Why do we travel? There are many philosophical concerns that are best answered by an example or personal experience, and the incredible continent of South America is no exception. We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for pristine environment, breathtaking scenery, unmatched ruins, sun, surf, or top-notch food and drink. Which are the best countries to visit in South America? You get to decide that.
It’s likely that you have a buddy who always waxes lyrical about their experiences in Chile, Peru, or Brazil, making you eager to visit for yourself. We’re here to help you out by advising you on the finest places to go, things to do, and how to do them.
South America offers some of the best adventures in the world, with its majestic mountain ranges, luxuriant rainforests, vibrant towns, and breathtaking beaches.
Is it safe to visit South America?
It’s never been more secure! All around the continent, security has constantly increased, making the majority of South American locations safe travel choices for people traveling alone or with family.
Even though minor crimes like pick pocketing, auto break-ins, and muggers still happen occasionally, most trouble can be avoided by using common sense.
While you should always check your government’s travel advisories, we can certainly say that South America is an open and welcoming travel destination.
The bigger towns and capitals typically have higher crime rates, therefore tourists should avoid walking there after dark. After nightfall, it is advised to use an Uber or taxi to get where you are going. To make sure you are not a target, avoid carrying big quantities of cash, pricey jewellery, or having your phone out in public.
Uruguay is statistically the safest country in South America, followed by Chile, Argentina, and Guyana as the next safest nations. These nations don’t see many violent crimes.
For travelers who stay away from the seedier parts of the biggest cities, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Colombia are also generally safe. Although Brazil has the greatest rate of crime among the nations discussed here, trouble rarely arises for visitors who refrain from flashing their possessions in public.
1) Peru
Start with Peru, a place that will live long in the memory as it is one of the best countries to visit in South America. From the topography to the cuisine, the Inca homeland is one of excellence. It would be a life well spent to spend a lifetime discovering this nation.
Peruvian Gastronomy: A Fusion of Cultures and Flavors
Peruvian cuisine is praised by all visitors. The vast diversity of foods never ceases to astound, even though ceviche receives the most of the attention. From the Inca through Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese, it has been influenced. Few nations have created a cuisine with as many diverse components and flavors.
La Mar Cevicheria, which offers discriminating residents the freshest catch of the day, is a fantastic option for ceviche in Lima. Visit Maido in Lima, which has been awarded a Michelin star and specializes in nikkei, a combination of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, for a truly memorable meal.
The cuisine of Arequipa, Peru’s southernmost city, is particularly noteworthy. Try Victoria Picanteria Democrática in the heart of Arequipa for chupe de camarón (prawns in a hearty curry-like soup) and rocoto relleno (a spicy pepper stuffed with mince and vegetables). Refresh yourself with a pisco sour or chicha morada afterward.
Historical Marvels and Adventures
Peru has some of the best archaeological sites to explore in between feasts. While Machu Picchu, a hilltop citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often praised, this marvel is but the tip of the iceberg. Saqsaywamán, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo are three important sites in the Sacred Valley area close to Cusco.
If you’re interested in ancient mysteries, visit the vast Nazca Lines in the country’s south. The ancient city of Chan Chan, which predates the Incas, is located in the north, just outside of Trujillo. Last but not least, Kuélap, which was constructed 1,000 years before the arrival of the Spanish, is one of Peru’s best-kept secrets.
Peru is an excellent place to immerse yourself in a Spanish language course. Plus, you can enrich your experience with visits to iconic sites like Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Lake Titicaca.
This 31-day Spanish and adventure course includes lodging, the Inca Jungle hike to Machu Picchu, and 80 hours of small-group Spanish language instruction over four and a half weeks. If you use the discount code WorldlyAdventurer, you can save 5%.
2) Chile
Chile: A Prime Candidate Among the Best Countries to Visit in South America
Chile is a country of extremes if you venture south. It is a land of temperate rainforests, the driest desert on Earth, the mighty Andes Mountains, and picturesque wine regions. Even with its neighbors, it feels like another planet, and this isolation has given it a unique personality.
Two of Chile’s most popular attractions are located at practically opposite ends of the country: the glacier-marked southern area of Patagonia and the northern Atacama Desert. Both are fantastic places to go camping, hiking, and just unwind.
Embracing Chile’s Diversity
But further south, nature enthusiasts will be in their element. With its wind-swept high grasslands, glacial lakes, and snow-covered Andean peaks, Torres del Paine National Park gives off an eerie, end-of-the-world vibe.
This vast area is ideal for exploration, and each of the four seasons offers a unique adventure for travelers, including camping, trekking, wildlife spotting, kayaking, and much more. It also includes the remote landscapes of hardly traveled Tierra del Fuego.
Chile’s most mysterious island emerges from the water 3,686 kilometres (2,290 miles) away across the Pacific Ocean. Rapa Nui (Easter Island), a living remnant of the Rapanui civilisation that occupied this distant island for more than 800 years, is dotted with angular stone heads known as moai.
Some of the best vineyards in the world may be found in central Chile, which is closer to civilization. Numerous grape varieties, including chardonnay, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon, as well as less common varieties like carignan, cabernet franc, and carmenere, thrive in the rich volcanic soil.
3) Argentina
Passion, Football & Culture
Argentina, Chile’s neighbour across the Andes, is a passionate nation. This big, self-assured, and diverse country is reflected in the music, dancing, sports, and cuisine. Southern Argentina offers much of what Chilean Patagonia has to offer, but the attractiveness of the nation lies largely in its cities and culture.
