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Best architecture destinations in South America

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Brasilia
Futuristic Capital of Modernist Marvels
6.7
Brasilia was planned by Lucio Costa and built in the late 1950s as the new capital of Brazil. The main axis is shaped like an aeroplane. Oscar Niemeyer designed the curved concrete buildings. The cathedral has sixteen curved columns that rise like hands towards the sky.
Highlights:
  • 🌉 Walk the JK Bridge for stunning views over Lake Paranoá
  • 🏛️ Explore the Praça dos Três Poderes, Brazil's political heart
  • ⛪ Visit the iconic Metropolitan Cathedral designed by Niemeyer
Buenos Aires
Where Tango and Culture Thrive
8.1
The Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires opened in 1908 and has a horseshoe shaped hall that seats about 2,500 people. Its interior is covered in red velvet and gold. A huge chandelier hangs from a painted dome. The building is known for its fine acoustics.
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
Cusco
Gateway to the Incan Empire's Heart
8.4
The Twelve Angled Stone in Cusco is set into an Inca wall on Hatunrumiyoc Street. Each side fits its neighbours without mortar. Inca masons cut the huge blocks so tightly that a blade cannot pass between them. The walls have survived centuries of earthquakes in the region.
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
Rio de Janeiro
The heartbeat of Brazil's coast
8.1
Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro opened in 1931 and sits on top of Corcovado mountain. The statue is 30 metres tall and stands on a pedestal about eight metres high. This Art Deco monument is covered in small soapstone tiles. Its outstretched arms span 28 metres.
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
Lima
Historic Charm Meets Coastal Vibes
7.3
Lima's historic centre has Spanish colonial mansions with carved wooden balconies. The balconies are enclosed boxes with lattice screens in a Moorish style. The Torre Tagle Palace from the 1700s has one of the most elaborate examples. Coloured facades and a cathedral stand around Plaza Mayor in the middle of the old town.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Stroll the scenic Malecón along the Pacific coast
  • 🎨 Visit the Museo Larco for ancient Peruvian art
  • 🏛️ Explore the historic Plaza de Armas and Cathedral
Quito
Andean Charm Meets Colonial Splendor
6.9
La Compania de Jesus in Quito is a Jesuit church built between 1605 and 1765. The interior is covered in gold leaf from floor to ceiling. Carved wood and painted panels mix Baroque and Moorish styles. The church stands on a quiet square in the old town.
Highlights:
  • 🌍 Visit the Middle of the World monument and stand on the equator line
  • 🚠 Ride the TelefériQo for stunning Andean mountain views
  • 🏛️ Explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Sucre
White City, Rooftops and Colonial Calm
6.7
Sucre in Bolivia is known as the white city for its whitewashed colonial buildings. The Casa de la Libertad from 1621 is where the country declared independence. Arcaded courtyards and red tile roofs line the quiet streets. The Convent of San Felipe Neri has a rooftop with sweeping views.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Enjoy panoramic views from La Recoleta viewpoint
  • 🦖 Visit the dinosaur footprints at Parque Cretácico
  • 🏛️ Explore the historic Casa de la Libertad museum
Valparaíso
Colorful Hills, Art and Ocean Views
7.4
Valparaiso in Chile climbs steep hills above the Pacific with colourful houses of corrugated metal. Historic funiculars called ascensores lift people up the slopes. The oldest was built in the 1880s. Murals cover stairways and walls across the hillside neighbourhoods of the old port city.
Highlights:
  • 🚠 Ride the historic Ascensor Reina Victoria funicular
  • 🏠 Visit La Sebastiana, Pablo Neruda’s colorful house museum
  • 🎨 Explore vibrant street art in Cerro Alegre and Concepción
Bolivia
Land of dramatic climate contrasts
6.3
The architect Freddy Mamani has built colourful cholets in El Alto near La Paz since the 2000s. These tall buildings mix shops with party halls and homes. Their facades use bright geometric patterns inspired by Andean textiles. Neon colours and mirrored glass make the buildings glow against the plain hills.
Highlights:
  • 🚡 Ride the world’s highest cable car system above La Paz
  • 🧿 Visit the colorful markets and witches’ stalls in La Paz
  • 🌫️ Walk across the otherworldly Uyuni Salt Flats after the rain
Machu Picchu
Lost Inca city among clouds
Machu Picchu was built around 1450 as an Inca royal estate high in the Andes. Farm terraces climb the slopes and stone walls fit together without mortar. The Intihuatana stone stands on a ritual hill. Temples and homes sit among clouds and steep green peaks.
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
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