Top 10 best places to visit in South America
Looking for the best places to visit in South America? From Brazil's lush rainforests to the rich culture of Peru, we invite you to explore the southernmost part of the American continent with a mindful and curious spirit. As you journey through this article, you’ll be captivated by the untamed beauty of Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands, feel the vibrant energy of Santa Marta in Colombia, and understand why Eagle Beach in Aruba is one of the world’s most cherished beaches. By the end, you'll be ready to choose the perfect getaway that speaks to your soul.
Each destination featured here showcases its unique biodiversity, carefully preserved by local communities who uphold traditions passed down from indigenous peoples. These communities safeguard their environments through sustainable practices intimately tied to their lands. By engaging in community-based tourism—an approach that supports small family economies, respects traditional cultures, and fosters a deep connection with nature—you contribute to the preservation of this invaluable heritage. This Top 10 list offers inspiration for nature and beach trips, beginning with South America's most stunning coastal country and leading you to hidden island gems protected by coral reefs, ancient sculptures, and lush jungles.
Traveling to South America: Beach and nature combined
The best places to visit in South America offer a blend of stunning beaches and diverse natural environments of immense ecological importance. Whether it's mangroves, tropical rainforests, coral reefs, or salt flats, these ecosystems defy simple categorization. In South America, variety is the norm. Exploring this region means embracing it all—whether you’re lounging by the sea with a cocktail or diving into active adventures and expeditions that take you to the farthest reaches of the Earth.
However, the joy of visiting these incredible places comes with a responsibility: to care for these habitats as if they were your own. Because, in a way, they are. Leaving each place better than you found it can have a significant impact on the future of our planet. Small actions, like minimizing single-use plastics, choosing locally sourced ingredients, and treating wildlife and plants with respect, cost nothing but have the power to create meaningful change. Below, you’ll discover more reasons to embrace this mindset on your next vacation to the American continent, including a visit to what’s regarded as the most beautiful country in South America.
The best places to visit in South America
Praia do Forte, Brazil
The unexpected hosts of Praia do Forte, Brazil, are sea turtles. Every year during nesting season, at least four endangered species make their way to these shores to lay their eggs. Witnessing the tiny hatchlings dash toward the sea after emerging from their shells is a memory that will stay with you forever. Located north of Bahia, this beach perfectly embodies the region's motto, "Smile, you’re in Bahia." Stretching across 14 kilometers of protected coastline, with white sand and crystal-clear waters, Praia do Forte is full of surprises. Nestled among the famous Restinga coconut trees is the Iberostar Selection Praia Do Forte, a five-star resort dedicated to sustainability, complete with its own turtle monitoring station. If you choose to stay here, you’re in for some unforgettable adventures.
Bahía do Sancho, Brazil
Still in Brazil, your journey could lead you to the equally enchanting Bahía do Sancho, one of the most awarded places in South America—and the world. Here, you’ll have the chance to dive and snorkel in the Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. Nearby, in Dolphin Bay, you can swim alongside these playful mammals in their natural habitat, along with colorful fish and rays. Additionally, you can embark on boat trips to explore hidden caves, trek along rocky paths lined with the region’s lush flora, or witness the breathtaking sight of two waterfalls cascading from the cliffs directly onto the beach during the rainy season.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The next stop takes us to a different country and a new landscape but with the same exceptional geographical allure: from Brazil's coastline to the Galápagos Islands, about 1,000 kilometers off the mainland of Ecuador. Specifically, Gardner Island, a pristine atoll where sea lions roam freely, is one of South America’s top destinations for animal lovers. In this idyllic setting, you can observe these sea lions ethically as they bask in the sun or frolic in the waves. If you're lucky, you might even encounter other rare sea creatures. The sea lions share their habitat with giant tortoises, penguins, iguanas, and blue-footed boobies—native birds easily recognized by their striking blue feet. Straddling the equator, this volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean is truly a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
Santa Marta, Colombia
Colombia has been recognized as the most beautiful country in South America in 2024, and it’s easy to see why. Destinations like Tayrona National Park, the Lost City Archaeological Site, and Cabo San Juan, near the coastal town of Santa Marta in Magdalena, perfectly capture the country’s breathtaking diversity. What makes this area so unique is that it offers multiple experiences in one—where else can you swim in emerald-colored beaches and coves while gazing at the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada? The harmony between the sea and mountains here is truly unparalleled. Additionally, from “The Pearl of America,” as Santa Marta is known, you can admire the coral reefs in the Tayrona reserve either from the surface or by diving up to 40 meters deep. After a relaxing day at the beach, you might feel inspired to hike through the mountains, making the most of this extraordinary destination.
