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Best spiritual destinations in South America

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Sacred Valley
Ancient terraces echoing timeless Andean rhythms
8.3
The Quechua name of the Urubamba River, Willkamayu, is often translated as the sacred river. Quechua oral histories say the ancient Inca married the earth mother Pachamama. The valley runs about 60 kilometres from Pisac to Ollantaytambo. Chicha, a maize drink, was consumed in large quantities at ceremonial feasts and religious festivals.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Stroll through Pisac market, shop woven textiles
  • 🗿 Explore Ollantaytambo ruins, climb fortress walls
  • 🏔️ Hike to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail
Cusco
Gateway to the Incan Empire's Heart
8.4
Qorikancha, meaning golden place, was the Inca Empire's most important sanctuary to the sun god Inti. The Convent of Santo Domingo was built on its foundation. Cusco is nicknamed the Navel of the World. Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, is held every 24 June at Sacsayhuamán.
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
Chapada Diamantina National Park
Waterfalls, Caves and Diamond History
7.7
Spiritual communities took root in the Vale do Capão from the late 1970s. The village began as a supply stop for diamond miners. Today about 3,000 people live there year round. Yoga, meditation and natural therapies are part of the experience. Its waterfalls include Fumaça, Purificação and Angélica.
Highlights:
  • 🕳️ Explore the vast Lapa Doce Cave with guided tours
  • 💧 Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Poço Azul
  • ⛰️ Hike to the top of Morro do Pai Inácio for panoramic views
Machu Picchu
Lost Inca city among clouds
Intihuatana means place where the sun is tied in Quechua. At midday on 11 November and 30 January the stone casts no shadow. It lines up with the peaks Veronica, Salcantay and Huayna Picchu. The Temple of the Three Windows lets visitors see both sunrise and sunset from inside.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Explore the ancient Inca temples and ceremonial sites
  • 🥾 Climb Huayna Picchu for panoramic mountain views
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise from the iconic Guardian’s House viewpoint
Atacama Desert
Endless dunes under starlit desert skies
Licancabur, a sacred volcano near San Pedro de Atacama, rises to 5,916 metres. The Atacameño and Inca worshipped the mountain until the 20th century. Climbing it was taboo and legend says the mountain defends its summit. Researchers think summit sites may have hosted equinox and solstice feasts.
Highlights:
  • 🗻 Hike to El Tatio geysers before sunrise
  • ✨ Stargaze from San Pedro observatory, record constellations
  • 🌄 Explore Valle de la Luna during golden hour
Salar de Uyuni
World's largest surreal salt mirror
Aymara legends link the nearby Tunupa volcano to the origin of the salt flats. Some guides teach visitors how to make an offering to Pachamama. One travel writer says Indigenous peoples there share a sense that the land is spiritual. The flat covers about 10,582 square kilometres at 3,656 metres.
Highlights:
  • 🚂 Explore the eerie Train Cemetery near Uyuni town
  • 🌵 Visit Incahuasi Island and climb among giant cacti
  • 📸 Take surreal photos with salt flat perspective illusions
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