Football is one excellent example. La Albiceleste, who were just named World Cup champions for a third time, are a national fixation that borders on religion.
The most historic football clubs in Argentina are based in the cities of Buenos Aires, Rosario, Santa Fe, and Cordoba, and visitors are avidly recruited into their fan bases at the first opportunity.
The most illustrious of these teams, Boca Juniors, plays its home games at La Bombonera, a shrine and a roiling cauldron of football fervor. Take a tour of the stadium if you want an experience that will stick in your memory.
Obtaining tickets to a match is extremely tough but not impossible, but beware: a rivalry match may make a London derby appear like a low-key event. The broker Landingpadba is the sole place to purchase tickets.
Asado & Wonders: Argentina’s Essence
As much as they love their sport, Argentines are almost as enthusiastic about their asado. The majority of asado restaurants provide beautifully cooked top cuts of meat because Argentina is the world’s greatest producer of beef.
Last but not least, it would be negligent of us to omit mentioning some of Argentina’s extensive natural landmarks.
Iguaza Falls shares a border with Brazil, and while you can watch this 80-meter (262-foot) high cascade of thundering water from either side, Argentina can lay claim to some of the more breathtaking vantage spots.
4) Brazil
Brazil’s Blissful Beaches
Brazil has always been associated with good times. And how could it not, given how much Brazilians enjoy dancing, listening to music, and going to the beach? Brazil, the largest nation in South America, has a distinct culture and atmosphere. We bet that you catch its contagious charisma.
The island of Santa Catarina, which is possibly Brazil’s top beach destination, is located in Southern Brazil close to the city of Florianópolis. White sand beaches, swimming, surfing, and all-night parties draw tourists from all over the world.
The island boasts a variety of beaches, from crowded and energetic to quiet and tranquil. These are really fun places to visit.
Praia Mole is the most well-liked beach for surfing and socializing with locals. Year-round, there are DJ events, coastal pubs, and seafood eateries. Visit Tropical da Mole next door for a seafood feast and Barraco da Mole for a chilled caipirinha while overlooking the beach.
Try Praia da Lagoinha do Leste in the southern part of the island for beautiful beaches away from the tourists. It will take some hiking to get there, but it is well worth it.
Carnaval: Rio’s Rhythms vs. Salvador’s Soul
Of course, travelers visiting Brazil will not want to miss the annual Carnaval, which is celebrated throughout the country but is best experienced in Rio de Janeiro or Salvador.
Locals and foreigners alike enthusiastically participate in the hugely popular Rio festival’s street parties, music, and dancing. The Sambadrome hosts the most well-known parade. With its wild floats, costumes and decorations, it is an amazing show.
However, each neighborhood in the city holds its own festival. Every bloco is a reflection of the area and its residents. Simply don some yellow and blue clothing and participate.
Salvador’s Carnaval in the northern state of Bahia is just as much fun while Carnaval in Rio receives accolades from around the world.
The significant Afro-Brazilian community and their distinctive culture are reflected in Salvador’s Carnaval. This one may offer visitors a more authentic local experience because it receives less foreign tourism.
5) Colombia
You might become addicted to Colombia after just one visit. Repeat trips are encouraged because there is so much to see and do, and locals are among the friendliest you will encounter anyplace in the globe. The well-preserved colonial architecture and unparalleled national parks of Colombia attract tourists.
Cartagena: History & Cuisine
One of the most evocative colonial cities from the Spanish era is Cartagena, which is located on the northern Caribbean coast. The streets are lined with colorful structures that provide shade from the sweltering sun. The winding lanes open into beautiful plazas with cathedrals, museums, and monuments.
The enormous San Felipe de Barajas stronghold, the Santa Catalina de Alejandra Cathedral, and the Palace of the Inquisition at the Cartagena Museum should all be seen by tourists.
An opportunity to get under the breathtakingly beautiful surface of the city and learn about the hardships of Colombia’s indigenous people – and how tourism may help them restore their culture – is provided by taking a tour with an indigenous Zen guide.
The cuisine is equally impressive as the sights. Cartagena’s restaurant scene has blossomed as it has become more and more popular with tourists. Restaurante Celele and Doa Lola in the Getseman neighborhood deserve special mention.
After supper, visit Donde Fidel for dancing and salsa music or Alqumico for DJs and drinks. For more ideas, review the whole ranking of the top eateries in Cartagena.
Colombia: Jungles to Lost Cities
Colombia’s diverse natural landscapes never cease to astonish visitors. Few countries can compare to Colombia’s incredible variety of national parks, which include the Amazon rainforest, sunny beaches, massive mountain ranges, and cloud forests.
In the lovely Caribbean beach resort of Tayrona National Park, the rainforest extends all the way to the shore. Go to Amacayacu if you want a taste of the dense Amazonian jungle.
Los Nevados is well-known for its mystical cloud forest among soaring wax palm trees, and the high Andes El Cocuy offers excellent walking and camping chances.
However, Colombia’s Ciudad Perdida, a “lost” city buried away in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and only accessible as part of a five-day walk, should not be missed if you wish to blend tropical scenery with undiscovered archaeological monuments.
Conclusion
So, now that you’ve learnt about the best countries to visit in South American, which one is your favorite? Where will you be going after that? We hoped that by demonstrating the diversity of South American nations, you would be able to select your travel destination depending on your individual interests.
You’ll find a spot that you’ll like, whether you want to unwind on a beach, explore far-off jungles, or spend days walking around bustling cities.