South America isn’t just Machu Picchu and the Christ the Redeemer statue. It’s a continent bursting with hidden gems in South America that most travelers rush past while checking off their basic bucket list items.

In the next 5 minutes, I’ll take you beyond the postcard spots to 10 breathtaking places where locals actually vacation. Places where your Instagram followers will comment “Wait, where IS that?” instead of scrolling past another Ipanema Beach shot.

But fair warning: once you see what’s waiting in the tiny coastal town of Mancora, you might need to extend your vacation time…

You’re probably tired of seeing the same Instagram shots of Machu Picchu and Cristo Redentor that flood your feed. But South America’s true magic lies in its secret corners.

Picture this: standing alone on a pristine beach in Fernando de Noronha, where the only footprints in the sand are yours. Or wandering through Colombia’s coffee region, where farmers invite you in for the freshest cup you’ll ever taste—no tour buses, no selfie sticks, just authentic connection.

These hidden spots aren’t just beautiful—they’re transformative. While tourists crowd Copacabana Beach, you could be exploring the surreal landscapes of Huacachina, Peru’s desert oasis where massive sand dunes create a backdrop that feels like another planet.

The best part? Most travelers never venture to these places. They stick to the guidebook highlights and miss the soul of South America completely.

Why 2025 is the perfect year to explore these destinations

2025 is seriously the golden moment for South American exploration. With new regional flight routes opening up, getting to once-remote areas like Chiloé Island in Chile has become dramatically easier and cheaper than even a year ago.

Post-pandemic tourism recovery has led many countries to invest in their lesser-known regions. Argentina, Colombia, and Ecuador have all launched initiatives specifically promoting off-the-beaten-path destinations with improved infrastructure.

Climate patterns are also cooperating this year. Weather experts predict 2025 will offer ideal conditions across much of the continent, with extended dry seasons in typically rainy regions.

The currency situation is another major advantage right now. The US dollar and Euro continue to stretch impressively far, especially in countries like Bolivia and Paraguay, where your budget can go twice as far as it would in Western Europe.

How these lesser-known locations offer authentic cultural experiences

Forget those staged cultural performances that bigger tourist destinations sell as “authentic.” When you step into a small Andean village untouched by mass tourism, you’re not watching culture—you’re living inside it.

In places like the remote communities of southern Bolivia, families might invite you to join their harvesting celebrations not because it’s part of a tour package, but because they’re genuinely curious about you. That’s the difference.

Food becomes an adventure too. Instead of restaurants with English menus and watered-down flavors, you’ll eat home-cooked meals prepared the way they have been for generations. The woman serving you that bowl of locro stew learned the recipe from her grandmother, who learned it from hers.

Languages and dialects you’d never hear in major cities thrive in these hidden spots. In some remote areas of Peru and Bolivia, you’ll hear Quechua spoken as the primary language—an immediate window into pre-Columbian culture that continues to thrive.

Testimonials from travelers who ventured off the beaten path

“I’ve been to Rio three times, but nothing compared to stumbling upon the Festival of the Moon in a tiny Brazilian mountain town. The locals pulled me into their dance circles even though I had no idea what I was doing. Best night of my entire year.” — Marisa, 34

“Everyone told me I was crazy to skip Torres del Paine for Chiloé Island. But those wooden churches and the way the fog rolls in over the water… I didn’t see another foreign tourist for days. The fishermen took me out on their boats just because they wanted to share their home with a visitor.” — James, 42

“The family I stayed with in Colombia’s coffee region didn’t speak English, and my Spanish was terrible. But somehow we communicated through food, laughter, and their incredible patience. They taught me to pick coffee beans, and I helped cook dinner. No tour guide could ever create that connection.” — Layla, 28

These aren’t just vacations—they’re stories that these travelers will tell for decades to come. The kind that start with, “You won’t believe this place I found…”

Fernando de Noronha is Brazil’s best-kept secret. I’m talking about water so clear you’d swear you were looking through glass. The archipelago’s 21 islands boast beaches that make the Caribbean look ordinary—and that’s not an exaggeration.

Baía do Sancho consistently ranks among the world’s best beaches, with its perfect half-moon of golden sand flanked by towering cliffs. The water glows in shades of turquoise that seem almost Photoshopped in real life.

