South America, a continent brimming with vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled biodiversity, has firmly established itself as a premier destination for travelers seeking both ecotourism and thrilling adventures. Spanning twelve diverse countries, along with French Guiana and the Falkland Islands, this region offers an astonishing array of experiences.
Imagine exploring nearly 7 million miles of the Amazon rainforest, navigating the expansive Pantanal wetlands, conquering the majestic Andes Mountains, or marveling at the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls. South America’s sparsely populated interior holds countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
While encapsulating the entirety of South America’s incredible attractions in a single blog post is a daunting task, this guide presents a curated selection of twenty of the coolest places to travel in South America, perfect for inspiring your next adventure.
ARGENTINA
1. Iguazu Falls
Nestled in northern Argentina on the border with Brazil, Iguazu Falls stands as one of the planet’s most magnificent natural wonders. These falls are truly a South American bucket list destination, boasting heights between 197 and 269 feet, stretching 1.7 miles wide, and featuring 275 individual cascades. With an average flow rate of 62,010 cubic feet per second, the sheer power and scale are breathtaking. The falls are enveloped by the verdant rainforest of Iguazu National Park, a subtropical haven teeming with over 2,000 vascular plant species and a rich array of wildlife, including tapirs, howler monkeys, and elusive jaguars. Experiencing Iguazu Falls is undoubtedly one of the coolest things to do in South America.
2. Peninsula Valdez
Peninsula Valdez, situated along Argentina’s Atlantic coast, has earned UNESCO World Heritage status as a premier location for marine mammal observation in South America. Whale watching here is exceptional; Southern right whales gather to calve from June to November, while orcas are frequently spotted hunting seals and sea lions along the shoreline. Beyond whales, you’re likely to encounter elephant seals, Magellanic penguins, and terrestrial species like the guanaco (Patagonian llama) and rhea (a relative of the emu). For wildlife enthusiasts, Peninsula Valdez is undeniably one of the coolest places to travel in South America.
3. Perito Moreno Glacier
Often hailed as Patagonia’s top attraction, the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier extends 121 miles, towers an average of 240 feet above the water, and remarkably, is still growing. Located within Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina’s Santa Cruz Province, this glacier is named in honor of a 19th-century explorer. Visitors can get remarkably close via well-maintained boardwalks or boat excursions on Lake Argentino, experiencing the eerie cracks and rumbles as ice chunks calve into the frigid waters. For the adventurous, guided ice hiking tours on the glacier itself are also available, making it a truly unique and cool place to visit in South America.
4. Tierra del Fuego
At the southernmost tip of South America lies Tierra del Fuego, a land of dramatic and unforgettable landscapes. Its capital, Ushuaia, known as “el fin del mundo” (the end of the world), marks the last major settlement before Antarctica. The region offers a wealth of activities, from kayaking in Lapataia Bay and hiking or skiing on Mount Castor to venturing to Cape Horn. A popular half-day cruise through the Beagle Channel provides stunning views of penguins and diverse marine wildlife, solidifying Tierra del Fuego as one of the coolest places to travel in South America for those seeking remote beauty.
BOLIVIA
5. Lake Titicaca
Spanning the border between Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca holds the distinction of being the world’s highest navigable lake, perched at an elevation of 12,338 feet. This region has been inhabited by indigenous cultures for centuries, making it one of the coolest places to visit in South America for those interested in cultural immersion. Start your exploration in Copacabana, Bolivia, a charming town from where you can arrange lake tours or boat trips to Isla del Sol or Isla de la Luna. Both islands offer the opportunity to experience authentic local life through homestays with welcoming families.
6. Salar de Uyuni
The Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, presents an otherworldly landscape stretching across approximately 4,000 square miles, blanketed by a salt layer several meters thick. This surreal expanse holds over 50% of the planet’s lithium reserves and is characterized by sparse flora, primarily giant cacti, and limited fauna, mainly flamingos. A visit to Salar de Uyuni offers the chance to witness Laguna Blanca, famed for its white color due to mineral content; Laguna Verde, a green, toxic lake colored by magnesium and arsenic; and Laguna Colorado, striking red due to algae. This unique and stark beauty makes Salar de Uyuni one of the most cool and unusual places to travel in South America.
BRAZIL
7. Brazilian Amazon
Despite losing 20% of its area in the last four decades, the Brazilian Amazon remains a colossal rainforest, roughly the size of the lower 48 US states and constituting half of Earth’s tropical forests. Approximately two-thirds of the 3 million square mile Amazon Basin lies within Brazil. It is a biodiversity hotspot, harboring around 16,000 tree species, 2,000 fish species, 1,300 bird species, over 400 mammal species, nearly 400 reptile species, and a staggering 2.5 million insect species. Exploring the Brazilian Amazon is an unforgettable adventure, making it one of the coolest and most biodiverse places to travel in South America. Essential packing tip: bug repellent is an absolute must!
8. Pantanal
Known simply as the Pantanal, the 75,000 square-mile wetlands spanning southwestern Brazil and eastern Bolivia are the largest on Earth. During the wet season, around 80% of this region is submerged, but the dry season transforms it into a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, particularly birdwatchers. The Pantanal supports around 3,500 plant species, 300 mammal species, and over 1,000 bird species. Keep an eye out for hyacinth macaws, harpy eagles, white-banded tanagers, and the elusive jaguars, which thrive in this environment. For wildlife lovers, the Pantanal is undoubtedly among the coolest places to travel in South America for wildlife viewing.
