aerial view of Ancient inca city, Peruvian Andes. South America.

The Best South American Countries To Visit

Enter South America, The Land Of Wonder And Adventure

By Melissa Alvarado Sierra | Published on August 1, 2023

South America is a land of wonder where the impossible is possible. You'll find waterfalls that can be seen from space, majestic remnants of ancient empires and colorful towns so well preserved that they seem to have come from a fairy tale. This guide will introduce you to some of the best South American countries to visit. Stare in awe at landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer on Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro or natural treasures such as the Iguazu Falls in Argentina. Or, marvel at the storied 15th-century citadel known as Machu Picchu, laid down by the Incas in Peru. Plus, you can play in igarapés (waterways), walk among pristine shores and tropical rainforests and enjoy dramatic views of places such as Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn.

There's also an endless supply of culture in the form of food, music, crafts and style in South America. Whether you visit South America during the Ultimate Americas Cruise segment or on a shorter cruise trip, one thing is for sure: You will fall in love with this vibrant destination.

Witnessing Preserved Beauty In Cartagena

Colombia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. When your cruise pulls into port at Cartagena de Indias, start your visit by taking a walk through Centro Histórico de Cartagena. Here, you'll find all of Cartagena's oldest buildings, including the famous cathedral known as Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría. With its cobbled streets and beautifully restored buildings, the beloved old town will draw you in. The peaceful lanes are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants, and the sounds of traditional cumbia music travel and bounce against the historical walls to reach your ears. You might be tempted to stop and dance a little as you traverse the old colonial center.

Sun ray during sunrise in the streets of Cartagena, Colombia

The colorful streets of Cartagena, Colombia, are filled with darling shops, museums and more.

There are also some excellent museums — including the Naval Museum, which tells the story of Cartagena's importance as a port during colonial times and its role in protecting the country's independence from Spain during the 19th century. You can also visit one of many historic churches, including San Pedro Claver Church. The famous church was built to commemorate Saint Peter Claver, a Spanish Jesuit priest who was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002.

Another mandatory stop is Playa Blanca, one of the most venerated slices of sand and aquamarine waters in all of Colombia and a short boat ride from the city, on Isla Barú, one of the Rosario Islands. Most islands here are quite small and private, but Isla Barú is open for visitors and about 20,000 people call it home. You are sure to find great food and souvenirs, as well as access to beautiful golden sand during your visit.

Colombia Cartagena Historic Cathedral and Buildings

Whimsical details are everywhere in Cartagena.

Other great attractions you should not miss include the Museo de Arte Moderno and Museo del Caribe Colombiano, both exhibiting impressive collections of local art. Also of note: the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, which was built by the Spanish in 1657, Murcia Street, which is home to many hip restaurants and bars, and Monumento Torre del Reloj de Cartagena (the Clock Tower of Cartagena), the city's main gate to the historic center.

Cartagena is a stunning coastal city, caressed by the Caribbean Sea and surrounded by mountains. It's a great place to visit for all types of travelers, but those who enjoy history, architecture, beaches and food will surely find it to be extra special.

Book Now

Visit the best of South America on a cruise.

Stepping Into History In Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the most famous archaeological sites on Earth and is officially one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It's located on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley (also known as Sacred Valley) in the Andes of Peru, and it was built by the Incas around 1450 AD. Thanks to its long and storied history, Peru is one of the best countries to visit in South America. The site is made up of buildings, plazas and gardens that were built at different times during its history, but it is not clear how exactly it was originally used. It is believed that Machu Picchu might have been an estate for Emperor Pachacuti, who conquered many regions of South America. It may have also been a religious center or a royal retreat. The Spanish conquerors completely missed it when they arrived in Peru.

Witness a magical sunset in ancient Machu Picchu.

Tourists are not allowed to climb Machu Picchu on their own, but they can visit via train or bus tours from nearby towns such as Aguas Calientes. Once inside the 15th-century Inca citadel set on a mountain ridge 2,430 meters above sea level, you will explore the sprawling ruins, hugged by a lush jungle.

The high altitude of Machu Picchu is what photo dreams are made of, with the majestic site — once the jewel of the Inca Empire — shining in the background. You might even be able to take photos with the llamas that call it home. Bring a tripod or ask one of your fellow travelers to take the picture because you will definitely frame and share those images after you come back home from your unforgettable visit.

Doorway at Machu Picchu frames a view of Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu, Unesco World Heritage site, Sacred Valley, Peru

A doorway frames Huayna in Machu Picchu.