Then there’s Praia do Leão, where sea turtles nest and the sunsets paint the sky in impossible colors. Or Praia da Conceição, where you can float in natural tide pools while gazing at Mount Cara de Cão (Dog’s Face Mountain).

What makes these beaches extra special? The limited tourism. While Cancún and Punta Cana heave with crowds, Fernando de Noronha’s beaches often feel like your own private paradise.

World-class diving spots with abundant marine life

Diving in Fernando de Noronha isn’t just good—it’s life-changing. The archipelago sits in the middle of a marine sanctuary where spinner dolphins perform acrobatic jumps daily (not weekly, daily).

The visibility here routinely exceeds 30 meters, allowing you to spot sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks without squinting. During my last dive at Cabeço da Sapata, I swam alongside more than 20 lemon sharks—an experience that would cost three times as much in the Galápagos.

Local dive spots worth exploring:

• Pedras Secas: Perfect for beginners with shallow depths and abundant reef fish

• Caverna da Sapata: An underwater cave system teeming with groupers and snappers

• Ilha Rasa: Where you’ll find schools of barracuda and maybe even a manta ray

The coral here remains healthy and vibrant—a rarity in today’s oceans—thanks to strict environmental protections.

Sustainable tourism practices that preserve the archipelago’s beauty

Fernando de Noronha doesn’t just talk about sustainability—it lives it. The entire archipelago operates as a national marine park, with regulations that might seem strict but are actually saving this paradise from the overdevelopment fate of other tropical destinations.

Plastic bags? Banned. Single-use plastics? Severely restricted. Even sunscreen is regulated—only reef-safe varieties allowed.

The islanders have embraced eco-friendly practices in everything from energy generation (increasingly solar) to waste management. Most restaurants source ingredients locally or from the mainland with minimal packaging.

Eco-lodges like Pousada Maravilha use rainwater collection systems and natural ventilation instead of energy-hungry air conditioning. At Dolphin Bay, they’ve pioneered a zero-waste kitchen program that transforms food scraps into compost for local gardens.

These aren’t just feel-good measures. They’re necessary steps to preserve what makes Noronha magical—its pristine ecosystem.

Tips for navigating the visitor limitation system

Getting to Fernando de Noronha takes effort—and that’s by design. The island caps daily visitors at around 500, which keeps the experience exclusive and minimizes environmental impact.

First things first: you’ll need to pay an Environmental Preservation Tax, which increases with each day of your stay. This clever system encourages shorter visits and spreads tourism impact throughout the year.

For smooth entry:

• Book your accommodation first—having confirmed lodging expedites the permit process

• Apply for your visitor permit at least 30 days before travel through the official website

• Consider visiting during shoulder seasons (April-May or August-September) when permits are easier to secure

• Keep your confirmation email accessible on your phone—you’ll need it multiple times

Pro tip: Some high-end hotels can arrange your permit as part of their package. If you’re staying at Pousada Teju-Açu or similar, ask about this service.

The limitation system might seem frustrating at first, but once you’re there, you’ll be thankful for it. Nothing ruins paradise faster than overcrowding.

Best times to visit for ideal weather and fewer tourists

Timing your visit to Fernando de Noronha requires balancing weather, crowd levels, and marine life cycles. The sweet spot? May and June.

During these months, the rainy season has just ended, leaving the island lush and green. The sea remains calm with exceptional visibility for diving and snorkeling. Best of all, permit applications drop significantly after the Brazilian summer rush.

September and October offer another excellent window. The waters grow slightly warmer, and it’s peak time for spotting migrating humpback whales.

Avoid December through February unless you enjoy both crowds and premium prices. This Brazilian high season sees the island at its busiest, with permits sometimes selling out months in advance.

A month-by-month breakdown:

Remember—the “rainy season” here isn’t like monsoons elsewhere. Often it means brief afternoon showers followed by stunning rainbows over the Atlantic.

Picture this – you’re standing on top of a 500-foot sand mountain with nothing but endless golden waves stretching to the horizon. That’s Huacachina for you.

I tried sandboarding for the first time here and embarrassingly face-planted within 10 seconds. But by the third run? I was carving those dunes like I’d been doing it my whole life.

