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20 Things to do in South America for first-time visitors
Uncover the top things to do in South America for first-time visitors, from Machu Picchu and Rio to Iguazu Falls.
South America promises opportunities for memorable encounters from the Andes to the Amazon basin. In this guide, you’ll find 20 essential things to do in South America, ensuring you won’t miss out on the continent’s unique blend of culture, dramatic landscapes, and ancient heritage.
If this is your first visit to the region, more well-known destinations like Peru, Brazil, and Argentina often make for the best South American countries to visit., However, the lesser-know, and often cheapest countries in South America, like Bolivia, are not to be missed.
From ancient ruins to desert sandboarding, let’s get started!
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South America’s ancient wonders
South America’s history is packed with ancient civilizations and their remarkable legacies. If you’re interested in history and archaeology, these sites provide a fascinating glimpse into the continent’s pre-Columbian past and are some of the best places to see in South America.
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
Nestled high within the Peruvian Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an undeniable highlight if you’re a first-time visitor to South America. This iconic “lost city” of the Inca boasts precisely fitted stonework structures and offers breathtaking panoramic views. While exploring its well-preserved urban sectors and delving into its history with a guide are key, be aware that the cooler weather and high altitude can affect some travelers, so a smart Peru packing list and taking time to acclimate is highly recommended. To fully appreciate the experience, consider booking your entry tickets and any desired hikes (like Huayna Picchu) well in advance, as daily visitor numbers are often limited.
2. Tiwanaku Ruins, Bolivia
If you’re a first-time visitor exploring the area near Lake Titicaca, the Tiwanaku Ruins offer a glimpse into the pre-Inca civilization. Essential activities include visiting the impressive stone architecture, like the iconic Gate of the Sun and the Kalasasaya and Puma Punku temples. Fortunately, unlike some more remote historical sites, Tiwanaku is relatively accessible from the capital city of La Paz, making it a convenient and worthwhile day trip. Travelers can reach the ruins by joining a guided tour, or, for a more independent experience, you can take a public bus, with the journey typically lasting around 1.5 to 2 hours.
3. Kuelap Fortress, Peru
Perched high in the cloud forests of northern Peru, Kuelap Fortress offers a unique and enriching experience often compared to Machu Picchu, but with a different atmosphere and variable weather conditions given its location. Exploring the massive stone walls and learning about the Chachapoyas culture are key activities. Reaching this walled city is part of the adventure, especially the scenic cable car ride that lifts you into this wonderful landscape.
4. Ingapirca Ruins, Ecuador
Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most significant Inca archaeological site, presents an amazing mix of Inca and Cañari architectural styles. The Temple of the Sun is a definite highlight, famous for its precisely cut stones. While exploring the ancient structures and the surrounding landscape is not too physically demanding, it’s important to note that Ingapirca’s higher altitude compared to Quito may require a more relaxed pace. If you’re experiencing this fantastic attraction for the first time, a guided day trip from Cuenca is often recommended for a comfortable visit.
5. Quilmes Ruins, Argentina
Situated in the vast Calchaquí Valleys of Argentina, the Quilmes Ruins highlight the resilience of the indigenous Quilmes people. Wandering through the remains of their homes and fortifications offers a real connection to their history. The layout of the Quilmes settlement is especially notable for its design, strategically built on a hillside with huge stone walls and multiple levels of defense. The drive to reach the ruins, often starting from the city of Salta (approximately a 3-4 hour journey) or San Miguel de Tucumán (around a 2-hour drive), is quite scenic, showcasing the landscapes of the Calchaquí Valleys. The most common way to get there is by taking a local bus that travels between these cities and stops near the ruins. Guided tours are also available from both Salta and Tucumán.
Carnival, tango, and coffee culture
Beyond ancient history, South America buzzes with vibrant cultural traditions, offering some of the most fun things to do in South America. From electrifying festivals to passionate dances and rich culinary heritage, these experiences connect deeply to the continent’s spirit.
