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Best running destinations in South America

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Rio de Janeiro
The heartbeat of Brazil's coast
8.1
On Sundays one traffic lane closes along Ipanema and Leblon, which allows a loop of about 4.3 miles. The Lagoa loop covers about 4.7 miles with markers every 330 feet. Flamengo Park offers a 2.5 mile tree-lined path along the beach. Parts of the lagoon route are poorly lit, so avoid night runs.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the iconic sands of Copacabana Beach
  • ✝️ Stand before Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain
  • 🚠 Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking views
Buenos Aires
Where Tango and Culture Thrive
8.1
Bosques de Palermo is a popular training ground for local runners. Its flat paths have distance markers and water fountains. The late August half marathon starts there with about 25,000 runners. It passes 9 de Julio Avenue, the Obelisk, Casa Rosada and San Telmo. August is winter at roughly 46 to 59°F.
Highlights:
  • 🎭 Tour the grand Teatro Colón and admire its opulence
  • 🎨 Stroll through colorful Caminito Street in La Boca
  • 💃 Watch a passionate tango performance in San Telmo
Medellín
The City of Eternal Spring
7.4
In the Aburrá Valley at 4,905 feet, temperatures typically range from 63 to 82°F. The springlike climate earned the nickname City of the Eternal Spring. Parque Arví covers about 49,000 acres of trails, lakes and forests with views over the city. Metro Line L connects to the park.
Highlights:
  • 🌺 Stroll through the Botanical Garden and its orchid collection
  • 🎨 Explore Comuna 13’s colorful murals and vibrant street art
  • 🚡 Ride the Metrocable to Parque Arví for panoramic views
Bogotá
Vibrant Culture in the Andean Highlands
7.1
The Ciclovía closes more than 75 miles of streets to cars on Sundays and public holidays from 7am to 2pm. It began in December 1974 and became an official city programme in 1976. Bogotá lies at 8,660 feet. Temperatures average 58°F. Sunny days range from 43 to 66°F.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Stroll through historic La Candelaria neighborhood
  • 🏛️ Explore the Museo del Oro with pre-Hispanic gold
  • ⛰️ Take in panoramic city views from Mount Monserrate
Mendoza
Wine, Andes and Adventure Bliss
7.2
Airport records show about 2,976 sunshine hours a year. That averages 8.1 hours a day. Carlos Thays designed Parque General San Martín, which includes a zoo and a stadium. Irrigation channels called acequias line city streets and water about 100,000 trees. Cerro de la Gloria offers a view of the city.
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
Cusco
Gateway to the Incan Empire's Heart
8.4
Thin air above 11,000 feet makes acclimatising essential. Start in the Sacred Valley at about 9,500 feet. Within 20 minutes of the centre you can run to Sacsayhuamán, Qenco and Tambomachay. Temperatures rarely exceed 70°F. Muggings happen, so bring a buddy and skip solo night runs.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Stroll through Plaza de Armas and admire colonial architecture
  • 🏔️ Take the train or trek to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu
  • 🧱 Visit the ancient Inca site of Sacsayhuamán overlooking the city
São Paulo
A vibrant mix of culture and cuisine
8.0
The São Silvestre race began on 31 December 1925 over about 3.9 miles. It has been 9.3 miles since 1991. Since 1989 it has started in the afternoon rather than at 11pm. Kibiwott Kandie set the men's course record of 42 minutes 59 seconds in 2019. Ibirapuera Park covers about 390 acres.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Admire street art at colorful Beco do Batman
  • 🌳 Relax in vast green Ibirapuera Park with museums
  • 🚶‍♀️ Walk vibrant Paulista Avenue, heart of São Paulo
Patagonia
Untamed Beauty at the End of the World
8.3
The Patagonian International Marathon began in 2012 as the first marathon in Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. It runs each September on gravel roads with curves and steep slopes. Wind can be relentless. Runners have come from more than 65 countries. Puerto Natales serves as the base town.
Highlights:
  • 🐧 Explore the diverse wildlife on Peninsula Valdés
  • ❄️ Witness the massive Perito Moreno Glacier up close
  • 🥾 Hike the legendary trails of Torres del Paine National Park
Atacama Desert
Endless dunes under starlit desert skies
The Atacama Crossing stage race covers 155 miles over six stages in seven days. Runners are self-supported and limited to 100 participants. The route crosses salt flats, sand dunes, slot canyons and rivers at about 7,900 feet. Average rainfall is only 0.6 inches a year, making it the driest nonpolar desert.
Highlights:
  • 🗻 Hike to El Tatio geysers before sunrise
  • ✨ Stargaze from San Pedro observatory, record constellations
  • 🌄 Explore Valle de la Luna during golden hour
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