Top 10 places to visit in South America

This fifteenth century Inca citadel sits on a mountain ridge at 2,430 meters above sea level. It is located about 80 kilometers northwest of Cusco, above the Sacred Valley. Archaeologists believe it was built around 1450 as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Visiting during the dry months from May to September gives you the best chance of clear weather. Rain is rare during this window, making the steep stone pathways safer to climb. The site limits visitor numbers, so you must book your ticket months in advance. The high altitude can cause headaches and nausea if you do not acclimatize in Cusco first.

This is the largest salt flat in the world, covering over 10,500 square kilometers in southwestern Bolivia. It sits at an elevation of 3,656 meters above sea level. The flat surface was formed by the evaporation of prehistoric lakes, leaving an eight meter thick layer of salt. Travel from December to March to see the famous mirror effect. Rainwater accumulates on the flat surface, creating a reflection of the sky. The high altitude and remote location make travel here physically demanding. Accommodation in the surrounding desert is basic, often lacking heating or reliable hot water.

Located on the northern coast of Colombia, this port city faces the Caribbean Sea. It served as a critical hub during the Spanish colonial era for exporting silver and importing enslaved people. Massive stone walls still surround the old town, built to defend against pirate attacks. The dry season from December to March offers sunny days and breezy evenings. This is the peak tourist season, meaning higher prices and crowded streets. Street vendors in the historic center can be highly aggressive. You will need to say no firmly and frequently while walking through the city.

Located below the 54th parallel, this is the southernmost city in the world. It serves as the capital of Tierra del Fuego and sits on a wide bay along the Beagle Channel. The Martial mountain range rises directly behind the city streets. The summer months from December to March provide the mildest weather for outdoor activities. Days are long, giving you more time to explore the surrounding national parks. Wind is a constant factor here, often changing the weather from sunny to snowy in minutes. Flight delays are common due to the strong winds at the airport.

This national park in southern Chilean Patagonia features glaciers, lakes, and rivers. The Cordillera del Paine mountain group forms the centerpiece of the park. Established in 1959, the park sits in a transition zone between subpolar forests and dry steppes. The warm season runs from November to March, making it the best time for multi day trekking. This is when the park facilities and campsites are fully open. Strong winds can make hiking difficult and can even knock travelers off balance. Campsites along the popular routes must be booked months ahead.

This archipelago sits 354 kilometers off the northeast coast of Brazil in the Atlantic Ocean. It consists of 21 islands, but only the largest island is inhabited. The area is highly protected to preserve the local marine life. August to November offers the calmest waters and best underwater visibility. This period is ideal for diving and observing green sea turtles and spinner dolphins. The government charges a daily environmental preservation tax to enter the island. Everything here is expensive because goods must be shipped from the mainland.

This massive glacier covers 250 square kilometers and stretches for 30 kilometers. It is located in Los Glaciares National Park in southwest Argentina. The ice is fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, which is the third largest freshwater reserve on Earth. Visiting from November to March gives you the warmest weather. During these months, you are more likely to witness large chunks of ice breaking off and crashing into the water. The site is heavily touristed, so you will share the viewing platforms with hundreds of other visitors. Getting here requires a long bus ride from the town of El Calafate.

This desert plateau stretches along a 1,600 kilometer strip of land in northern Chile. It is the driest non polar desert on Earth because it sits between two high mountain ranges. These mountains block moisture from both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, creating a dry rain shadow. The shoulder months of March to May and September to November offer comfortable temperatures. Summer can be too hot, while winter nights regularly drop below freezing. The dry air and high altitude can cause dehydration and nosebleeds. You will need to drink water constantly and use heavy moisturizers.

These monolithic stone statues were carved by the Rapa Nui people between the years 1250 and 1500. They are located on Easter Island, a remote territory in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Many statues still stand at the main quarry, while others sit on stone platforms along the coast. The warmer months from October to March are best for exploring the island. The weather is dry, making the dirt roads easier to navigate by car or bicycle. Easter Island is one of the most isolated inhabited places on Earth. Flights from Santiago are expensive and there are limited weekly departures.

These waterfalls sit on the border between Argentina and Brazil, forming the largest waterfall system in the world. While the Iguazu River flows mostly through Brazil, the majority of the individual falls are on the Argentine side. The name comes from the indigenous words for big water. The shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November offer a good balance. The water volume is high, but the weather is not as hot and humid as the summer months. You will get wet on the viewing platforms from the constant spray. The park is highly commercialized, with souvenir shops and fast food outlets near the trails.