15 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTH AMERICA

Known for its diverse geography, rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, South America is a stunning continent to explore. This is Katie from Creative Travel Guide and today we share the 15 best places to visit in South America. Looking for more travel tips? Make sure to hit subscribe and ring that notification bell. First we have Machu Picchu in Peru. Of course we are going to start this list with this famous wonder of the world. This is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world and sees hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, this ancient Inca citadel was built in the 15th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Getting here can be a challenge. You will need to get to the cities nearby and book a hiking tour, but make sure to do so in advance. Those hiking tours can book up really quickly. We will leave some of the more popular options in the description below. Known for its stunning beaches and vibrant carnival celebrations, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil is a fun must-visit destination in South America. Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer, also a wonder of the world, and then take a cable car up to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. Enjoy the famous beaches in the city, explore the Tijuca National Park, and then stroll through the charming artsy neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. Next we have Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Famous for its unique wildlife and ecosystems, these islands are a perfect destination for those wanting to snorkel and enjoy wildlife watching. Here you can find giant tortoises and incredible iguanas, as well as sea lions and various bird species. You can take wildlife cruises and tours to spot this diverse array of creatures. We will leave some links in the description below. Enjoy snorkelling and diving to experience swimming with sea turtles, rays, colourful fish, and even sharks. You can take the many hiking trails on the island to appreciate the incredible landscapes, from lava fields to lush highlands, and then learn about the research being conducted on the island at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Next we have the Amazon Rainforest. Located across various countries, this is the world's largest tropical rainforest that is simply breathtaking, and another best place to visit in South America. Home to an astonishing array of plant and animal species, there is plenty to discover here. There are several ways that you can experience the Amazon Rainforest. Canopy tours are available, with visitors walking along an elevated walkway through the treetops. You could also take a guided jungle hike to learn more about the plants and insects as you hike. Night tours are available if you want to see the nocturnal side of the rainforest, whilst travelling along the Amazon River on a boat tour is an easy and popular option for many. Again, we will leave some of the best tours in the description below. Next we have Cartagena, Colombia. For a beautiful preserved colonial city that offers colourful architecture and a rich history, head to Cartagena. Located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, this city offers a old historic town, well-preserved fortress, and impressive fortified city walls. You can also enjoy the beaches here with plenty of water sport opportunities. Another vibrant and culturally rich city that you have to visit in South America is Buenos Aires. Spend time exploring the diverse neighbourhoods as well as the historic San Telmo area. Visit the impressive art museum and enjoy plenty of Argentine steak. Next we have Santiago, Chile. The capital city of Chile offers a mix of modern and history, with attractions like the Historic Centre and vibrant neighbourhoods like Bella Vista. Admire the cathedral, explore the Royal Court Palace, and climb to the top of the Cerro San Cristobal for panoramic views of the city. Next we have Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. These falls are simply breathtaking. Witness the awe-inspiring power of these enormous waterfalls which are surrounded by lush rainforest. You can choose to stay on either side, with both sides offering well-maintained trails to the falls. Then we have Medellin, Colombia. Once notorious for violence, this city has transformed itself into a vibrant, innovative city, known for its modern transportation systems, cultural festivals, and friendly locals. Take the cable car to enjoy hiking trails and beautiful views of the city, then explore Comuna 13, a neighbourhood transformed into a colourful street art community. Enjoy the beautiful garden at the Botanical Gardens, then take a street food tour to try the local Colombian dishes and snacks. Next we have Lima, Peru. Peru's capital is a culinary hotspot, known for its diverse and delicious cuisine. Explore the Historic Centre, visit the neighbourhoods, and then head to the Larco Museum for pre-Columbian art. Next you should visit Lake Titicaca. Straddled along the border between Peru and Bolivia, this is the largest lake in South America and one of the highest lakes on Earth. This is a breathtaking area to visit, with crystal clear blue waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Visit the charming towns nearby, but spend as much time as you can appreciating the beauty of this lake. For more spectacular landscapes and natural beauty, head to Torres del Paine National Park. Home to some of the world's best hiking and trekking trails, this is a hiker's paradise. Appreciate the flora and fauna here, enjoy the clear unpolluted skies, and enjoy some wild camping at one of the designated camping sites along the trekking routes. As the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall, Angel Falls in Venezuela is one of the best things to see in South America. Visitors can take a guided tour and trek to Angel Falls, and this is a popular destination for adventure travellers. As with many of the trails and hikes mentioned in this list, it is best to compare, browse, and book tours in advance to avoid missing out. This is a very popular site in South America. Another great place to visit in South America is Cusco in Peru. You can visit the charming museums, churches, and explore the winding streets here. This is a beautiful picturesque place to visit, but it also makes for a great starting point for those reaching Machu Picchu. Many travellers will spend a few days in the city before heading out to the famous wonder of the world. Another fantastic place to visit, and not too far from Cusco as well, is Rainbow Mountain. This is a beautiful place, known for its colourful stripes on display all year round. The colours are the result from different mineral layers that were combined with melted ice that have created rows of reds, yellows, purples, and greens over time. This is a truly unique place to visit and makes for a great day trip from Cusco. Watch this video to find out the things to know before you go to Mexico. Then to learn about the most popular places to visit in the US, watch this video. We hope you have an incredible time no matter where you choose to go to in South America, and stay creative!