Whether you’re snapping your own shots or hiring a professional vacation photographer, you’re sure to return home from these South American cities with unforgettable photos. From panoramic rooftop views in Manizales to the vibrant colonial architecture of Cartagena, there’s something for every type of photographer. Ready to start your journey? Explore our destination pages or reach out to our local experts to plan your picture-perfect adventure with this South America photography guide.
A photographer’s guide to South America
|A guide to travel photography in South America
Manizales, Colombia
Manizales, Colombia is the perfect place to photograph nature and street life. While most people only think of coffee when they picture Manizales, endless photo opportunities exist within the city and its rich, verdant surroundings. If you are more interested in photographing the landscape surrounding the city, Nevado del Ruiz is the place to head for. This active volcano on the outskirts of town offers spectacular views over the city and the sprawling coffee regions around it.
Aside from Manizales’ natural beauty spots, you will find plenty of historical sites, inspiring architecture, and charming people to photograph within the city. To capture some photos of the city from a different perspective, you should visit the rooftop of the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. The city square, colorful buildings, and street vendors make great subjects for any photograph centered on city life in Manizales.
Cartagena, Colombia
Amateur and professional photographers alike will love capturing a classic skyline shot of Cartagena. Sitting along the Caribbean coast, this Colombian city offers endless opportunities for stunning sunset photos over the water. The palm trees, blue skies, and shimmering sea create the perfect backdrop for everything from vacation snapshots to striking landscape shots.
One thing South American cities are known for is their colorful, historic architecture, and Cartagena is no exception. If you’re drawn to bold, vivid imagery full of rich tones, don’t miss a stroll through Cartagena’s historic center. There, you’ll find beautifully restored colonial buildings bursting with color, adding vibrant energy to the city’s old town. With its perfect blend of coastal charm and architectural beauty, Cartagena is easily one of the best cities to photograph in South America.
Santiago, Chile
If you are in search of a breathtaking city lying in the shadow of some of the most incredible mountains, you need look no further than Santiago. Nestled among the Andes Mountain Range, the Chilean capital is a dream to photograph. Stepping outside of Santiago will give you a chance to capture the skyline of this vibrant city, outlined against the mighty Andes range.
When you step inside and explore the city, you will find yourself constantly snapping photos as you take in the exciting street life and historical sites. You won’t want to leave without taking some photos of the impressive architecture and colorful stained glass in the Centro Gabriela Mistral, one of the city’s most striking centers for culture and performing arts. Despite its vibrant and diverse offerings, Santiago’s cosmopolitan highlights are often overshadowed by the towering mountain landscape that surrounds it. However, a photographer with a keen eye and sense of adventure can draw truly incredible shots from the streets of Santiago.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Packed with old-world European-style charm, Buenos Aires is often referred to as the Paris of South America. In the center of the city, there are wide boulevards and stately squares, handsome townhouses line the streets of wealthy Recoleta, while the cobbled lanes of San Telmo are lined with al fresco cafes, boutiques and a busy market on weekends. Head to the historic port neighborhood of La Boca to photograph street Tango dancers with a backdrop of colorfully painted facades.
From cutting-edge street art to 18th-century architecture, there’s so much to snap in Argentina’s glamourous capital city. Not to mention the people of Buenos Aires, be they taking part in one of the city’s regular political rallies, caught up in the intensity of a Tango dance or firing up the coals for a roadside parilla (BBQ).
La Paz, Bolivia
Bolivia is one of the most colorful countries in South America, especially when it comes to traditional clothing. This landlocked nation high in the Andes showcases a vibrant indigenous culture, known for its bright, multi-colored fabrics and distinctive hats, particularly worn by women.
High-altitude La Paz, sitting at 3,650 meters (nearly 12,000 feet), offers dramatic views, especially from the El Alto district, where you can take in sweeping panoramas of the city cascading down the valley slopes. One of the most unique cultural experiences in La Paz is Cholita Wrestling, a fascinating and quirky spectacle where women dressed in traditional “Cholita” attire, complete with full skirts and long braids, face off in theatrical wrestling matches.
Cochabamba, Bolivia
The regional city of Cochabamba sits in the foothills of the Andes at just over 8,200 feet in elevation. This lively city has a Mediterranean vibe, with plenty of blue skies and sunshine. Colonial architecture creates a beautiful backdrop for photography, and the city center is full of energy. A tree-lined pedestrian area, lined with cafés and restaurants, serves as the heart of downtown—locals of all ages gather there in the afternoons and evenings to socialize.
There’s also a sprawling market to get lost in, with sections dedicated to everything from elaborately decorated cakes and uniforms to fresh fruit, traditional potions, and second-hand electronics. The photo opportunities here are endless and captivating. Cochabamba also knows how to celebrate, its carnival costumes are next-level. The Urkupiña Festival, held every August, is a standout event, but you’ll find lively fiestas happening year-round.
Guayaquil, Ecuador
As the main gateway to the famed Galápagos Islands, the sprawling port city of Guayaquil is often overlooked. But building in an extra day (or even just an afternoon) gives you the chance to break up your Galápagos wildlife photography with some vibrant urban scenes.
A must for any South America photography guide, Guayaquil offers striking contrasts. Stroll along the wide oceanfront boardwalk (the Malecón), where grand historic buildings line the path and the energy of the city comes alive. From there, head up into the narrow streets of Santa Ana Hill, where the Spanish first settled the town. The brightly painted wooden houses and panoramic views across the bay make for stunning photo ops. Want a preview of the Galápagos? Stop by Iguana Park to get some up-close shots of these giant, docile reptiles before your island adventure begins.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Perhaps the most photogenic city in all of South America, Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro never fails to dazzle. The city’s beachfront neighborhoods boast fine stretches of golden sand, rolling waves and glorious sunsets. Forested hills and granite peaks tower over the city with Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado Mountain reaching the highest, the latter home to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Rio’s natural setting is absolutely the star of the show, but the legendary festivities of ‘Carnival’ take some of the limelight each February.
