My Picks for the 13 Best Countries to Visit in South America

386

I’ve spent years traveling across South America, and no two countries ever feel the same. From trekking in Patagonia to dancing in the streets of Cartagena, every trip has given me a new reason to fall in love with this part of the world. I’ve visited jungles, mountains, beaches, and some of the most vibrant cities on the planet, and each destination has its own energy. In this guide, I’m sharing the 13 countries in South America that stood out most to me…the ones I’d recommend to anyone planning a trip, whether it’s your first time or your fifth.

• Read also: The Best Airlines for Flying to South America

Best Countries to Visit in South America in 2025

Are you ready to discover the best countries to visit in South America? This guide is your first step to building the ultimate itinerary for the greatest adventure of your life. From the salt flats of Bolivia to the never-ending parties of Rio De Janeiro, here are the best South American countries to see in 2025.

1. Brazil: Where Adventure and Samba Collide

Brazil honestly delivers everything you could want from South America – beaches, parties, rainforest, and some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. But let’s talk real about 2025: the country now requires a visa for US citizens starting April 10, 2025, costing $80.90, so plan ahead.

Rio is still the ultimate party city, but you need street smarts here. I avoid the favelas completely – even guided tours aren’t worth the risk. Stick to Copacabana, Ipanema, and Santa Teresa during daylight, and use Uber at night. Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain are must-sees, and honestly, the views justify dealing with the crowds.

Iguazu Falls blew my mind more than any photo could capture. The Amazon is incredible for wildlife, but book through reputable operators – I spent three days near Manaus and saw pink dolphins, toucans, and caimans. Budget around $25-80 per day depending on your style, and the best time is still May to October for less rain. The carnival season gets crazy expensive, so book accommodations months ahead if you’re coming for the party.

2. Argentina: A Blend of Wild Landscapes and Urban Beats

Argentina feels like Europe meets South America, and honestly, it’s one of the safest countries on the continent right now. The peso’s recent devaluation means your dollars go further, but inflation hit hard – expect to pay around $45 per person daily in Buenos Aires for food, transport, and basics.

Buenos Aires is pure magic for tango lovers and steak enthusiasts. The San Telmo market on Sundays is incredible, and Puerto Madero has amazing waterfront dining. I always tell people to skip street money changers – use official exchange houses or get the tourist rate with foreign credit cards, which gives you about 10% better rates than before.

Patagonia is adventure central. El Calafate for glacier experiences, Bariloche for lake scenery, and El Chaltén for serious hiking. Mendoza wine country is world-class, and the Malbec here is better than anywhere else. The crime is mostly petty theft in big cities – I’ve never felt unsafe in smaller towns. Best months are March-May and September-November when the weather’s perfect and crowds are manageable.

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Argentina
• You may also like: Unique Things to Do in Argentina

3. Peru: Ancient Mysteries and Breathtaking Landscapes

Peru bounced back strong in 2025 after the political issues of 2022-2023. Tourist numbers are up 40% from last year, and honestly, Machu Picchu is running like clockwork again with new strict visitor controls that actually make the experience better.

Here’s what’s changed for Machu Picchu: daily limits of 5,600 visitors in peak season, mandatory guides for all groups, and you can only stay 4 hours max. Book tickets months ahead – they sell out fast. The new circuit system means you pick specific routes, and honestly, Circuit 2 is the classic experience most people want. Guided tours cost about $10 per person for shared groups.

Lima’s food scene is insane – Miraflores and Barranco are safe for tourists, but I avoid downtown at night. Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu, and altitude sickness is real – I always take a day to acclimatize. The Amazon from Iquitos offers better wildlife viewing than Brazil for a fraction of the cost. Peru’s surprisingly affordable outside of tourist traps.

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Peru

4. Colombia: Where Every Day’s a Fiesta

Colombia completely changed my expectations of South American travel. Cartagena‘s old city is Instagram heaven with those colorful colonial buildings, and Medellín honestly feels safer than most US cities now. The transformation here is incredible.

