Are you a highly adventurous person who craves constant thrills? Are you looking for travel destinations that won’t bore you with their monotony? If yes, then South America is just the perfect place for you.
Apart from being home to several indigenous tribal communities, lush rainforests, snow-capped peaks and ancient cities such as Machu Picchu; this part of the world also has some of the most thrilling tourist spots on offer. From climbing an active volcano to exploring a cave, there is something exciting waiting for you at almost every corner of this continent.
So if you’ve got the appetite for danger and excitement, pack your bags and get ready to explore these amazingly adventurous South American destinations.
Best Places To Visit In South America Sightseeing Places of Tourist Interest
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, Carnival celebrations, and stunning settings. Perito Moreno is one of the most popular attractions in the city. The glacier is located in the Los Glaciares National Park and is a must-see for any traveler.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, an Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. Machu Picchu is thousands of years old and is a direct remnant of an ancient civilisation.
Medellin, Colombia
Medellin, Colombia is one of the most popular places to visit in South America for the adventurous traveler. The city is full of culture and history, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. If you’re looking for a place to get fit, Fitz Roy is the perfect spot. The area is full of hiking trails and beautiful scenery, and it’s a great place to get some exercise.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Iguazu Falls, Argentina is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. The falls are located on the Iguazu River, which forms the border between Brazil and Argentina. More than two million people visit the falls every year.
The falls are made up of more than 275 individual cascades, with a total drop of more than 80 meters (262 feet). The biggest cascade is called the Devil’s Throat, which has a height of more than 70 meters (230 feet).
Iguazu Falls are one of the most important natural sites in South America. It is part of the Iguazu National Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
The Amazon Forest
The Amazon forest is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. Every year, thousands of people travel to the Amazon to see the amazing wildlife and scenery. The Amazon is a great place for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
There are many different activities to do in the Amazon. You can go on safaris to see the animals, go hiking through the jungle, or take a boat ride down the river. You can also visit some of the indigenous villages to learn about their culture and way of life.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni is a vast expanse of salt flats located in southwest Bolivia. The area is vast and desolate, yet incredibly beautiful. The best time to visit is during the wet season when the flats are covered in a shallow layer of water.
This creates a mirror-like effect, which is truly stunning. The Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia region is also home to several species of flamingos, which can be seen feeding on the brine shrimp that live in the salty waters.
Salento, Colombia
Salento is a small town located in the heart of Colombia’s coffee country and is one of the best places to visit in South America. The town is situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains and is surrounded by lush, green landscapes.
Salento is a popular destination for travelers who want to experience Colombia’s unique culture and natural beauty.
There are plenty of things to do in Salento, from exploring the town’s colonial architecture to hiking through the nearby countryside. Visitors can also go horseback riding, mountain biking, or Whitewater rafting.
For those interested in learning about Colombia’s rich history and culture, there are several museums and cultural centers in Salento.
If you’re looking for an adventure-filled trip to South America, Salento should definitely be on your list!
Cartagena, Colombia
If you’re looking for a unique South American destination, look no further than Cartagena, Colombia. This beautiful coastal city is home to floating islands, which are made up of mangrove roots and vegetation.
These islands are great places to relax and take in the stunning scenery. You can also find plenty of activities to keep you busy, such as swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
Huacachina, Peru
South America is home to some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes on the planet. From the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest, there is something for everyone. Huacachina, Peru is one of those places that has to be seen to be believed.
This oasis in the middle of the desert is a haven for adventure seekers. There are dune buggy rides, sandboarding, and even camel rides available. The views are simply breathtaking and Huacachina is a great place to relax after a long day of exploring.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, add Huacachina, Peru to your list of places to visit in South America.
The Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert, located in Chile, is the world’s largest desert. This arid region experiences very little rainfall and is home to some of the driest conditions on Earth. Despite its harsh environment, the Atacama Desert is a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy adventure travel.
