South America's must-see wonders will leave you breathless, from Machu Picchu's ancient Incan ruins perched at 7,970 feet to the world's largest rainforest, the Amazon, teeming with over 3 million species. You won't want to miss Bolivia's otherworldly Salar de Uyuni salt flats, the thundering Iguazu Falls, or Rio's iconic Cristo Redentor statue. Round out your journey with visits to Torres del Paine, Cartagena's colonial charm, Angel Falls, and Buenos Aires' European flair. These remarkable destinations offer just a glimpse of South America's endless treasures.
Key Points
- Machu Picchu stands as Peru's iconic Incan citadel, featuring over 100 preserved stone structures and accessible via the historic Inca Trail.
- The Amazon Rainforest offers unparalleled biodiversity with over 3 million species and best explored through gateway cities like Puerto Maldonado.
- Iguazu Falls presents 275 spectacular cascades viewable from both Argentina and Brazil, with options for boat tours beneath the falls.
- Christ the Redeemer towers 124 feet above Rio de Janeiro, offering panoramic city views and attracting over 2 million visitors annually.
- Salar de Uyuni's vast salt flats create mirror-like reflections during rainy season and contain 10 billion tonnes of salt deposits.
Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas, Peru
Perched high in Peru's Cusco Region at 7,970 feet, Machu Picchu stands as one of South America's most magnificent archaeological treasures. Built between 1420-1532 as Emperor Pachacuti's royal retreat, this ancient Inca citadel showcases over 100 remarkably preserved stone structures.
Rising majestically from Peru's sacred mountains, Machu Picchu remains a testament to Incan ingenuity and architectural brilliance.
You'll discover the Temple of the Sun, Temple of Three Windows, and the fascinating Intihuatana solar observatory.
To reach this UNESCO World Heritage site, you can either initiate the iconic 4-day Inca Trail hike or take a train-bus combination from Cusco. Remember to spend 1-2 days acclimating to the altitude before your visit.
Plan your exploration among the daily crowd of 750-1,000 visitors, and don't miss the agricultural terraces and intricate rock-hewn roadways that connect this extraordinary mountain citadel. The terraces were ingeniously designed with layered soil systems that enhanced fertility while preventing erosion and landslides.
The Amazon Rainforest: Nature's Paradise
Spanning an incredible 6.9 million square kilometers across South America, the Amazon Rainforest stands as Earth's largest and most biodiverse tropical wilderness.
You'll discover over 3 million species of plants and animals, making up 30% of the world's biodiversity. The best time to visit is during the dry season (June-November), when you can explore iconic sites like Brazil's Meeting of the Rivers in Manaus or venture into Peru's Tambopata National Reserve.
You'll find luxury accommodations at lodges like Juma Opera and Anavilhanas, where you can set out on river cruises to spot pink dolphins and jaguars. Unfortunately, recent data shows that over 11 thousand kilometers of rainforest were lost to deforestation in 2022 alone.
Access the rainforest through gateway cities like Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos in Peru. Don't wait too long to visit – this natural paradise faces mounting threats from deforestation and climate change.
Salar De Uyuni: Bolivia's Salt Flats Wonderland
From the lush Amazon to South America's most surreal landscape, Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni will take your breath away.
You'll discover the world's largest salt flat, spanning over 4,000 square miles of crystalline beauty. During the rainy season, this natural wonder transforms into an infinite mirror, reflecting the sky in a mesmerizing display that seems to blur the line between heaven and earth. These magnificent salt flats contain an estimated 10 billion tonnes of salt, making them one of Earth's richest salt deposits.
- Explore the prehistoric lake bed's honeycomb patterns and salt crust, formed over 30,000 years ago
- Witness pink flamingos in their natural habitat among saline lagoons
- Capture mind-bending perspective photos on the horizonless landscape
- Marvel at unparalleled stargazing opportunities in crystal-clear night skies
For the best experience, visit during the dry season (May-November) when the salt crust is fully exposed, or brave the wet season for those iconic mirror-effect photographs.
Iguazu Falls: The Mighty Waters of Argentina and Brazil
Thundering across the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls stands as South America's most awe-inspiring natural spectacle, where 275 cascades merge into the world's largest waterfall system.
You'll discover unique perspectives from both countries: Argentina's Devil's Throat trail brings you incredibly close to the rushing waters, while Brazil's Path of the Falls offers sweeping panoramic views.
For the ultimate experience, visit during the dry season (April-June or August-October). Remember to wear sturdy walking shoes when exploring the well-maintained network of trails throughout the park.
You can access the falls through either Puerto Iguazú Airport (IGR) in Argentina or Foz do Iguaçu Airport (IGU) in Brazil.
Don't miss the thrilling boat tours beneath the cascades on the Argentine side, or the optional helicopter tours from the Brazilian side for a breathtaking aerial perspective.
Cristo Redentor: Rio De Janeiro's Iconic Guardian
Standing sentinel over Rio de Janeiro, the Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue has become Brazil's most recognizable landmark since its completion in 1931.
You'll find this 124-foot Art Deco masterpiece perched atop Corcovado Mountain, where its outstretched arms span 92 feet, symbolizing peace and welcoming visitors from around the globe. The statue's surface is covered with thousands of triangular soapstone tiles that protect its reinforced concrete structure.