The locals offer two options: standing up (like snowboarding) or lying down on your stomach (way faster and slightly terrifying). Go with both. The standing version gives you those Instagram-worthy shots, while the belly version gives you the pure adrenaline rush when you hit 30+ mph down a near-vertical drop.

Pro tip: Go early morning when the sand is cool enough to touch. By noon, that sand gets hot enough to cook an egg – literally saw someone try this once!

The mystical lagoon and its legendary healing properties

The emerald-green lagoon at the center of Huacachina isn’t just pretty – it’s supposedly magical.

According to local legend, a beautiful princess was bathing when she was spotted by a hunter. She fled so quickly that her bathwater formed the lagoon, and she transformed into a mermaid who still lives there.

People swear the water heals everything from arthritis to heartbreak. Scientific? Nope. But there’s something undeniably special about floating in a desert oasis surrounded by 300-foot dunes.

The mud along the banks is packed with minerals that locals apply as skin masks. I tried it – my skin felt amazing afterward, though I looked ridiculous during.

Most tourists skip actually getting in the water, which is their loss. Just don’t drink it – magical doesn’t mean potable!

Sunset dune buggy experiences you won’t forget

Dune buggying in Huacachina isn’t just transportation – it’s the desert equivalent of a roller coaster.

These overpowered beasts tear across the dunes at speeds that feel illegal. Your driver will purposely drop you over the edge of what looks like a sand cliff, making your stomach do that elevator-drop thing while everyone screams.

The sunset tours hit different though. As the sky turns electric orange and pink, those same dunes cast long, dramatic shadows. The buggy stops at the highest points so you can watch the sun sink behind an ocean of sand.

Bring a bandana to cover your face – you’ll eat sand otherwise. And don’t wear white unless you want a permanent souvenir from all the sand that’ll somehow get everywhere despite your best efforts.

Worth it? Absolutely. You’ll be finding sand in your ears weeks later and still smiling about it.

While Machu Picchu drowns in selfie sticks and Cartagena’s streets overflow with cruise ship crowds, Colonia del Sacramento sits quietly on the Río de la Plata, practically begging to be discovered. This 17th-century Portuguese settlement earned its UNESCO status for good reason – the historic quarter is ridiculously well-preserved.

The best part? You’ll often have entire streets to yourself. Wander past pastel-colored houses with wooden balconies that have witnessed centuries of history. The Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs) is particularly magical at sunset when golden light washes over the uneven cobblestones and creates shadows that transport you straight back to colonial times.

Unlike other heritage sites that charge premium entrance fees, Colonia’s charm is absolutely free to explore. The Portón de Campo (city gate) and its wooden drawbridge serve as your time portal, and the lighthouse offers panoramic views for just a couple of dollars.

Navigating the colonial quarter’s most photogenic spots

Want Instagram gold without fighting crowds? Colonia delivers in spades.

Start at Plaza Mayor, the heart of the historic district. The ruins of Convento de San Francisco create a hauntingly beautiful backdrop against the blue Uruguayan sky. The abandoned stone structure dates to 1683 and frames the lighthouse perfectly – arrive around 4pm for the dreamiest light.

For pure old-world charm, head to the ivy-covered Calle de los Suspiros. The narrow street’s low-slung Portuguese houses with their vibrant doors create a photographer’s paradise. Most tourists snap a quick photo and move on, but lingering here when the street lamps flicker on is pure magic.

Don’t miss the whimsical collection of vintage cars scattered throughout town. These abandoned beauties, now serving as flower planters or impromptu art installations, provide perfect pops of color against whitewashed walls.

Day trips from Buenos Aires that most travelers miss

Buenos Aires travelers are seriously missing out. Colonia sits just an hour away by ferry, making it the perfect escape from Argentina’s bustling capital.

The Buquebus ferry service runs multiple daily connections from Buenos Aires to Colonia. Book the early morning departure to maximize your day. Most tourists opt for the lightning-fast high-speed service, but savvy travelers choose the slower boat that’s half the price and only 30 minutes longer.

While day-trippers typically rush through the historic quarter, they miss the true essence of Colonia. The secret? Stay overnight. When the ferry crowds depart around 5pm, the town transforms. Locals reclaim their streets, and the golden hour bathes everything in dreamy light that photographers would kill for.

