south america travel october

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25 Best Places to Visit in South America, From the Wetlands of Brazil to Easter Island

Experts share their favorite spots across the continent.

Harrison Pierce is a freelance writer and digital nomad passionate about personal finance and travel. He is traveling full-time with the help of points and miles and enjoys connecting with people on the ground. His work has been published in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today Blueprint, Matador Network, and other publications. 

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As a digital nomad who works and travels full time, I spend a good portion of the year in South America, exploring countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, and Peru. From cosmopolitan cities and mountain villages to beautiful beaches and iconic landmarks, the continent offers countless incredible destinations and sights.

It can be challenging to narrow down the choices for a South American trip. With the help of Elisban Huarancca, an official tourism guide with Journeys Cusco in Peru, Eva Castro, owner of Creo Ecolodge in Jardin, Colombia, and Alexander Balardjischvili, CEO of C2Rio Tours & Travel , we’ve compiled a list of the 25 best places to visit in South America.

• Best tourist destination: Machu Picchu, Peru
• Underrated hidden gem: Jardín, Antioquia, Colombia
• Best for families: Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Best for couples: Valparaíso, Chile
• Best for solo travelers: Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Read on for the full list of unmissable spots for your South American itinerary.

Machu Picchu, Peru

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Arguably one of the most famous places in the world, Machu Picchu is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The site was initially an Inca citadel, likely built in the 1450s and often called “The Lost City of the Incas.” Machu Picchu is about 50 miles from Cusco; you’ll take a train to Aguas Calientes and then a bus to the site. You can't visit without a tour guide, so make reservations well in advance.  “The visit to Machu Picchu can be all year round; different climatic factors help to understand the mysterious nature of Machu Picchu,” says Huarancca. However, if you're hoping to avoid rain, he recommends timing your visit between April and the end of October.

Jardín, Antioquia, Colombia

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Jardín is a small town a few hours south of Medellín with colonial architecture, beautiful scenery, and lots to do. I stayed at Creo Ecolodge during my trip, and Castro offered plenty of recommendations. Take a tour of Cueva del Esplendor, the "Cave of Splendor," where you'll find a beautiful waterfall, or head to a nearby coffee farm to learn how Colombian coffee is produced. My favorite is Cafe Historias , which has some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. Castro says the best time of year to visit is August and September when there are very few travelers. This is also when the annual Jardín Film Festival takes place. It gets much busier in town from December through April, she adds.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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In Buenos Aires , one of my favorite cities in the world, you can find anything from tango shows and street art to the best steak you’ll ever eat. Each neighborhood has something special. Head to La Boca for beautiful murals along the streets, then tour the famous cemetery in Recoleta before stopping at a speakeasy in Palermo. There’s no shortage of fantastic things to do , and the city makes a wonderful home base for seeing more of Argentina.

Valparaíso, Chile

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Less than a two-hour drive from Santiago, this quirky coastal city was once home to 20th-century poet and diplomat Pablo Neruda. Valparaíso is characterized by its eclectic, colorful hillside houses, antique funiculars, and sweeping ocean views. Plus, it's adjacent to Viña del Mar, where you'll find some of Chile's top beaches.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

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The Galápagos Islands are perfect for nature lovers. Visitors can learn about the archipelago's unique biodiversity, go scuba diving, lounge on beaches, or embark on a multi-island cruise. You might also swim with sea lions or hang out with giant turtles.

Cocora Valley, Salento, Colombia

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Due west of Bogota is Cocora Valley, one of Colombia's most famous hiking destinations. You can take a day trip from the nearby town of Salento or do a multiday hike throughout the valley. There are campsites available for use if you choose to spend the night looking at the stars. It’s famous for having the tallest palm trees in the world, which stand around 200 feet tall and can live up to 200 years. The oversaturated green colors of the hills are stunning. Castro highly recommends going at "golden hour," early in the morning or late in the afternoon, for the best views.

The Rock of Guatapé, Colombia

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The town of Guatapé in northern Colombia, directly east of Medellín, is famous for its namesake Rock, which can be ascended via more than 700 steps. At the end of your climb, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the town and the islands in the sprawling Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir. The town is reachable by bus and less than two hours from Medellín, making it a perfect weekend trip.  “The people here are more welcoming and warm,” says Castro. “When you are walking, you can find many smiling faces … It’s part of our culture.”

