The 10 best tourist attractions in South America in 2024

Traveling the world is incredible and discovering “our own America” can prove to be surprising. And the World Travel Awards gives a little help in this mission, as it indicated the 10 best tourist attractions in South America in 2024 – a list that can easily be included in your next travel itineraries!

Travel more while spending less! Download the Melhores Destinos app and don't miss the airline ticket promotion alerts to discover the best attractions of the city South America!

Photo: Leandro Galvão

The 10 best tourist attractions in South America in 2024

Atacama Desert, Chile

O Atacama Desertconsidered the driest desert in the world, is around 105,000 km long, and is predominantly located in the Chile. Contrary to what many people might think, this desert has landscapes that go far beyond traditional sand dunes. It holds surprising scenarios, precisely because it goes far beyond what comes to mind when we think of a simple “desert”.

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

The incredible Statue of Christ the Redeemer, considered one of the 7 Wonders of the World and known as a symbol of Brazil outside, it is 30 meters high and has an 8 meter pedestal. It is an iconic place, opened in 1931, which is located at the top of Morro do Corcovado, 710 meters high, and in the middle of the largest urban forest in the world, the Tijuca Forest. Its view is simply sensational and if you are visiting Rio de Janeiro, going to Christ the Redeemer is an unmissable trip, with jaw-dropping landscapes!

Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, Ecuador

Parque Ciudad Mitad del Mundo is in the far north of the capital Quito. In addition to the famous monument that marks the imaginary line of the Equator and the division of the planet between North and South, the park houses several shops, a planetarium, the Cocoa and Beer Museum, and a playground.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil

The Iguaçu Falls are a group of around 275 waterfalls on the Iguaçu River and are located on the border between Foz do Iguaçu, in Brazil, and Puerto Iguazu, in Argentina. The attraction makes up one of the largest waterfalls in the world, both in terms of number of falls and length as well as volume of water, which makes it a unique place.

Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia

The Our Lady of Las Lajas Sanctuary is one of the most important places of Catholic worship in Colombia. The imposing temple has a neo-Gothic style and is located at the top of the Guáitara River canyon, built on a 40-meter-high bridge. Located in the Colombian city of Ipiales, it is 10 km from the Ecuadorian border.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is an archaeological site located in Peru, recognized as one of the wonders of the modern world! The place is impressive in many ways and deserves to be on your list of destinations to be explored at least once in your life! Exuding incredible energy, it is an open-air museum and a true lesson in knowledge!

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

The small town of El Calafate, on the shores of Lake Argentino, has as its main attraction the majestic Los Glaciares National Park, where the famous Perito Moreno Glacier is located. The attraction is declared a Natural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and elected one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Argentina. It is a gigantic block of ice, 5 kilometers wide and more than 60 meters high in some places.

Tayrona National Natural Park, Colombia

Considered one of the most important natural parks in Colombia, Tayrona National Park is located in the Caribbean region, in the city of Santa Marta. Tayrona is known as a temple of nature, with archaeological remains that invite visitors to reflect and contemplate the environment. The beauty and energy of the place often impact travelers, as if something magical happened to them while experiencing the park.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

At the southern tip of the Americas is one of the wildest places on the planet. An almost untouched landscape awaits to be discovered and explored. This is the feeling of travelers who arrive at Patagonia and the Park Torres del Paine: they feel like they are the only inhabitants of a universe full of mountains, glaciers, lakes and fields. The challenging natural immensity dazzles every type of adventurer.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

One of Venezuela's icons is Salto Angel (Angel Falls). The attraction is considered the highest waterfall in the world, with a drop of more than 800 meters. Located in the Canaima National Park, the place also has the Canaima Lagoon, the only one where five 'jumps' come together.


Do you agree with the nominees? Which is your favorite? Participate in the comments!