Visitors can explore ancient Incan ruins, go sandboarding in the dunes, or stargaze in one of the world’s most pristine dark sky reserves. With its unique landscapes and abundance of outdoor activities, the Atacama Desert is a must-visit destination for any adventurer traveler.
The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean. The islands are a province of Ecuador and are located about 906 kilometers (563 miles) off the country’s coast.
The Galapagos Islands are well known for their unique wildlife and were studied by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the HMS Beagle. Today, the islands are popular tourist destinations, and visitors can see many of the same species that Darwin observed.
The Galapagos Islands offer a unique opportunity to see wildlife that is found nowhere else on Earth. The islands are home to giant tortoises, marine iguanas, penguins, and many other interesting animals. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery, including volcanic landscapes and beaches.
Cuenca, Ecuador
If you’re looking for an adventure-packed vacation, look no further than Cuenca, Ecuador. This beautiful city is perfect for travelers who want to explore everything South America has to offer. From hiking and mountain biking to kayaking and canyoning, there’s something for everyone in Cuenca.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy during your visit. For the more adventurous traveler, we recommend trying some of the multi-day hikes or mountain bike trails. Cuenca is also home to several rivers, making it the perfect place for a kayaking or canoeing trip.
And if you’re looking for even more of a challenge, don’t miss out on the chance to go canyoning in one of the nearby canyons.
Huaraz, Peru
Located in the north-central part of Peru, Huaraz is a popular destination for adventure travelers. The area around Huaraz is home to some of the world’s highest mountains, including Mount Huascaran, which at 22,205 feet (6,768 meters) is the tallest mountain in Peru.
The Cordillera Blanca, a range of snow-capped peaks that includes Huascaran, extends for about 100 miles (160 kilometers) and is a popular destination for hikers and climbers.
Torres del Paine, Chile
Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chile. The park is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, including the Andes Mountains, glaciers, and lakes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and camping.
Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru is one of the most popular destinations for travelers in South America. The city is located in the Andes Mountains and is home to many Incan ruins. Cusco is also known for its Spanish colonial architecture. Visitors to Cusco can explore the city’s many museums and art galleries. The city is also a great place to shop for souvenirs and Peruvian handicrafts.
Valparaiso, Chile
Valparaiso, Chile is a port city on the Pacific Ocean known for its colorful houses and streets. The city has a Mediterranean climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Valparaiso is the capital of the Valparaíso Region and the second-largest city in Chile after Santiago.
The city’s port is the busiest in Chile and one of the busiest in South America. Valparaiso is home to the largest naval base in Chile and is an important stop for cruise ships. The city has a long history as a center of trade and commerce.
Valparaiso is also known for its many hills and stairways. The city has been called “the jewel of the Pacific” and “the most beautiful city in South America.
Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia
The Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia is one of the most unique and beautiful places on Earth and is one of the best places to visit in South America. This vast, otherworldly landscape is made up of a huge expanse of sparkling white salt, which stretches as far as the eye can see. The salt flat is also home to an uninterrupted waterfall, which tumbles down from a great height over the edge of the salt flat.
This amazing natural wonder is a must-see for any adventurous traveler. The best time to visit the Uyuni Salt Flat is between December and March when the weather is dry and sunny. During this time, the salt flat looks like a giant mirror, reflecting the sky and creating a truly magical scene.
El Calafate, Argentina
El Calafate is a small town in southern Argentina, located on the shores of Lago Argentino. The town is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, home to some of the most spectacular scenery in South America.
El Calafate is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking, biking and kayaking opportunities in the surrounding area. The town also has a number of museums and cultural attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.
If you’re looking for an adventure-filled vacation destination, add El Calafate to your list. You won’t be disappointed by the natural beauty and outdoor activities on offer in this charming Argentine town.
Santuario de las Lajas, Colombia
The Santuario de las Lajas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia and is one of the best places to visit in South America. The massive basilica, which is set against a backdrop of towering cliffs, attracts visitors from all over the world.
