Our List of the Best Cities to Visit in South America
Discover the best cities to visit in South America and start planning your ultimate South America trip today.
South America, is a continent of beautiful natural sites, paradisiacal beaches and of course, some amazing cities full of culture, vibrance and great food.
South America has some of the most iconic cities in the world such as Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires as well as beautiful smaller cities and towns beckoning to be discovered.
They are full of culture, identity, some amazing food scenes and great architecture and museums.
Whether you’re looking for your next city break or a place to combine urban culture and adventure, there’s a city in South America for you. Here are 15 of the best cities to visit in South America for you to add to your bucket list today.
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The Best Cities to Visit in South America
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Quite easily the best city in South America for many, Buenos Aires is a little slice of Europe in South America. Home to many world-class museums, theatres and tango shows it’s a city that will keep you entertained for much longer than a weekend.
It has some of the best plant-based restaurants in South America, plenty of green space right in the city centre and both colonial and modern architecture that give character to the skyline.
Unique neighbourhoods to explore include Recoleta and its monumental cemetery, Palermo and Palermo Soho for their restaurant and cafe scene and boho San Telmo for their amazing Sunday kitsch market.
If you’re a football fan, make sure to also get tickets for a game- Argentinians take two things very seriously football and pizza.
Planning a visit to Buenos Aires? Make sure to read 15 Top things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The city of endless beaches, caipirinhas, samba, football and açai, Rio de Janeiro is one of South America’s most beautiful and fascinating cities.
One of the best things to do is get yourself up high to one of the amazing viewpoints to really realise the beauty of this coastline, pristine waters and golden beaches.
It’s also one of the only cities in the world with a national park inside the city itself, so why not walk up through it to the world-famous Christ the Redeemer?
During the day spend your time on the beach eating açai by the cup-full, exploring the historical centre, seeing landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain and Lage Park and by night dance away to Brazilian samba while sipping on caipirinhas.
If you love to party then you might also want to visit in February as the city shuts down and takes to the streets for the largest multi-day street party in the world, the carnival.
Discover more about Rio with this Must-Read Travel Guide to Rio de Janeiro and The Ultimate Rio de Janeiro Bucket List.
Sucre, Bolivia
As one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Bolivia, Sucre tends to be the firm favourite with travellers in Bolivia.
As the country’s past capital, Sucre’s Old Town is full of grand colonial buildings, beautiful cathedrals and museums where you can learn about its past.
The best things to do here are to wander around and admire all the white-washed buildings and terracotta roof tiles and visit Sucre Cathedral, Freedom House and the Treasure Museum.
Cusco, Peru
As one of the best cities to visit in South America and one of the most cultural, Cusco is one of my personal favourites.
Cusco was the capital of the Incan empire for three centuries until the Spanish Conquest, making it a hot pot of local, mystical Andean culture as well as its colonial history.
Not only is Cusco the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu it’s a world-class destination in its own right, so it’s safe to say you’ll find yourself here at some point when in Peru.
Cusco is full of beautiful colonial architecture, a vibrant food scene and local culture Cusco was, for me, and for many, the most beautiful city in Peru.
There’s nothing better to do here in the town itself than walk around the historic centre and admiring the architecture as well as visiting the fantastic main cathedral on Plaza de Armas.
Discover your Cusco Travel Guide and the Best Vegan Restaurants in Cusco
Cuenca, Ecuador
This little city in central-southern Ecuador should definitely be high on your South America bucket list.
At the heart of this small city is the beautifully preserved colonial centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in which you can admire all the colonial buildings and cathedral around the main square.
The new blue-domed cathedral is one of the most beautiful in Ecuador. Walk the cobbled streets, admire the old, intricate street signs and sample some traditional Ecuadorian dishes; my favourite is Locro de Papas, a delicious potato soup topped with corn and avocado.
While there are many things to do around Cuenca, spend some time just relaxing and strolling the streets; the beauty here is all about not knowing what turning the next corner might hold.
For your guide on the best places to visit in Ecuador check out the bucket list guide here.
Ushuaia, Argentina
What’s a trip to South America without visiting Patagonia and Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world?
Ushuaia is a clapboard city that really feels isolated from anywhere else in the world -the next stop south in Antarctica and Buenos Aires is more than 3,000km away.
While there isn’t that much to do in the city itself this area is all about what’s outside the city.
Make sure you take a hiking trip to Laguna Esmerelda and into the Martial Mountains to see the infamous glacier. Of course, don’t go home without spotting some wild penguins on these shores.
In town, the Maritime Museum and the ‘Museo del Fin del Mundo’ are also worth a peek.
If you’re in Patagonia too make sure not to miss the Perito Moreno Glacier and the beautiful Fitz Roy Range for the best hiking opportunities in Argentina.
Over the border in Chile, you’ll also find Torres del Paine National Park which is one of the highlights of South America.
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Not exactly a city, yet this beautiful colonial town sitting just across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires, couldn’t be missed off this list. The old colonial town of Colonia is an absolute gem.
You could easily spend 2 whole days here taking in the old cobblestone alleyways, strolling around the historical centre drinking coffee, taking in the marina and relaxing on the beaches.
One of the best things to do in Colonia is to walk up to the top of the lighthouse, which gives fantastic views over the historic center and the Rio de la Plata.
The pace of life is very slow in Colonia and this is the perfect place to relax for a day or two before heading back to bustling Buenos Aires.
For the perfect Uruguay travel guide check out our 2-week itinerary here.
Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Salvador is the perfect destination for Brazilian culture and superb beaches.
Salvador is a melting pot of Brazilian and Afro-Brazilian culture and it’s the perfect destination to get to know some amazing Afro-Brazilian food, dance, culture and superb colonial architecture I’d highly recommend adding it to any Brazil itinerary.
Some of the best things to see in Salvador are the Igreja e Convento de São Francisco, Modelo Market for local foods and crafts as well as the Barra Lighthouse.
Spend your mornings exploring the city and escape to the many beaches for an afternoon of sun and coconut sipping as the clear water laps at your feet.
Arequipa, Peru
Arequipa is one of Peru’s most charming little cities and the best city to visit in South America. Composed mainly of chalky white volcanic rock, Arequipa’s squat and medieval-looking buildings transport you back to Spain.
Known as the ‘white city’ it’s the cultural centre of Southern Peru and is sprawling with history, culture and a vibrant food scene that has to be explored.
The best thing you can do in Arequipa? Just walk around and soak up the uniquely Peruvian atmosphere in a uniquely European-feel setting.
Make sure to also visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, the main cathedral which takes up one whole block and take in the dramatic volcanic views surrounding the city at sunset.
For more, check out these 5 Things to Do in Arequipa Peru