Planning is essential if you want to see this site. Just know that anytime is the best time to visit Machu Picchu, although more visitors travel there from April to November. Also, be aware that the government made important changes to visiting hours, allowing you to only visit during the morning or afternoon. Demand is higher than ever before, and time slots are few. During the Ultimate Americas Cruise, visiting Machu Picchu is made simple.

Cartagena is a beautiful coastal city, caressed by the Caribbean Sea and surrounded by mountains.

Falling For The Iguazu Falls In Argentina

Iguazu Falls is one of the best places in South America for visitors to enjoy. This site has great natural beauty and is one of the most popular and breathtaking destinations in Argentina — also one of the best South American countries to visit. A stop in this celebrated site will be a unique and almost spiritual experience as you witness a natural water show composed of 275 individual cascades. The falls are about 250 feet in height, 200 feet in width and stretch for 1.7 miles, making them the largest waterfall system in the world. The Iguazu Falls were seen by Europeans when Spanish explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca found them in 1541. He called them "the Devil's Throat."

See the incredible falls from the national park in Argentina.

This colossal chain of waterfalls has created an incredible phenomenon, turning this into one of the best South American tourist attractions. The falls are located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, and as they extend for close to two wondrous miles, visitors can not only see the wonder but hear it as well. The sound is strong, reverberating across the landscape and into your chest.

The falls are created by the Iguazu River as it peacefully makes its way more than half a mile through a narrow gorge before furiously plunging down several hundred feet. The waterfalls are so tall that they can be seen from space. But what happens to all that water next? It all floats into the Paraná River — the second-longest river in South America after the Amazon — which runs through Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.

Beautiful aerial view of Iguazu Falls from the helicopter ride Argentina

Glimpse the falls with an aerial view from a helicopter.

There are plenty of ways to explore the Iguazu Falls, such as helicopter rides, hiking or boat trips. If you enter the falls from the Argentina side, you will also enjoy the amenities of a beautiful national park. You can get to the falls via a pristine path called Sendero Verde, which is not too long, just 650 meters.

Reaching A Famed Statue In Rio

Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) is one of the most well-known South America tourist attractions. It's located at the peak of Corcovado Mountain and was erected in honor of the Catholic faith and Jesus Christ. The impressive statue was built between 1922 and 1931, but it wasn't finished until October 12, 1931.

Visit Cristo Redentor and the Botafogo Bay in Rio de Janeiro.

The open-armed, art deco statue is made of concrete and soapstone and weighs 1,145 tons. At 98 feet tall from head to toe, the iconic masterpiece watches over the city, greeting more than two million visitors every year. It has become one of Rio de Janeiro's most recognizable symbols, and its even earned recognition as one of the seven modern wonders of the world.

At night, the statue lights up and can be seen from every corner of Rio. To visit, just go to Parque Nacional da Tijuca and take the bright red train to the top of Corcovado. Once there, you'll get to see the famous statue up close — and you'll also get to enjoy a mesmerizing view of Ipanema Beach, Copacabana, the city buildings and Sugarloaf Mountain at the mouth of Guanabara Bay.

Palms and Two Brothers Mountain on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil.

Lively Ipanema beach is a must-visit when stopping in Rio.

Taking a picture with Cristo Redentor while standing at the base can be a challenge — fitting the entire statue from such close proximity will take some maneuvering. The best way to get the perfect picture is to stand in front of the statue, right at the center, about ten or more feet away from the base, then have your photographer capture the image from as low as possible. You will be able to get the entire statue and yourself in the picture. Afterward, turn around and capture the panoramic views of beautiful Rio.

From Cartagena to Cristo Redentor, a journey to these many remarkable places will make for an unforgettable trip. Set your sights on a trip to some of the most beautiful countries in South America, and you'll be setting yourself up for a breathtaking adventure.

Written By
MELISSA ALVARADO SIERRA

Melissa Alvarado Sierra is a journalist, author and sailor. She's been exploring coastal destinations around the world for more than a decade, always searching for authentic experiences to share with her adventurous readers. Her work has been published or is forthcoming in The New York Times, Lonely Planet, Orion Magazine, AFAR, USA Today and others.

Get Royal Deals, Sign Up Today

First Name

Missing First Name

Last Name

Missing Last Name

Email Address

mail_outline

Missing Email Address Invalid Email Address

There was an error processing your request. Please try again.

Thank you for signing up!

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our Privacy Policy.