Even better, make it a two-day adventure. Use day one for the historic district, then rent a bike on day two to explore the rural outskirts where you’ll find vineyards, pristine beaches, and roadside parrillas (barbecue spots) serving Uruguay’s legendary beef.

Local culinary delights that showcase Uruguay’s best flavors

Uruguay’s food scene remains criminally underrated, and Colonia showcases the country’s flavors without the Montevideo prices.

Let’s talk about the meat. Uruguay produces some of the world’s finest grass-fed beef, and even humble local restaurants serve cuts that would cost a fortune in New York or London. El Drugstore, despite the quirky name, serves a chivito (Uruguay’s epic steak sandwich) that’s worth crossing continents for.

Coffee culture thrives here too. Locals and expats have opened charming cafés like Lentas Maravillas, where you can sip excellent cortados (espresso with a dash of milk) while nibbling on homemade dulce de leche pastries.

Wine lovers, listen up. Uruguay’s Tannat grapes produce bold, complex reds that remain largely undiscovered by international markets. Visit El Buen Suspiro on the Street of Sighs for wine tastings paired with local cheeses and charcuterie boards featuring homemade pickles and preserves.

For something uniquely local, try clericó – Uruguay’s answer to sangria – made with fresh fruits and local white wine. It’s the perfect refreshment after a day of cobblestone wandering.

Picture this: you’re walking through a misty valley surrounded by towering wax palms that reach up to 200 feet high. These aren’t just any trees – they’re Colombia’s national tree and the tallest palm species on Earth. The Cocora Valley feels like something from another planet, especially when morning fog rolls through, creating a dreamlike backdrop that photographers go crazy for.

The best time to visit? Early morning. Get there before 8am and you’ll likely have those surreal views almost to yourself. Trust me, it’s worth the early wake-up call.

Behind-the-scenes tours at authentic coffee plantations

Coffee from Salento isn’t just good – it’s life-changing. Skip the big commercial farms and head to family-run fincas like Finca El Ocaso or Don Eduardo, where you’ll get your hands dirty learning the entire bean-to-cup process.

You’ll pick ripe coffee cherries alongside local workers, process the beans, and finally, taste the difference between mass-produced coffee and the real deal. These tours aren’t staged tourist traps – they’re authentic glimpses into Colombia’s coffee heritage.

What makes this region special is the altitude (5,000+ feet) and the perfect balance of rainfall and sunshine. The result? Beans with complexity that coffee snobs travel thousands of miles to experience.

Colorful architecture and artisan shopping opportunities

Salento’s streets look like they’re straight out of a children’s storybook. The town square is ringed with buildings painted in every shade imaginable – cobalt blues, sunshine yellows, and fiery oranges that pop against the mountain backdrop.

Calle Real is the main shopping drag, lined with shops selling everything from handwoven wool ponchos to intricate leather goods. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch artisans crafting jewelry using ancient techniques passed down through generations.

The prices here are ridiculously reasonable compared to similar items you’d find in Bogotá or Cartagena. Bonus: most shops are owned by the artists themselves, so your pesos go directly to supporting local families.

Hiking trails that showcase Colombia’s biodiversity

Beyond the famous Cocora Valley loop (which deserves its reputation), Salento offers lesser-known trails that showcase Colombia’s incredible biodiversity. The Santa Rita trail takes you through cloud forests teeming with orchids, bromeliads, and over 100 bird species.

For serious hikers, the Los Nevados National Park trails provide challenging terrain and views of snow-capped volcanoes – a stark contrast to the tropical landscapes below.

Wildlife spotting here is next-level. Keep your eyes peeled for the mountain tapir, spectacled bear, and if you’re incredibly lucky, the elusive puma. Bird enthusiasts, bring your binoculars – the region is home to hummingbirds in every color imaginable and the endangered yellow-eared parrot.

Ever stumbled upon something so unusual it stops you in your tracks? That’s what happens when you first see Chiloé’s wooden churches. These aren’t your typical places of worship. Built entirely without nails, these 16 UNESCO-protected churches combine European design with local craftsmanship in a way that’ll make your jaw drop.

