Sure, hiking the famed Inca trail to Macchu Picchu, biking along La Paz’s ‘Death Road’ and taking in the stunning, stark beauty of the Salar de Uyuni salt flats are all major highlights on a trip to South America.
But beyond the big name, once-in-a-lifetime activities, there are tons more of awesome adventures to be found.
Check out my list of my favourite lesser-known destinations and experiences to be had in South America, that will totally blow your mind.
1. Relax on the Beautiful Beaches of Guarujá (Brazil)
There are lots of incredible destinations in Brazil that are world famous including The Amazon Rainforest, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Foz do Iguazu waterfalls. Guarujá isn’t somewhere you have likely heard about, but if you want to visit Brazil it is somewhere slightly off the beaten tourist trail that you really should visit.
I grew up in São Paulo, and going to coast was part of my childhood. We Brazilians are lucky when it comes to beaches, there are so many amazing ones to visit all up and down the coast. If you are planning to visit São Paulo, then leave a day or two free to relax at Guarujá which is around one hour away by road. There are lots of beautiful beaches including Praia Tombo and a large selection of Airbnb’s and hotels. Its the perfect escape from the hectic São Paulo city centre which is quite full on with twenty million people, cars, traffic and noise.
2. Get Spaced Out by Moon Valley, La Paz (Bolivia)
The towering spires of Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) in La Paz give this spot an eerie, lunar terrain that you might be forgiven for mistaking for a sci-fi movie set. Walk amongst the rock formations eroded by heavy rain and high winds, and we totally won’t judge if it unleashes your inner film star…
3. Get Away from it all like a Local at Tigre (Argentina)
For a real ‘local’ experience whilst visiting Buenos Aires, take a short trip north to the town of Tigre. The town and its surrounding delta area serves as a getaway for all kinds, from Buenos Aires getaway-seekers to Madonna. You’ll find the “Puerto de Frutos” craft fair, riverside restaurants, a naval museum and even an amusement park, so there’s plenty to keep you entertained!
4. See Condors Soar at Colca Canyon (Peru)
Twice as deep as the US’ Grand Canyon, and just as epic! Just northwest of the city of Arequipa in Peru, the canyon is a popualar spot to see local wildlife up close – the Andean Condors that frequent the area often fly close to the canyon. If you’re not impressed by birds, you’ll certainly be impressed by the views as discover this incredible site.
5. Explore Lake Titicaca’s Traditions by Reed Boat (Bolivia)
Named as the world’s highest navigable lake, Titicaca Hop aboard a traditional reed boat to see the famous floating reed islands in the Bay of Puno for a taste of how the indiginous Uros lived. On Taquile Island, get to know the locals and experience the way they live in simple huts, and visit colourful markets in the city of Puno.
6. Snorkel at Rio da Prata (Brazil)
Take a dive into the waters of Rio da Prata in Bonito, an aquatic playground teeming with colourful and vibrant fish life. Above the water, make your way through lush rainforests as you make your way past stunning waterfalls.
7. Sleep Under the Stars in the Atacama Desert (Chile)
An oasis in the Atacama Desert, Huacachina is surrounded by formidable sculpted sand dunes, and creates a campout experience like no other. Spend your day sandboarding amongst the dunes and riding a dune buggy, then lay back and gaze up at the starry sky as you set your head down for the night.
8. Go Rafting in Salta (Bolivia)
Although many visit Salta for it’s stunning colonial architecture, those in search of adventure will also find plenty in store. Lovers of adrenaline will love the white water rafting opportunities on Juramento River, with plenty of level 3 rapids making it suitable for the inexperienced but still thrilling for all abilities.
9. Fly Over the Nazca Lines (Peru)
Peru is blessed with so many amazing tourist attractions with the undoubted most famous being Machu Picchu. But for something slightly different go to check out the hundreds of lines and shapes dominate the floor of Peru’s Nazca Desert – and no one is sure where they came from. Archaeologists, historians, and mathematicians have all tried to work out their purpose, but to no avail. Eerie much? The lines and shapes are best viewed from above, so a helicopter ride is the perfect way to experience them in all their mysterious glory.
10. Experience Colonial Times in Paraty (Brazil)
Paraty is a small town colonial town in-between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo and an essential stop off for anyone looking to travel overland between these two cities. Its really unique and historic with beautiful old cobbled streets and Portuguese colonial architecture.
The waterfront with the Capela de Santa Rita, a whitewashed church built in 1722 are essential photo stop destinations. The town itself have lots of shops, places to buy souvenirs and also lots of ice cream parlours!
If you send a few days here be sure to check out the nearby seaside resort Trindade too. There are beautiful beaches, lots of trails and a really relaxed hippy vibe here.
Other Places
If you are planning an epic long trip to South America and have a really flexible schedule, you might like to also add these lesser known and underrated tourist destinations to your itinerary which are really amazing:
• Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina
• The Altiplano, Bolivia
• Potosi, Bolivia
• Cocora Valley, Colombia
• Ciudad Perdida, Colombia
• Guatape, Colombia
• Chimborazo, Ecuador
• Mindo, Ecuador
• Iquitos, Peru
• Trujillo, Peru
• Paracas, Peru
• Cabo Polonio, Uruguay
Have you been to any of the places featured on my list? Or do you have somewhere you think is really underrated that should be included? Let me know below.
