Home to the soaring Andes, vast Amazonian rainforest, glittering Patagonian glaciers, and sweeping white-sand beaches, South America is as diverse as it is dazzling. But its cities are just as impressive. From modern metropolises to ancient capitals, South American cities are often steeped in culture and history, and many enjoy cinematic settings that might just take your breath away.
Whether you’re dreaming of visiting colourful colonial towns or sprawling urban jungles, there are plenty of stunning cities waiting to be discovered on this captivating continent. And, while it’s tempting to assume that the capital cities have the most to offer, in many cases, this isn’t the case. Often, it’s South America’s second cities – or even some of the much smaller ones – that are the most alluring.
So, to give you an idea of what’s out there, here are 12 of the best cities to visit in South America. And to book the South American adventure of a lifetime, you’ll find hundreds of travel deals on our website.
1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Thanks to its spectacular natural surroundings, Rio de Janeiro is often viewed as the most beautiful city in South America – and quite possibly the world. The iconic Sugarloaf Mountain rises out of the azure sea, the white sand beaches stretch on for miles and, on top of the forest-clad Mount Corcovado, the towering Christ the Redeemer looks over the city. Known as the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City), Rio is the true heart of Brazilian culture.
Famous for its raucous Carnaval festival, the samba-fueled nightlife here buzzes throughout the year – and even in the day, the city pulses with life. If you want to relax, the world-famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are ideal for kicking back on, and there are islands in the bay to explore too. Home to some of Brazil’s best museums and galleries, excellent restaurants, and striking architecture, Rio has a unique way of getting under your skin.
Check out our article, 10 things to do and places to visit in Brazil, for more inspiration.
2. Cusco, Peru
As the ancient capital of the Inca empire, Cusco has long been a popular spot for history-focused travellers. Tucked majestically into a highland valley, surrounded by rugged peaks, this high-altitude city was built by the Spanish on the remains of Incan palaces and temples. Most tourists head here to visit nearby Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, but the city itself is packed with charm, and worth several days exploration.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to both Inca architecture and colonial treasures, and there’s a thriving Andean culture waiting to be discovered. The heart of the city is Plaza de Armas, and pretty much every main sightseeing spot is within walking distance from here. Peru is widely considered to have the best food in South America and, in Cusco, there are many unique specialty dishes to try, from quinoa soup and coca tea to picarones – sugary sweet potato fritters.
3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Not only is Buenos Aires the wealthiest city in South America, it’s also one of its most cosmopolitan, fascinating, and exciting. While its European influences are obvious, the Argentine capital proudly celebrates its unique South American traditions, from tango dancing to mate (a tea made from the yerba mate plant). The locals – Porteños – are famously extravagant and well-coiffed, but they’re also warm and welcoming, and happy to show visitors around.
While this sophisticated city looks huge on the map, the compact centre is very walkable – although the introduction of cycle lanes makes exploring on two-wheels a fun possibility. With a world-class opera house, avant-garde galleries, chic bars, historic restaurants, and ornate palaces, there’s much to see and do. The colourful working-class La Boca barrio is a must-visit, as is colonial San Telmo, and big, buzzing Palermo.
For help planning a visit here, why not read our article; 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires?
4. Cartagena, Colombia
If you’re interested in architecture, it’s impossible not to be overwhelmed by the magic and beauty of Cartagena. Ideally situated on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, colonial buildings, historic fortifications, and charming churches line these cobbled streets, and the whole walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bougainvillaea-swathed balconies, grand mansions, and tangerine-tinged homes are very photogenic, so you’ll want to keep your camera out.
The lively Getsemani district is the place to sample street food like arepas, listen to local musicians, and admire colourful murals. Carts selling coconuts and ceviche are on every corner and, at night, salsa throbs through the streets like a heartbeat. If you want to hit the beach, you can take a boat trip to the Islas del Rosario, a dreamy archipelago where you can lounge on powder-white sand and swim in gin-clear turquoise waters.
5. Santiago, Chile
Like Rio de Janeiro, Santiago boasts one of the most spectacular backdrops of any major city. Set against the majestic, snow-capped Andes, and often under a bright blue sky, the views of the Chilean capital are truly breathtaking – particularly when the mist clears. Sophisticated, cosmopolitan, and energetic, Santiago is home to 40% of Chileans – and no wonder; it’s the country’s cultural, economic, intellectual, and historical centre.
Boasting one of the best metro systems in the world, and innovative architecture and infrastructure, Santiago is fast becoming one of the continent’s most exciting cities. The cultural scene is constantly developing, and the museums are world-class. The historic centre is home to grand colonial buildings and plazas, and there are beautiful parks scattered throughout the city, as well as vibrant street art. Head up Cerro San Cristóbal hill and board a cable car for sensational panoramic views of the city.