Local boat builders constructed these architectural marvels using native woods like alerce, cypress and coihue. The best part? They used wooden joints and dowels instead of nails – boat-building techniques they transferred to church construction. Most date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, with the oldest (Achao) built in 1730.

Want the best church-hopping experience? Don’t miss the colorful San Francisco Church in Castro with its stunning yellow and purple façade, or the blue-towered Church of Tenaún. Each one tells a different story of the island’s history.

The mysterious folklore and traditions of island life

Chiloé isn’t just a place – it’s a parallel universe of myths and legends that’ll make your imagination run wild.

The island has its own mythology populated by unique creatures you won’t find in any other folklore. There’s the Trauco, a forest dwarf who seduces women; the Pincoya, a beautiful sea goddess who determines fishing fortunes; and the Caleuche, a ghost ship sailed by drowned sailors that appears and disappears in the mist.

Locals still practice traditional customs like “minga” – community work parties where neighbors help each other move entire houses using oxen and wooden logs. Yes, you read that right – they literally move houses across the island as a community event!

Magic and witchcraft remain deeply intertwined with daily life. The mythology isn’t just stories here – many islanders genuinely believe these creatures exist in the misty forests and churning seas around them.

Palafito houses and their architectural significance

The palafitos of Chiloé are basically the coolest stilt houses you’ll ever see. Perched on wooden pillars above the water, these colorful wooden homes create a postcard-perfect scene that photographers dream about.

Originally built for practical reasons – easy boat access during high tide and protection from the island’s notoriously wet weather – these structures have become iconic symbols of Chilote ingenuity. The most famous clusters line the waterfront in Castro, where you’ll find them painted in vibrant blues, yellows, and reds.

Many palafitos have been transformed into boutique hotels, restaurants and shops. Staying in one gives you the unique experience of hearing the water lapping beneath your floor during high tide.

What makes them truly special is their perfect harmony with the environment. The wooden stilts allow water to flow naturally underneath, while the structures themselves are built entirely from local timber using traditional methods passed down through generations.

Exploring the wild national parks and penguin colonies

Think Chiloé is just about culture? Think again. The island packs serious natural punch with Chiloé National Park covering a massive chunk of the western coastland. We’re talking pristine temperate rainforests, wild beaches, and wetlands that’ll make any nature lover weak at the knees.

The Tantauco Park in the south offers hiking trails through ancient forests where you might spot pudú (the world’s smallest deer), Darwin’s fox, or the elusive kodkod wildcat if you’re extremely lucky.

But the real showstoppers are the penguins. Head to the Puñihuil Islands to witness something truly special – the only place on Earth where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins nest side by side. Boat tours run regularly, getting you close enough for amazing photos without disturbing these tuxedoed residents.

Between June and November, keep your eyes peeled for blue whales feeding offshore. The island’s western coast serves as a crucial feeding ground for these gentle giants – the largest animals ever to exist on our planet.

Getting to Jericoacoara isn’t easy – and that’s exactly the point. This slice of paradise sits protected by a national park, with no direct roads leading to it. You’ll need to hop on a 4×4 vehicle for the final stretch, bouncing through sand dunes and crossing shallow streams.

Most travelers start from Fortaleza, taking a 5-hour bus ride to Jijoca before transferring to one of those rugged jeeps. The moment you climb aboard, the adventure begins. Your driver will likely crank up Brazilian tunes as you cruise past tiny fishing villages and endless stretches of coastline.

As you approach Jeri, something magical happens. The modern world peels away with each bump in the sandy road. Cell reception fades. Your shoulders drop. That nagging work email suddenly doesn’t matter anymore.

The journey filters out the tourists who want everything handed to them on a silver platter. By the time you arrive, dusty and wind-blown, you’ll already understand what makes this place special. You earned it.

B. Sunset celebrations at the famous dune

The Duna do Pôr do Sol isn’t just a pile of sand – it’s Jeri’s natural amphitheater and the hottest ticket in town come 5 PM.

Every evening, travelers and locals alike make the pilgrimage up this massive dune that towers over the western edge of town. Some bring caipirinhas, others bring cameras, but everyone brings the same sense of wonder.

