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June 23, 2025
The best cities to visit in South America
|Whether you seek the life-affirming buzz of a metropolis or the solitude of an edge of the world port, you can find it in South America. The myriad nations each have exciting cities to discover, every one with its own distinct character and culture. So many cities, so little time… which of these must-visit cities in South America will you prioritize on your next South American vacation?
Must-visit cities in Argentina
Buenos Aires
Sensual and soulful, Buenos Aires is well known for capturing travelers’ hearts. An effortless mix of colonial architecture, characterful neighborhoods, lively markets, tango performances, and a thriving café culture make this one of the most beguiling cities in the world. Yes, the world.
Salta
Capital of the northwest and a great springboard for exploring the area, historic Salta is one of the most charming cities in South America, welcoming you with open arms, delicious food, and excellent wine. Situated at 1,200 meters altitude, Salta enjoys a pleasant climate almost year-round.
Mendoza
Sunkissed and green with a magnificent mountain backdrop, Mendoza is the hub of Argentina’s sizeable wine industry. Stroll the city’s leafy boulevards or take a tour of one of the traditional local ‘bodegas’ where you can see wine production up close and enjoy some very fine cuisine.
Bariloche
This is a city to get the pulse racing, situated in the dazzling landscape of Argentina’s lake district between pristine peaks and inky blue waters. Fans of adventure sports are spoilt for choice in scenic Bariloche where there are scores of land and water-based adventures to try.
Ushuaia
Right down there at the end of the world sits Ushuaia, overlooking the Beagle Channel under the watchful gaze of the Andes. It’s a dramatic location that gains Ushuaia the title of the most southerly city in the world, and it makes the perfect base for exploring the wilds of Tierra del Fuego.
Must-visit cities in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
Known as the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ – the Marvellous City – Rio de Janeiro truly deserves the hype. As one of the most iconic cities in South America, it’s every bit as dramatic and impressive as it looks on the postcards, with incredible scenery at every turn. Have fun discovering the sultry, swaggering character of Rio for yourself.
Sào Paulo
The biggest city in the Southern Hemisphere is a hotspot of culture, business, and leisure, wowing visitors with its awesome nightlife, museums, and food scene. Those who persevere in the face of the overwhelmingly huge urban sprawl will be amply rewarded with a truly epic city.
Salvador
Blessed with a lovely situation overlooking All Saints Bay, Salvador is one of Brazil’s urban hotspots. The pretty, colorful old town is stuffed with characterful old buildings and populated by inhabitants who make the town and its Afro-Brazilian culture come alive.
Manaus
The Amazon rainforest is not just wilderness: the city of Manaus is right in the heart of the region and serves as the jumping-off point for Amazon adventures. As one of the more unique cities in South America, it’s worth staying long enough to check out the incredible Opera House, even if most visitors don’t linger.
Belem
Lying at the mouth of the Amazon River where it flows into Guajara Bay, Belem is graced with some fantastic examples of colonial architecture, lots to do, and some delicious Parà state specialties. Don’t miss the lively market or the spectacular sunsets over the bay.
Must-visit cities in Colombia
Cartagena
Who could resist this colonial gem of a city, slap bang on the shores of the Caribbean Sea? One of the most captivating cities in South America, its streets are filled with music, overlooked by balconies dripping with flowers, and atmospheric plazas that lead to ancient churches and important museums.
Medellin
Enjoying a balmy climate and a local economy based on flower farming, this is a green city nicknamed ‘The Land of Eternal Spring’ where a busy calendar of events keeps things lively all year round. The pinnacle of the festival season has to be the Feria de Las Flores in August.
Bogotà
Busy, bustling Bogotà has had a real renaissance over the last couple of decades, and the dining, nightlife and cultural landscape is vibrant and quintessentially Colombian. Explore La Candelaria district to uncover the historic character of the city.
Must-visit cities in Ecuador
Quito
Ecuador’s unmissable capital is one of the most striking cities in South America, basking on its plateau at nearly 3,000 meters altitude, with spectacular volcanic peaks rising behind the city sprawl. Impressive colonial architecture in the old town brackets the charming streets and picturesque plazas.
Guayaquil
Recent injections of cash have transformed Guayaquil’s riverfront promenade into a wonderful area to people watch, stroll and enjoy an evening breeze, while the city itself is the most populous in Ecuador and has a corresponding buzz.
Cuenca
With its easygoing vibe, postcard-pretty corners, and historic marvels, Cuenca makes a fantastic stop on any tour of Ecuador. As well as the charm of the parks, whitewashed churches, and chatter-filled lanes, Cuenca has a strong artisan tradition, and browsing for souvenirs is a joy.
Must-visit cities in Chile
Santiago
With the Andes as a backdrop, a pleasant climate, and a vibrant street scene, Santiago stands out among the most dynamic cities in South America. As Chile’s major urban hub, it has long attracted artists, academics, and poets, and offers a rich array of cultural sights to explore in the capital.
Valparaiso
Easily reached from Santiago, Valparaiso is a colorful seaside city with a rebellious character that straddles 43 hills. Ride the funiculars to get a feel of the city and enjoy views over the colorful neighborhoods and their inventive street art.
Must-visit cities in Peru
Lima
Lima wears its past on its sleeve, especially in the historic old town, littered with architectural gems and buzzing plazas. There are plentiful cultural sights to soak up, including some excellent museums, monasteries, galleries and palaces as well as some impressive churches.
Cusco
The one-time capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco has seen a huge resurgence in recent decades as it has become the hub of Peru’s tourist industry. It remains atmospheric and culturally vibrant, with a busy calendar of festivals and a constant flow of visitors.
Arequipa
Dramatically sited among volcanoes and canyons in the far south of Peru, Arequipa is one of the most captivating cities in South America, brimming with colonial charm. Its UNESCO World Heritage status reflects the significance of its historic architecture—don’t miss the Monastery of Santa Catalina or the Cathedral.
Make it happen
Will you fall for Cartagena’s vivid colors, Rio’s never-ending party, or Mendoza’s sumptuous cuisine? There’s only one way to explore the most captivating cities in South America! Tailor your itinerary with the help of our local experts, who offer insider tips and up-to-the-minute suggestions to turn your vacation into the trip of a lifetime.
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