South America is a continent full of diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and interesting history. Whether you’re looking for a place to explore ancient ruins, go on an adventure in the jungle, or relax on the beach, South America has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will discuss 11 of the best destinations to visit in South America. So pack your bags and get ready to explore!
Los Roques Archipelago National Park, Venezuela
Among the most bewitching and enthralling getaways of the Venezuela, Los Roques Archipelago National Park is a spellbinding and captivating atoll on the Caribbean Sea, initially opened as a reserve for myriad floras and faunas of the region. Today, this place has become a great tourist hotspot and people enjoy visiting here throughout the year for great sightseeing, exquisite adventures and much more. Plan your winter vacations here and witness the charming range of wilderness including coral reefs, sea turtles, sea grass, islands, beaches and much more during dry and sunny days.
San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
People looking for some adventure during their winter vacations and love to stay away from the chilling breeze will find the San Carlos de Bariloche a thriving place for their vacations. A prominent adventure spot in the region of Argentina, San Carlos de Bariloche is a picturesque set of lands that comprises rugged mountains, rocky lands, plains, pristine green lands, exquisite blue lakes and much more. Tons of people head here during the winter season to be a part of a wide array of adventure sports organized here including rafting, rock-climbing, camping, canopy zip-lining, scuba diving and much more. Additionally, the proximity from the nearby cities makes it easily accessible and enjoyable for solo, couples, families and groups.
Puerto Maldonado, Peru
Visit Puerto Maldonado and the next time you hear Peru, you will not remember the famous Machu Picchu as the charm will woo your heart for eternity. Among the most spectacular ecosystems of the entire region, Puerto Maldonado is a thriving getaway option for some serious wildlife excursion and witnessing the sheer beauty of the nature. Featuring a wide array of landscapes and natural attributes including river systems, thick forests, vast plains and cliffs and more, Puerto Maldonado makes one of the most captivating places for some quality wildlife safari in South America and loads of camping. The Amazonian forests of Puerto Maldonado will give you a lot of enlightening experience to cherish for the rest of the eternity.
Estancias, Uruguay
Many people don’t find Uruguay as a place for holidays, but if you are aware of the depth of diversity this part of South America has to offer, then you surely will consider Estancias as your next winter getaways. The most amazing beauty of the region is its cattle ranches that have been existing here for centuries and are handed over generation by generation to keep the essence and purity of the ranching alive. In recent years, many people have begun to visit here for their winter breaks and spend some quality time in the refreshing surroundings. Hence, you will find loads of people denoting Estancias as the Switzerland of South America. Additionally, the discounted airfares for the region is something that will give you another reason to visit here.
Iguazu Falls
Brazil and Argentina Iguazú Falls is one of the most impressive natural wonders in South America. Located on the border between Brazil and Argentina, these waterfalls are a sight to behold! The falls are surrounded by lush rainforest that provides an excellent backdrop for some incredible photography opportunities (especially during sunrise or sunset).
Iguazu Falls are one of the most spectacular natural wonders on earth. They’re located on either side of the border between Argentina and Brazil, along the Iguazu River. The falls are about 2.7 miles wide, which is comparable to Niagara Falls. There are many different viewing points at the falls, but some people prefer to hike down to the river below it for a more unique experience.
We recommend visiting both sides of the falls since each country offers unique accommodations and experiences such as boat tours beneath them- you won’t regret it!
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Ecuador is home to one of the most unspoiled ecosystems on the planet – the Galapagos Islands. It is located on the Equator, which means that it will experience year-round warm weather. This makes it an ideal destination for those looking to escape from cold winter weather in North America and Europe.
If you’re looking to get away from all civilization then look no further than Galápagos Island. These islands have been called “the enchanted islands” due to their rich biodiversity; they’re teeming with unique animal life that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The volcanic landscape and crystal-clear waters make for an unforgettable experience.
It is known for its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and excellent scuba diving opportunities. The beaches are great for surfing, windsurfing, and sea kayaking. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Santa Cruz is the only inhabited island in this archipelago. It is known for its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and excellent scuba diving opportunities. The beaches are great for surfing, windsurfing, and sea kayaking.
Bolivia, Salar de Uyuni
Bolivia is one of the most underrated, yet beautiful, South American destinations. The country has an abundance of natural beauty, from the salty lakes to the salt flats, located in what is called the world’s largest salt flat. Salar de Uyuni is known for its breathtaking landscape of large flat areas of deep blue water.
One of the most amazing places on Earth has to be Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni. This desert is covered in a seemingly infinite expanse of bright white salt flats that reflect the sky like a mirror. Not only does this make for some stunning photos, but it’s also great for exploring by foot or jeep!
Brazil, Rio de Janeiro Brazil is home to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world: Christ the Redeemer statue perched atop Mount Corcovado. Aside from this must-see destination, Rio is also filled with lively neighborhoods, beautiful beaches and lush rainforest.