San Rafael, Antioqua, Colombia

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San Rafael is excellent “if you really want to have the deepest connection with yourself and with nature,” says Castro. She recommends Vanadurga Ashram , a yoga sanctuary, for a retreat or to continue your practice while traveling here. “These places are really magical, and you can learn how to change your perspective," Castro adds.

San Rafael is known for its natural beauty, including mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. You can bird-watch, hike, or simply soak in nature. “People want to come to have an inner journey,” says Castro. “If that’s your goal — to find out something inside of you — I’d recommend places like San Rafael.”

The Lost City, Magdalena, Colombia

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The Lost City, or Ciudad Perdida in Spanish, is located near Santa Marta in northern Colombia. It’s estimated to have been founded in the eighth or ninth centuries, making it hundreds of years older than Machu Picchu. The area is believed to have been home to around 2,000 people and about 170 terraces, with apparent spaces for living, working, and religious practice. Getting there requires a three- to six-day trek with a tour company. On the way, you'll see rare native plants and wildlife, which is an adventure in itself. 

Cusco, Peru

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If you're interested in Inca ruins, Cusco is the perfect place. It makes a great starting point to reach Machu Picchu, but you can also see traces of the city's Incan origins alongside colonial architecture. Many travelers spend a few days here exploring and acclimating to the 11,150-foot elevation. (As a comparison, Denver has an elevation of 5,280 feet.) The winding streets, Baroque churches, and art and history museums will leave you charmed.

Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca, Peru

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Close to Cusco in the Andes Mountains is Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain because of the colorful stripes on display year-round. The colors result from different mineral layers that were combined with melted ice to create rows of reds, yellows, purples, and greens.

Amazon Rain Forest, Peru

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The Amazon rain forest spans eight countries and is almost 2.6 million square miles in size. You can visit the Peruvian Amazon from three areas: Manú National Park , Tambopata Province, and the city of Iquitos. Each provides something unique to tourists. The best option depends on what you want to see, how much time you can spend, and your budget.  “The only recommendation I can give to international travelers is to make reservations in advance and have good information about the places you will visit,” says Huarancca. “It is necessary to find out the type of food, drinks, and traditions that place has.”

Huacachina, Peru

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Huarancca recommends visiting Huacachina, “a small oasis in the middle of the desert.” Located south of Lima and near the city of Ica, it's a desert village complete with rolling sand dunes on all sides. You can't swim in Huacachina Lagoon, but you can rent paddleboats to glide across the water. It’s the only natural oasis in all of South America, formed by underground aquifers.

Colca Canyon, Peru

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In Peru, Colca Canyon is another tourist attraction that you shouldn't miss, according to Huarancca. It’s one of the world’s deepest canyons (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon) and you can take a day trip from Arequipa to see it or tackle a multiday trek for the most spectacular views. Either way, you're likely to see plenty of native wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Lake Titicaca, Peru and Bolivia

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Lake Titicaca straddles two South American countries and is the largest freshwater lake on the continent, as well as the world's highest navigable lake. It’s an estimated three million years old, and contains human-made islands constructed of layers of tortora roots and reeds. The number of islands varies at any given time but is usually somewhere between 60 and over 100. This place is extremely important to Peruvian and Bolivian indigenous communities, and offers some of the best views in the Andes.

Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia

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Originally a prehistoric lake that went dry, Bolivia's salt flats are the largest in the world. Now Uyuni Salt Flat is around 4,200 square miles of striking white salt and rock formations. If you visit between December and April, which is the rainy season, you may see bright pink flamingos. Many people who have visited when water is on the ground describe the experience as walking on a cloud since the sky is reflected in the water. Book a room at Luna Salada Hotel , which is close to the flat and made of salt, for a very special stay.

Pantanal Wetland, Brazil

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Measuring more than 40 million acres, this is the biggest wetland on earth. Brazil's Pantanal Wetland is also one of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet with more than 4,700 plant and animal species, including jaguars and crocodiles. Balardjischvili recommends “bringing insect repellent, a light raincoat, and a sweatshirt — and always hydrate.”

Petrópolis, Brazil

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A royal summer retreat in the 19th century, Petrópolis is a mountain resort city outside of Rio de Janeiro known for its palaces, architecture, and food. “Visit Petrópolis on a guided tour to enjoy the historical aspect," Balardjischvili says. "Always book your tour [with] legalized companies with good reviews."

