5 Amazing Destinations to Visit in South America – Bucket List

Hi everyone! Since travel has become more limited, especially International travel, Maggie and I have been brainstorming locations that we cannot wait to visit as soon as “normal” and safe travel resumes. Earlier this year, Maggie wrote a post titled 5 Dreamy European Destinations, and today I will be sharing 5 Amazing Destinations to Visit in South America! I’ve only visited South America once, and on that trip I visited both Argentina and Uruguay. The locations on this list are places I’ve never been, but that I’ve heavily researched and am so excited to visit soon! Welcome to my South America travel bucket list!

1: Salvador, Brazil

Salvador is the capital of Bahia, in the Northeast region of Brazil. I studied this region often in my graduate courses, and I’ve been wanting to visit ever since! Salvador is a costal town, and it is known for its beautiful Portuguese colonial architecture, as well as for its Afro-Brazilian culture and history! The city is especially well known for its Carnival celebration, a five day celebration that begins on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday each year!

Finally, Salvador has beautiful beaches, and Pelourinho, the Historic City Center, of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

2: Valparaíso, Chile

I love colorful cities and towns, and this is the main reason I want to visit Valparaíso! Valparaíso is a port city that is known for being the “cultural center” of Chile. With its charming bohemian vibes and amazing street art, this is a palce I cannot wait to visit!

Lonely Planet describes Valparaíso as “dilapidated, colorful and poetic, Valparaíso is a wonderful mess,” a description that makes me even more excited to plan a trip to this unique and artistic city. If you’re into hippie towns like this one, be sure to also check out Lake Atitlan, Guatemala – one of my most favorite destinations!

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3: Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is a popular tourist destination that has been on my bucket list for ages! This costal city is known not only for its beaches, but also for its amazing colonial architecture. Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and this colonial city reminds me a lot of Colonia, Uruguay. I love visiting colonial cities, and I am super excited to visit colorful Cartagena soon!

4: Guatape, Colombia

For someone who loves colorful towns, Guatape is a dream come true! This town is gorgeous; and it’s filled with brightly and beautifully decorated homes and buildings! Many people visit Guatape as a day trip from Medellin, but I know I will want to go for longer.

5: Cusco, Peru

Cusco is famous for being “the gateway to Machu Picchu,” but this little city has so much to offer! Located in the Andes, the mountain city of Cusco has an elevation of 11,200 feet (3,400 meters)! Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city contains both colonial and pre-Colombian architecture – it’s so beautiful!

Thank you so much for reading! If you liked this post, please save and share! Let me know your favorite places in South America in the comments so I can add them to my bucket list!

♡Kate