South America consists of 12 different countries, each with a set of unique features. It’s known as a beautiful, rugged, and often untouched landscape to visit. Travelers can experience lifelong memories on the continent getting up close and personal with nature and wildlife that they can’t find elsewhere.
When planning a vacation to South America, tourists are often quick to think of Brazil, but there is so much more to discover. This is not to say you should skip over Brazil, but you may want to look into lesser-known countries as well. Depending on how much time you will be on holiday, you may even want to travel around and combine several countries in a single trip.
Some of these lesser-known South American countries offer so much more than just traditional sightseeing, such as history tours, spectacular architecture, native cuisine, access to low-wagering bonus casino site available, and memorable activities you won’t be able to do anywhere else. We’ll take a look at some of the countries you may want to research so that you can add them to your list when visiting South America.
Peru
Peru has some of the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes on the planet. It is a very rugged landscape filled with steep mountains, lush valleys, and the country’s capital city of Lima. If you’re the type who appreciates architecture, you’ll love that Peru is home to colonial architecture hailed as some of the best in the world.
We can’t mention Peru without also mentioning its biggest tourist gem, Machu Picchu. These are Inca ruins that can only be reached by walking/hiking through the subtropical jungle and into the mountains of Sacred Valley. It’s not advised to do the hike solo; instead, check out the many guided hiking tour groups. These feature professional guides well-versed in the challenging landscape who will help you safely reach the peak. The site is 2,430 meters above sea level, so a significant elevation gain.
Argentina
Argentina is famous for all kinds of things, including its array of delicious local wines, passionate football fans, and the tango, Perito Moreno Glacier, Iguazu Falls, and Patagonia. It’s a whole lot to take in, so we don’t blame you for feeling a bit overwhelmed. The country, located in the southern half of South America, is home to more than 46 million people and is the second-largest country in South America, after Brazil.
Tourists who love the hustle and bustle of city life should visit Buenos Aires. This is the country’s biggest city, and it’s teeming with action at all times. It is located on the Atlantic coastline, which only adds to its natural beauty and allure.
Panama
Panama isn’t the biggest country in South America, but with a population of more than 4.4 million, it still makes for a lively and exciting travel destination. When it comes to must-see sights in Panama, the Panama Canal is always a big draw, but don’t let that be the only thing you see and do. The country has beautiful beaches, a lively nightclub scene, mouth-watering dining, casinos, nature and wildlife tours, shopping, and more. In terms of affordability, Panama tends to be reasonably priced too.
Bolivia
Bolivia is criminally underrated when it comes to top tourist destinations in South America. Far too often, people skip right over the country, not realizing what they are missing out on. While there is plenty to mention, the variety of landscapes stands out for most travelers. You see a little bit of everything including mountains, cliffs, beaches, rugged flatlands, untouched nature and wildlife, and even bustling city centers.
Just like Panama, Bolivia also tends to be reasonably priced, giving tourists excellent value for their money. The busy season is May to October, when the weather is warm and the sun is shining. This tends to be the best time to visit, but is also the busiest.
Chile
Why visit Chile? The better question is why not visit Chile? The country offers 6,000 kilometers of coastline, valleys, the Chilean Coast Range mountains, the Andes Mountains, ski resorts, and Santiago, which is the capital city. This is the perfect destination for adventure-seekers who want to explore and challenge themselves while on holiday. It’s family-friendly, and tourists are welcomed warmly and appreciated by the locals.
Ecuador
Another lesser-known destination in South America is Ecuador, which is ideal for travelers who like to be outdoors, explore nature, and aren’t interested in typical city life. Here you get a taste of high-altitude city living (which is unique), long stretches of untouched beaches, the Galápagos Islands, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, multi-day hiking adventures, eco-tourism opportunities, and the Amazon Rainforest among others.
If you appreciate art, be sure to visit the city of Quito, which is known for its colonial artwork. Quito itself is a landmark, as it was built upon the ancient ruins of an Inca city. It is 2,850 meters above sea level, and the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Content of South America Is Your Oyster
One of the best parts about holidays is having a chance to visit new-to-you destinations that provide you with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It’s your opportunity to try a different cuisine, learn more about world history, enhance your architecture knowledge, and get to know people from different cultures. South America ticks all of these boxes and much more, delivering the kind of vacation that you’ll never forget.
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone; if you decide to visit any of these lesser-known countries, you won’t regret your decision.