Coffee Triangle around Salento produces the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. Cocora Valley with those massive wax palms looks like something from another planet. Bogotá has incredible street art and museums, plus Paloquemao Market for the best local food experience. The nightlife in Cali is legendary if you want to learn salsa.

Safety-wise, stick to tourist areas and use common sense. I’ve never had issues, but drug-related violence exists in certain neighborhoods. Tayrona National Park has stunning beaches, and Ciudad Perdida trek is less crowded but more challenging than Machu Picchu. December to March has the best weather, and honestly, Colombia’s become one of the best value destinations in South America.

5. Chile: A Journey from Desert to Glacier

Chile‘s geographic diversity is absolutely insane – you can go from the driest desert on Earth to massive glaciers in one country. The Atacama Desert near San Pedro de Atacama offers Mars-like landscapes and the best stargazing I’ve ever experienced.

Santiago is modern and clean, sitting against the backdrop of snow-capped Andes. The wine regions around Casablanca Valley and Maipo Valley produce world-class wines for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere. Valparaíso’s street art scene rivals anything in Buenos Aires.

Torres del Paine in Patagonia is hiking paradise, but book accommodation months ahead – it’s expensive but worth every peso. Easter Island is a splurge but seeing those Moai statues in person is unforgettable. Chile’s more expensive than neighboring countries, but the infrastructure and safety standards justify the cost. The north is best April-November, while Patagonia shines December-March.

6. Bolivia: Where Culture and Nature Collide

Bolivia offers the most bang for your buck in South America, and Salar de Uyuni during rainy season (December-April) creates those mirror-effect photos that break the internet. I stayed in a salt hotel, which sounds gimmicky but was actually pretty cool.

La Paz sits at crazy altitude – give yourself time to acclimatize or you’ll feel awful. The Witch Market is bizarre and fascinating, and the cable car system gives incredible city views. Lake Titicaca and Isla del Sol offer indigenous culture experiences you won’t find elsewhere.

The Death Road mountain biking is touristy but genuinely thrilling. Bolivian food is hearty and cheap – try salteñas for breakfast and llama steaks if you’re adventurous. Altitude sickness medication is essential for most of the country. It’s definitely the most “authentic” experience in South America, but also requires more patience with infrastructure.

7. Uruguay: A Hidden Gem of Tranquility and Charm

Uruguay is South America’s best-kept secret, and honestly, it feels more like southern Europe than Latin America. Montevideo has incredible beaches right in the city, and La Rambla waterfront is perfect for sunset walks.

Punta del Este becomes playground for wealthy Argentines and Brazilians during summer (December-March), but shoulder seasons offer better prices and fewer crowds. Cabo Polonio has no electricity or roads – you reach it by 4WD through sand dunes, and it’s magical for digital detox.

The wine scene focuses on Tannat grapes, and vineyard tours around Carmelo are intimate and affordable. Uruguay’s probably the safest country in South America – I’ve never worried about anything beyond typical travel precautions. It’s more expensive than other countries but still cheaper than Europe or North America for similar quality.

• Read next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Uruguay

8. Ecuador: A Compact Wonderland of Diversity

Ecuador packs incredible diversity into a tiny space. Quito’s historic center is UNESCO-listed and gorgeous, though altitude can be challenging. The Galápagos Islands are bucket-list territory, but cruises start around $3,000 per week – it’s expensive but life-changing.

Baños offers adventure sports and thermal springs with Tungurahua volcano views. The Amazon from Tena or Puyo is less touristy than Peru or Brazil. Cuenca has beautiful colonial architecture and growing expat community.

Otavalo Market on Saturdays is the best indigenous market experience in South America. Quilotoa Loop trek takes you around a stunning crater lake. Ecuador uses the US dollar, making budgeting easy. The coast around Montañita has great surfing, though watch for strong currents. April-September is best for highlands and Galápagos.

