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Best slow travel destinations in South America

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Colonia del Sacramento
Timeless Streets on the Río de la Plata
7.4
Portuguese settlers founded the town in 1680 and it changed hands with Spain many times. UNESCO has listed its Barrio Historico since 1995. The irregular street plan dates from the Portuguese era. Visitors reach it by a ferry crossing of roughly 1.5 hours from Buenos Aires. A lighthouse and Calle de los Suspiros reward wandering.
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
Sucre
White City, Rooftops and Colonial Calm
6.7
Many colonial style houses are painted white, which earned Sucre the name White City of the Americas. At 9,150 feet it is the second highest capital in the world after Quito. UNESCO inscribed the historic city in 1991. Its university, founded in 1624, is described as the second oldest public university in the Americas.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Enjoy panoramic views from La Recoleta viewpoint
  • 🦖 Visit the dinosaur footprints at Parque Cretácico
  • 🏛️ Explore the historic Casa de la Libertad museum
Paraty
Colonial Charm and Tropical Beauty
6.9
Portuguese colonists formally established the town in 1667. Cars and trucks are banned from the historic centre, so visitors walk or cycle its colonial streets. Around full moons high tides briefly flood the district. Cachaca production is central to local identity. UNESCO listed the area in 2019 as a mixed site.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Hike to Cachoeira Toboga natural waterslide waterfall
  • 🚤 Cruise the serene Saco do Mamanguá fjord
  • 🏘️ Explore Paraty’s charming colonial historic center
Villa de Leyva
Timeless Cobblestones and Andean Skies
7.5
Founded in 1572, the town centres on a Plaza Mayor of about 3.5 acres. It is believed to be the largest entirely cobbled square in South America. Cool dry weather at 7,051 feet has helped make the area a wine region. A near complete marine reptile fossil is displayed in a museum built around it.
Highlights:
  • 🏇 Ride horseback or ATV to the vibrant Pozos Azules
  • 🦕 Explore the Fossil Museum and see the giant Kronosaurus
  • 🌆 People-watch and relax in the huge Plaza Mayor
Máncora
Sun‑kissed beaches and vibrant nightlife
7.4
Turquoise beaches and good waves draw surfers and kite surfers to more than 30 beach resorts. Air temperatures average about 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The Humboldt Current keeps the sea between 70 and 79 degrees. The Pan-American Highway serves as the town's main street. Cool windy nights arrive from June to September.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Experience sunset cocktails at a beachside bar
  • 🍤 Savor fresh ceviche beside the Pacific shoreline
  • 🏄‍♂️ Ride waves on Playa Máncora's world‑class surf spots
Barichara
Colombia's most beautiful colonial gem
7.4
Francisco Pradilla y Ayerbe founded the town in 1705 and its centre keeps an 18th century layout. Streets, houses and temples are built with yellow stone. The cathedral rests on ten carved monolithic columns about 16 feet tall. Colombia declared the historic centre a national monument in 1978. Guane lies about 5.6 miles away.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit the sandstone cathedral at the village center
  • 🥾 Hike the historic Camino Real trail to Guane
  • 🏘️ Walk the cobblestone streets and admire colonial architecture
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