Top 15 SOUTH AMERICA BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS

 Have you dreamed of getting out your travel bucket list and checking off some of South America's most iconic, breathtaking destinations? This magical continent has so much natural beauty, history, culture and adventure to offer. From the soaring peaks of Patagonia and the serene beauty of Machu Picchu, to the sparkling beaches of Rio de Janeiro and thunderous Iguazu Falls, there are experiences here to dazzle all the senses.

I've made it my mission to explore the very best spots in South America that should be on every traveler's bucket list. Through all my adventures across this vibrant land over the years, I've compiled this South America destination dream team. Ranging from majestic mountain ranges and Lost World jungles, to captivating deserts and charming colonial towns, these are 15 incredible places you simply must visit at least once in your lifetime.

Machu Picchu, Peru

The awe-inspiring Incan citadel of Machu Picchu simply has no equal, earning its place as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Built in the 15th century high up in the Andes mountains, this mystical place was reclaimed from the jungle centuries later just over 100 years ago. As one of the best intact sites from ancient times on the planet, Machu Picchu transports visitors back through the mists of time. Wandering through its stone temples and plazas, terraced farms and towering peaks, a visit here is a magical journey. The sunrise views over the lush green surrounding valleys rising through ethereal clouds will be forever etched in your memory.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Famed for its larger-than-life Carnival spectacle of samba dancing, vibrant colors and nonstop street parties, Rio de Janeiro has secured its place as the heart and soul of Brazil. Sprawled between lush rainforest-wrapped mountains and sparkling golden beaches, the setting here is simply stunning. In addition to its festive atmosphere and friendly residents called Cariocas, Rio shines with some of South America's most recognizable landmarks. Mighty Corcovado mountain watches over the city, crowned by the towering Christ the Redeemer statue stretching 98 feet tall with arms widespread in blessing. Sunset views from atop Sugarloaf mountain reveal Rio's magnificent natural setting that few cities on Earth can compare.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Calling adventure seekers who love wildlife and unspoiled natural beauty! Making their way to the Galápagos Islands is a dream 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. With a landscape formed by volcanoes emerging from the sea, 13 main islands and 6 smaller isles make up this remote Pacific Ocean oasis. Because the Galápagos grew in isolation, wildlife evolved in unique ways over millennia into friendly species found no place else on the planet. Get up close with gigantic ancient tortoises, iguanas that swim like lizards fish, brilliant red Sally Lightfoot crabs, and birds with few survival instincts allowing people to mingle easily among them. Combined with volcanic black sand beaches, fantastic snorkeling and diving, and magical hikes to discover it all makes the Galápagos an absolute necessity for that bucket list.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil Border

Ready to be awestruck by the sheer, jawdropping power of nature? Visiting Iguazu Falls crossing Argentina and Brazil will surely leave you spellbound. Spanning a full 2.7 kilometers wide, these are the largest waterfalls system in the world made up of 275 interconnecting falls and cascades. The UNESCO World Heritage Site wraps around a sub-tropical forest that adds intensely vibrant green against the turbulent, thundering waters. Get right up next to smaller falls throughout Iguazu National Park via metal walkways extending out over the rivers. Or witness the famous Devil’s Throat, where the primeval force of 14 massive falls converge in one earthshaking spot you’ll never forget.