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Christ the Redeemer is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a must-see for anyone heading to Brazil. The statue of Jesus stands almost 125 feet tall and looks over Rio de Janeiro . When visiting the marvel, you can expect phenomenal views of the city. Balardjischvili recommends booking a ticket in advance to take the train to see the statue.

Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Sugarloaf Mountain is a major landmark in Brazil, well known for the panoramic city views from the top. When the cable car system opened in 1912, it was the first in Brazil and the third in the world. “For Sugarloaf, visit it in the morning, as it is fresher; sunset is beautiful but extremely crowded," says Balardjischvili. "If you're traveling during the high season, buy a skip-the-line ticket." The mountain peak is almost 1,300 feet high, so you’ll be grateful you don’t have to climb all the way up. 

When asked about the best time of year to visit Rio de Janeiro, Balardjischvili says May or June, when "you’ll enjoy beautiful sunny days with no rain and 77 degrees.”

Iguazú Falls, Puerto Iguazú, Argentina

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Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazú Falls is comprised of about 275 individual waterfalls, making it one of the largest waterfall systems in the world. Most of the waterfalls are on the Argentina side, but the tallest is on the Brazil side. It’s a stunning sight to behold and an absolute must for anyone traveling through South America.

Patagonia, Argentina

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Patagonia is larger than many countries around the world and is split between Argentina and Chile. You can expect each city in the region to feel unique; some of the most popular in Argentinian Patagonia are El Calafate, Ushuaia, and El Chaltén. Whether you go to Patagonia Brewery in San Carlos de Bariloche or hike one of the 300 glaciers throughout the region, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Zuccardi Winery, Uco Valley, Argentina

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Wine aficionados won't likely want to leave Argentina without sampling a few vintages. Zuccardi Valle de Uco , an award-winning winery, lives up to its reputation, with fantastic wines and the Andes as a stunning backdrop to the property's extensive vineyards. Reservations for tastings and tours can be made online.

Punta del Este Beaches, Uruguay

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Uruguay is still relatively underrated, but it's a fantastic place for international travelers. It takes just a couple of hours by ferry to get from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. From there, it’s about a two-hour drive to Punta del Este, which has some of the best beaches in the country, plus high-end shopping and excellent steakhouses.

Easter Island, Chile

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Easter Island is a Chilean territory in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, about a 5.5-hour flight from Santiago. The remote destination is populated by nearly 1,000 stone statues of human figures, called moai , which are believed to have been created between the 10th and 16th centuries.

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• Adventures in South America

Travel to South America during fall: five of the best destinations

As summer rolls into autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, a precious window of opportunity to travel to South America during the fall arises. While September might mark the beginning of the end of summer in cities like New York, London, and Stockholm, in South America, quite the opposite is happening.

Travel to South America during fall: why go now?

Sandwiched between summer and the holidays that charge November and December, fall is without doubt one of the best periods to explore parts of South America. Not only are the conditions favorable – fewer crowds, comfortable heat, more locals – but there’s also a handful of experiences that only take place during place during this window.

Where to go in South America during the Fall?

To really magnify the beauty of travel to South America during the fall the fall you need specifics. There is no doubt unfettered joy in spending the week in a city like Lima but better still, why not go looking for something niche and nuanced?

Whether it’s the hike on a private glacier in Patagonia, a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards of Mendoza, or a stay on the far-flung ancient Easter Island, with Aracari as your guide we can pinpoint unforgettable experiences that are best explored through travel to South America during the fall.

Five of our favorite destinations in South America from September – December 

So, come with us as we earmark five of the best destinations in South America to visit in the Fall.

1. Iguazu Falls, Argentina: Experience the world’s largest thundering falls between September & October

Spanning a 1.7-mile-wide cliff edge—wider than the Niagara and Victoria Falls—the Iguazu Falls are claimed by three different countries that border the falls: Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. As far as size though, there’s only really one winner—Argentina—which boasts eighty percent of the falls’ drops. Brazil takes the remaining twenty percent, with Paraguay merely able to claim access to the Iguazu River.

Reasons for making Iguazu a top pick for the best destinations for travel to South America during fall are twofold. Firstly, September through December is outside of Argentinian and Brazilian vacation periods (namely January, February, June, and July) – so you can expect far fewer crowds on both sides of the border. It also falls outside of the rainy season, when heavy downpours are short but frequent.

