Top 10 South American Countries to Visit

South America is not just a place on map; it is living color of ancient civilizations, colonial heritage, wild nature and cultures that are full of soul. It is continent, where echoes of incas are still heard in ruins of stone edifices, where African, Indigenous and European cultures play in music and festivals and where nature shows itself in its most spectacular manifestations.

Going across South America is like entering mythological state. One minute you are strolling along cobbed streets, millenniums of history wrought into them; the next minute you are near waterfalls, glaciers, rainforests and deserts that are almost fantastic. Every nation has its narrative, its history of both success and struggle, custom and change. In this blog you come to know about 10 best countries to visit in South America with their history, highlights and memorable moments.

List of Top 10 Countries to Visit in South America

South America is the continent of great contrasts, ancient civilization, colonial past and wild nature co-exist in continent. It has lush rainforests and mountains, bustling cities and sun kissing coastline all in combination to provide traveler with rich historical, cultural, adventure and spectacular landscape experience. The continent is dream destination of all explorers of all kinds as each country contributes its own taste, being influenced by Indigenous roots, European influences and rich cultural traditions.

List of top 10 South American countries to visit is idyllic starting point for any vacationer aspiring to explore magic of South America. These destinations have stunning nature, rich culture & unforgettable experiences, making them great places to explore.

1. Brazil

A Country That Lives and Breathes Celebration

History of Brazil is influenced by Indigenous history, Portuguese colonization, African history and global influences in waves. This fusion gave birth to nation that was full of rhythm, color and emotion. In present day, Brazil is largest country of South America as well as one of most dynamic states in region.

• Famous For: Carnival, Amazon Rainforest, football and golden beaches.

Major Highlights:

• Christ the Redeemer overlooking Rio de Janeiro
• River ecosystems and Amazon Rainforests.
• Iguazu Falls
• Ipanema and Copacabana beaches

Experiences making it unforgettable:

Samba shows, jungle hotels, river tours, sunsets on beach, street food parties and nightlife with no sleep.

How To Reach:

Brazil has access to major international hubs in world. Majority of passengers come through Sao Paulo (Guarulhos International Airport) or even Rio de Janeiro (Galeao International Airport). North America, Europe and Asia have direct one stop flights. Domestically, Brazil can be reached through local flights and even by buses or even by rivers in the Amazon area.

2. Argentina

Where European Elegance meets Wild Nature

Argentina, which was greatly affected by the European immigration that took place in the 19 th century, is a mixture of sophistication of the old world with the crude beauty of nature. Since tango bars to frozen glaciers, it is a nation of antitheses and poignant feelings.

• Famous For: Tango, Patagonia and world class wine

Highlights:

• Great avenues in Buenos Aires
• Glaciers and mountains in Patagonia
• Iguazu Falls
• Mendoza vineyards

Experiences making it unforgettable:

Evening Tango, walks on glaciers, horseback rides with gauchos, scenic wine tastings, long evenings filled with music & conversation.

How To Reach:

Buenos Aires has Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza) as primary international airport. Argentina also enjoys very good air connectivity in Americas and Europe. Domestic flights enable one to cover long distances, such as Buenos Aires to Patagonia or Iguazu Falls and cross border buses link Argentina to Chile, Uruguay and Brazil.

3. Peru

Motherland of Ancient Cultures

Place where great Inca Empire was once located, Peru remains country where archaic traditions have been flourishing. Taking place around Spanish colonization, this added another layer of culture, architecture and culinary, forming one of most rich historical landscapes in South America.

• Famous For: Machu Picchu and Inca heritage

Major Highlights:

• Machu Picchu
• Cusco’s historic center
• Sacred Valley
• Lake Titicaca

Memories making it Unforgettable:

Holy ascents, traditional celebrations, native markets, Andean cuisine and religious experiences in old ruins.

How To Reach:

Country has Jorge Chávez International Airport based in Lima which is main hub of international fliers. Lima has good access to main global cities. Here, domestic flights or scenic train routes are headed to Cusco, entry point to Machu Picchu, river and flight routes are headed to Amazon.

4. Chile

Long Ribbon of Earth’s Extremes

Extending across deserts to glaciers, geography of Chile is dramatic as its history: influenced by Indigenous cultures, conquistadorial Spain and contemporary strength.

• Famous For: Varied scenery and natural marvels

Major Highlights:

• Atacama Desert
• Morale Torres del Paine National Park
• Santiago
• Easter Island

Memories making it Unforgettable:

Stargazing in clear skies, glacier walks, wine visits, volcanic walks and discover mysteries of ancient islands.

