Americas

Best Places to Visit in Central and South America

27 December, 2021

Rainforests and ancient archaeological sites, Central and South America have a variety of destinations that appeal to all types of travelers. Because of this, choosing just one travel destination vacation spot from all of the excellent options available can seem impossible.

That is why this list features the best places to visit in Central and South America!

Argentine Patagonia

Argentine Patagonia is a treat for all travelers, not just for adventurers. From its diverse wildlife to its majestic mountains and glaciers, this region showcases Mother Nature in its best form. Even the most amateur photographers will appreciate the palette of incredible colors on display here.

Cartagena, Colombia

Colorful architecture and stunning beaches come together in this Colombian city on the Caribbean coast. The popular old town area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features buildings that date back to the 16th century, including a roughly 7-mile stretch of walls that helped fend off naval attacks for centuries. Today, the walls provide an excellent vantage point for viewing the city and sea.

Lima, Peru

The capital of Peru is one of South America’s best-kept secrets. Travelers can tour everything from the active archaeological site at Huaca Pucllana to the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco, one of the city’s best examples of Hispano-American Baroque architecture. Following a day of sightseeing, visitors can get a taste of Lima’s fresh seafood.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

Angel Falls is the world’s tallest waterfall. Located within the Canaima National Park, its remote location makes it a challenging sight to see. But despite that, it is worth visiting due to its incredible beauty.

Huacachina, Peru

Huacachina is a magical, small oasis in the middle of the desert in the south of Peru. The small village features several resorts and restaurants around a turquoise lagoon and is surrounded by enormous dunes. It is truly a unique experience getting there and staying for a few days.

Jijoca de Jericoacoara, Brazil

Jericoacoara is a fishing village and a mecca for windsurfing and kitesurfing. “Jeri”, as it’s known to the locals, is surrounded by numerous freshwater lagoons and a lush nature reserve with vast dunes. In general, this Jijoca de Jericoacoara is a perfect spot to relax and have a great time on a beach.

Belize

Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Belize offers scenic shorelines, unique wildlife, and some of the best dive sites in Central America. Snorkeling and diving in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Great Blue Hole are a must, but so are the country’s ancient ruins, animal sanctuaries, and relaxing beaches.

Easter Island, Chile

A bucket-list destination for any traveler, this remote island is more than 2,000 miles off of the coast of Chile and enchants adventurers with its distinctive moai statues. These curious stone statues can be found throughout the island, but to ensure you don’t miss the island’s must-sees and unique history, hire a guide to show you Rapa Nui National Park.

Machu Picchu, Peru

One of the most popular and well-known locations in the world, Machu Picchu is a must-see for any traveler. Nestled within a tropical Peruvian forest almost 8,000 feet above sea level, this UNESCO World Heritage Site can only be reached by hiking the 27-mile Inca Trail or taking a train to Aguas Calientes.

Once on-site, visitors can learn about some of the theories surrounding Machu Picchu’s existence as they explore its approximately 200 religious, ceremonial, astronomical, and agricultural structures.

Los Roques, Venezuela

Los Roques is a national park made up of approximately 350 individual islands. Located 128 kilometers off Carcaras in the Caribbean, the waters surrounding this island paradise are home to more than 280 species of fish and nearly 100 different bird species, which make it a perfect spot for adventurers and relaxers.

Cusco, Peru

Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is known for its historical remains and colonial architecture. It is also the gateway to the Sacred Valley, an accumulation of high-altitude villages and ruins on the way to Machu Picchu.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

It’s hard not to fall in love with the wide boulevards, alluring architecture, and Parisian-style cafes of Buenos Aires. In addition to its good looks, Argentina’s capital city is filled with culture.

Plan to visit its world-class National Museum of Fine Arts, colorful Palermo neighborhood, and bustling Corrientes Avenue, where you’ll find many theaters, bars, and tango clubs.