As the sun begins its final descent, the atmosphere shifts. Conversations quiet. The capoeira performers set up their circles, their acrobatic silhouettes creating living art against the orange sky. Musicians unpack their guitars and drums, providing the soundtrack to nature’s daily masterpiece.

The real magic happens in those final moments before the sun touches the horizon. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness the rare “green flash” – a split-second emerald burst as the sun disappears. But even without it, the applause erupts spontaneously as darkness falls. It’s part ritual, part party, and entirely unforgettable.

C. Kitesurfing and windsurfing in perfect conditions

Jericoacoara sits in a wind sweet spot that makes adrenaline junkies weak in the knees. From July through January, consistent winds between 15-30 knots create ideal conditions for both kitesurfing and windsurfing.

The main beach offers the perfect training ground for beginners, with shallow waters and plenty of space to make mistakes without consequences. For the more experienced, the nearby Preá Beach delivers world-class conditions with cross-onshore winds that’ll have you catching serious air.

Dozens of schools dot the shoreline, offering everything from one-day introductions to week-long progression courses. Most include all the gear you’ll need, and the instructors – a mix of friendly Brazilians and wind-chasing expats – speak enough English to get you flying safely.

What sets Jeri apart from other kitesurfing destinations is the vibe. There’s no showing off or macho competition here. Veterans happily share the water with newcomers, and after sessions, everyone gathers at beachfront bars to swap stories of their best jumps and worst wipeouts.

D. The no-street-lights charm of starry nights

Jericoacoara holds tight to one particular tradition that changes everything: no street lights. None. Zero. Not a single lamp post illuminates the sandy pathways that serve as streets.

This isn’t some unfortunate infrastructure oversight. It’s completely intentional, and it transforms evenings into something from another era. Restaurants and bars light their exteriors with soft candles and string lights, creating pools of gentle illumination that spill onto the streets.

Walking back to your pousada after dinner becomes an adventure. Many visitors carry small flashlights, but the braver ones navigate by moonlight alone. On clear nights, the stars explode overhead in quantities city dwellers can scarcely imagine. The Milky Way isn’t some faint smudge here – it’s a brilliant highway cutting across the heavens.

The darkness brings people together too. You’ll find yourself joining impromptu groups, all heading in roughly the same direction, sharing light and laughter as you stumble through sand that still holds the day’s warmth beneath your bare feet.

Mérida hides one of South America’s most jaw-dropping experiences – the Teleférico de Mérida. This isn’t just any cable car. We’re talking about the world’s highest and longest cable car system, stretching nearly 12.5 km and climbing to a mind-blowing 4,765 meters above sea level.

The ride takes you through four stations, each offering increasingly spectacular views of the Venezuelan Andes. At the top? You’re standing at Pico Espejo, with nothing but crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas that’ll make your Instagram followers think you’re using fake backgrounds.

The best part? While tourists flock to Machu Picchu or Rio, you’ll share this experience with mostly locals. Go early morning to catch the mountains before clouds roll in. The changing landscapes – from lush green valleys to rocky peaks dusted with snow – will have you pressing your face against the glass like a kid.

The challenging but rewarding hike to Pico Bolívar

Want bragging rights few travelers can claim? Tackle the hike to Pico Bolívar, Venezuela’s highest point at 4,978 meters.

This isn’t a walk in the park. The trail demands proper preparation, acclimatization, and a reasonable fitness level. Most hikers take 2-3 days, staying overnight at refuges along the route.

The payoff? Standing atop a summit that feels like the roof of northern South America, with clouds below you and views stretching into Colombia on clear days. The trail winds through unique páramo ecosystems with bizarre frailejones plants that look plucked from a Dr. Seuss book.

Nearby lagoons with Caribbean-blue waters

Just when you think Mérida couldn’t possibly pack in more natural beauty, the surrounding lagoons prove you wrong.

Laguna de Mucubají sits about an hour from the city, cradled between mountains at 3,500 meters elevation. Despite the high-altitude chill, its waters shimmer with an impossible turquoise that rivals any Caribbean beach. The stark contrast between the blue water, green shores, and often snow-capped peaks creates photos that’ll have friends asking if you used filters.

