10 Important Landmarks in South America You Need to Explore
South America is home to cultural sites, uninterrupted waterfalls, and breathtaking landmarks. It is rich in natural hidden gems which is why famous as a colorful continent. If you are looking for the beautiful yet important landmarks in South America?
Well, the options are endless. Yes, you can spot a lot of unique places that does not feel real on Earth. Plus, awe-inspiring views of off-the-beaten paths make the most of your traveling experience. From natural wonders to man-made marvels so many destinations or landscapes are there that must be ticked in your bucket list. In this comprehensive guide, let’s dive into the sea of South American landmarks and discover exceptional natural treasures.
How to Get to South America?
First of all, think about how can you get to South America. Usually, when aiming to get to South America, it’s all up to travelers who will, which transport service they prefer and like the most. You can go by air, train, car, or public transportation. If intend to fly, then many affordable airlines take off from the United States of America and land in South America.
- JetBlue, Southwest Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- American Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Avianca Airlines
- CheapOair (Travel agency company)
Important Landmarks in South America
The important landmarks in South America are as follows:
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, Peru is the most famous landmark in South America that welcomes travelers from around the world. The natural beauty and scenic views make it an ideal place to go. Words cannot justify the beauty and wonders of Machu Picchu. Now, a train runs to transport visitors to see the untouched part of the land and make it possible to access for travelers.
Best Time to visit
Looking for the best time to visit Machu Picchu? Well, you can visit throughout the year but April to October is best for the dry season and June to August weather remains fine for all.
Best Accommodation
- Inti Punku Machupicchu Hotel & Suites_5 Star
- Jaya Suite Machupicchu_5 Star
- Eco Hacienda Roman_5 Star
- Tierra Viva Machu Picchu_ 4.5 Star
- Susanna Inn Machu Picchu Hotel_ 4.5 Star
Best Restaurants to Eat
- Munaycha Restaurante_5 Star
- Chullos Craft Beer & Home Made Food_5 Star
- Ponchos Food & Wines_5 Star
- Full House Peruvian Cuisine_5 Star
- El Museo De La Papa_5 Star
Things to Do
- Hike Up to Machu Picchu
- Visit The Sun Gate
- Experience Huayna Picchu
- Go to see Watchman’s Hut
- Explore the Temple of the Sun
2. The Amazon Rainforest in Peru
The Amazon rainforest in Peru is the biggest forest in the world famous for its natural attraction, exciting adventure, and wildlife. For nature lovers, the Amazon is the name of heaven, where they can explore lakes, rivers, unique wildlife, and much more beyond your expectations. This region is known as “Amazonia” which inhabits more than 3/5 of the area of Peru.
Best Time to visit the Amazon Rainforest
- July to December for the dry season
- January to June for the rainy season
Best Accommodation Hotel Villa Amazonia_ 4.5 Star
- Quality Hotel Manaus_ 4.5 Star
- Novotel Manaus_ 4.5 Star
- Uiara Amazon Resort_ 4.5 Star
Best Restaurants
- Vinhedo Rio & Mar_5 Star
- Barollo_5 Star
- Terra & Mar Restaurante_5 Star
- Spell Burguer – Casa da Bruxa_5 Star
- STK Gastronomia & Bar_5 Star
Things to Do
- Find the unique wildlife
- Discovering different types of plants
- Enjoy zip-lining
- Admire the giant trees and foliage around
3. Cathedral of Brasília in Brazil
The Cathedral of Brasilia is located in Brazil and it is one of the best places to visit. It was created in 1976 and is open to the public. Basically, the Cathedral of Brasilia is a church that has an oval Dome of the Baptistry. Its height is about 131 feet.
Best Time to visit the Cathedral of Brasília in Brazil
December to March is considered the best time to visit theCathedral of Brasília in Brazil but you may face high prices in this peak season.
Where to Stay near the Cathedral of Brasília in Brazil?
- Melia Brasil 21_ 4.5 Star
- B Hotel_ 4.5 Star
- Athos Bulcão Hplus Executive_ 4.5 Star
- Cullinan Hplus Premium_ 4.5 Star
- Ibis Styles Brasilia Aeroporto Hotel_ 4 Star
Where to Eat?