6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of Brazil during Festa Junina in Rio, a celebration that paints the country in bright colors and flavors throughout June. This festival, deeply rooted in rural culture, offers an authentic South American experience. Picture charming towns bursting with colorful flags, the smell of traditional foods like pamonha and canjica filling the air, and the sounds of forró music inviting everyone to enjoy the quadrilha dances (a traditional square dance) and experience the heartwarming community spirit that defines Festa Junina.
7. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, the heart of Argentina, is synonymous with tango, a passionate dance form that embodies the city’s soul. Discovering tango culture is one of the essential things to do in Argentina and South America in general, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. Key activities include watching a professional tango show, where dancers showcase the elegance and drama of this art form, and even taking a tango lesson to learn the basic steps yourself. Visiting the city’s “milongas” (tango dance halls) also offers an authentic and immersive cultural experience.
8. Colombia Coffee Region, Colombia
The lush, green hills of Colombia’s Coffee region offer a sensory journey into the world of coffee production. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the prettiest places in South America, with its rolling landscapes dotted with coffee plantations and colonial buildings. Key activities include visiting a traditional coffee farm (“finca”), learning about the entire coffee-making process from bean to cup, and savoring freshly brewed Colombian coffee amidst stunning scenery. This is one of the most aromatic things to do in Colombia, South America if you’re visiting for the first time!
9. Montevideo, Uruguay
This is one of the more unique places to visit in South America if you’re an art enthusiast. Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, boasts a vibrant and dynamic street art scene. Exploring the city’s murals and graffiti provides a unique perspective on its culture and social commentary. Key activities include taking a guided street art tour to learn about the artists and their messages, or simply wandering through neighborhoods like Ciudad Vieja (the Old City) and Palermo to discover these colorful expressions. Within Ciudad Vieja, be sure to explore the streets around Sarandí pedestrian walkway, where you’ll find a high concentration of impressive murals and street art.
10. Asunción, Paraguay
Ñanduti lace, meaning “spider web” in Guarani (an indigenous language of South America), is a delicate Paraguayan handicraft. The city of Asunción is perfect for acquiring this beautiful art form. One activity to do in Asuncion is to visit artisan shops to see the lace being made and purchase souvenirs. If you’re visiting this city for the first time and seeking high-quality Ñanduti lace and crafts directly from artisans, Mercado Cuatro (also known as “La Cuatro”) is a great place to go. Learning about the history and cultural significance of making Ñanduti lace is a great way to connect with South America’s diverse cultural activities.
Waterfalls, salt flats, and natural wonders
South America is blessed with incredible natural landscapes. The region has some of the most beautiful places in South America, from waterfalls to massive salt flats and unique ecosystems. These sites are some of the top attractions to see if you’re a first-time visitor.
11. Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is the planet’s largest salt flat, offering a distinctive landscape. Witness the “mirror effect” in the wet season, explore Incahuasi Island’s giant cacti, and marvel at the seemingly infinite white horizon. If you’re departing from La Paz, a recommended option is to join a guided tour, which usually handles transportation, includes stays in distinctive salt hotels, and ensures you have the best time at one of the coolest places in South America.
12. Iguazu Falls, Brazil
Bordering Brazil and Argentina, Iguazu Falls is an awesome force of nature, often cited as the biggest natural tourist attraction in South America and an absolute must if you’re visiting South America. The Brazilian side offers panoramic views of the hundreds of individual waterfalls cascading down with incredible power. Main activities include walking trails for different perspectives and taking a “Macuco Safari” boat tour, offering an exciting and often soaking ride near the falls, preceded by a fun jungle jeep tour.
13. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
This is one of the most unique places to visit in South America and an ecotourism hotspot. Here, you can snorkel and dive with sea lions, see giant tortoises and seals in their natural habitat, and encounter species like marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies that are found nowhere else on Earth. A stay of around five days is often recommended to allow for visits to multiple islands and participation in various activities.
