Best places to visit in South America For This 2024 Summer

If you're planning a trip to South America, check out CabinZero's list of the top 15 most beautiful places in South America to visit for this 2024 summer.

South America is a continent in the Western Southern Hemisphere, bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east and north by the Atlantic Ocean. To the northwest is North America and the Caribbean Sea. The continent's overall area is estimated to be 17.840,000 square kilometres, and it is home to 13 different countries. In communal life, individuals in South America mostly utilise Spanish and Portuguese, with 14 different currencies for each nation.

You probably do not realise it, but the South American continent is a veritable haven of natural beauty. When you visit some famous places in South America, you will find it difficult to take your gaze away from stunning sights like the world's highest waterfall, the world's deepest canyon, and the world's biggest Amazon rainforest. Best of all, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to thoroughly immerse yourself in South American food, with meals that combine elements of European, African, and Asian cuisines.

Regardless of whether it's summer or winter, whether it's sunny or raining, South America is always lovely.

Not just Macchu Picchu, Easter Island, the Iguazu Falls, Angel Island, and the Uyuni Salt Desert... each South American nation has its own distinctive surprises that encourage travellers to go all the way just to witness them once. Let's have a look at the 15 most gorgeous places in South America so you can more easily decide where to go on your next trip.

Perito Moreno Glacier, San Cruz Province, Argentina

Perito Moreno, at 19 miles long and 240 feet in height, is one of South America's largest and most magnificent glaciers. This magnificent glacier in southern Argentina is considered one of the world's natural marvels by many.

This magnificent glacier, located in Argentina's famed Los Glaciares national park, has an area of 97 square miles. The Perito Moreno Glacier is the world's third-largest freshwater reserve, with a massive volume of ice. You can take a boat ride around Lake Argentino to get a closer look at the river's glacial grandeur.

The Perito Moreno Glacier is world-renowned, as, not only is it the world's third greatest supply of freshwater, but it is also a glacier that has been unaffected by global warming, with ice spreading across the surface.

Atacama Desert, Chile

Because there has been nearly no rain for ages, Atacama has long been nicknamed "Mars on Earth" and has become one of the best places to travel in South America. The Atacama Desert is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, 960 kilometres south of the Tropic of Cancer, in northern Chile and a tiny portion of southern Peru.

In recent years, the Atacama desert has become a well-known natural attraction, attracting a large number of travellers. This is due to the geological richness of the Andes mountain range, which flows across it, as well as the varied terrains, stony hills, volcanic rocks, and sand dunes.

It's a shame if you go to Chile but don't visit the Atacama desert. Although the weather is severe and hard-to-reach, this location has the wildest and the best unspoilt beauty.

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A projecting hand appeared in the middle of the desert, resembling the remnants of a long-forgotten civilisation. The "hand of the desert" piece, an 11-metre-tall monument shaped like a huge hand rising from the sand, erected in the early 1980s and finished in 1992. This is the region where the world's biggest astronomical observatory, the Very Large Telescope, is located, where the skyview is hailed to be the clearest on Earth. Scientists also use this location to operate devices used to investigate Saturn.

Although it is the driest area on the earth, it is nevertheless an appealing destination with stunning towering mountains and red sands reaching the horizon. The unique aspect of going here is that all eight lakes in the surrounding region are jade green and they contain several minerals that are helpful to your health. These hot springs are currently administered by the Explora Atacama resort and are available to visitors all year.

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Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is the capital of both Brazil and of the state of Rio de Janeiro and is commonly referred to as Rio by tourists.. A trip to Brazil would be incomplete without a visit to this lovely city. Rio de Janeiro is famed for its natural environment, carnival celebrations, samba music, and other distinct styles of music. It encompasses an area of around 1,260 km2. This city is well-known among tourists for its remarkable natural landscape. Therefore, it is one of the best cities to visit in South America, which includes long white sandy beaches and rainforests in the city's centre.

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Rio de Janeiro boasts stunning natural landscapes, tropical beaches with fine white sand, and bright sunshine. Rio de Janeiro also boasts a distinct culture, vibrant festivals, and incredibly welcoming indigenous people.

Rio de Janeiro, being Brazil's political capital, has experienced a fair share of ups and downs during its rich pasts much like other cities in the country. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, Rio de Janeiro has become a must-see destination for anybody visiting Brazil.