The church was built in the early 20th century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Legend has it that the Virgin appeared to a young girl who was crossing the river on a rope bridge. The girl was deaf and mute, but after her encounter with the Virgin, she was able to speak and hear.
Today, the Santuario de las Lajas is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics from all over South America. Every year, thousands of people make the journey to this beautiful church to pray for miracles.
Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island, Chile is one of the most unique places on earth. It’s home to the highest navigable lake in the world, as well as some of the most incredible landscapes and archaeological sites.
The island is best known for its huge stone statues, called moai, which were carved by the Rapa Nui people between 1250 and 1500 CE. Today, there are about 1,000 moai scattered across Easter Island. Many of them can be seen at the Ahu Tongariki, which is the largest ahu (stone platform) on the island.
Easter Island is also home to Rano Kau, a volcanic crater that’s been partially eroded by the sea. The crater is about 3 kilometers wide and 400 meters deep. And if you’re looking for even more adventure, you can try hiking to the summit of Mt.
El Chalten, Argentina
El Chalten is a small town located in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentina. It is situated in the Los Glaciares National Park, on the edge of the Andes mountains. The town is a popular tourist destination for those who love nature and outdoor activities.
There are many things to do in El Chalten, such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and kayaking. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and there are plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching. You can also find several glaciers in the area to explore.
If you’re looking for an adventure-filled vacation destination, El Chalten should definitely be on your list!
Buenos Aires, Argentina
A bustling metropolis on the Rio de la Plata, Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and one of South America’s most vibrant cities. The city is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Visitors can explore Buenos Aires’ rich history and culture through its many museums, theatres, and architectural landmarks.
The city is also home to a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained in the early hours of the morning. Whether you’re looking to soak up some culture or just party the night away, Buenos Aires is sure to have something for you.
Best Things To Do In South America
Climbing an active Volcano in Ecuador
If you are the adventurous type, then there is nothing more exciting than climbing an active volcano. Luckily, Ecuador has several of these volcanoes that can be scaled by even the most inexperienced climbers.
One of the most famous of these is the Cotopaxi Volcano. Located in the Andes Mountains, this volcano is the highest active volcano in Ecuador and the whole world. Rising up to an elevation of over 19,000 feet, Cotopaxi offers some of the most exhilarating experiences to its climbers.
Additionally, climbing this volcano also offers amazing views of the many other volcanoes in the area. So if you are ever visiting Ecuador, be sure to climb this volcano at least once during your stay.
Paragliding over the beaches of Rio de Janeiro
If you want to experience the thrill of flying without actually taking off (and also see one of the most beautiful beaches in the world from above), then Rio de Janeiro is just the place for you.
This city in Brazil is famous for its many beaches, and one of the best ways to experience the city from above is by paragliding in Rio. Paragliding is a sport where people jump off a cliff or a tall building with a glider to experience the thrill of flying.
Although the sport is not very safe, Rio is one of the safer places to do it. If you are visiting Rio, you can book a paragliding tour of Rio’s famous beaches to have an experience that you will never forget.
Hiking through the Cloud Forests of Ecuador
Cloud Forests are tropical forests that are more like a tropical jungle than a temperate forest. They are characterized by high humidity, large amounts of mist, and plenty of vegetation. And Ecuador has some of the most beautiful cloud forests in the world.
So if you are a nature lover, you will really love hiking through these amazing forests. But one thing you should keep in mind is that these forests are very fragile, and you should try to stay on the designated trails.
You can visit the Cajas National Park, the Milpe-Quebrada-Galeras National Park, or the Ecuadorian Amazon to experience these amazing cloud forests.
Snorkelling with Penguins in Chile
Chile is an amazing country that has a lot to offer to those who want to experience nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Amongst many other things, this South American country is also famous for its penguin colonies.
You can visit the Penas Blancas and Discovery Bay, both of which have amazing penguin colonies. Penas Blancas is also known as the “Penguin Capital of the World.”