Chile, Torres del Paine National Park
Chile is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with an incredible coastline. If you’re looking for a destination that’s perfect for winter, then head to Torres del Paine National Park. This park is located on the Patagonian coast and includes lots of trekking trails. You’ll be in awe of its towering mountains and close proximity to glaciers.
Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is a hikers’ paradise! With soaring mountains, turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls, this park has something for everyone. Don’t miss the opportunity to take in the stunning views from the top of Grey Glacier.
The scenery is absolutely breathtaking during the winter months. The views of the mountains and glaciers are a great way to escape from the cold. If you’re looking for a destination that will help you get in touch with your inner outdoors person, then look no further than Torres del Paine National Park.
Guyana, Kaieteur Falls
Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America, making it an ideal destination for English speakers looking to get off the beaten path. From its lush rainforests to its beautiful beaches, Guyana offers a wide variety of adventures for travelers. Kaieteur Falls is the largest falls in all of South America. It’s known for its sheer size and power.
Kaieteur Falls is a waterfall on the Potaro River fed from the heart of Guyana’s rainforest. The falls are one of Guyana’s most famous destinations and a must-see for visitors to the region, as they are some of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in the world.
Kaieteur Falls is the largest single drop waterfall in the world and a must-see for any adventure traveler. Nestled deep in the Amazon rainforest, this thundering waterfall is an impressive sight to behold. The falls are regarded as one of the most spectacular sights in Guyana. You can take a day tour that will include lunch and a visit to the Indian village.
Salvador, Brazil
Salvador is a vibrant, lively city that offers visitors an opportunity to experience authentic Brazilian culture. You can take a tour of the historic city center, visit the Pelourinho quarter, and then stop for a caipirinha at one of the many bars along Caminho do Mar, Salvador’s coastal promenade.
Travelers seeking the perfect sunny spot should head to Salvador, Brazil’s capital city. Landlocked Salvador has a tropical climate and offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities. There are also many lush, green spaces in which travelers can enjoy a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
Salvador is a city that could be your best bet for the winter. It has beautiful beaches, lush jungles, colonial churches, and even sugar coated deserts. The vibe of the city is festive, with plenty of music festivals to attend!
Los Glaciares National Park (Argentina)
Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina is famous for its glaciers, lakes, and Patagonian forests. The park is best visited between June and September when you can take a boat ride on Lago Argentino or kayak down the Rio Grande. You can also hike up to the Perito Moreno Glacier where there are amazing views of the glacier calving into Lake Argentino.
It’s well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty and the opportunity to experience it all in winter, when the weather is typically milder than summer. Once you arrive at the park, you’ll be given a rigorous orientation by one of our expert guides.
It features a multitude of colorful lakes, lagoons, and spectacular views. Visitors can explore the various trails that wind through the park, or they can take part in ice-diving along the banks of the highest freshwater lake in Latin America.
Pantanal (Brazil)
The Pantanal is a wetland located in Brazil and Bolivia. The region is known for its varied fauna and flora, including jaguars, crocodiles, and piranhas. It is also home to the world’s largest freshwater turtle, the Amazon turtle. The Pantanal has over 2 million acres of area, which can be explored by boat or on foot.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from October to May. The area is home to creatures that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Animals like jaguars, giant anteaters, capybaras, and many types of birds can be spotted here.
The Pantanal has plants that can be found nowhere else on earth. It is also home to hundreds of fish species, including stingrays and piranhas. It’s like a mixture between a small forest and a savanna, and you could easily spot all sorts of animals there: mammals (such as tapirs, deer, capybaras, jaguars), birds (such as herons and kingfishers), reptiles (such as boa constrictors) and many more. There’s even a chance to spot pink dolphins!
Ushuaia (Argentina)
Ushuaia is a type of vacationer’s haven. It’s a coastal city in the southernmost part of Argentina, right next to the Beagle Channel and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In the winter it’s easy to spend days wandering through town or hiking through nearby parks without ever running into another tourist.
It is a popular destination for tourists looking to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Tierra del Fuego during winter. The main attractions are the Parque Yendegaia and the Río Grande waterfall, both natural wonders that are best viewed during this season.
The city is located on the southernmost tip of South America at the bottom of a bay facing the Beagle Channel. It features a mild climate with snow only occurring every 5-10 years and is also known as “The End of the World” because it lies so far south of everything else.
Final Thoughts
You may not think of South America as a destination for winter travel, but that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. With plenty of sunshine all year round and mild temperatures even in the cold months, there are some incredible destinations to choose from when you’re looking for your next adventure.
Some popular places include Rio de Janeiro with its vibrant culture, Buenos Aires with its European feel, or one of the many rainforest hikes in Costa Rica! If you want to get away this winter without heading too far northwards towards Canada or Russia, these are great choices worth exploring!