When you visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, you'll discover:
- A chapel inside the pedestal base where you can attend services or book private ceremonies
- Sweeping views of Tijuca National Park and Rio's famous beaches
- Daily access via the Corcovado Tram from Cosme Velho station
- Rich history dating to the 1850s, when a local priest first proposed honoring Princess Isabel
Today, this 635-ton concrete and soapstone marvel welcomes over 2 million visitors annually, offering an unforgettable Brazilian experience.
The Galapagos Islands: Ecuador's Living Laboratory
While Brazil's Cristo Redentor watches over Rio from above, another South American treasure awaits 600 miles off Ecuador's coast.
The Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, serve as nature's most remarkable living laboratory where you'll witness evolution in action.
You'll encounter a spectacular array of endemic species, from marine iguanas to giant tortoises, all thriving in this protected paradise where 97% of the land is National Park.
The convergence of warm and cold ocean currents creates one of Earth's richest marine ecosystems, home to playful sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and hammerhead sharks.
The same volcanic forces that created these islands continue shaping them today, while strict tourism regulations guarantee you'll experience this natural wonder sustainably, just as Darwin did in 1835. The islands have experienced 13 volcanic eruptions in just the past century, continuously reshaping their dramatic landscapes.
Torres Del Paine: Chile's Natural Masterpiece
Deep within Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park rises like a natural cathedral of granite peaks, glacial lakes, and pristine wilderness.
In South America's wild heart, majestic Torres del Paine stands eternal, where ancient stone spires pierce pristine Patagonian skies.
You'll discover a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where towering granite peaks reach 2,500m and pristine lakes shimmer with unique colors from rock flour.
The park's diverse ecosystems support rare wildlife, from guanacos and pumas to Andean condors soaring overhead. Starting early in the day is essential, as the unpredictable Patagonian weather can quickly change hiking conditions.
For the ultimate Torres del Paine experience, don't miss:
- The legendary W Circuit trek, a 4-5 day journey through the park's most dramatic landscapes
- Grey Glacier expeditions, where you can kayak or hike on ancient ice
- The French Valley's amphitheater of hanging glaciers and dramatic peaks
- Wildlife watching in the Patagonian steppe, where native species roam freely
Cartagena's Old Town: Colombia's Colonial Gem
From Patagonia's wild frontiers, we journey north to the Caribbean jewel of Cartagena's Old Town, where centuries of history pulse through every cobblestone street.
You'll discover a UNESCO World Heritage site where Spanish colonial architecture meets Caribbean charm, protected by imposing 17th-century walls designed to thwart pirate attacks.
Don't miss the Cathedral's Spanish Renaissance grandeur or the Church of San Pedro Cláver, Colombia's oldest religious site.
As you wander through El Centro, you'll encounter the bustling Plaza de los Coches, once a slave market, now home to traditional sweet vendors. Elaborate door knockers and knots on colonial buildings reveal the historical wealth and social status of their original owners.
The iconic Clock Tower Gate connects you to the historic Getsemaní district, while Botero's famous Gertrudis sculpture graces Plaza Santo Domingo.
Throughout the city, you'll find stunning examples of Spanish Baroque mixed with tropical elements, from ornate balconies to shaded courtyards.
Angel Falls: Venezuela's Natural Wonder
Plunging dramatically from the ancient Auyán-tepui plateau, Angel Falls commands attention as Earth's highest uninterrupted waterfall, with a staggering drop of 979 meters.
You'll find this UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in Venezuela's Canaima National Park, where it towers over 16 times higher than Niagara Falls. Visitors can only reach this majestic site through boat and canoe trips.
Known to the indigenous Pemon people as Kerepakupai Merú (Mother of the Water), this natural wonder offers these remarkable features:
- An uninterrupted free-fall of 807 meters, creating a mesmerizing curtain of water
- Additional 400 meters of rapids and cascades below the main drop
- A unique location atop a sandstone-capped mesa, or tepui
- Historical significance tied to American explorer Jimmy Angel's 1937 crash-landing, which led to its modern name
Buenos Aires: The Paris of South America
Known as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires captivates visitors with its grand European-inspired architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and sophisticated urban design.
You'll marvel at the iconic Casa Rosada, with its distinctive pink façade symbolizing political unity, and the world-renowned Teatro Colón, where you can experience some of the finest acoustics in any opera house.
For art enthusiasts, MALBA showcases outstanding Latin American works, including pieces by Frida Kahlo, while the National Museum of Fine Arts houses European masterpieces. The city boasts over 160 museums catering to diverse interests and tastes.
Don't miss the historic Recoleta Cemetery, where elaborate marble sculptures guard the final resting place of Eva Perón.
When you need a break, escape to El Rosedal's rose gardens or explore the 790-acre Ecological Reserve along the Río de la Plata.
The Last Word
You've only scratched the surface of South America's incredible treasures, but these nine destinations will give you an unforgettable journey through the continent's most spectacular sights. As they say, "The world is a book, and those who don't travel read only one page." From ancient ruins to modern cities, these natural and cultural wonders are waiting to fill your travel story with vibrant chapters.