Whether you are a backpacker looking for the best places to travel in South America in 2023 or you are looking for a holiday destination to take the whole family, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region. There are islands, beaches, mountains, and even a desert to explore.
Quito
Located in the center of Ecuador, Quito is the capital of the country. The city is situated on the high altitude of the Andes. Its elevation is over 2800 meters above sea level. The city is surrounded by imposing mountains and volcanoes.
Its historic center is one of the best preserved colonial cities in South America. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1970. The Historic Center features a vast open air plaza surrounded by beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture.
Its main square, Plaza Grande, is lined with impressive official buildings. Visitors can find plenty of shops and restaurants on the streets. On Sundays, the streets turn into peaceful neighborhoods.
Quito's Old Town is home to several superbly preserved baroque churches. It is also home to an entrancing bell tower.
The Iglesia de la Campania is a key attraction in Quito's Old Town. It was built in the early 1600s. It features paintings of the volcanos and an entrancing bell tower. The bell tower is the only part of the church untouched by time.
Quito's Museo Nacional is a museum that displays pre-hispanic artifacts and colonial art. Visitors can also learn about ancient mythology and artistic history.
Chile
Whether you're into nature, history or art, Chile is an ideal destination to explore. Located in South America, Chile is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. Chile extends for four thousand kilometers north to south, and offers a wide variety of landscapes.
Santiago is the country's capital. Located near the Pacific coast, this city has a buzzing cultural scene. It's also home to a booming gastronomy scene.
Santiago is the perfect base for multi-day tours, which will help you see the country's highlights. These tours are a great choice for first-time travelers. They include all the transport and accommodation, as well as local knowledge.
Several national parks are a treat for hikers. These include Chiloe National Park, which is filled with lush greenery and colorful houses on stilts. Another great National Park is Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, home to the third-largest contiguous icefield in the world.
The Chiloe National Park has unique wildlife and a beautiful Valdivian rainforest. Hiking is possible in this area, and the park features several rivers, waterfalls, and natural pools.
The Tapati Festival of Rapa Nui is unique to Chile. This festival features traditional legends and artistic competitions.
The best time to visit Chile is year round, although there are climatic differences in the north, south, and central regions. The best time to travel is based on where you want to explore, and the best time of year for each area.
Argentina
Argentinean culture is filled with vibrant cities, lush forests, and a diverse landscape. Argentina is one of the largest nations in South America, and offers a variety of vacation options. Whether you want to experience the wild beauty of Patagonia or luxuriate in the culture of Buenos Aires, you'll find a vacation to suit your taste.
Buenos Aires is a vibrant cosmopolitan city. It is home to a variety of cultural venues, including MALBA, Fortabat Collection, and Museum of Decorative Art. It's also home to some of the best panoramic views in Argentina.
Buenos Aires is also home to a number of historic landmarks. The Colon Theater is one of the most famous theaters in Buenos Aires.
The High Mountain Archeological Museum is one of the best cultural attractions in Argentina. This museum gives visitors the chance to learn more about the history of the Inca civilization. It's also home to the Llullaillaco Children, who were Inca children who were sacrificed to the gods.
If you're looking for something a bit more rugged, head to the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina. It's located outside the town of El Calafate. You can visit the glacier by helicopter or boat.
Bolivia
Located in the South America, Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries to visit in the region. The country has a unique landscape and a diverse culture. The country is home to the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flats. The country has a strong backpacker scene, with hostels and hotels in La Paz.
The country's UNESCO World Heritage Site, Colonia del Sacramento, is located in the historical center. This colonial gem features old city walls, cobblestone streets and museums.
Bolivia is also home to Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Visitors can take local tours to experience local culture. You can also visit Isla Taquile, a beautiful hilly island in the lake.
If you're looking for the best places to travel in South America in 2023, Bolivia should be at the top of your list. It's the cheapest country in the region and offers a wide variety of adventure activities.
Bolivia is also home to Madidi National Park, located on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest. The Madidi area offers treehouse accommodations and the opportunity to search for anaconda.
Bolivia is also home to the world's highest capital, La Paz. La Paz is accessible by cable car and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The city is also home to some of the best museums in Latin America.
Colombia
Whether you're looking for exotic wildlife, lush green valleys or vibrant colonial cities, Colombia has something to offer you. You can experience the wonder of the Coffee Triangle, relax in the beauty of the Cocora Valley or explore the desert beauty of Tatacoa. Whether you're looking for a quick trip or a long vacation, Colombia will captivate you.
If you want to escape to the Caribbean, you can take a day trip to La Guajira. This small, secluded town is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers. You'll find flamingos, sand dunes and kite surfers here. You'll also find an ancient cathedral and a small but bustling town.
If you're looking for a relaxing place, you can visit San Gil, which is a popular fishing village in the north east of Colombia. The area is also known for its fresh fish and amazing sunsets. You can also relax at Pescaderito, a series of five swimming holes.
For more of a cultural experience, visit San Agustin. This archaeological site, which sits against the Andes mountain range, is one of the most impressive in the country. You'll need three days to explore the site.
You can also visit Aracataca, a small river town with plenty to see. The main attraction is the Casa Museo, or museum house, which has tributes to Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The town is a popular stop for weekend tour groups that come from Bogota.
Patagonia
Whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned pro, Patagonia is one of the most spectacular places to visit in South America. With endless opportunities for active adventures, scenic landscapes, and unique wildlife, it is a must-see. But traveling to Patagonia can be a daunting task for those who have only a short time to explore. Luckily, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning a trip to this incredible region.
First, Patagonia is one of the most remote regions in South America. Because of this, airlines must fly there from either Chile or Argentina, and most of these flights are over three hours. It is best to plan on traveling to Patagonia at least three to four months in advance to avoid high airline costs.
You may also want to plan on visiting the Torres del Paine National Park and Glacier National Park. This is a beautiful region to visit, and you will have ample opportunities to see wildlife and glaciers while you are here. Whether you want to hike, fish, or explore the lakes, you will find something to enjoy here.
In Southern Patagonia, you will find rustic estancias, which offer visitors a glimpse into the life of Patagonian ranchers. You can also visit the Estancia Cristina, a century-old sheep ranch on Lake Argentino. Estancia Cristina offers a variety of excursions, including 4x4 excursions and fishing trips.
Galapagos Islands
Located in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of dozens of volcanic islands. They are also home to a variety of strange and unusual animals. There are also plenty of opportunities to engage in adventure sports and activities. These include snorkeling, hiking, and swimming.
The islands have a beautiful and sunny climate year-round. However, there are some important seasonal differences. For instance, the dry season runs from June through December, with slightly cooler water temperatures and infrequent drizzle. There are also more clouds and larger levels of rainfall.
The dry season is also the best time to see the emergence of giant tortoises. There are several endemic species of giant tortoises, and the Charles Darwin Research Station is the best place to view them.
During this time, there are also baby sea lions. The Galapagos Islands are also home to several species of sea turtles. These sea turtles may be seen from March through May.
The islands are home to hundreds of endemic species of animals. Some of the most famous species include the giant iguana and the Galapagos tortoise.
The largest of the Galapagos islands is Isabela. It has six active volcanoes. Isabela is also home to offshore whales and several bird species. The island is home to thousands of giant tortoises and marine iguanas.