visitors frequently draw parallels between it and a zoo without cages, where animals walk without restraint and calmly after having replaced their fear with curiosity around people.
The enormous, magnificent, and otherworldly descriptions of the Galápagos Islands’ volcanic vistas are also frequently used.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil, also referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’, is Ecuador’s main commercial port and an important economic hub. Due to its seaside vibes, which are reflected in its cuisine, people, nightlife, and nearby tourist attractions, it has a distinct allure for travelers. Guayaquil shines as the Pearl of the Pacific thanks to its stunning beaches, century-old haciendas, romantic boardwalk, and several vantage points across the city.
The Chocó Bioregion & Mashpi Reserve
The Mashpi Reserve, in contrast, is conveniently situated in the northwest of Quito’s Metropolitan District and is part of the Ecuadorian Chocó, a significant biogeographical zone that is situated along the west side of the Andes.
The main attraction, besides its closeness to Quito? It gives visitors access to both Ecuador’s cloud forest and rainforest, which are practically adjacent to one another!
Every kind of forest serves as a fantastic, exceptional, and unspoiled hotspot for a wide range of fauna and flora.
Although the Amazon jungle in Ecuador is sometimes praised for having the highest amount of biodiversity on earth (with hundreds of distinct species of animals, 40,000 species of plants, and over 2.5 million different types of insects), getting there is frequently a long and challenging process.
Bolivia
Bolivia, which has the world’s highest capital city, is a shining example of original culture, breathtaking scenery, and adventurous activities.
Native indigenous groups have also been able to preserve a major portion of their customs, in large part thanks to the unfortunate Spanish Conquest, which failed to penetrate Bolivia’s challenging mountainous terrain and dense rainforest.
Salar de Uyuni
These captivating salt flats are a major lure because of how stunning they appear, especially when they are wet. With just a few inches of rain falling throughout February and March, the plains become the largest mirror on Earth.
Numerous different bird species live there as well, including flamingos, which are occasionally seen grazing on the lakes.
La Paz
The highest-located capital city in the world, featuring a variety of local markets and busy streets.
Lake Titicaca
Get on a sailboat and spend a few hours touring the many, little islands that populate one of the highest navigable lakes in the world! Absorb the summits of the Andean highlands that border the distant horizon while the navy blue tones of Lake Titicaca lull you into a peaceful sense of awe and tranquility.
Chile
Simply said, there is numerous stuff to explore in Chile and it is difficult to even know where to start. The fact that the country is so big is what makes it such a great place since it can satisfy a wide range of preferences and interests.
Everyone who enjoys the outdoors, whether they are a hiker, climber, artist, wine or cuisine enthusiast, or explorer, will become infatuated with Chile.
The Atacama Desert
The world’s driest desert is located in Chile, with some areas of its landscape often lacking rain for up to many years at a time.
Still, the views are breathtaking. Vast expanses of vibrant scenery and a broad sky appear to go on endlessly under a blistering sun, and suddenly everything cools off underneath one of the most star-packed heavens you will ever lay eyes on.
The Torres del Paine National Park
Due to its picture-perfect scenery and gigantic, tower-like slabs of earth that rise up off in the distance, the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia is a continuous draw.
The National Park is additionally home to one of the world’s largest glaciated areas, which results in frigid weather (even in summer) and a remarkable presence of species in spite of this. You might even see some wild pumas if you are lucky!
Alternatively, you might decide to go independently or embark on an expedition cruise to visit Patagonia’s more remote areas.
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