The Statue of Christ the Redeemer Cristo Redentor is a well-known religious emblem of Rio de Janeiro, positioned on the 700-metre-high Corcovado mountain overlooking Guanabara Bay.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

Venezuela, formally the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a South American country. It is bounded to the east by Guyana, to the south by Brazil, to the west by Colombia, and to the north by the Caribbean Sea. Venezuela has a land area of around 916 thousand square kilometres and a population of more than 32.5 million people.

Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall in the world, falling down the steep Auyantepui cliff in Canaima national park in the Guiana highlands of Bolvar state, Venezuela. Angel  Waterfall, located in Venezuela, is the tallest waterfall in the world. Many people are familiar with this location because of the magnificent beauty of the surrounding water coming from about a thousand metres in height and the untamed landscape of the ancient forest. 

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It is also a gathering place for folks who enjoy exploring and experiencing a feeling of adventure. According to Guinness World Records, the waterfall is 979 metres high from top to bottom, with water flowing straight from a height of 807 metres, while the remainder is a series of rapids.

Angel Falls is the best place to visit in South America during the rainy season, which lasts from June to October. The waterfall's water flow is now at an optimal level for river boating. Another thing to keep in mind is that you should choose overcast days so that the clouds do not impede your vision. Overnight camping in hammock camps at the foot of the falls and along the river will be included in the package service.

Aside from the waterfall's distinctive splendour, you can also participate in adventure activities such as skydiving and mountain climbing. These sports necessitate that you be in good physical and mental health.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southern Pacific Ocean, 1,000 kilometres west of central Ecuador, and have been hailed as "the most beautiful archipelago on the globe."

According to National Geographic, Galapagos is both the name of the archipelago and the name of Ecuador's first national park, which was founded in 1959 and began operations in 1968.

This archipelago, located in western Ecuador's Pacific Ocean, is made up of 13 major islands, 6 islets, and 107 rocks.

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The archipelago was formerly deserted until 1535, when Spaniards arrived and spotted several rare and huge sea turtles on the islands, giving rise to the name Galapagos. Galapagos Island is apart from the mainland, has a pristine ecology, and is home to numerous unique plant and animal species, including the enormous Galapagos tortoise and the pink iguana. The archipelago now has a population of around 10,000 people.

The Galapagos National Park is today one of the most ecologically varied regions on the planet, with about 600 plant species, 400 fish species, 58 bird species, 22 reptile species, and 6 mammal species, including numerous species. Many animal species are at risk of extinction and cannot be found anywhere else.

Iguazu Falls, The National Border Between Brazil And Argentina

Iguazu Falls is a waterfall on the Iguazu River that separates the Brazilian state of Parana from the Argentine province of Misiones. The Iguazu River runs from a hilly location near Curitiba to meet the San Antonio River, establishing Argentina's and Brazil's natural border. Iguazu Falls are protected by two national parks: Iguacu National Park in Brazil and Iguazu National Park in Argentina.

Iguazu Falls were formed by a volcanic explosion that caused fissures in the earth. During the rainy season, which lasts from November to March, the waterfall's water flow rate may reach 450,000 cubic metres per second. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit Iguazu Falls due to its spectacular and lyrical natural beauty. Looking down from above, Iguazu Falls is white and precipitous, with unspoilt subtropical woods intermingled.

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This natural wonderland will provide you with plenty of thrills and excitement. The greatest way to get a panoramic view of the Iguazu Falls, which are located in two nations, is to take a helicopter, aircraft, or paddle a boat out to the centre of the falls.

On either side of the falls, there is a forest habitat protected by the national parks of Brazil and Argentina. On the Argentine side, there are routes into the forest that you can visit. A day at the park gives you the opportunity to really explore and enjoy the animals. In 1984 and 1986, UNESCO designated these two nations' national parks as world-historic sites.

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Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni is the world's biggest salt flat, extending over 10,500 square kilometres on southern Bolivia's Altiplano Plateau. The area's landscape is essentially flat and scattered with little "islands" such as Isla Incahuasi, which is located at an altitude of 3,650 m above sea level.

This region was once part of the massive saltwater lake Minchin, but it progressively dried out, revealing two tiny lakes and two salt fields, Salar de Uyuni and Salar de Coipasa. They are sometimes referred to as salt deserts, with Salar de Uyuni being larger than Salar de Coipasa and 25 times larger than America's famed Bonneville salt flats.