• Read next: Enchanting Spots in the Andes Mountains

9. Paraguay: Your Unexpected Adventure Awaits

Paraguay remains South America’s most overlooked destination, which honestly makes it perfect for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Asunción is laid-back and friendly, though there’s not tons to see beyond riverfront walks and local markets.

The Jesuit Missions of Trinidad and Jesús showcase fascinating colonial history. Iguazu Falls from the Paraguay side offers fewer crowds than Brazil or Argentina. The Pantanal wetlands here are less developed but offer incredible wildlife viewing.

Paraguayan hospitality is legendary – locals invite strangers for asado and tereré (cold mate tea). It’s incredibly affordable, and seeing authentic Guaraní culture is special. The country requires more planning since tourist infrastructure is limited, but that’s exactly why it’s worth visiting. October-March is hot and humid; May-September offers better weather.

10. Venezuela: A Land of Natural Wonders

Venezuela remains challenging for tourism due to ongoing economic and political issues. While Angel Falls and Los Roques are spectacular, current infrastructure problems make independent travel difficult and potentially risky.

Canaima National Park requires organized tours, and logistics change frequently. The Orinoco Delta offers unique indigenous experiences, but access depends on current conditions. Currency issues make budgeting unpredictable.

If you’re determined to visit, go through reputable tour operators who handle logistics and safety. December-April offers the best weather and access to Angel Falls. Monitor current conditions closely and have flexible plans. Many travelers combine Venezuela with Guyana or Brazil for easier access.

• Read next: Must-See Places in South America
• You may also like: Andes Mountains Bucket List Spots

11. Suriname: A Cultural Melting Pot in the Heart of the Amazon

Suriname offers unique Dutch-influenced culture mixed with Caribbean, Indian, and Indigenous traditions. Paramaribo’s wooden colonial architecture is UNESCO-listed and unlike anywhere else in South America.

The Central Suriname Nature Reserve provides pristine rainforest experiences with fewer tourists than Brazil or Peru. Maroon communities along rivers offer cultural immersion opportunities. Galibi nature reserve has sea turtle nesting (February-August).

Food reflects the cultural mix – Indian roti, Indonesian nasi goreng, and Creole pom all in one city. English is widely spoken alongside Dutch and Sranan Tongo. It’s expensive compared to neighboring countries, but the unique culture justifies costs. February-April and August-November offer the best weather.

• Read next: Best Places to Live in South America

12. Guyana: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Guyana is raw adventure territory with Kaieteur Falls – higher than Niagara and Victoria Falls combined. Georgetown’s wooden colonial buildings reflect British heritage, though the city requires street smarts.

Iwokrama Forest offers world-class wildlife viewing – jaguars, giant otters, and over 800 bird species. Rupununi Savanna provides authentic cowboy culture and incredible night skies. Mount Roraima trek is challenging but rewards with other-worldly landscapes.

Infrastructure is basic outside Georgetown, so organized tours work best for interior exploration. Guyanese hospitality is warm, and English makes communication easy. It’s more expensive than expected due to limited tourism infrastructure. Dry seasons (February-April and August-November) offer best access to remote areas.

• Read next: Hidden Gems in South America
• You may also like: Best Airlines to Fly to South America

13. French Guiana: A Space-Age Adventure in the Amazon

French Guiana combines European infrastructure with Amazon wilderness. Kourou space center offers rocket launch viewing – an absolutely surreal experience in the middle of South America. Launch schedules vary, so check ahead.

Cayenne has French charm with Creole influences. Îles du Salut (Devil’s Island) provide dark historical tourism related to the infamous penal colony. The Amazon interior offers pristine rainforest with French guide standards.

Using the Euro makes it expensive, but infrastructure and safety standards are European level. French cuisine mixed with South American ingredients creates unique dining. August-December offers drier weather for space center visits and rainforest exploration. Book accommodation ahead as options are limited.