The Best Cities to Visit in South America

South America is a continent of staggering variety — tropical beaches, soaring mountains, colonial old towns and some of the most vibrant cultures on Earth. These cities are the perfect gateways to it all.

Rhythm and beaches

Rio de Janeiro is the continent's icon, with Christ the Redeemer, Carnival and legendary beaches. Cartagena charms with its walled Caribbean old town and colour.

Culture and cuisine

Buenos Aires dazzles with tango, steak and European elegance, while Lima has become one of the world's great food capitals thanks to its ceviche and fusion cuisine.

Andean wonders

Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, and high-altitude Bogotá and La Paz immerse you in the living Andean world. Give yourself time — distances are vast, and the continent rewards those who travel slowly and go deep.