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Best destinations for first-time travelers in South America

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San Carlos de Bariloche
Argentina’s Alpine Wonderland
7.4
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Explore the Bavarian-style Centro Cívico and museums
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic trails of Nahuel Huapi National Park
  • 🚡 Take a cable car to Cerro Otto for panoramic views
Mendoza
Wine, Andes and Adventure Bliss
7.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🍇 Join a tasting at a traditional Mendoza bodega
  • 🏔️ Drive along the scenic Route of the Andes to Aconcagua
  • 🍷 Tour vineyards and sample Malbec in the heart of wine country
Colonia del Sacramento
Timeless Streets on the Río de la Plata
7.4
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.
Highlights:
  • 🚶‍♂️ Walk along Calle de Los Suspiros, the famous street
  • 🌅 Climb El Faro Lighthouse for panoramic river views
  • 🏘️ Explore the UNESCO-listed Barrio Histórico old town
Montevideo
Chill vibes on the Río de la Plata
7.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏙️ Visit the iconic Palacio Salvo and nearby plazas
  • 🍽️ Taste local flavors at Mercado del Puerto market
  • 🌅 Stroll along the scenic Rambla by the waterfront
Torres del Paine National Park
Epic Landscapes and Untamed Wilderness
8.1
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛰️ Trek the scenic French Valley with mountain views
  • 🛶 Take a boat tour to see stunning Grey Glacier
  • 🥾 Hike to the iconic Mirador Las Torres viewpoint
Punta del Este
Glamour, Beaches and Endless Sunsets
7.4
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.
Highlights:
  • 🦭 Explore Punta del Este Marina and watch sea lions
  • 🏖️ Relax on calm waters at Playa Mansa beach
  • 🖐️ Take photos at iconic Los Dedos sculpture on Playa Brava
Florianopolis
Beaches, lagoons and island adventure
6.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🦐 Eat fresh seafood at sunset in Santo Antônio de Lisboa
  • 🌅 Walk the wooden trails above the Lagoa da Conceição dunes
  • 🏄‍♀️ Swim and surf at Praia Mole’s scenic coastline
El Calafate
Gateway to Patagonia’s Glaciers
6.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🧊 Tour Glaciarium Museum to learn about Patagonian ice
  • 🐦 Explore Laguna Nimez birdwatching nature reserve
  • ❄️ Visit Perito Moreno Glacier and watch ice calving
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.
Highlights:
  • 🦜 Walk the forest trails and spot colorful toucans
  • 🚤 Take a boat ride beneath the cascading falls
  • 🌊 Stand before the roaring Devil’s Throat viewpoint
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