What to Do and See in South America
By Bonnie Hamre, About.com Guide to South America Travel
So many things to do and see! How can you choose what suits you best? Consult these resources for top destinations, local attractions, recommended sightseeing, photo galleries, plus sports and recreational activities.
Top Destinations
These are the must-sees in South America. Scenic beauty, natural wonders, great beaches, sophisticated cities, archaeological splendors, and mysterious sites await your travel in South America.
- Amazonia: Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia and the Guianas
- Angel Falls
- Easter Island
- Galapagos Archipelago
- Iguazu Falls
- Lake Titicaca
Major Cities
Capitals, vibrant city life, local attractions, nightlife and cultural attractions draw visitors to these cities of South America.
- Asuncion, Paraguay
- Bogota, Colombia
- Brasilia, Brazil
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Caracas, Venezuela
- Cusco, Peru
- La Paz, Bolivia
- Lima, Peru
- Montevideo, Uruguay
- Punta del Este, Uruguay
- Quito, Ecuador
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Santiago, Chile
- São Paulo, Brazil
Beach Resorts
Broad sandy beaches, sports, resort areas, nighlife and beach fun at these well-known and popular beaches.
- Barranco, Peru
- Buzios, Brazil
- Esmeraldas, Ecuador
- Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
- Isla de Margarita, Venezuela
- Los Roques National Park, Venezuela
- Manta, Ecuador
- Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Nude Beaches
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- San Andres, Colombia
- Viña del Mar, Chile
Sports and Recreational Activities
Trekking, hiking, climbing, skiing, surfing and white water rafting bring many visitors to South America, but there are many more sports and recreational actiivies to enjoy while traveling.

