South America is home to 12 fascinating countries. South America has everything from beautiful islands and wildlife to see in Ecuador to historical cities and monuments to visit in Peru. If you love archeology and learning about new cultures, traveling to South America is for you! Listed below are the 5 best countries to visit in South America!

1- Peru

Peru, the most visited place in the world, has incredible attractions, beautiful beaches, and the Amazon Rainforest. The rainforest covers 60% of the landscape in Peru.

Cities:

Cusco and Lima are the best cities to visit in Peru. In both cities, you will find delicious cuisines to try, meet the locals, and learn about their culture and history.

Attractions:

The Sacred Valley is a must-see attraction in Cusco, Peru, where you can see Machu Picchu and many other Incan and pre-Incan sights.

Machu Picchu:

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel. The Inca citadel is 7,970 ft above sea level. You can hike to the Sun Gate and reach 9,000 ft above sea level.

Ollantaytambo + Pisac Market:

Ollantaytambo is a town and Inca site at 9,160 ft above sea level. Visiting the Pisac Market on a Sunday was a more authentic experience, as the local Quechua communities set up shops on the main square. The Peruvian women wear hand-woven traditional skirts called polleras made with wool cloth. The skirt has a colorful band called Puyto!

Moras + Moray Ruins:

The Moray ruins are terraces used by the Incas to experiment and ensure all land, regardless of the altitude and weather, can be used for farming. The Moras ruins are composed of 5,000 salt ponds.

Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley:

Rainbow Mountain is considered a holy site in Peru and is a spectacular multi-colored mountain. The colors come from sediment in the minerals throughout the area.

Amazon Rainforest:

Explore the jungle and Amazon River to see different monkeys, otters, sloths, dolphins, and more. A trip to the Amazon in Peru will be worth a visit.

Similar Post: How to Spend Six Days in Cusco, Peru

2- Ecuador (Galapagos Islands)

Galapagos Islands:

Ecuador is home to the Galapagos Islands. The islands emerged from the bottom of the sea from volcanic upheavals.

Wildlife:

You will get to see giant tortoises, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and more!

Beaches:

In the Galapagos Islands, you can swim in the turquoise-colored waters, go kayaking, or even snorkel amongst Sea Lions.

Volcanos:  

The Sierra Negra Volcano is a tourist attraction located at the southeastern end of Isabela Island. This volcano is active, and the name translates to Black Mountain.

3- Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America. Brazil is home to vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, the Amazon rainforest, waterfalls, and a desert-like landscape.

Cities:

Cities to visit in Brazil are Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Recife. The most famous attraction to see is Christ the Redeemer, a statue of Jesus Christ. The Jesus Christ statue is 30 meters high.

Beaches:

Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach are the best two beaches in Rio De Janeiro. You can experience water activities like paddle boarding or surfing. 

Amazon Rainforest:

The amazon has wildlife to go and see. Take the cruise of a lifetime and visit Manaus. 

Waterfalls:

Brazil is home to a few waterfalls to visit. The best one is known as Foz do Iguacu. At Foz do Iguacu, you will find a desert-like landscape with beautiful blue pools of water.

4-Columbia

Columbia is one of the least expensive South American countries to visit. Columbia is home to the Caribbean Coast, the Andes Mountains, the Amazon, and beautiful cities.

History:

The best place to learn about Columbia’s history is to visit Pablo Escobar’s estate of Hacienda Napoles, which they have turned into a museum. In the museum, you will see Escobars’ antique car collection and the Cessna planes used for drug trafficking. You will also find his private zoo, which is home to hippos. 

Cities:

Cartagena is the best city to visit in Columbia, as it is located near a beautiful beach and has colonial architecture.

Beaches:

One of the best places to relax is the white sand beaches at Tayrona National Park.

Mountains:

Other incredible places to see are the Andes Mountains and the Amazon.

5-Argentina

Argentina is most famous for being home to Iguazu Falls. The country has vibrant cities and must-see natural attractions.

Iguazu Falls:

The cascades stretch for 2 miles. The falls are along the Iguazu River.

Patagonia:

Patagonia is home to mountains, lakes, and glaciers. The scenery is beautiful!

Buenos Aires:

Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is the main attraction, as you will find art galleries, opera performances, and 5-star restaurants. You can even take a tango class to learn about their culture.

Ibera Wetlands:

Ibera Wetlands is a great place to spot incredible wildlife in their natural habitat. You can find everything from caiman crocodilians to giant anteaters.

The Wine Region:

Argentina is known for its wineries. Mendoza is a popular destination that has restaurants and parks. Mendoza produces the most wine in the country.

Have you ever been to South America? We listed the 5 best countries to visit in South America. Please comment below about your experience!