How To Reach:

Main port of entry to Chile is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago. Santiago is linked with countries of North America, Europe, Oceania and Latin America. Chile has long geography that can be best explored by domestic flights such as Patagonia and Atacama Desert.

5. Colombia

Nation Reborn Through Culture and Color

Colombia is no longer the country that has been misunderstood and has become one of most lively destinations in South America. Its history incorporates Indigenous culture, Spanish and African culture.

• Famous For: Coffee, colonial cities, music

Major Highlights:

• Cartagena’s walled city
• Medellín’s innovation
• Coffee Triangle
• Caribbean coastline

Memories making it Unforgettable:

Coffee farm stays, salsa nights, street art walks, tropical beaches and warm local hospitality.

How To Reach:

Colombia boasts several airports that serve international markets with El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá being largest. International flights are also received in Medellin and Cartagena. Domestic air routes are highly developed and it takes short time to travel between cities and cruise liners usually visit Caribbean ports.

6. Ecuador

Small Country, Grande Escapades

Ecuador is abundant with Indigenous customs and colonial buildings and it is unbelievable how much diversity can be packed into small area as name suggests.

• Famous For: Galapagos Islands and biodiversity

Major Highlights:

• Galápagos Islands
• Quito’s Old Town
• Amazon rainforest
• Volcanic landscapes

Memories making it Unforgettable:

Sightseeing, snorkeling, volcano mountain hiking, local markets and eco lodges in wilderness.

How To Reach:

Foreigners normally come into country through Quito Mariscal Suarez International Airport or Guayaquil International Airport. Mainland has direct flights to Galapagos Islands. Due to its small size, road transportation in Ecuador among cities and regions is easy and picturesque.

7. Bolivia

Most Surreal Destination in South America

Bolivia is still preserving one of most powerful Indigenous roots on continent. Its topographies are nearly alien, influenced by ancient people and elevated terrains.

• Famous For: Salar de Uyuni and Indigenous culture

Major Highlights:

• Salar de Uyuni salt flats
• Lake Titicaca
• La Paz

Memories making it Unforgettable:

Reflections on salt flat, immersion in culture, adventures in high-altitude, exciting festivals and amazing photography experiences.

How To Reach:

Only way to access Bolivia is to use El Alto International Airport that is located in La Paz and is among highest airports in world. Bolivia is frequented by travelers who may arrive in country overland via Peru or Chile in order to visit Lake of Titicaca or Uyuni salt flats. There are domestic flights connecting major cities.

8. Uruguay

Where Time Flies Slower and Life Softens

Under Spanish and Portuguese impact of colonization, Uruguay became one of most peaceful and stable countries of South America.

• Famous For: Beachy appeal and easy going lifestyle

Major Highlights:

• Montevideo
• Punta del Este
• Colonia del Sacramento

Memories making it Unforgettable:

Sunsets on beach, colonial strolls, wine tours, cafe society and country retreats.

How To Reach:

Principal gateway of country is Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo. Uruguay is also accessed by ferry across Buenos Aires as well as various other destinations by many travelers. Uruguay is a small country, which makes it easy to explore the countryside and towns of coast using roads.

9. Paraguay

Secret Chapter of South America

Being neglected most of time, Paraguay preserves more authentically its Indigenous culture and colonial past than many of its neighbors.

• Famous For: Jesuit missions and cultural purity

Major Highlights:

• Jesuit Ruins
• Asunción
• Paraguay River

Memories making it Unforgettable:

Traditional music, cultural storytelling, river tours and finding South America without impacts of mass tourism.

How To Reach:

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport of Asunción is main point of entry. Paraguay can also be well accessed by Brazil and Argentina through land means. Travel on Paraguay and Paraná rivers provides even more ancient appeal to entry to country.

10. Venezuela

Land Sculpted by Nature’s Drama

Venezuela is home to ancient Indigenous cultures and has its landscape being influenced by Spanish colonization thus having some of most breathtaking natural scenery in continent.

• Famous For: Angel falls and natural beauty

Major Highlights:

• Angel Falls
• Canaima National Park
• Caribbean islands

Memories making it Unforgettable:

Jungle tours, waterfall hikes, wildlife safaris and beaches that seem heavenly.

How To Reach:

Majority of foreign flights land at Simón Bolivar International Airport located in outskirts of Caracas. The domestic flights link travelers to natural resources such as the Canaima National Park and coast islands. Venezuelan ports are also part of some of Caribbean cruises.

Conclusion

South America is not observed, it is experienced. It breathes its life in its music, its history and kindness of its people. Every nation is a chapter to bigger tale of human race, nature and existence. Whether it is the country you see or the people you meet, whether it is the adventure or the adventure that is seen, South America is sure to leave an impression that will last long after you get back home.