Punta Sal, Peru
Punta Sal, in Peru, is a charming town and spa resort known for its waters with medicinal properties. Its peaceful atmosphere is perfect for relaxing and unwinding by the ocean, but it also offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities. Located in the Punta Canoas district in northern Peru, this area is home to diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and estuaries—vital wetlands that support bird migrations and the survival of small reptiles and mammals. Imagine the variety of landscapes you’ll encounter during your stay! As you explore, remember to treat these environments with the care they deserve—these simple sustainable tourism tips will help you make a positive impact. And with the consistently warm temperatures, you’ll find it easy to enjoy every moment.
Cabo Polonio, Uruguay
The town of Cabo Polonio in Uruguay shares its name with the natural park, which is located in the Rocha department along Uruguay’s Atlantic coast. Here, amidst fishing settlements, golden dunes towering over 20 meters, and charming lighthouses, you'll feel as though time has stopped. Some areas lack electricity altogether, while others, more developed, offer accommodations, restaurants, and traditional beachfront bars. This versatile coastline, one of South America’s most authentic destinations, is perfect for activities like surfing or observing birds and sea lions in their natural habitat. If you’re a plant enthusiast, exploring the local flora—including endangered species like the redondita de agua and banana do mato—will be a memorable experience.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
No, it’s not another planet—it’s the Salar de Uyuni (also known as the Salar de Tunupa) in Bolivia, the largest salt flat on Earth. This otherworldly landscape is nestled in the heart of the Andes in southern Bolivia. Spanning nearly 11,000 square kilometers of dazzling white salt desert, the flat features mirror-like lagoons that reflect the sky, perfectly shaped rock formations, and islands made of salt adorned with cacti. The sheer scale and beauty of this place will leave you in awe, and the vast expanse will draw you into a meditative state. Whether you join a guided tour or explore the salt flat on your own, be sure to bring appropriate footwear and high-SPF sunscreen. For a sustainable touch, consider packing a basic zero-waste travel kit to minimize your environmental impact and reduce your carbon footprint during your trip.
Easter Island, Chile
If zero waste is essential for more mindful travel, then maintaining coastal health is vital not just for beach destinations but for the entire planet. One of the most intriguing seaside destinations in South America is Easter Island, or Rapa Nui in its native language, located 3,700 kilometers from any coastline in Chile. With a population of fewer than 8,000 people, this remote island is renowned for its moai statues—large, monolithic stone sculptures of human heads, created between the 13th and 14th centuries. These statues still carry an air of mystery, prompting questions about how they were constructed with the technology of the time. To explore them, visit the Ahu Akivi Sanctuary or the Tahai complex, where you can see some of the 900 statues scattered across the island. Besides the moai, the island’s volcanoes, dramatic cliffs, and stunning beaches offer additional attractions, making this distant Pacific destination truly captivating.
Mar del Plata, Argentina
What new poems did you go to seek?
An ancient voice of wind and salt
stirs your soul and carries it away...
These evocative lines by Mercedes Sosa from the song Alfonsina y el Mar, dedicated to Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni, capture the deep connection between Mar del Plata and poetry. Storni lived and died here, and in this city where nature, urban life, and beach blend seamlessly, you'll find one of South America's finest spots to sit and listen to the ocean's whispers. Playa Grande and Punta Mogotes invite you to reconnect with Argentina’s open-hearted spirit through leisurely strolls along the shore. Beyond the beach, the green lungs of the Peralta Ramos Forest offer a tranquil escape among pines, tamarinds, eucalyptus, and oaks, leading you into a quieter, more contemplative phase of your journey.
Eagle Beach, Aruba
To end on a romantic note, a getaway for two in Aruba is always a wonderful choice. Especially when the destination boasts the title of the top beach in the Caribbean and second in the world. Eagle Beach offers a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation while embracing sustainable practices. With its soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, rows of palm trees, gentle climate, and charming wooden structures, it provides an ideal setting to reconnect with what matters, whether you're traveling with a partner or enjoying some solo time. JOIA Aruba by Iberostar Eagle Beach, a newly opened, adults-only luxury resort, is designed to make your stay unforgettable. From suites with breathtaking views to an infinity pool, gourmet dining options, and the exclusive treatments at its SPA Sensations, every aspect of this resort is crafted to showcase the beauty of one of South America's premier destinations.