6. Arequipa, Peru
Arequipa might be Peru’s second largest city, but it’s still only one-tenth the size of capital Lima. Yet, surprisingly, it has just as much to offer in terms of history, culture, and cuisine – and far more natural beauty to boast about. Situated at the foot of the towering, ice-capped volcano El Misti, and with four other volcanoes looming in the distance, it feels worlds apart from other cities. Home to just under a million people, Arequipa has a way of enchanting from the moment you arrive.
The colonial centre is home to some of Peru’s most impressive architecture. The vast Monasterio de Santa Catalina is particularly awe-inspiring – it’s basically a city within a city. You can listen to folk music and dance at peñas (live-music bars that serve food). And foodies will be in their element: as well as excellent international food, Arequipa is known for chupe de camarones (shrimp casserole), rocoto relleno (stuffed Andean peppers), and ocopa (a smooth sauce that’s served over eggs or potatoes).
7. Valparaíso, Chile
Colourful, chaotic, and creative, Valparaíso is one of Chile’s most intriguing cities. It’s a place of contrasts: a hard-working port city and tourist hub; beautiful yet shabby, atmospheric yet gritty. The famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda wrote: “Valparaíso, how absurd you are…you haven’t combed your hair, you’ve never had time to get dressed.” And this rather sums up the city’s appeal. It’s mad, yet charming – and couldn’t be more different to the sleek capital Santiago.
The city is known for its bright-coloured clifftop homes, which seem to tumble down the steep hills. The hills are so steep, in fact, that most people forgo roads and use ancient-looking funiculars to get up and down. The views from the top are dazzling, especially at night, when the ocean reflects the flickering city lights. The port district is home to characterful bars, quaint shops, and quirky restaurants, and the area feels delightfully eclectic.
8. Medellin, Colombia
While only a few decades ago it was most famous for being Colombia’s murder capital, Medellin has made an incredible turnaround. Set in a beautiful valley in the mountainous Antioquia region, it’s one of the most beautiful big cities in South America. Soaring skyscrapers reach for the clouds, high-rise apartments are framed against jagged peaks, and the pleasant climate has earned it the nickname of the ‘City of Eternal Spring’.
Now the cartel has gone, the city is bustling and relaxed – though you can still learn about the lasting impact of Pablo Escobar on one of the many tours. For art lovers, there are great galleries here and plazas packed with sculptures. Coffee enthusiasts might want to take a day trip to Zona Cafetera, just outside the city, where Colombia’s best beans are grown. And riding the escalators at Comuna 13, a formerly gang-ridden neighbourhood that’s been rejuvenated, is a must!
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9. São Paulo, Brazil
First-time visitors to Rio are often left speechless on arrival – but this isn’t the case with São Paulo, the country’s biggest city. Brazil’s economic powerhouse isn’t immediately appealing, unless you’re drawn to cities that feel like concrete jungles. Yet, scratch beneath its urban surface and you’ll find a city jam-packed with culture. Described as ‘the NYC of the tropics’, this sprawling city has a dizzying array of museums, galleries, theatres, exhibitions, and shows.
Many of its 20 million residents firmly assert that they could never live anywhere else and, if you spend enough time exploring, you’ll probably see why. A city built on immigrants, the food here is diverse and delicious, and there are more innovative restaurants than you can ever hope to visit. The buzzing nightlife and 15,000 bars mean you’ll never get bored in the evening. And, if you want to get out of the city, some of Brazil’s best beaches are less than an hour away.
10. Lima, Peru
Peru is one of the most popular South American countries on the backpacking trail – and seeing as this is the third Peruvian city to make the list, it’s not difficult to understand why. While not as naturally beautiful as Arequipa or obviously culture-rich as Cusco, Peru’s capital has its own charm. The historic heart, Lima Centro, is home to all the grand colonial buildings you’d expect from a Peruvian city, while Miraflores, on the ocean cliff top, shows the modern side of this city.
Big, diverse, and energetic, Lima can feel a little boisterous – but just head to the coast to soak up the relaxed beachside ambiance. Considered to have the best cuisine in all of Latin America, there are many world-renowned restaurants to choose from too. Cafés, markets, and street food stalls also serve up mouthwatering, budget-friendly snacks. The nightlife is more modern than Cusco or Arequipa, but you can still find traditional peñas where you can listen and dance to folk music.
Final thoughts…
Given its size, it’s not surprising that South America’s best cities are this diverse. From small colonial cities located beneath hulking mountains to modern metropolises backing onto the ocean, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re interested in Incan history or fusion food, each of these cities has its own appeal – though all are rich in culture, uniquely interesting, and packed with their own distinctive charm.
And, if you’re more interested in natural attractions, South America has just as much to offer. Have a read of our article, 8 unbelievable places to visit in South America, to get inspired. Or check out more South American travel deals below.
Have you visited any of these cities before? Or are any of them on your travel wishlist? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below.