1. Travel

Top 10 Most Visited South American Cities

From , former About.com Guide

These are the pages that were most viewed by visitors to this site. They may or may not reflect actual travel to and around South America, but do show interest in the various countries and cities. The selection is based on the accumulation of annual statistics.

1. Brasilia, Brazil

Brasilia Fernando Bueno / Getty Images
Brasilia is a monument to what Brazilians can do and have done. It's a city pointing like an arrow into the future. It's built on a massive scale, with large, innovative buildings, a freedom of spirit and imagination.

2. Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena Harbor and FortressClipArt.com
The old walled city and fortress repelled invaders and pirates in its early days. Now it welcomes visitors to its colonial charm, energetic nightlife and nearby attractions.

3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Sugarloaf & Guanabara BayArtToday.com
Truly a cidade maravilhosa, Rio is spectacularly located, and to live up to the scenery, cariocas and visitors enjoy a vivid lifestyle nestled between fabulous beaches and rainforested hills.

4. Mendoza, Argentina

Parque San MartinRoberto Ingledew
The center of Argentina's wine industry, Mendoza is an all-seasons destination for climbers, hikers, skiers, rafters, bikers, paragliders, naturalists, trekkers, and oenophiles.

5. Buenos Aires, Argentina

ObeliskPeter and Jackie Main
Big. sprawling Buenos Aires, teh capital of Argentina, is cosmopolitan and yet retains a neighborhood feel in the barrios. Sightseeing, nightlife, including the sensual tango, is a must in this sophisticated city.

6. Medellin, Colombia

Medellin is the capital of Antioquia department in Colombia and enjoys a temperate climate that gives the city the names of The Land of Eternal Spring and Capital of The Flowers.

7. Cordoba, Argentina

Cordoba Gateway ArchPanoramic Images / Getty Images
Called the Heartland of Argentina for its geographic location, Córdoba retains its colonial history and blends it with a modern tourism industry and a hefty assortment of recreational activities.

8. Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas, VenezuelaHisham Ibrahim / Getty Images
Venezuela's capital and largest city is the center of commerce, culture, economics and the base for touring the country's attractions, including Angel Falls and the llanos.

9. Santa Marta, Colombia

Rowboats in Santa MartaMedioimages/Photodisc / Getty Images
Santa Marta is Colombia's first Spanish settlement. Located on the coast, it boasts great beaches, relaxation and access to Tayrona and Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta national parks, plus the famed lost city of the Taironas.

10. Punta del Este, Uruguay

Punta del Este harborBaerbel Schmidt / Getty Images
Called the St. Tropez of Uruguay for its miles of beautiful, pristine beaches, its upscale and exclusive resort tradition, and the wealth of its summer visitors. Expensive by local standards, Punta del Este is attractively priced compared to European and US resorts.

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