We recommend visiting the Argentine side in September or October . The weather is warm but not stifling, the rainfall isn’t as frequent and the Falls themselves boast one of the best water levels of the year. September is the start of the rainy season and water levels are on the rise but without the heavy downpours that will follow in the last months of the year. For Aracari clients, we recommend staying at the luxurious riverside bolthole featured in our 2023 hotlist . Located just 20 minutes from the Falls, this 14-room rainforest lodge is situated on the banks of the River Iguazú surrounded by dense jungle.

What we especially love is that each room is afforded their own private guide and 4X4 vehicle for private excursions led by your daily impulse. You’ll discover crystal clear pools only reachable by boat, jungle trails home to endangered trees and endemic birds, archaeological Jesuit Ruins, and much more. And without too many gawping tourists lining the most popular viewpoints, you’ll have great access to the thundering waterfalls, whether you choose to explore by land or water.

2. Mendoza, Argentina: Marvel at the vineyards in bloom between October and November

Mendoza is the majestic heart of Argentina’s winelands, renowned for its deep juicy malbec grapes grown in vineyards set against a backdrop of snow-capped Andean peaks. In the heat of the summer here, visitors are constantly searching for shade to cope with being outdoors all day. But in October and November, temperatures haven’t yet built to the unforgiving summer heat creating the perfect conditions for exploring.

It’s not just the weather that makes Mendoza a great place to visit in South America during the fall – it is also when the seemingly endless stretches of lush vineyards begin to ripen, turning the landscape vibrant shades of green. There’s no better way to appreciate the beauty of these mountain-flanked wine valleys than from the air. Wake early in the morning and rise over the majestic Andean landscape in a hot air balloon, just as the sun itself begins to peek over the horizon.

It’s an experience loved by many of our clients, and one usually followed by an afternoon of private wine tasting alongside one of the best winemakers in the region. You won’t have to travel far to taste a premium drop either since there are many hotels-come-wineries scattered across Mendoza. We have our favorites of course, places tried and tested as part of our luxury Argentina itineraries.

There is more than Malbec here too though. The wild lands surrounding Mendoza, from mountains to canyons and fast-flowing rivers, boats incredible wildlife, and exceptional fly-fishing to name but a few exceptional experiences. And given the milder temperatures in the penultimate months of the year, these are all far more enjoyable compared to summer when the sun saps your energy, and your body begs for a siesta come the mid-afternoon.

The city of Mendoza benefits from a well-connected airport, making it easy to reach for a week’s wine retreat. Our team can curate a bespoke fall itinerary tailored around soaking up the sunshine from one of the world’s best vineyards. What could be better to see in the holiday season?

3. Patagonia, Argentina: glorious glaciers without the crowds in November

When a landscape is as staggering as the scenes in Patagonia, there is perhaps no bad time to go. What there is though is a great time to go – and that is in November. November in Patagonia is on the precipice of summer – right before the crowds descend and the region hits peak season. Traveling in this early season, when the days are lighter and longer, allows you to enjoy all the joys of summer in Patagonia before you have to jostle for a spot at the viewpoints or glacier hikes. Being so far South, the weather in Patagonia is always unpredictable, you can see every kind of weather in just one afternoon here. Temperatures are however milder in November, and on the whole, the weather is more forgiving during this time.

One of our very favorite places to stay here, especially in November is Explora El Chaltén . You’ll find it on a private natural reserve, on the north bank of the Eléctrico River, surrounded by dense forests of lenga and ñirre trees. A strategic position perfect for exploring the peaks of Cerro Torre and Mount Fitz Roy to the northwest, along with the breathtaking Southern Patagonia Ice Field, the world’s third-largest freshwater reserve.

A particularly unmissable experience whilst here though is the Laguna de Los Tres trail and its uninterrupted views of the jagged peaks of Mount Fitz Roy. This hike begins on one of the trails of the Los Glaciares National Park, climbing through forests and valleys up to the Los Tres Lagoon, crossing rivers and lagoons to admire the magnificence of Mount Fitz Roy to its fullest.

Like many of the lodges offered as part of luxury travel to Patagonia with Aracari , what Explora El Chaltén does so brilliantly is allow travelers to become entirely immersed in the wilderness. Providing our clients with an in-depth experience of this austral territory to bring them closer to the unique characteristics of its many different facets. Before each evening, guiding them back to the quiet luxury of the lodge for hearty Argentine dining and a spa beneath the stars.

