When people say that Bolivia is too dangerous for tourists, our hearts break just a little bit inside. South America deserves so much more attention than it gets from travelers! The continent is full of incredible cultures, stunning landscapes, and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. But sometimes, it can be hard to find a place that fits all your criteria—especially if you’re looking for somewhere budget-friendly with a great climate and breathtaking scenery.
With a private jet charter, you can fly comfortably and conveniently to any destination you choose and enjoy the flexibility of selecting your flight schedule. Plus, with a private jet, you can avoid the long lines and delays at airports and enjoy a stress-free and luxurious journey to your destination. So here are some underrated destinations in South America that you should definitely add to your bucket list ASAP.
Underrated Destinations in South America
1. Venezuela
You’re going to want to visit Venezuela. Maybe it’s not the first country you’d think of when planning a South America trip, but Venezuela is an underrated destination with a lot of history and culture. It also has an incredible amount of natural beauty and some of the most beautiful beaches in South America.
The best part about visiting Venezuela is the opportunity to explore its rich culture. The country has hosted many historical figures, such as Simon Bolivar, who led Venezuelan independence from Spain. Even today, you can see their influence throughout Caracas’ museums and galleries. There are also plenty more museums dedicated to other aspects of Venezuelan life, such as art or archeology.
If you’re looking for something more active than looking at paintings all day long (though we wouldn’t blame anyone for doing so), take advantage of this country’s many national parks, which feature some stunning views and wildlife like monkeys, parrots, and toucans. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to learn about local crafts like pottery making from local artisans who practice these skills daily while exploring nature around them.
Related Read: Beaches and Mesas in Venezuela
2. Colombia
Colombia is a country with much to offer. Its capital city, Bogota, and its bustling metropolis have been featured on many lists of top travel destinations. But what about other cities? Here are some underrated ones you should consider visiting:
- Cartagena: The second most-visited destination in Colombia (after Bogota), this city on the Caribbean coast has an old colonial quarter filled with UNESCO World Heritage Sites and ample opportunities for sightseeing and shopping.
- Santa Marta: This quaint coastal town sits fairly near Cartagena but doesn’t get nearly as much attention from tourists. It’s still relatively quiet; however, there are plenty of activities available, including surfing lessons or horseback riding tours through rainforests near Riohacha.
Just be careful when visiting Colombia – some areas are subject to certain travel restrictions.
Related Read: Climbing Piedra del Penol in Colombia
Bolivia is a country with a rich history and culture, including music and dance. It also has the highest capital city in the world—La Paz, located at an altitude of over 3,250 meters above sea level.
With more than 12 million people, Bolivia has a rich culture to offer travelers. Most Bolivians are Aymara or Quechua people living in the western highlands. They speak Spanish as well as their native languages. The country is known for its carnivals; the largest one takes place over ten days every year during Carnaval de Oruro in February or March near Lake Titicaca.
4. Ecuador
Ecuador is the place to go for hiking, trekking, and all other outdoorsy activities. You’ll find tons of activities in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, including some of South America’s best white water rafting. Don’t forget to hike up Cotopaxi too.
The country also has some great food and drink—you can’t go wrong with Ecuador’s famous ceviche or pisco sours. And finally, Ecuadorians are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet—they’ll welcome you with open arms wherever you go.
5. Chile
Chile is a gorgeous country with much to discover and enjoy. The stunning scenery and fresh, high-quality food make it an ideal place for those who want to get away from the tourist crowds.
The capital city of Santiago has plenty of museums, restaurants, and ancient ruins to explore, but there are also many natural beauties you should check out. One of our favorites is Villarrica National Park, located near Pucon ski resort (which offers year-round activities).
Villarrica National Park has three volcanoes: Villarrica, Quetrupillan, and Lanin. Villarrica is Chile’s most active volcano – the last major eruption was in 1985, but there have been several smaller ones regularly since then.
If hiking isn’t your thing, then how about spending some time horseback riding around Lago de Rupanco lake?
6. Argentina
Argentina is a country full of history, culture, and nature. It has beautiful beaches, mountains, glaciers, and more; the food is also incredible!
Argentina has one of the richest cultures in South America. There are hundreds of museums and galleries showcasing art from all over the world. The architecture is also gorgeous. Buenos Aires was built by Spanish settlers, so you can expect to see many churches and buildings with colonial-style architecture. One thing that stands out about Argentina’s cities is how they are always surrounded by nature – it feels like there are parks everywhere.
There are some great natural sights as well: try hiking at Perito Moreno Glacier.
Conclusion
We hope this list has given you some ideas of places to go in South America. If you’re planning a trip, we highly recommend checking out one or more of these destinations. You might be pleasantly surprised at how much they have to offer!
