Top 10 Sights in South America
South America is a destination like no other.
It's a vast continent of wonders — from the unspoiled colonial architecture and spectacular pre-Colombian ruins to rainforests, deserts and the longest mountain range in the world. It’s a land of incredible diversity — with the tiniest hummingbirds and the largest condors — and the natural beauty is matched by the friendliness of the people.
Here are ten highlights to set those itchy feet aflame.
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2. Kuelap
PeruLong overshadowed by its southern cousin of Machu Picchu, Kuelap is an equally impressive pre-Incan ruin nestled atop a mountain in the northern Andean cloud forest region of Chachapoyas. Reachable by road, the fortress is surrounded by impressive high walls and narrow entrances. Still relatively unvisited compared to the ruins around Cusco, it’s possible to explore Kuelap with few other tourists around. -
3. Cordillera Blanca
PeruAs the highest mountain range in the tropics, the Cordillera Blanca is an impressive sight. During the daytime, warm air begins to melt the white glaciers that decorate the peaks while overnight they freeze again, creating unique ice flumes. It’s without question one of the most beautiful places on Earth. And the high mountain roads that skirt the range from the nearby city of Huaraz tackle jaw-dropping passes reaching up to 5,000 metres. -
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5. Boca Juniors Stadium
ArgentinaThe Estadio Alberto J. Armand aka La Bombonera (the chocolate box) is a must-see attraction for any football fans visiting Buenos Aires. Home to the legendary Boca Juniors football club the raucous support creates a spectacular atmosphere. The stadium also houses a museum for one of South America’s greatest football clubs. -
6. Patagonia
Argentina / ChileStretching across the vast southern tip of South America, Patagonia is a paradise of wilderness. From its rugged Atlantic coastline to the staggering peaks of the Andes, it’s home to a weird and wonderful collection of wildlife and far-flung communities. The land of gauchos and old Welsh settlements straddles Argentina and Chile and is flanked by two great highways. -
7. Huacachina
PeruThe sight of the natural lake and village around it, surrounded by the dry desert is so iconic it has found its way onto the back of Peruvian banknotes. The high sand dunes attract tourists for dune buggy rides and dune surfing. The oasis can be found off the main highway 1S four hours south of Lima. -
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9. Salar De Uyuni
Bolivia -