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When summer arrives, the field is constantly flooded, transforming this location into a gigantic mirror. The mirror reflects the blue sky, white clouds, and natural environment, producing a stunning beauty that is authentic and vivid in every aspect. Anyone who has visited this location would be awestruck by the stunning beauty of Salar de Uyuni.

Despite its distant location in the hamlet of Uyuni, Salar de Uyuni attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year from all over the world. If you come here to immerse yourself in the surroundings, you appear to lose all of your troubles and just sense nature's interaction with heaven and earth in every breath. You'll experience the strange sensation of walking on clouds when walking across this area.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, located around 70 kilometres from Cusco, was largely forgotten until it became well-known only when archaeologist Hiram Bingham found it in 1911. UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 1983. Machu Picchu is one of the most enigmatic wonders of South American travel, located at a height of 2450m on the narrow mountain range of the Andes. In 1983, UNESCO designated Machu Picchu as a global cultural heritage site. The mysterious beauty of this historic city has drawn many international travellers from all over the world. As a result, Peruvian tourism managers have limited the number of tourists who can visit the historic city in a single day.

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When you visit Machu Picchu, you will be startled since these works appear to be brand new, despite the fact that they were built over 600 years ago. According to experts, the construction of the ancient city of Machu Picchu took place during the reigns of the Inca empire's two greatest monarchs, Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui and Tupac Inca Yupanqui. You will be impressed by the wonderful stairs that encircle the works; here was formerly a spot where the city's citizens could get meals. 

Machu Picchu, often known as the Lost City of the Incas, attracts many South American tourists every year. With the grandeur of the mountains and the history of the old Inca empire, this is an intriguing place that you should not miss on your South American journey.

Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

Visitors to Peru - South America travel itinerary must include Lake Titicaca, South America's biggest freshwater lake located at a height of about 4000m above sea level. The majestic grandeur of the Andes mountain range combines with the crystal blue beauty of Lake Titicaca to create a breathtaking natural sight.

As a result, Lake Titicaca is easily accessible from both nations. Puno is the most common access point from the Peruvian side, whereas Copacabana is a convenient choice while travelling in Bolivia. Both are accessible by bus, car, and air. In addition, there is a wonderful train route to Puno that goes through some of Peru's most picturesque landscapes. What's remarkable about Lake Titicaca in South America is that it blends profound cultural and historical importance with breathtaking natural beauty.

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This lake is said to have given birth to the Inca civilisation. The azure blue lake was the holiest body of water in the Inca empire and currently serves as a natural border between Peru and Bolivia. There are two climates in the lake: cold and wet and cold and dry. From June through August, it gets chilly in the nights, with temperatures plunging below freezing. The sun is harsh during the day, and sunburn is prevalent. Tourists visiting Lake Titicaca will be astounded by its ravishing beauty - very attractive, crystal blue, and curiously tranquil! True to its name - tears of the sun goddess – there is something distant, silent, and softly beguiling.

Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island in Chile is one of the most beautiful places in South America, and it appears to be a perfect destination for a major adventure. It is a volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean that forms the southeast corner of the Polynesian triangle. Easter Island is located in the southern Pacific Ocean, approximately 3,700 kilometres off the west coast of Chile and 4,000 kilometres east of Tahiti. One thing is certain: Easter Island is not your typical tourist destination, yet visiting Easter Island is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in your life.

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The island is called Rapa Nui in the language of the Polynesians who live there, or Paaseiland (in Spanish) by Dutch explorer, navy admiral Jacob Roggeveen, who found it on Easter day in 1772.

Chilean Easter Island is one of the world's most isolated inhabited islands, and it is home to one of the most fascinating cultures, Rapa Nui. The island is particularly famous for its giant sculptures known as moai, which were built by the early Rapa Nui people. 

There is no other spot like it in the world, and if you're interested in the history or mystery surrounding the moai, you should absolutely visit this best place to travel to in South America. The Easter Island Moai stone monument has long remained a mystery to mankind. The purpose of the Moai statues, how they were made, and their involvement in the Rapa Nui culture on Easter Island hundreds of years ago have all been the subject of much conjecture.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Argentina is a nation in South America - one of the best cities in South America. When we think of Argentina, we think of furious tango dances or great football stars like Messi. Argentina tourism also draws visitors because of its gorgeous natural landscapes, contemporary and stylish towns, and distinct gastronomic culture.

