It's impossible to overstate how gorgeous this area of the Andes mountains is. As far as the eye can see, there are cobalt lakes, azure glaciers, emerald trees, and turquoise skies. In fact, the views in Argentine Patagonia are so expansive that Charles Darwin famously called it "boundless." If you go to Argentina's Lake District, you'll see communities that are right up against peaks covered in snow.

Whales can be seen gliding across Peninsula Valdés' marine wildlife sanctuary if you head east. If you travel to Southern Patagonia, you'll come across glaciers that are melting and deserts that stretch into rocky estancias (cattle pastures). And, when you descend near Cape Horn's Chilean border, you'll see a broad vista stretching out to Antarctica's icy edge. The splendor of Patagonia knows no bounds.

But don't be fooled by the frontier's size; travelers can easily access all the main sights thanks to Argentina's continuously expanding infrastructure. Rugged routes lead to spectacular natural treasures like Mount Fitz Roy and Perito Moreno Glacier. Explore this stunning environment, and you'll find a vibrant area. In the Punta Tombo wildlife reserve, Magellanic penguins and albatrosses coexist as the history of the region is preserved on the cave's walls.

• #1 in Best Places to Visit in Central and South America
  
  
• #7 in Best Cheap Vacations in Central and South America
  
  
• #8 in Best Places to Visit in November

Country: Argentina

The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu dates back to the 15th century and is situated on a 2,430-meter (7,970-foot) mountain crest in southern Peru's Eastern Cordillera. It is situated 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of Cusco in the Machupicchu District of the Urubamba Province, above the Sacred Valley. It is passed by the Urubamba River, which cuts through the Cordillera to form a canyon with a tropical mountain environment.

In contrast to the Mayans, the Incas had no written language, and as far as is known, no Europeans visited the site before the 19th century. As a result, there are no records of the site's use in writing. On the basis of tangible evidence, such as tombs at the site, modern archeologists have created the names of the buildings, their alleged uses, and their people.

The estate was constructed by the Incas around 1450, but they left it unoccupied until the Spanish conquest a century later. The latest AMS radiocarbon date indicates that it was inhabited between roughly 1420 and 1532. The site, which is located on the lesser mountain of the same name, is thought to have been known by the Incas as Huayna Picchu, according to historical research released in 2022.

• #2 in Best Cheap Vacations in Central and South America
  

Country: Peru

One of South America's best-kept travel secrets is Lima. This city also takes a top place among the Best Cheap Vacations in Central and South America. The capital of Peru has always been a bustling attraction in its own right, despite once being considered little more than a pit stop for tourists en route to the renowned Machu Picchu. And now everyone is paying attention.

The huge metropolis of more than 9 million people is filled with sights and smells around every corner. The pre-Columbian heritage and colonial architecture of the ancient city center, also known as Ciudad de los Reyes (City of Kings) by Spanish conquistadors, charms tourists. While the Barranco neighborhood is a bohemian haven, the contemporary Miraflores neighborhood beckons sun worshippers and fashion forwards.Additionally, any foodie who has traveled the world will advise you not to miss the diverse and delicious Peruvian cuisine. Overall, Lima has something to suit every taste.

• #3 in Best Cheap Vacations in Central and South America
  
  
• #7 in Best Places to Visit in January

Country: Peru

For many, Costa Rica's allure is found in its verdant jungles, pristine beaches, and diverse fauna. It is simple to understand why with its magnificent vistas and wide variety of animals, including jaguars, toucans, and monkeys. Where else can you spend a few days hiking active volcanoes, zip lining through cloud-covered rainforests, and surfing warm turquoise waters? Exciting outdoor activities abound in this small but diverse tropical paradise. While beachgoers spread out on the fine dunes, nature lovers will wander through dense jungles. It's impossible not to be in awe of the beauty that this "Rich Coast" has to offer.

Others, meanwhile, find this little Latin American nation's laid-back lifestyle to be more appealing. The saying "pura vida" is frequently recited by locals, sometimes known as Ticos (or "pure life"). From San José, Costa Rica's cosmopolitan capital, to the sandy Pacific and Atlantic shores, this driving principle is evident. Sit back and take in the breathtaking environment to completely immerse yourself in the good life.

