Best destinations for first-time travelers in South America
Best destinations for first-time travelers in South America
South America can feel like a bigger step for a first international trip, but well worn routes make it more approachable than it first appears.
Peru, Chile and Argentina all sit along popular backpacker trails, with hostels, tour companies and enough English at tourist sites to make independent travel manageable. Group tours are especially common here, from short city tours to multi day treks, and they take a lot of the pressure off travelers who are still building confidence. Learning a handful of Spanish phrases goes a long way, even in areas where English is limited. Sticking to well established routes for a first visit makes it easier to build confidence before venturing further off the beaten path.
The destinations on our list for South America combine accessible cities with the kind of guided trips that ease a first trip easier.
Lists by region
City in Uruguay
Colonia del Sacramento
Timeless Streets on the Río de la Plata
Manuel Lobo led a Portuguese expedition that founded the town in 1680. Portugal, Spain and others held it at different times until 1828, when it joined Uruguay. The 16 hectare old city, inside a fortification wall, joined the UNESCO list in 1995. Ferries from Buenos Aires take about 1.5 hours.
City in Uruguay
Montevideo
Chill vibes on the Río de la Plata
A morning in Ciudad Vieja covers the oldest part of the city, with many colonial buildings. Teatro Solís, built in 1856, is the oldest theatre in South America. Mercado del Puerto opened in 1868. The Rambla, about 27 kilometres long, follows the waterfront. Palacio Salvo was finished in 1928.
City in Argentina
San Carlos de Bariloche
Argentina’s Alpine Wonderland
Cerro Catedral is the largest ski resort in South America. Nahuel Huapi Lake borders the city, with water usually between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius. In the 1930s the centre was redesigned to resemble an alpine town, earning the nickname Little Switzerland. The city is also known for its chocolates.
City in Argentina
Mendoza
Wine, Andes and Adventure Bliss
At about 750 metres above sea level, the city is a stopover for climbers heading to Aconcagua. Greater Mendoza is the largest wine producing area in South America. Malbec grapes grow at high altitude in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. After an 1861 earthquake the city was rebuilt with wider streets.
City in Uruguay
Punta del Este
Glamour, Beaches and Endless Sunsets
Beachgoers choose a side of the peninsula. Playa Mansa is the tame side with thick golden sand. Playa Brava is the fierce side with fine white sand. The dividing line marks where the Río de la Plata ends and the Atlantic begins. Casapueblo, styled after Santorini, is a popular landmark.
National Park in Chile
Torres del Paine National Park
Epic Landscapes and Untamed Wilderness
The three granite towers that give the park its name rise about 2,500 metres above sea level. Grey Glacier, about 15 kilometres long, is the largest glacier in the park. The W Trek covers roughly 50 miles in 3 to 5 days. Campsites and refugios must be booked before entering the park.
Town in Argentina
El Calafate
Gateway to Patagonia’s Glaciers
Perito Moreno Glacier is 30 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide at its end. Its ice stands about 74 metres above Lake Argentino. A walking circuit at the visitor centre gives views of the southern flank. Boat tours pass the northern flank. The glacier is 78 kilometres from El Calafate.
City in Brazil
Florianopolis
Beaches, lagoons and island adventure
About 6,000 settlers from the Azores and Madeira arrived between 1747 and 1756. Their influence still shows in the local dialect, handicrafts and festivities. The Hercílio Luz Bridge was built in 1926. Joaquina Beach became known in the 1970s when surfers found its waves. Sandboarding is possible on the nearby dunes.
Waterfall
Iguazu Falls
Breathtaking waterfalls spanning two countries
Mist rises above about 275 falls spread along an edge 2.7 kilometres long. The Devil's Throat canyon is 80 to 90 metres wide and 70 to 80 metres deep. Argentina has almost 80 percent of the falls. Brazil has just over 20 percent. Water flow is typically highest from December to February.
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