14. Atacama Desert, Chile
Chile is your go-to destination for natural wonders and adventure! Case in point: The Atacama Desert, an unmissable location to add to your Chile travel guide. Atacama in northern Chile is one of the driest places on Earth, offering stark and dramatic landscapes of salt flats, sand dunes, and volcanoes. You can see the El Tatio geysers erupt at sunrise, explore the landscapes of the Valley of the Moon, and stargaze under clear night skies. Adding to its appeal, the Atacama Desert is home to the “Ojos del Salar” (Eyes of the Salt Flat), two round, deep blue pools within the Salar de Atacama, whose origin remains a mystery. This region showcases some of the prettiest places in South America in a unique way.
15. Angel Falls, Venezuela
Angel Falls, located in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park, is the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall. Often reached via a scenic flight over the Gran Sabana, a key activity is a flightseeing tour that captures the scale and beauty of the falls and the surrounding tepuis (table-top mountains). Iguazu Falls often comes to mind as a major natural attraction in South America, but the drop of Angel Falls is equally stunning. This incredible waterfall plunges from the Auyán-tepuy, a particularly vast and distinctive tepui within the Gran Sabana, known for its extensive plateau and unique biological environment.
Adventures and adrenaline
If you seek excitement and adventure, there are many thrilling South American activities to experience. From conquering rapids to soaring through the air and trekking through ancient landscapes, these activities will get your heart racing.
16. Baños, Ecuador
Baños de Agua Santa in Ecuador is known as the “Adventure Capital” of the country, and white-water rafting on the surrounding rivers is one of its most popular activities to do in South America. The region has various rapids, so whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, there’s a rapid to suit you. One of the best ways to experience white-water rafting is with a professional guide, so you can enjoy the scenery of the Andean foothills guided by experts. This is one of the most fun things to do in South America if you’re an adventure seeker traveling to Ecuador for the first time.
17. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
While not strictly an adrenaline activity, experiencing the beach culture of Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro offers a unique kind of adventure. This iconic beach is a constant hub of activity, from beach volleyball to lively samba circles – be sure to add your sports gear and dancing shoes to your Brazil packing list! To fully take in the vibe of Ipanema, try out surfing at Posto 7. You can also witness or even join beach volleyball or futevôlei (a Brazilian version using feet and head) games along the sands. Keep an eye out for informal capoeira gatherings, particularly on weekends, where practitioners showcase this Afro-Brazilian martial art that blends dance, acrobatics, and music. For a different perspective, consider renting a stand-up paddleboard or kayak to explore the coastline more flexibly.
18. Medellín, Colombia
Nestled in a valley in the Andes Mountains, Medellín, an unmissable destination featured on any Colombia travel guide, offers a unique perspective when seen from above. If you’re a new visitor to the city and looking for an adventure, taking a tandem paragliding flight with a certified instructor and soaring through the sky is a definite must! Many paragliding tours offer flights over Comuna 13, a popular area of Medellin. Paragliding gives you an aerial view of the hillside neighborhood that has undergone social and urban renewal. This is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Colombia, South America, and a fantastic way to gain a broader perspective of Medellín’s layout and surrounding terrain.
19. Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), Colombia
The trek to Ciudad Perdida, or the “Lost City,” in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, is an unforgettable adventure through jungle terrain to reach an ancient indigenous city predating Machu Picchu. If you’re new to this part of the region, consider doing a multi-day trek through the stunning landscapes, where you’ll cross rivers and explore the ruins with local guides who share the history of the region’s indigenous communities. The guides who lead these treks are often descendants of the indigenous tribes of the Sierra Nevada, adding a deeply personal and authentic layer to the historical and cultural insights shared. The trek is a challenging but rewarding South American activity!
20. Huacachina Oasis, Peru
The Huacachina Oasis, a small lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes near the city of Ica in Peru, offers a thrilling experience: sandboarding. Rent a board from one of the many trusted tour agencies in the area and slide down the steep dunes, experiencing the excitement of gliding over sand – almost like surfing. Dune buggy rides in the area also add to this adventurous experience. A popular time for dune buggy rides in Huacachina is during sunset, offering spectacular views of the sun dipping below the vast sand dunes. This is one of the most fun things to do in South America if you’re seeking a unique thrill.
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With Holafly, you can travel with peace of mind and without breaking the bank, during your first trip to South America.
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