12 South American Countries in Alphabetical Order

South America is the place to travel to see the Christ the Redeemer statue and Machu Picchu. Do not miss witnessing the unique wildlife and the infamous Iguazu Falls. The Andes Mountains and the world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon, are in South America. Here are the 12 South American Countries in Alphabetical Order.

#1: Argentina–

Argentina is in the southern portion of the continent. The geography ranges from the Andes Mountains to the glaciers of Patagonia. Buenos Aires is a place I would love to visit one day to experience the country’s culture and watch a tango show.

Must-Do Activities:

• Watch a Tango Show in Buenos Aires.
• See the massive Iguazu Falls.
• Go on a winery tour in Mendoza.
• See the Glaciers of Patagonia on the trail called El Chaltén.

#2: Bolivia–

Bolivia is a landlocked country, home to the Andes mountains, salt flats, and the Amazon rainforest. The pink dolphins live in the Amazon River. La Paz is the capital where you can visit unique places, including the Witches Market.

Must-Do Activities:

• Visit the Witches Market in La Paz.
• See the Pink Dolphins Swimming at the Amazon River.
• Walk Along the Salt Flats at Sunrise or Sunset.
• Hike to the peak of Pico Austria from La Paz.
• Visit the Laguna Esmeralda.

#3: Brazil–

Brazil is the largest country in South America, home to the Christ the Redeemer Statue and the Selarón Steps. You can take a cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain. Brazil is home to 60 percent of the Amazon River.

Must-Do Activities:

• Christ the Redeemer Statue
• Cable Car to Sugarloaf Mountain
• Relax at the Beaches
• Visit the Amazon Rainforest

#4: Chile–

Chile is the longest country in the world, stretching from the Andes Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. You will find the Atacama Desert in the north and the Lake District in the south. The country has 2,000 volcanoes along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Must-do activities include kayaking through the marble caves and seeing the infamous Easter Island Statues.

Must-Do Activities:

• See the Easter Island Statues
• Kayak through the Marble Caves
• Wine tasting in Central Valley

#5: Colombia–

Colombia has a coastline on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The country has Caribbean beaches, towering mountains, and volcanoes. I traveled to Cartagena and saw unique wildlife, including sloths and monkeys, as well as the Palenque women selling fruit on top of their heads.

Must-Do Activities:

• See the Palenque Women selling fruit on top of their heads
• Cartagena Rosario Islands Tour
• Stroll through the Old Town of Cartagena

#6: Ecuador–

Ecuador borders the Pacific Ocean and the equator. You’ll find the Amazon Rainforest, the Andes Mountains, and the infamous Galapagos Islands. It is my dream to visit the Galapagos Islands one day and see the iconic blue-footed booby birds, iguanas, and giant tortoises.

Must-Do Activities:

• Swim with Seals in the Galapagos Islands
• See the Blue-Footed Booby Birds, Iguanas, and Giant Tortoises

#7: Guyana–

Guyana is the only English-speaking country home to dense tropical rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls. The coastal area is where 90 percent of the population lives. Don’t forget to see Kaieteur National Park, go on a rainforest tour, and explore Georgetown.

Must-Do Activities:

• Rainforest Tour
• Kaieteur National Park
• Georgetown

#8: Paraguay–

Paraguay is a landlocked country divided by the Paraguay River. One side of the river has fertile plants, and the other has dry, rugged terrain.  The best thing to do is to explore Asunción, the capital, with its colonial architecture.

Must-Do Activities:

• See the colonial architecture in Asunción
• Take a boat trip on the Paraguay River

#9: Peru–

Peru has a diverse geography and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. The country is famous for being home to one of the seven wonders of the world: Machu Picchu. You can also find Rainbow Mountain, alpacas, Incan ancient sites, and more in Cusco.

Must-Do Activities:

• Machu Picchu
• Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
• Explore Cusco and Lima in Peru

#10: Suriname–

Suriname is on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America. You can explore the rainforest and national parks, including the Brownsberg and Central Suriname Nature Reserve.  

Must-Do Activities:

• Take a river cruise or visit the Galibi Nature Reserve
• Discover local markets in Paramaribo

#11: Uruguay–

Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America. You can explore Montevideo or go wine tasting in Canelones. Don’t forget to relax at the beaches of Punta del Este and La Paloma.

Must-Do Activities:

• Visit Colonia del Sacramento home to cobblestone streets and historic charm
• Relax on the beaches of Punta del Este and La Paloma

#12: Venezuela–

Venezuela is situated in the northern part of South America. You will find the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Rainforest, vast plains, and Caribbean coastlines. There are earthquakes in Venezuela. Recently, there were two that took many, many lives, totaling almost 900 people. May they rest in peace.

Must-Do Activities:

• Visit Angel Falls in Canaima National Park, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall.
• Explore the beaches of Los Roques Archipelago and Morrocoy National Park.
• Discover the historic district of Caracas and the nearby Avila Mountain for panoramic views.
• Experience the unique landscapes of Los Llanos for wildlife safaris.
• Tour the coffee plantations in the Andes.

South America is a unique place to travel. Always check the weather before booking a trip, be careful of your belongings, and enjoy your travels!

P.S.

French Guiana is often considered part of the northern region of South America and is an overseas department of France.