South America is a continent that seems tailor-made for adventure travelers. From the soaring peaks of the Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest, from pristine beaches to ancient ruins, this diverse land offers endless opportunities for adrenaline-pumping experiences.
These 20 cities serve as gateways to some of the most exciting adventures the continent has to offer.
Cusco, Peru
Nestled high in the Andes, Cusco is the perfect base for exploring the ancient Inca
civilization. From here, you can trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, raft the Urubamba River, or mountain bike through the Sacred Valley.
Don’t miss the chance to acclimatize by exploring the city’s colonial architecture and vibrant markets.
Baños, Ecuador
Known as the ‘Gateway to the Amazon,’ Baños offers a bunch of adventure activities. You can go canyoning down waterfalls, zip-line through lush forests, or soak in thermal baths with views of the active Tungurahua volcano.
The famous ‘Swing at the End of the World’ at Casa del Árbol offers a heart-pounding photo opportunity.
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Pucón, Chile
Situated on the shores of Lake Villarrica, Pucón is Chile’s adventure capital. You can climb the active Villarrica volcano, raft the Trancura River, or relax in natural hot springs.
In winter, the nearby ski resort turns this town into a snowy playground.
Iquitos, Peru
As the world’s largest city inaccessible by road, Iquitos is your gateway to Amazon
adventures. Take a riverboat trip deep into the jungle, spot pink river dolphins, or
stay in an eco-lodge to experience the rainforest up close.
Don’t miss the chance to visit a local shaman and learn about traditional plant medicine.
Mérida, Venezuela
Nestled in the Andes, Mérida is Venezuela’s adventure hub. You can ride the world’s
highest and longest cable car, go paragliding over mountain valleys, or trek through
páramo ecosystems.
The nearby Sierra Nevada National Park offers excellent hiking and climbing opportunities.
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La Paz, Bolivia
At 3,640 meters above sea level, La Paz is a city of extremes. You can mountain bike down the infamous ‘Death Road,’ ski at the world’s highest ski resort, or explore the surreal landscape of the nearby Valle de la Luna.
For a unique urban adventure, try navigating the city’s cable car network, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Florianópolis, Brazil
This island city is a paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. You can
surf world-class waves, windsurf in the lagoon, or try your hand at sandboarding on
the dunes.
The surrounding Atlantic rainforest offers great hiking and wildlife-spotting opportunities.
San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
Nestled in the Andes, Bariloche is Argentina’s outdoor adventure capital. In summer,
you can hike through Nahuel Huapi National Park, kayak on crystal-clear lakes, or mountain bike through forests.
Winter transforms the area into a ski resort, with some of the best powder in South America.
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Huaraz, Peru
Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, Huaraz is a mecca
for mountaineers and trekkers. You can attempt to summit Nevada Huascarán, Peru’s highest peak, or trek the stunning Santa Cruz trail.
The nearby Pastoruri Glacier offers a sobering look at the effects of climate change.
Manaus, Brazil
As the capital of the Amazon, Manaus offers unparalleled access to rainforest adventures. You can take a multi-day river cruise, fish for piranhas, or trek through the jungle to spot exotic wildlife.
Don’t miss the chance to see the ‘Meeting of the Waters,’ where the Rio Negro and the Solimões River run side by side without mixing.
Ushuaia, Argentina
Known as the ‘End of the World,’ Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world and a gateway to Antarctica. You can hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park, sail the Beagle Channel, or ski at Cerro Castor, the world’s southernmost ski resort.
In summer, you can even take a cruise to Antarctica from here.
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Quito, Ecuador
Straddling the equator, Quito offers unique geographical adventures. You can stand with one foot in each hemisphere at the Mitad del Mundo monument, climb the active Pichincha volcano, or take a swing on the ‘TelefériQo’ cable car for panoramic views of the city.
The nearby Cloud Forest offers excellent birdwatching and hiking opportunities.
Ilha Grande, Brazil
This car-free island paradise is a haven for eco-adventures. You can trek through the
Atlantic rainforest to pristine beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or take a boat
tour to spot marine life.
The trail to Pico do Papagaio offers stunning views of the entire island and beyond.
San Gil, Colombia
Known as Colombia’s adventure capital, San Gil offers a wide range of adrenaline- pumping activities. You can go white-water rafting on the Suarez River, paraglide
over the Chicamocha Canyon, or explore underground caverns.
The nearby Parque Nacional del Chicamocha offers excellent hiking and zip-lining opportunities.
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Puerto Natales, Chile
As the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, Puerto Natales is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. You can trek the famous W Circuit, kayak among icebergs, or go horseback riding on the Patagonian steppe.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the nearby Milodon Cave, home to prehistoric giant sloth remains.
Huacachina, Peru
This tiny oasis town in the middle of the dunes offers unique desert adventures. You
can sandboard down massive dunes, take a thrilling dune buggy ride, or simply relax
by the lagoon.
At sunset, climb to the top of a dune for breathtaking views of the desert landscape.
Paraty, Brazil
This colonial gem offers a perfect blend of cultural and natural adventures. You can kayak through mangroves, hike to hidden waterfalls in the Atlantic rainforest, or take
a schooner trip to pristine beaches.
The cobblestone streets of the historic center offer a journey back in time.
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Puerto Varas, Chile
Situated on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, Puerto Varas offers stunning views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. You can kayak on the lake, hike in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, or ski at the nearby Osorno Volcano ski center.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the emerald-green waters of the Petrohué Falls.
Cuenca, Ecuador
This UNESCO World Heritage city offers a perfect blend of cultural and natural adventures. You can explore the historic center’s colonial architecture, hike in Cajas National Park, or visit the nearby Ingapirca ruins, the largest known Inca ruins in Ecuador.
The thermal baths at Baños de Cuenca offer a relaxing end to any adventure.
Cafayate, Argentina
Nestled in the Calchaquí Valleys, Cafayate is known for its stunning rock formations
and high-altitude wineries. You can mountain bike through the colorful landscapes of
the Quebrada de las Conchas, go horseback riding through vineyards, or trek to
hidden waterfalls.
Don’t miss the chance to sample the region’s famous Torrontés wine.
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Make Your Next Adventure a South American One
From the Andes to the Amazon, from colonial cities to remote wilderness, South
America offers an incredible array of adventures for every type of traveler. Whether
you’re seeking heart-pounding adrenaline rushes or immersive cultural experiences,
you’ll find it here.
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