Torres del Paine, Chile

In the soaring mountains of Chilean Patagonia lies Torres del Paine National Park embodying the region's breathtaking natural beauty. Imagine turquoise colored glacial lakes bordered by granite spires piercing the skies, with fields of wildflowers and a diversity of wildlife at every turn. Named for the 3 iconic granite towers soaring almost 10,000 feet into the heavens first scaled in the 1950s, this remains one of South America’s premiere hiking spots. Trekking through this landscape over several days while staying in refuge huts, visitors weave between mountain vistas, millponds reflecting bright blue skies, and golden prairies where wild guanacos roam resembling their llama relatives. Those rugged granite pillars alone capped in snow rising from the Patagonian steppe will be seared into your dreams forever once seen.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Venture across the planet’s largest salt flat engulfing over 10 billion square feet at Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. This otherworldly landscape dazzling against bright blue skies actually holds 70 percent of the world’s lithium reserves deep beneath that salt crust. Transformed into the world’s largest mirror when flooded by a thin layer of water, the sight is so magical and disorienting it’s hard to tell where the sky ends and ground begins. Finding flamingos feeding at clear shallow lagoons bordering the salar, snowcapped peaks in the distance, and cacti covered islands arising from the plains adds to the surreal quality. Make sure to stay through sunset when the starry skies perfectly reflect across the endless salt flats for an experience that seems more like walking on the moon than any place on Earth.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

Be prepared for a true South American adventure reaching Angel Falls to witness the highest waterfall plunge on the entire planet. In the jungles of Venezuela's Canaima National Park, approach via dugout canoe up winding jungle rivers to savor this natural wonder cascading 3,212 feet into the gorge below. To put that in perspective, this height is over 19 times taller than Niagara Falls! Dropping from Pico Auyantepui (“Devil’s Mountain”), legend says the falls were named after an American pilot named Jimmy Angel who crash landed atop the mesa it flows off of in 1937. After an 11 mile uphill hike through steamy jungle to reach the clifftop, peer straight down in awe at the angelic sight into Devil’s Gorge where the waterfall simply vanishes into mist. Talk about the ultimate bucket list memory!

Lake Titicaca, Peru/Bolivia

Resting 12,500 feet high in the mighty Andes spanning Peru and Bolivia, immense Lake Titicaca is a sight to truly behold and holds deep cultural importance. As one of South America’s most sacred Incan sites, ruins like those on the Isla del Sol reflect ancient peoples drawn to these azure blue waters and views like no other. Still home to Uros island villages built incredibly upon floating reed beds, locals living as their ancestors did for centuries paddle handmade boats between the manmade islands wearing traditional dress. From hiking through the terraced hillsides to meeting the locals and their heritage, Lake Titicaca shines as the legendary birthplace of the Incas surrounded by picturesque alpaca grazing mountainsides in the high altiplano.

Easter Island, Chile

One of planet Earth's most remote inhabited islands over 2,000 miles into the Pacific Ocean has secured its fame through mysterious origins. Part of Chile, Easter Island is home to almost 1,000 iconic moai - giant heads carved from volcanic stone weighing over 10 tons each dotting the landscape. How ancient Rapa Nui people carved and moved them starting around 1200 CE remains a mystery, as well as why they were positioned facing inland watchful over villages instead of the sea. Today, visitors can get hands-on through guided tours learning ancient legends, visiting volcanic craters at the center of the island, watching traditional dances, going diving offshore to spot sea turtles, and simply admiring the stoic moai in person. Being one of the most isolated populated islands on the planet certainly adds to the intrigue of Easter Island, making it an enigma worth the journey to try decoding.

Atacama Desert, Chile

Step into some of planet Earth's most otherworldly landscapes in Chile’s famed Atacama, known widely as the driest nonpolar desert anywhere. The combination of coastal mountains blocking moisture and rainshadow effects yield parts of Atacama receiving absolutely no rainfall recorded ever. Between vast sand and stone surfaces, breezy Pacific coastlines and indentations filled with aquamarine lagoons, the scenes here look more akin to Mars. Delve into massive craters and Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley’s) terrain warped by ancient lava flows, steaming hot springs like Puchuldiza, and clear night skies perfect for astronomy. Just don’t forget to watch your step for amazingdiscoveries like fossils, salt caves, and even petrified wood!