Given the vastness of Patagonia, a trip here in November is well suited to choosing one lodge and spending the week immersed in your surroundings. We handpicked every property we partner with and arrange seamless transport to get you to the remote location without eating into your vacation time. Explore our top picks for luxury lodges in Patagonia and arrange a call with one of our travel designers to discuss availability for this November.

4. Quito, Cuenca, and Baños, Ecuador: Captivating landscapes and volcano foothills in September

Straddling the equator on South America’s west coast, Ecuador’s diverse landscape encompasses the Amazon jungle, Andean highlands, and the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands despite being no bigger than the state of Arizona. September brings with it warm temperatures and fewer tourists, who often pass through the country en route to the Galapagos Islands between November and January or May and July.

At Aracari, we’ve been curating bespoke Ecuador itineraries for almost three decades making us well-poised to advise on the best places to visit here during the fall. Cloud-high in the Andes and hemmed in by the snow-capped peaks of two active volcanoes, few cities have as dramatic a setting as the capital, Quito. Perched 9,200 ft high in the Andes, the city’s Old Town is considered to be ‘the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America,’ by UNESCO. Quito is also a great base from which to explore the dramatic foothills of Cotopaxi – the world’s highest active volcano.

A city less heard of though is Cuenca, another UNESCO heritage destination that seamlessly weaves together the past and the present. Found cradled in a valley formed by the Andean peaks, Cuenca is perched at an elevation of approximately 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level. September is a particularly gorgeous time to visit, when the Tomebamba River gently flows through the city, bringing with it tranquil riverbanks and picturesque stone bridges that provide walkways from one neighborhood to the next.

In the historic center, a captivating tapestry of cobblestone streets, centuries-old churches, and charming plazas harken back to the country’s colonial era. Surrounding the cathedral, the streets spill with colonial-era buildings with wrought-iron balconies and red-tiled roofs, which today house art galleries, boutiques, and cosmopolitan bars and cafes. A lovely setting for a balmy mid-September evening.

Away from the cities too, September makes an enchanting explore the lush green Costa region of Ecuador.  Here you’ll find one of our favorite haciendas. Lovingly restored by the same family now in its third generation, this beautiful hacienda is included in our itinerary Life’s a Beach – where days are spent harvesting cocoa with the hotel owners and riding through the countryside on the family’s breed of beautiful pinto quarter horses.

5. Easter Island, Chile: Ancient monoliths under the sunshine in November

The volcanic Easter Island is marooned some 2,300 miles west of Chile . One of the most remote inhabited places on earth, it marks the southeast corner of the Polynesian triangle, with Hawaii to the north and New Zealand to the southwest.

Reaching the island isn’t hard per se – but it is a long journey. But because of its small size, a week here is plenty – making Easter Island incredibly feasible as a top destination in South America to visit during the fall. The island covers just 63 square miles of land and is most famously home to approximately 900 mesmerizing moai statues, often called the “Easter Island heads.”

These giant, monolithic carvings are scattered around the island, some standing proudly against the ocean backdrop, while others are buried up to their necks in soil. Covering nearly half the island, Rapa Nui National Park is the best place to see the imposing carvings, created between the 10th and 16th centuries. UNESCO lists the park as a World Heritage Site, describing its legacy (which includes the sculptures and other archaeological elements) as “one of the most remarkable cultural phenomena in the world.” An accolade that draws thousands of visitors every year, making it prudent to travel in the fall when the surge of tourists quells for a few weeks.

Though the statues are an obvious draw, there are many other reasons to visit, especially when tourists are fewer and the weather eases into what feels like summer. There’s a distinct calmness that comes with visiting an island so far from any other significant land mass. Its unique setting creates an unavoidable reflectiveness in those who spend a few days here. With November being the last month of Spring on Easter Island, average temperatures range between min 17.3°C (63.1°F) and max 23.9°C (75°F), with very few days of rain.

The good weather also brings with it another great spot for adults and children alike. The Hanga Roa harbor is a perfect place to see sea turtles. If you stop by while fishermen are hauling in their catch and cleaning the fish, you can spot the turtles floating just beneath the surface, waiting to snack.

Discover the best destinations in South America during the fall with Aracari Travel.

Of course, each of the places listed here is just a snippet of where we could take you in South America this fall as part of a luxury vacation with Aracari, designed by our award-winning travel team.

After almost three decades in the business, and 15 Conde Nast Travel Specialist Awards later, we pride ourselves in connecting our clients to experiences that go beyond the standardized tourist trail. So, book an appointment with our team today and start your adventure.

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