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Best cities to visit in South America

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Rio de Janeiro
The heartbeat of Brazil's coast
8.1
Crowds fill the grandstands of the Sambódromo for the Carnival parades. Christ the Redeemer stands on Corcovado and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. A cable car runs up Sugarloaf Mountain. Tijuca National Park is a large urban forest inside this city.
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
Francisco Pizarro founded this city in 1535 on the site that is now the Plaza Mayor. Peru's independence was proclaimed there in 1821 by José de San Martín. The UNESCO World Heritage listed centre has over 1,600 old balconies. Catacombs beneath the Convent of San Francisco were used as a cemetery until 1810.
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
Buenos Aires
Where Tango and Culture Thrive
8.1
Avenida 9 de Julio is about 140 metres wide. Plaza de Mayo was the scene of the 1810 May Revolution that led to independence. Teatro Colón became one of the world's leading opera venues between 1880 and 1930. This city is nicknamed La París de Sudamérica, the Paris of South America.
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
São Paulo
A vibrant mix of culture and cuisine
8.0
Ibirapuera Park opened in 1954 during the city's 400th anniversary celebrations. Avenida Paulista was built in 1900 with mansions and is now a financial hub of towers. MASP, the São Paulo Museum of Art, is on Avenida Paulista. More than 11.9 million people live in the municipality, the largest in Brazil.
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
Santiago
A vibrant city between mountains
7.4
This city lies in a valley between the Andes and the Chilean Coastal Range. Cerro San Cristóbal has a 14 metre Virgin Mary statue. Gran Torre Santiago reaches 300 metres and is the tallest building in South America. The Plaza de Armas was laid out around the 1541 founding of the city.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Stroll through the colorful alleys of Barrio Bellavista and enjoy local art
  • ⛪ Explore the historic Plaza de Armas and its stunning cathedral
  • 🚠 Ride the cable car up Cerro San Cristóbal for sweeping city views
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