Where You Should Travel in South America This Year

If a variety of cultures, languages, and experiences across equally varied landscapes piques your interest, then South America is the place to be. Compared to its northern counterpart, the southern continent’s diversity is perhaps rivaled only by the natural wonders it has to offer—whether you’re up for exploring a jagged peak in Patagonia or relaxing on a pristine beach in Colombia. If you’re wondering where to jet off to next, here’s the case for eight bucket-list-worthy spots in South America.

1.Patagonia, Chile

No list of places to go in South America would be complete without Patagonia, so why not start there? While every square inch of Patagonia is nothing less than magical, Torres del Paine National Park is a comparatively less-traveled spot that is not to be missed. The park is nestled in the exact area where the landscape transitions from the Magellanic subpolar forests (the southernmost forests in the world) to the Patagonian Steppe (also called the Patagonian Desert), which expands out of Chile and into Argentina. Of course, there are also the splintering islands of Tierra del Fuego along the Strait of Magellan and the breathtaking fjords near Cape Horn, too.

2. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Any nature lover who finds themselves in South America would do well to put in the extra effort and take a trip off the coast of Ecuador to the Galápagos Islands. There are a variety of species that live here and don’t exist anywhere else, which means you’re guaranteed a nature-filled experience like none other. Expect to encounter unbelievably playful sea lions that behave more like dogs than wild animals, and landscapes ranging from white sand beaches to volcanic rock structures—all on the same cluster of tiny islands.

3. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

This is the stuff surrealist dreams are made of: endless stretches of salt flats that make you feel like you’re walking across the sky itself. Head out to Salar de Uyuni, and you’ll be able to gaze for miles and miles (it's the world's largest salt flat, comprising over 4,000 square miles) surrounded by nothing but open space. This natural wonder developed thanks to a series of prehistoric lakes that left salt brine in their wake. Today, during the rainy season, the moisture is just enough to transform the dusty landscape into the world’s largest mirror. Just don’t forget your camera.

4. Nuquí, Colombia

While everyone else trots off to Medellín and Bogotá, take off in the other direction towards the country’s Pacific Coast for a surfer’s paradise. Forget the crowded Caribbean spots that cater to tourists—the beaches of Nuquí offer an authentic Colombian experience and plenty of room for beginner and experienced surfers alike. The surf spots here are harder to get to (you’ll probably have to befriend someone with a boat), but like all things travel, the extra effort pays off in the awesomeness of the experience. Once you arrive, the pristine and largely untouched shores that break scarcely populated waves will be all yours.

5. Lake Titicaca, Peru

Welcome to Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America, surrounded by Andean people who maintain ancient traditions. While the lake is beautiful during the day, nighttime is the best time to be outside. Because of the lake’s elevation, it gets chilly at night, so pack a coat because stargazing on Lake Titicaca is an otherworldly experience not to be missed. Sitting under an impeccably clear sky with millions of dots of light and their constellations is one of those experiences that will remind you how small we are in the grand scheme of things.

6. Death Road, Bolivia

South America isn’t all beaches and big skies—it’s also the place to go if you want to get your adrenaline flowing. Bikers, thrill seekers, and adrenaline junkies listen up: riding up Bolivia’s Death Road will push you to your limits. Formally titled Yungas Road, this stretch of road winds right alongside the towering cliffs between La Paz and Coroico. The road is a mostly single-lane affair and guard rails are scarce, so you’ve really got to know what you’re doing (and have nerves of steel) to successfully complete the trip.

7. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Again, while everyone is trotting off to more popular destinations like Rio and Ipanema, head north to the beaches of Fernando de Noronha for an experience that few will ever have. The secluded islands allow no more than 420 tourists on the volcanic archipelago at any time. Once you make it, you’re in for all of the things that tropical beach dreams are made of: dancing dolphins and shimmering fish and coral beneath the jagged cliffs that line its white sand beaches. The best part is that there’s just one hotel on the island, but more than 70 family-run inns (called pousadas) to choose from. If you’re looking for paradise, you’ll find it here.

8. Asunción, Paraguay

Paraguay often flies under the radar of the international conversation around South American destinations, but that just means you’ll have more of it to yourself. Asunción is one of those surprising cities that, when you experience it, you’re both blown away by the fact that it hasn’t really been "discovered" on backpacking routes yet, but also really happy that it hasn’t. The colonial center of the city will capture your heart immediately, but don’t stop there because there’s so much more to Asunción—think orchestras, ballet, and theatre to name a few. The city is also home to several universities, which means the streets are often buzzing with the energy of young people. The best part is that if you fall in love and want to stay long term, it’s one of the cheapest cities in the world.

Originally written by RootsRated for Craghoppers.

Featured image provided by Camila Sé