Lost City Trek, Colombia

Prepared to follow steep stone steps climbing nearly 1,200 of them through thick Colombian jungle? Your reward completing the intense 4-5 day Lost City Trek is getting to this ancient archaeological wonder reclaimed from the forests just a few decades ago. Built by the Tayrona civilization who ruled these lands over 1,000 years ago, this centuries old city sat unknown high in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains until its 1975 discovery by local treasure looters. Through documented excavation and restoration ever since, visitors can now experience the site’s agricultural terraces, stone temples and homes, plazas and over 200 perfectly spherical stone petitions leaving you mystified over this culture. Combine adventure hiking across rickety log bridges, fording rivers, camping or staying in hammocks under the stars with local guides, all a small price to pay for unveiling Teyuna - the Lost City’s - ancient secrets.

Ouro Preto, Brazil

Nestled within the mountains of Brazil’s Minas Gerais state lies magical Ouro Preto, one of the country’s most alluring and charming colonial cities. Meaning “black gold”, its 18th century wealth funded by gold mines still reflects beautifully in well preserved buildings made of local black slate stone throughout town. Wandering across hilly cobblestone streets by foot, this perfectly preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with Baroque churches boasting outstanding Rococo carvings among the Western Hemisphere’s finest. Impeccable museum collections, 17th-19th century homes, interesting shops, and fantastic mine tours nearby complete the experience. But Ouro Preto’s greatest magic comes out at night during golden hour, when lighting softens the city’s hard edges and buildings glow like amber under the star filled night skies.

Paraty, Brazil

Brazil dazzles with some of South America’s dreamiest summer escapes, with charming Paraty being among the finest. Set along sheltered emerald green bay waters fringed by jungled mountains peppered with islands, Paraty gives off undeniable Mediterranean vibes in Brazil. Explore the historical Portuguese colonial town recognized as a National Historic Site, adorned in brightly painted buildings, peaceful walkable lanes and impressive churches. But Paraty’s biggest allure is whisking visitors away into island hopping adventures, jungle waterfall hikes, sea kayaking calm inlets, stand up paddleboarding adventures, and beach lounging against exquisite backdrops. End it all at night dancing away to live music under the stars during the traditionally relaxed Brazilian happy hours.

Glacier Grey, Chile

Journey across crystal blue glaciers forged over eons at Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park to admire Glacier Grey’s pure natural artistry. Branching off the larger Southern Patagonian Ice Field feeding landlocked into this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Glacier Grey stands front and center as the national park’s star. What makes this hunk of millennia-old ice so visually striking are its alien blue hues, mammoth spiked ice peaks, and floating chunks drifting across the attached frozen lakes. The visual patterns across the glacier’s cracked, weathered façade mesmerize against the sheer granite cliffs looming behind the icy giant. Reaching Glacier Grey requires undertaking Torres del Paine’s beloved “W Trek” to fully absorb all the park’s wonders over several days, ready to have your breath taken away during the grand finale.

La Paz, Bolivia

As the planet’s highest capital city, there is nowhere quite like La Paz, Bolivia. Built at nearly 12,000 feet elevation within a steep canyon carved by the Choqueyapu River, its urbanity paired with dramatic landscapes make it exceptional. Beyond the metropolitan amenities though, La Paz invites exploring through vibrant culture breathing across every corner. The Mercado de Hechicería (Witches’ Market) brims with Andean herbal potion ingredients, the Calle Jaen Museums contain superb artworks, while mystic valleys like Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) beckon nearby. During your visit, partake in ancient spiritual offerings to mother nature like the Cholitas in their iconic bowler hats. Or gaze upon the epic snow-draped Illimani volcano towering over the city. From its people to landscapes, La Paz will leave you absolutely entranced.

Conclusion:

A journey across magnificent South America reveals this continent holds some of the most phenomenal bucket list destinations found anywhere on the planet. With stunning scenery from soaring Andean peaks to powerful thunderous waterfalls, through deserts that defy imagination...South America has it all. Ancient cultures left mysterious ruins reclaimed from dense jungles, while charming colonial cities are masterclasses in architecture and history. Whether Robinson Crusoe-ing across the Galapagos Islands or wandering the enigmatic Easter Island Moai, dreamy seascapes also await. By chasing both urban adventures andgetting back tonature in some of its purest forms across South America, globetrotters find travel dreams come true.