10 of the most breathtakingly scenic places in South America

Wherever you go in the world, there are breathtaking sites to see. In terms of beauty, the continent of South America is second to none with plenty of pristine forests, captivating deserts, and stunning ancient sites. Travel to one of the most amazing regions in the world, drink in the wonder, and enjoy the trip of a lifetime. Here are 10 breathtaking places considered the most scenic in South America.

1. Remarkable beauty in Chile’s largest national park

Visitors from all over the world come to witness the views and natural wonders of Torres del Paine National Park. Located in Chilean Patagonia, this protected reserve offers a dazzling combination of snowy mountains, gleaming glaciers, lakes, and rivers, including the stunning Cordillera del Paine Mountains and the famed ‘torres’ the park is named after.

2. Peaceful El Chalten, Argentina

This small and secluded village is a great place to visit to escape from the bustle civilisation for a while. Located at the near the base of two huge mountains Mount Fitzroy & Cerro Torre in the mesmerising Los Glaciares National Park, it is one of the most breathtaking places in South America. A paradise for trekkers and you can even be stunned by the incredible Viedma Glacier.

3. Gateway to world-renowned glaciers: El Calafate, Argentina

El Calafate is a Patagonian city in Argentina best known as the gateway to the Los Glaciares National Park. This is one of the most famous sites in the world to experience nature at its purest and a highlight has to be watching the pieces of the Perito Moreno Glacier crumble in front of you or even mini-trekking over it.

4. Sacred Valley of the Incas, out of Cuzco, Peru

This valley was the heart of the Inca Empire and you will find alluring mountain landscapes, many different Inca ruins and terraces, local communities and even the contrasting beauty of the salt pans of Maras. Being located in the middle of the Andes close to the ruins of Machu Picchu, you shouldn’t miss exploring the Sacred Valley on the way to these incredible ruins.

5. One of the most iconic places in South America: The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos are famous islands because of their native species, but there’s so much more to see. The water surrounding the islands offers an amazing and peaceful view. There are plenty of sites to explore like Kicker Rock, which makes the Galapagos one of the most-see scenic places in South America.

6. Mesmerising Atacama Desert, Chile

Don’t expect it to rain while visiting the Atacama Desert, as this is the driest desert in the world. But precipitation is not essential in order to be picturesque, and the Atacama desert is certainly that. The arid colours will astound you, the geysers and salt pans are captivating and the mixture of mountains, valleys, volcanoes, salt pans and even lagoons are stunning from every angle.

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7. Salt flats of Uyuni, Bolivia

These are the largest set of salt flats in the world, and that alone makes them worth seeing. But they are even better up close and are amazingly different from the dry season where you can walk right on it or the wet season where the flat looks like the most magnificent mirrored landscape you’ll ever see.

8. Unforgettable Avenue of the Volcanoes, Ecuador

The Avenue of the Volcanoes includes some of the most majestic mountain peaks you will ever see. If you explore this area to its fullest, you’ll see the violent beauty of volcanic eruptions, as well as some gorgeous, snow-covered peaks.

9. Machu Picchu, Peru

You’ve undoubtedly seen pictures, but Machu Picchu is something you have to see in person to really understand its sheer magnificence. Aside from its obvious historical significance as the estate of Inca Emperor Pachacuti, Machu Picchu is a remarkable site, and of all the places in South America you want to see, this should be at the top of the list.

10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The city of Rio offers so much to see, from white, sandy beaches to panoramic views of mountains on the shores of the Atlantic to the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. From every angle, this is an impressive city based on its scenery and Rio is one of those places in South America you just have to experience for yourself.