South America is a continent bursting with culture, energy, and jaw-dropping landscapes, with cities just as amazing. Years of development and different cultures are evident in South America’s streets, and its skyrocketing development is apparent in its massive modern metropolises. If you’re chasing an adventure, a great meal, or history, these 15 South American cities deserve a spot on your travel itinerary.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is the city of elegance, passion, and tango! It is Argentina’s capital and largest city, with European architecture blended with Latin American innovation. The Plaza de Mayo is at its center, lined with 19th-century buildings including the presidential palace. You can even visit the Teatro Colón, a magnificent opera house built in 1908, or you can take a walk around the city in search of its world-class street food and historic cafés.
Cusco, Peru
Cusco was once the capital of the legendary Inca Empire, featuring vast historical sites and beautiful Spanish architecture. Some streets are paved with centuries-old cobblestones, with old colonial buildings like the Cathedral Basilica, which was built on the Incan Temple of the Sun. You might even want to visit the ruins of Saqsaywaman, which are regarded as one of the greatest architectural feats by the Incas.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is located on the east coast of South America, famous for its far-reaching, golden beaches. Atop Mount Corcovado, overlooking Rio, is the 38-meter Christ the Redeemer statue, which expresses not only Rio’s history, but also its developing culture and religious values. The mountain itself provides a beautiful view of the city and lets you overlook its vibrant favelas. Rio is South America’s most iconic and exuberant city.
Lima, Peru
Lima is the capital city of Peru, with a beautifully preserved colonial center and a bustling metropolis filled with activities. What makes it stand out above the rest is its intense focus on food, as it has some of the best restaurants in the world. It also has spectacular Pacific Ocean views and ruins that predate the country itself.
Bogotá, Colombia
Bogotá is located high in the Andes and serves as Colombia’s capital city. Its famous La Candelaria district features magnificent cobbled streets and preserved colonial buildings. The Museo Botero is a must-see for art lovers, showcasing works by Fernando Botero, while the Museo del Oro displays pre-Columbian gold artifacts. If you’re more interested in culture, you can venture to its various fresh produce markets and restaurants that serve authentic Colombian cuisine.
Santiago, Chile
Santiago is surrounded by the Chilean Coast Range and the Andes Mountains. It is Chile’s capital and largest city, with an intact colonial zone housing the National History Museum and an 18th-century cathedral. You can even visit Bellavista, one of Santiago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, take a trip to the vineyards, or hike the surrounding mountains. No matter what type of traveler you are, you’ll find something to do in Santiago.
La Paz, Bolivia
La Paz is crowned as the highest administrative capital in the world, at more than 11,000 feet above sea level and resting on a plateau in the Andes. You can ride cable cars over its rugged cliffs and see all the colorful neighborhoods below. When you’re done exploring there, you can visit its various markets, the most famous being the Witches’ Market. If you’re a night owl, you might even find sanctuary in its vibrant nightlife culture.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Montevideo is the relaxed and artistic capital of Uruguay. The city was built around the Plaza de la Independencia, which was once a Spanish citadel. Its most breathtaking feature is the influence of art throughout the city, especially in Ciudad Vieja, or “Old Town,” with many art deco buildings. You can even taste its famous wines and soak in the rich culture Montevideo has to offer.
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is a Caribbean jewel with a rich colonial history, as century-old fortresses and cathedrals can be found throughout the city. This port town is also classified as a World Heritage city, with its walled Old Town holding deep historical importance for global exploration. Whether you want to delve into its rich history or relax on its white beaches, Cartagena is sure to have something you’ll love.
Ushuaia, Argentina
Often nicknamed “End of the World,” Ushuaia sits on the southernmost tip of South America and is the southernmost city in the world. The city is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and serves as a gateway to Antarctica and further exploration to the south. If you’d like to have a remote encounter that lets you experience cold, rugged nature, then you’ll love Ushuaia.
Quito, Ecuador
Quito sits over 9,000 feet above sea level in the Andean foothills and is the capital of Ecuador. Its historic center is known for being one of the most well-preserved in all of Latin America and was one of the first World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO in 1978. If architecture isn’t your main interest, you might lose yourself in its thrilling hiking trails and cloud forests beyond the city’s borders.
Medellín, Colombia
Although Medellín had a troubled past, the city has successfully transformed into one of South America’s most inviting cities. Nicknamed “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellín’s temperate weather and annual Flower Festival showcase the city’s rich natural beauty. The city is also praised for its modern infrastructure and improved quality of life, so if you still have doubts, it might be time to pack your bags and see for yourself.
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Though San Pedro de Atacama is more of a town than a city, it serves as the gateway to a surreal desert landscape. Its surroundings feature massive salt lakes, star-studded skies, and geysers, with a raw beauty that nature lovers will adore. Its lunar-like dunes and pink-streaked mountains will make you feel as though you’re on another planet.
El Calafate, Argentina
El Calafate is located near the edge of the Patagonian Ice Field and is known for its access to Los Glaciares National Park. The park is home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, which is constantly shifting as groups of hikers and sightseers pass by its track. If you want to explore the icy south of Argentina, you should put El Calafate on your trip itinerary.
Paramaribo, Suriname
Paramaribo is one of South America’s hidden gems, with a melting pot of cultures from all around the world. The city features rich Dutch architecture combined with Caribbean styles, and is home to residents originating from Africa, India, Java, and Europe. To learn more about its history, you can visit Fort Zeelandia, which houses a museum, or take a stroll through the streets in search of street food prepared in wooden houses inspired by Dutch architecture.