- Casa do Peixe_5 Star
- Fogo Caipira_5 Star
- Fogo de Chão_5 Star
- A Tribo_5 Star
Things to Do
- Enjoy a Bike Tour
- Spend some time at Lake Paranoa
- Refresh your mind at City Park
- stroll around National Library
4. Iguazú Falls, Argentina/Brazil
Iguazú Falls is the world’s thrilling waterfall located at the border of Brazil and Argentina. When it comes to visiting South America, your trip is incomplete without experiencing the Iguazú Falls. The height of the waterfall varies but estimated is at 1.7 miles (2.7 km). The most important thing, the waterfall consists of 275 small falls along 2.7 km (1.67 miles) of the Iguazú River.
Best Time to visit Iguazú Falls
The mid-season is ideal for visiting the Iguazú Falls from July to October and from February to April
Best Accommodation
- Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls_ 5 Star
- Sanma Hotel_4.5 Star
- Complexo Eco Cataratas Resort_4.5 Star
- Tupa Lodge_4.5 Star
- Wish Foz do Iguaçu_4.5 Star
Best Restaurants
- Y Restaurant_4.5 Star
- El Fortin Cataratas_4.5 Star
- Restaurante Garganta del Diablo_4 Star
- Restaurante Porto Canoas_4 Star
Things to Do
- Discover tropical wildlife
- Enjoy the Full Moon Tour of Iguazú
- Visit the Argentina side
- Experience Jetboat Safari
5. Angel Falls in Venezuela
Have you ever heard about Angel Falls in Venezuela? Probably yes, because it’s a famous waterfall in South America. Angel Falls is one of the most recommended and underrated tourist spots in South America. It is just amazing standing at a jaw-dropping height of 979 meters (3,212 feet).
Best Time to visit Angel Falls
August and September are the best times to visit Angel Falls
Best Lodging
- Ara Merú Lodge_5 Star
- Waka Wená Lodge_5 Star
- Campamento Tibisay Canaima_5 Star
- Campamento Parakaupa_ 4.5 Star
- Waku Lodge_ 4.5 Star
Best Restaurants
- Restaurante Guadalupe_ 4.6 Star
- Rest. Maute Grill_4.6 Star
- Pozo Suruapo_4.7 Star
Things to Do
- Take a boat ride
- Mountain riding is best around Angel Falls
- Horse riding
- Visit to botanical gardens
- Helicopter trips
6. La Mano in Uruguay
The Hand of Punta del Este is now famous as La Mano in Uruguay. It is a statue of a hand at Brave Beach. The hand is merging with the sand and looks spectacular. Beyond this statue, the beach itself is a stunning place to visit and spend quality time. You can enjoy clear crystal water activities, sports, and surfing.
Best Time to visit La Mano
The ideal time to visit La Mano is mid-December to mid-March.
Best Hotels
- The Grand Hotel_ 5 Star
- Hotel L’Auberge_ 4.5 Star
- AWA Boutique and Design Hotel_ 4.5 Star
- Enjoy Punta Del Este_ 4.5 Star
- Atlántico Boutique Hotel_ 4.5 Star
Best Restaurants
- Zazú Puerto_5 Star
- Life Bistró + Bar_ 4.5 Star
- Rustic Resto- Bar_ 4.5 Star
- Leonardo Etxea _ 4.5 Star
- 481 Gourmet_ 4.5 Star
Things to Do
- Visit Playa Brava and Playa Mansa
- Go to Ralli Museum
- Experience José Ignacio
- Enjoy at Arboretum Lussich
- Go to Museo del Mar
7. Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island is a Chilean island that is located 200 miles off the Chilean coast. It is the famous landmarks that you need to visit and explore the story behind the creation of these exceptional statues. The impressive size and amount of statues on a small island are just amazing. The original residents of the island are known as Rapa Nui.
Best Time to visit
If you want to make the most of your first experience in Chie’s Easter Island, then plan a trip between April and June and October and December.