So you can experience the thrill of swimming with penguins without having to go too far. This is one of the most amazing things to do in Chile. You can visit these places during the summer months when the penguins are breeding.
Diving in the Coated Waters of Argentina
If you are the type of adventure-lover who is not happy unless they are breaking some kind of a record, then you should visit Argentina during the winter months. This is because, during this time, the waters near the coast are coated with a layer of ice due to low temperatures.
This makes for some of the most amazing diving experiences that you can ever get. You can explore some of the most amazing underwater creatures and formations that are ever seen in the world. This is definitely one of the most adventurous things to do in Argentina.
Scuba Diving in Colombia
If you are the type of person who loves to explore the seabed, then you should definitely visit Colombia. This South American country is famous for its amazing scuba diving spots. Some of the most amazing scuba diving destinations in Colombia are the Tayrona National Park, the Islas del Rosario, and the Parque Nacional Natural Archipielago de las Islas de San Bernardo.
Needless to say, these are some of the most exciting places to experience scuba diving in the world. If you are interested in scuba diving in Colombia, be sure to visit the country during the summer months when the seas are calm.
Skydiving in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil again!
If you have ever been to Rio de Janeiro, then you know that this place is all about adventure. So it is only appropriate that one of the best places to do Skydiving is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
You can do a lot of other things in Rio like Bungee Jumping in Rio, Paragliding in Rio, Surfing in Rio, and other adventure sports.
Hiking to the Lost City of Vilcabamba in Ecuador
The Lost City of Vilcabamba is an ancient city that was built by a secret society called the “Sacred Union”. This society was formed by 60 tribes that were fleeing the Spanish invaders. Despite being built nearly 500 years ago, this city is still considered to be one of the most amazing ruins in the world.
It is located in the Vilcabamba Valley, which is an ecologically rich rainforest that is home to several endangered species. The city is currently closed to visitors as it requires restoration work. You can visit this amazing place once it reopens its gates for travelers. This amazing and adventurous place is located in the Ecuadorian Andes.
Discovering Ruins and Artifacts from Ancient Civilizations in Peru and Bolivia.
There are several amazing places in South America where you can discover Ruins and Artifacts from Ancient Civilizations. These are places where you can see what life was like in South America before the Europeans arrived.
One of the best places to visit in this regard is Peru. This country is home to many ancient civilizations, such as the Moche, the Chavín, and the Inca. You can visit the Museo de Sitio de las Huaras in Peru. This place has some of the best artifacts and ruins that have been unearthed in South America.
You can also visit the Museo Larco in Peru, which is famous for its collection of ancient pottery.
Another amazing place to visit in South America and see ruins from ancient civilizations is Bolivia. Bolivia is home to the Tiwanaku and the Inca civilizations.
You can visit the Tiwanaku to see amazing ruins and artifacts from this ancient civilization.
You can also visit the Museo de La Paz to see some unique Inca artifacts and artifacts from the Tiwanaku Civilization.
Rock Climbing in Peru
Peru is one of the best places in the world to experience Rock Climbing. This amazing South American country is home to several amazing cliffs where you can experience the thrill of rock climbing.
Some of the most popular cliffs for rock climbing in Peru are the Escalera del Inca Cliff, the El Paraiso Cliff, and the Huandoy Cliff. These are the largest cliffs in South America and are considered to be among the best places in the world to experience rock climbing. These are some of the most adventurous places to visit in Peru.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an adventure or looking for the best places to visit in South America. this continent is the perfect continent to explore. From the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls in Venezuela, to the largest rainforest in the world, the Amazon, there are plenty of places to visit that will take your breath away.
South America is a vast continent with a plethora of things to see and do. From the lush green Amazon rainforest and ancient cities such as Machu Picchu to the majestic Andes mountains, there is something for everyone. Here are 22 places to visit in South America for the adventurer traveller.
Further Reading
- South America | Facts, Land, People, & Economy | Britannica
- South America: Physical Geography | National Geographic Society
- 5 South American cathedrals you really must visit