CHILE
10. Chilean Wine Country
Chile’s wines enjoy global acclaim, partly due to exports to Europe dating back to the 1880s. More recently, it has emerged as a sought-after destination for wine tourism, thanks to its favorable climate and stunning Andean scenery. Chile’s premier wine regions are the Colchagua Valley, renowned for Malbec, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, and the Maipo Valley, celebrated for Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, and Merlot. Exploring Chilean wine country offers a delightful blend of scenic beauty and exquisite wines, making it one of the coolest and most flavorful places to travel in South America.
11. Torres del Paine National Park
Nestled in the heart of Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park delivers a remote wilderness experience that is truly unparalleled. Avid hikers will relish the iconic W Trek, traversing through towering rock formations, including the majestic Paine Massif, stunning blue glacier-fed lakes, and vast fields of windswept grasses and vibrant wildflowers. The park’s diverse wildlife, including foxes, guanacos, Andean condors, and pumas, adds to its allure. Torres del Paine is consistently ranked as one of the coolest places to travel in South America for adventure and breathtaking natural beauty.
COLOMBIA
12. Cartagena
Cartagena, a UNESCO-protected port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a personal favorite and truly one of the coolest cities to travel in South America. The city’s highlight is its walled Old Town, founded in the 16th century, showcasing fortresses, vibrant colonial architecture, public squares, and numerous historical monuments. Beyond the history, Cartagena offers beautiful beaches, and the tranquil tropical islands of Islas de Rosario (Rosario Islands) are just a short 40-minute boat trip away. Cartagena provides a captivating blend of history, culture, and Caribbean charm, making it a must-visit.
13. Tayrona National Park
Located on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast, about 110 kilometers east of Barranquilla, remote Tayrona National Park boasts pristine beaches, biodiverse rainforests, and a welcome absence of cars. Reaching the park requires a hike of at least an hour to access accommodations, but this isolation is part of its charm. Tayrona is one of the most amazing places in South America to escape the hustle and bustle, offering wildlife encounters ranging from diverse birdlife and monkeys to crocodiles. For a secluded and nature-rich getaway, Tayrona National Park is one of the coolest places to travel in South America.
ECUADOR
14. Galapagos Islands
Situated 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a nature lover’s paradise, brimming with unique endemic flora and fauna. Designated as the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, this archipelago profoundly influenced Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Exploring the Galapagos today feels remarkably similar to Darwin’s era, with few human inhabitants and incredible wildlife encounters at every turn, including Galapagos tortoises, penguins, sea lions, and much more. The Galapagos Islands are undeniably one of the coolest and most unique places to travel in South America for wildlife and natural history.
15. Quito
Ecuador’s capital city, Quito, located nearly 9,842 feet above sea level, is breathtaking in both senses of the word. Conquered by the Inca and later the Spanish, the city boasts exceptional examples of colonial architecture. A cable car ride takes you up to 13,779 feet for panoramic views of Quito and, on clear days, the Cotopaxi volcano. Nearby attractions include Mitad del Mundo (“Center of the Earth”), a monument and museum marking the equator. Quito’s high altitude, historical significance, and stunning views make it one of the coolest capital cities to travel to in South America.
PERU
16. Ballestas Islands
Often called the “poor man’s Galapagos,” the Ballestas Islands, located west of Pisco, are home to hundreds of thousands of seabirds, including boobies, large sea lion colonies, penguins, and dolphins. Daily boat tours from the mainland take visitors past the “Candelabra,” a mysterious hillside geoglyph of ancient origin. Between June and August, Chilean flamingos are frequently sighted in the southern part of the bay. For accessible and abundant wildlife viewing, the Ballestas Islands are one of the coolest places to travel in South America, offering a taste of Galapagos-like experiences.
17. Machu Picchu
Widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest archaeological wonders, Machu Picchu was constructed at the height of the Inca Empire in the mid-15th century. Perched atop a mountain at 8,000 feet in the Andes, Peru’s most popular tourist attraction draws over 500,000 visitors annually. The magnificent architecture of this ancient city remains largely intact, with massive stone walls, ancient temples, and lush green terraces overlooking a canyon on the Urubamba River and the surrounding Andes mountains. Machu Picchu is an iconic and unforgettable destination, making it one of the coolest historical places to travel in South America.
18. Peruvian Amazon
The Peruvian Amazon, the world’s fourth-largest rainforest, encompasses approximately 60% of Peru’s territory. It is a remarkably pristine biodiversity hotspot, housing around 180 reptile species, 262 amphibian species, 293 mammal species, 806 bird species, and 2,500 butterfly species. Plant enthusiasts will find 700 fern types and over 7,300 flowering plant species. The primary way to explore this region is by boat, offering some of the best small-ship cruise experiences imaginable. The Peruvian Amazon is a truly immersive and cool place to travel in South America for nature and adventure.
19. Sacred Valley
Surprisingly, Machu Picchu is neither the largest, oldest, nor most significant Inca site in Peru. To discover these, explore the lesser-known ruins of the Sacred Valley. Begin at Pisac, at the western end, an Inca agricultural center where an entire mountain was transformed into terraces. Marvel at the intricate stonework in Vitcos and Ollantaytambo (the starting point of the Inca Trail), the circular Moray ruins, and Winay Wayna, resembling a miniature Machu Picchu. The Sacred Valley offers a deeper dive into Inca history and culture, making it one of the coolest off-the-beaten-path places to travel in South America.
URUGUAY
20. Pampas
While less famous than other ecotourism destinations on this list, the Uruguayan Pampas deserves recognition as one of South America’s best places to visit. These fertile lowlands span nearly 290,000 square miles, encompassing all of Uruguay and parts of Argentina and Brazil. The temperate climate supports regenerative agriculture and diverse wildlife, including pampas deer, plains viscacha, puma, maned wolf, pampas fox, and an impressive array of birds. For a unique South American experience focused on wide-open landscapes and wildlife, the Uruguayan Pampas are among the coolest and most underrated places to travel in South America.