Buenos Aires is Argentina's capital and biggest city. This city is located on the southern bank of the Rio de la Plata, on the United States' southeast coast, opposite Colombia and Uruguay. Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, can be described as a perfect blend of Latin American culture with European modernism. Argentina's weather is separated into four different seasons, each with its unique set of characteristics. As a result, you should select the best time to visit based on your own preferences.

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Moreno Glacier - Santa Cruz is best visited during the warmer months, from November to January, when the weather is more temperate and the service is better.

Buenos Aires is a city full of intriguing places for us to see. The La Boca area is one of the most popular tourist spots in this city. This is a vibrant area in Buenos Aires' southern outskirts. Walking along this street will make your soul joyful, and your life will feel more attractive, fresher, more purposeful.

Las Lajas Church, Ipiales, Colombia

Las Lajas Church, a holy construction with stunning architecture that has the essence of old Europe, was said to have been created by a fairy. When visiting Colombia, this is also a popular pilgrimage spot for many visitors and Christians. This is regarded as a wonderful religious piece with an ambience reminiscent of ancient America. It is also a popular pilgrimage site for many Colombian visitors and worshippers.

In Spanish, Las Lajas Cathedral is known as the Cathedral of Las Lajas or Santuario de Las Lajas. This is a stunning cathedral located in Nario, Colombia. This well-known holy sanctuary is located in the city of Ipiales, close to the Ecuadorian border. Las Lajas is located in a steep gorge near the Guaitara River, which exudes with mysteries.

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Since 1952, the Vatican has formally acknowledged Las Lajas Sanctuary, and since 1994, this stunning Colombian architecture has been designated as a minor basilica. This cathedral is also regarded as one of the world's architectural monuments, with some of the most stunning architecture and religion in the world.

Despite the fact that it is a Renaissance church, the construction is mostly in the Gothic Revival style. As a result, the church gives the impression of being much older than its real age. This is certainly a one-of-a-kind ecclesiastical structure since it differs from any other ordinary South American Catholic church.

Mendoza City, Argentina

Mendoza is regarded as a world-famous wine producer, but it is also gorgeous, with enormous homes and distinctive events held throughout the year. This is a must-see location during your journey to Argentina.

Mendoza is a city in Argentina, located in the Eastern Andes foothills and high plains. This is Latin America's greatest wine-producing area, with over 800 wineries and extensive vineyards. Around 100 of them, such as Catena Zapata, are constantly appealing and welcoming to guests. Mendoza is one of Argentina's most appealing tourist destinations, where tourists can taste excellent glasses of wine.

Conquering the famous Andes mountain range is an exciting adventure that you should not miss when visiting Mendoza. The Andes are a world-famous mountain range located near Chile and Argentina. Climbing to the peak of the Andes mountain will provide you with a panoramic view of the magnificent and majestic city of Mendoza.

Sao Paulo City, Brazil

Sao Paulo is Brazil's largest and most developed metropolis, a festival paradise, a cradle of culture-arts, and the location for the country's most thrilling and unique vacation experiences.

So Paulo is the meeting point of many various civilizations, so the beauty of its variety, with unique architectural styles, rich culinary arts, and the luxury of the city. services, and vibrant, colourful festivals, draws visitors.

Sao Paulo attracts tourists not just because of its colourful Carnaval street carnival, but also because of its architecture, picturesque locations, coastline, and beautiful scenery.

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Furthermore, the skyscrapers and bustling boulevards of Brazil's largest metropolis overwhelm visitors on their first visit. Because So Paulo is a city defined by Latin American culture, the general architecture here merges traditional and modern, with walls covered in drawings from various schools. Just sauntering about for a bit, you will also come across many picturesque walls, as well as artworks and street musicians.

Lima, Peru

Peru is famous not only for being the site of the Inca route or the mysterious mecca but also for its extraordinary natural beauty, which is already a heaven for travellers who enjoy adventure and mystery.

Seems to be a South American nation located between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. Peru's temperature and geography vary from the highlands to the temperate coast, therefore the nation has many natural resources.

Peru combines the traditional culture and history of various ethnic groups with many wild and breathtaking mountains. The enormous highlands are studded with valleys, lakes, and snow-covered thick woods all year. Those who enjoy the sun, wind, and the rustic and simple beauty of nature will undoubtedly fall in love with this place.

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The Plaza Mayor, the Pope's palace, the central church of Lima, the church of Saint San Francisco, the church of Santo Domingo, the district of Rimac, the Italian art museum, Royal palace, post office, and national library are some of the attractions that visitors should not miss when visiting Lima's old town.