Trekkers looking for adventure are increasingly opting to travel to South America. Off-the-beaten-path Latin America promises adventurous travelers a fantastic voyage of discovery with its abundance of genuine, culturally fascinating, and naturally diverse destinations.
In this magnificent region, there is a wealth of things to see and do for astute travelers looking for something new and largely unexplored, from remote deserts and gorgeous beaches to mountainous lands and indigenous villages.
What are the Most Underrated Destinations in South America?
Here are the most underrated South American destinations when your wandering feet begin to itch.
Huacachina, Peru
Huacachina is located in a breathtaking landscape resembling something out of a Star Wars film, with a refreshing green oasis of palm trees marking the location amid a golden sand desert, bold blue skies, and horizon mirages.
In the intriguing Peruvian region of Ica, Huacachina transports visitors to another planet, where undulating dunes and starry skies create an utterly unforgettable experience off the beaten path.
There is relaxation and heart-pounding action to be had in this underappreciated region of Peru, from sandboarding and hiking to candle-lit desert dinners under the stars. Huacachina is also a great starting point to explore other unique nearby Peruvian locations, like Nazca and Paracas.
Asunción, Paraguay
Asunción, one of the earliest known settlements in South America, claims the title “Mother of Cities.” It has poetry, music, art tradition and rich cultural history. In addition, this stunning city is home to various colonial buildings, delectable cuisine, and hospitable locals.
You can find hip neighborhoods, upscale stores, and chic nightclubs if your tastes lean more toward the modern and stylish. Asunción is one of the greenest and friendliest capital cities in South America, and you’ll be able to get around easily. Food trucks frequent many city streets, offering cheap and enjoyable street fare.
Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica is one of the best places in the country to see wildlife because of how remote and remarkable it is.
Trekking this jungle wonderland’s endless nature trails is a surefire way to be at one with the natural world because it has a dense rainforest and a population that is equally dense with rare plant and animal species.
A world of marine species can be encountered while snorkeling and scuba diving on vibrant coral reefs in and around this location, so it’s not just the land home to this open-world zoo of fauna and flora.
Patagonia, Chile
Patagonia is not suitable for casual adventure travelers. The Magallanes and Esperanza provinces have a rugged frontier appeal unmatched on the planet. You can embark on a fantastic adventure here because these glaciers were once part of the landscape but have since been carved out.
You can go on a hike through glacier-carved terrain in Patagonia, observe thousands of Magellanic penguins on the islands of Magdalena and Marta, or ride a horse across a vast steppe.
Puna, Argentina
Only a handful of people get the chance to go on an adventure to Puna, where there appear to be more animals than people and alluring scenery such as vast pumice stone fields, extinct volcanoes, and surreal alien landscapes.
There are many impressive examples of Mother Nature’s work in action in one location—a location that seems to be on a completely different planet—including salt flats, ancient Incan trails, desert mazes, and intense turquoise oases.
Think colorful flamingo flocks and grazing llamas loitering close to ancient brick pueblos to get an idea of the wildlife that can be seen in and around these areas; it’s equally as eye-catching as the constantly shifting landscape.
Montevideo, Uruguay
The laid-back capital of Uruguay, Montevideo, offers a welcome change of pace for anyone who has traveled to the major cities of South America. Here, there are no gridlocks or honking vehicles. Instead, stroll along the well-maintained, palm tree-lined streets framed by stunning old buildings.
The oldest barrio, or neighborhood in Montevideo, Ciudad Vieja, is a must-visit. Since then, the area has undergone significant change and has become a tourist hotspot where visitors can explore the sights along pedestrian-only walkways that pass shops, outdoor cafes, and local markets. Also, don’t forget to take some time to observe the sculptures and street art, where gifted artists have transformed the city.
La Guajira, Colombia
The secluded Los Flamencos Sanctuary, a wildlife reserve dedicated to hosting amazing species, is one of the best locations for people interested in learning about wildlife. That includes American flamingos and other nesting birds.
La Guajira is one of Colombia’s best places to go if you like remote, off-the-beaten-path areas with unique wildlife. It is also home to indigenous communities, various native and endemic plants and animals, and fantastic scuba diving opportunities.
Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
Although the bizarre and otherworldly Bolivian salt flats are among the nation’s most well-known sights, they are still one of South America’s most underrated attractions because the continent’s more well-known regions frequently overshadow them.
Hopping in a four-by-four and road-tripping is the best way to explore these vast off-road plains. You’ll be cruising through the lands that mirror the sky as they shimmer and reflect the sun’s blinding white light.
This location genuinely challenges the eyes as much as it dazzles them, so if one thought that the color white couldn’t get any whiter, they should reconsider. The photo ops here are countless.
Chachapoyas, Peru
Travel to this magnificent Peruvian cloud forest getaway high in the Andes, where pre-Incan archaeology and intense ecosystems of pristine animal and plant life thrive if discovering lesser-known ancient civilization ruins sounds like an adventure to cross off your bucket list.
This town, which is only an hour away from the stunning Gocta waterfall, is hardly ever visited, so its historic lands teeming with archaeological relics like the enormous Kuelap Fortress and Purunllacta, are beautifully preserved.
Interestingly, the area’s ancient inhabitants, the Chachapoyas civilization, were once referred to as the “Warriors of the Clouds” and were especially renowned for their exceptional circular architecture.
The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands, which consist of 19, are located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean and are encircled by a marine reserve dubbed the “showcase of evolution.”
Any eco tourist’s must-see list of destinations must include this. For a memorable encounter, get up close and personal with a variety of friendly wildlife, including enormous sea tortoises and playful sea lions. Due to calls for restrictions on land tourism to safeguard the ecosystem, your ability to visit these islands may soon be restricted.
Conclusion
With many more adventurers and thrill seekers traveling to South America, you will find crowds at the most popular destinations. However, if you’d like a secluded trip amidst nature, pick one of these destinations and go on the adventure of your life.