For the more adventurous, Laguna de Los Anteojos offers a quieter alternative with equally stunning views. Pack a picnic, but bring layers – temperatures drop quickly when clouds roll in, even in summer months.

These alpine lakes remain virtually unknown to international travelers, meaning you’ll likely share the experience with Venezuelan families rather than tour groups. Perfect for those seeking authentic South American experiences without the crowds.

The Atacama Desert isn’t just the driest non-polar desert on Earth—it’s also home to skies so clear they’ll make you question reality. I’m talking about visibility that stretches to infinity. When night falls in San Pedro de Atacama, the universe literally opens up above you.

Why are the skies so ridiculously clear here? Simple: high altitude, minimal light pollution, and bone-dry air that rarely sees clouds. This combo creates what astronomers call “photometric nights”—basically, perfect stargazing conditions that occur over 300 nights per year.

Don’t miss ALMA Observatory tours, where you can peek through some serious telescope power. Or book a local astronomy tour where guides point out the Southern Cross, Magellanic Clouds, and other celestial wonders you can’t spot from the Northern Hemisphere.

Pro tip: Visit during a new moon for maximum star power. And pack layers—desert nights get surprisingly cold, even in summer.

Geothermal wonders of El Tatio geyser field

Wake up at an ungodly 4am and you’ll be rewarded with one of South America’s most surreal scenes. El Tatio—the third-largest geyser field on the planet—puts on its best show at sunrise.

More than 80 active geysers hiss, bubble and shoot scalding water skyward, creating a misty landscape that looks like the beginning of time. The columns of steam against the rising sun create a photographer’s dream.

What makes this place extra special? You can actually soak in some of the thermal pools. After freezing your butt off in the morning cold (we’re talking about 14°F/-10°C), slipping into a natural hot spring feels like absolute heaven.

The field sits at a lung-busting 14,170 feet (4,320 meters) above sea level, so take it slow if you’re not acclimated. Altitude sickness is real, folks.

Salt flats and flamingo-filled lagoons

Forget Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni—the Atacama has its own salt flat magic without the crowds. Salar de Atacama stretches out like a crusty white ocean, creating those perspective-bending photo ops everyone craves.

The real showstoppers, though, are the flamingo-dotted lagoons. Laguna Chaxa in the Los Flamencos National Reserve hosts three species of these pink-feathered icons: Andean, Chilean, and James’s flamingos. They strut through shallow, super-salty waters, feeding on tiny shrimp that give them their rosy color.

Nearby, don’t skip the impossibly blue Lagunas Miscanti and Miñiques. These high-altitude lakes (13,000+ feet) shine like sapphires against the stark landscape, bordered by snow-dusted volcanoes that reflect perfectly in their still waters.

The contrast of textures here—crisp salt, smooth water, jagged mountains—feels like Mother Nature showing off.

Ancient petroglyphs and archaeological sites

Long before tourists discovered the Atacama, indigenous peoples called this harsh landscape home. The evidence? It’s etched right into the rocks.

At Yerbas Buenas, hundreds of petroglyphs cover the volcanic stones, some dating back 10,000 years. These ancient carvings depict llamas, shamans, and geometric patterns that still puzzle archaeologists today.

Then there’s Pukará de Quitor, a 12th-century fortress built by the Atacameño people. Climb to the top and you’ll see why they chose this spot—it offers panoramic views across the entire valley. Strategic defense and killer views? Ancient architects knew what was up.

Don’t rush through these sites. The desert preserves history differently than anywhere else on earth. Take a local guide—they’ll share stories passed down through generations about what these symbols actually meant to their ancestors.

Photography tips for capturing otherworldly landscapes

The Atacama Desert practically photographs itself, but a few insider tricks will elevate your shots from “nice vacation pic” to “National Geographic material.”

First, timing is everything. The harsh midday sun washes out the desert’s subtle colors. Instead, chase the golden hours—that dreamy light an hour after sunrise or before sunset. For El Tatio geysers, bring a tripod and experiment with slow shutter speeds to capture the steam’s movement.

For night photography, you’ll need:

• A sturdy tripod (wind is common here)

• Remote shutter release

• Camera with manual settings

• Wide-angle lens with large aperture (f/2.8 or wider)

Set your camera to manual, crank the ISO to 1600-3200, open your aperture wide, and try 15-30 second exposures to capture the Milky Way in all its glory.