Best Accommodation
- Hare Nua_5 Star
- Hotel Ohana Rapa Nui_5 Star
- Camping Tipanie Moana_5 Star
- Hostal Tojika_5 Star
- Nayara Hangaroa_4.5 Star
Best Restaurants
- Kotaro_5 Star
- Neptuno Sunset_4.5 Star
- Te Moai Sunset_4.5 Star
- Makona Restaurant_4.5 Star
Things to Do
- Go to the Catholic Church
- Enjoy the sunset
- Visit the Easter Island Museum
- Relax in Hanga Roa
8. Bolivia in Salar de Uyuni
If you ever visit South America, Bolivia in Salar de Uyuni is one of the best places that must be on your bucket list. It’s known as the world’s largest salt flat spread over 10,582 square kilometers (4,086 square miles). Just because of salt flat beauty, Bolivia welcomes more than three lacs visitors annually.
Best Time to visit Bolivia
If want to gather plenty of memories in Bolivia, then travel between May and October. In these months the weather remains mild and best to discover the surroundings.
Best accommodation
- Las Olas_ 5 Star
- Luna Salada Hotel De Sal & Spa_4.5 Star
- Camino Real Hotel_4.5 Star
- Ritz Apart Hotel_4.5 Star
- Wild Rover La Paz_4.5 Star
Best Restaurants
- Mid Way Café_5 Star
- CLa Paz Bolivia_5.0 Star
- Ali Pacha_ 4.4 Star
- El Vagón del Sur_ 4.6 Star
Things to Do
- Biking across North Yungas Road
- Enjoy the rainforest
- See Flamingos at Laguna Colorada
- Visit Salar de Uyuni
9. Rainbow Mountain in Vinicunca
Rainbow Mountain is one of the most thrilling and electrifying tourist destinations in Vinicunca Peru. You can experience the rainbow of vivid colors, red, gold, lavender, blue, and much more on the mountains. The natural beauty and surrounding picturesque views, let visitors click plenty of photos and collect long-life memories.
Best Time to visit
March and November are considered the best months to visit the Rainbow Mountain for a dry and mild climate.
Best Hotels
- Inkaterra La Casona_5 Star
- Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa_5 Star
- Costa Del Sol Wyndham Cusco_ 4.5 Star
- Midori Hotel_ 4.5 Star
- La Casona Real Hotel_4 star
Where to Eat?
- Ofrenda Peruvian Healthy Food_5 Star
- Insomnia Lounge Bar_5 Star
- Bembe Restaurant Cubano_5 Star
- Umai_5 Star
- Supayshi Nikkei Cuisine_4.5
Things to Do
- Photography
- Explore the Surrounding scenic areas
- Learn About the Culture and heritage
- Hiking
10. Sanctuary of Las Lajas in Colombia
Sanctuary of Las Lajas is another best place to visit in Colombia. It was the shrine of our lady of Las Lajas but now it’s a famous tourist spot and church. The church is beautifully decorated and the architectural artwork is just amazing. The hanging location on a high bridge of 40 meters (130 feet) makes the church notable.
Best Time to visit the Sanctuary of Las Lajas
Holy Week is a wonderful time to visit the Las Lajas Sanctuary to experience the festivities.
Best Place to Stay
- Harmony Hotel_ 4.5 Star
- Hotel Torre De Cristal _ 4.5 Star
- Grand Hotel Ipiales__4 Star
- Loft Hotel Ipiales_ 4 Star
- Hotel Casa de Peregrinos_ 4 Star
Best Restaurants
- Restaurante El Santuario_ 5 Star
- Broaster Chicken Star_ 5 Star
- Felix Restaurant Lounge_ 5 Star
- Ricuras de mi Tierra_5 Star
- ZONA BROASTER_ 4 Star
Things to Do
- Enjoy a half-day tour of the Totumo mud volcano
- Admire the Architecture
- Enjoy the Scenic Views
- Attend a Mass
- Go to the Museum
In a Nutshell
South America is home to natural beauty and breathtaking landmarks. From scenic natural views of Rainbow Mountain and the Amazon rainforest to man-made museums and churches, each tourist spot has something unique for all. You will find plenty of important landmarks in South America. So, it’s time to step out and explore the beauty of South America. Happy Travel!