Color contrasts make Atacama photos pop. The deep blues of Laguna Cejar against white salt. Red mountains behind green cacti. Frame these elements together whenever possible.

Lastly, include people occasionally for scale—the Atacama’s vastness doesn’t translate without something to measure it against.

South America isn’t joking around with its climate zones. One day you’re sweating in the Amazon, the next you’re freezing in the Andes.

Pack these non-negotiables:

• Quick-dry clothing that layers well (think merino wool)

• A packable down jacket that barely takes up space

• Rain gear that actually works (test it before you go!)

• Sturdy hiking boots broken in before your trip

• Sandals for those beach days and hostel showers

• A microfiber towel that dries in minutes, not hours

• Portable water filter – tap water is sketchy in many regions

• High SPF sunscreen (the equatorial sun is brutal)

• Insect repellent with DEET for those mosquito-heavy regions

Don’t be that traveler with the massive suitcase struggling up cobblestone hills. A 40-50L backpack forces you to be selective and makes hopping between buses, boats, and small planes way easier.

Language basics that will enhance your experience

You could rely on Google Translate, but why miss out on the real connections?

Spanish basics will get you far in most countries, but Portuguese is essential in Brazil. The effort to learn even a handful of phrases pays off enormously.

Key phrases worth memorizing:

• “¿Dónde está el baño?” (Where’s the bathroom?)

• “La cuenta, por favor” (The bill, please)

• “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much does it cost?)

• “Estoy perdido/a” (I’m lost)

• “Necesito ayuda” (I need help)

Beyond the basics, learn country-specific slang. Argentinians say “che” constantly. Colombians will love you if you drop a casual “¿Qué más?” as a greeting.

The biggest language tip? Smile and be patient. Your attempts at the local language, even when hilariously wrong, create goodwill that expensive tours can’t buy.

Navigating transportation between these hidden gems

Getting to these off-the-beaten-path spots isn’t always straightforward, but that’s part of the adventure.

Long-distance buses in South America range from borderline luxurious (Argentina, Chile) to hold-onto-your-seat wild rides (Bolivia, Peru). For overnight journeys, spend the extra $10-15 for “cama” or “semi-cama” seats that recline.

Domestic flights save time but miss the scenery and local experience. Some remote areas like Fernando de Noronha or parts of Patagonia require flights, so budget accordingly.

Some transportation insights:

• Collectivos (shared vans) are cheaper than taxis and often more reliable than published bus schedules

• Apps like Rome2Rio help plan multi-leg journeys

• Book ahead during peak seasons and holidays

• Build buffer days into your itinerary—transportation delays are normal

The journey between places often becomes the highlight. That rickety bus where you shared snacks with locals? That’s the story you’ll tell for years.

Budget planning for maximum experience value

South America offers incredible value compared to Europe or North America, but costs vary dramatically by country and region.

Price tiers generally fall like this:

• Budget-friendly: Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru (outside major tourist areas)

• Mid-range: Colombia, parts of Brazil, northern Chile

• Higher-end: Argentina, Uruguay, coastal Brazil, southern Chile

Daily budget estimates (USD):

Money-saving strategies that work:

• Eat where locals eat, not where tourists eat

• Travel overnight on buses to save on accommodation

• Negotiate prices at markets and with tour operators

• Use local SIM cards instead of international roaming

The most memorable experiences often cost nothing: hiking to a viewpoint at sunrise, joining a local festival, or striking up conversation with the family running your guesthouse.

Remember to keep some budget flexibility for those “once in a lifetime” opportunities that pop up. That unexpected boat trip to a hidden beach or impromptu cooking class might be your trip highlight.

As you plan your next adventure, consider veering away from the familiar and embracing these lesser-known South American jewels. The continent’s extraordinary diversity of landscapes, cultures, and experiences awaits those willing to step beyond the guidebook highlights. Pack your sense of adventure, brush up on some Spanish or Portuguese phrases, and prepare to discover the South America that many travelers miss—a land of warm hospitality, breathtaking natural beauty, and cultural experiences that will transform your understanding of this magnificent continent. The time to explore these hidden gems is now, before the secret gets out.