At La Paz Waterfall Gardens, you may be surrounded by beautiful butterflies. You can also climb alongside the enormous Arenal Volcano, meet locals in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, or just relax in a hammock by a palm tree along the Nicoya Peninsula. We are confident that you will also find the pure life.

• #3 in Best Winter Vacations
  
  
• #4 in Best Cheap Vacations in Central and South America
  
  
• #4 in Best Places to Visit in January
  
  
• #4 in Best Cheap Destination Wedding Locations
  
  
• #6 in Best Places to Visit in Central and South America
  
  
• #12 in Best Spring Vacations
  
  
• #16 in World's Best Places to Visit

Country: Costa Rica

The capital of Colombia is a developing tourist destination with a thriving nightlife, magnificent architecture, and delicious cuisine. With all of this in its favor, Bogotá's low cost might not last for very long. Additionally, the favorable exchange rates here will allow you to indulge yourself.

Bogotá, one of the biggest cities in the world, served as the capital of Colombia during the Spanish era and from 1991 and 2000. Although it is not a part of the neighboring department of Cundinamarca, the city is managed as the Seat District and as the capital of that department. Bogotá has the same administrative standing as Colombia's departments as a territorial entity of the first order. It serves as the nation's administrative, industrial, and political hub.

In Bogotá, there is a wide variety of eateries that serve local and foreign cuisine. A number of international restaurants can be found in the Parque de la 93, Usaquén, Zona T, The G Zone, La Macarena, La Candelaria, The Parkway, and the International Center, to name a few. These restaurants include those from Argentina, Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States, as well as Arabic, Asian, French, Italian, Russian, and British bistros, rotisseries, steakhouses, and pubs. The ajiaco,[112] a soup made with chicken, a variety of potatoes, corn on the cob, and guascas (an herb), is a typical dish from Bogotá. It is frequently served with sour cream and capers and is accompanied by avocado and rice.

• #5 in Best Cheap Vacations in Central and South America

Country: Colombia

Santiago, one of the Best Cheap Vacations in Central and South America, is often associated with soaring skyscrapers, sprawling vineyards, and majestic mountains, and you wouldn't be mistaken. Santiago, which is located in the Maipo Valley and is bordered to the east and west by the Pacific Ocean and snow-capped Andes, mesmerizes tourists with its breathtaking scenery, neoclassical architecture, and creative cuisine.

In its nearly 500-year history, Santiago has endured invasions, dictatorships, and earthquakes, so it hasn't always been so seductive. Santiago has been able to rebuild its image and gain a spot on the tourism map with other well-known South American cities like Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro over the past several decades, thanks to an economic boom. Old mansions and imposing cathedrals can be found alongside cutting-edge stores and hip galleries on Santiago's streets, serving as reminders of the city's complex past and present.

Explore the city's thriving neighborhoods by dining in the Barrio Italia, shopping with style-conscious Santiguenos in Bellavista, or taking in the view from Santa Luca Hill. After that, explore the Plaza de Armas to see the Metropolitan Cathedral or the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art to see the antiquities on show.

And as dusk falls, have pisco sours at a cocktail bar or stay up late to party at one of the several nightclubs spread out over the city. It may not be possible to experience Santiago's innovation and culture in its entirety in a single trip, but it won't take much work to enjoy what matters: chic stores, wonderful food, and wine. These local obsessions are giving Chile's capital a new sheen.

• #6 in Best Cheap Vacations in Central and South America
  
  
• #7 in Best Places to Visit in September
  
  
• #11 in Best Places to Visit in October

Country: Chile

The rise and fall of the Inca Empire was followed by the invasion of Spanish conquistadors in the early 1500s in Cusco, which is known as the capital of archaeology in the Americas. Today, Cusco is unlike anywhere else on earth because of the vestiges of two eras that coexist in the small city streets, including centuries-old baroque cathedrals and gorgeous stonework.

Over the past few decades, the city has emerged from Lima, the nation's capitalshadow. ,'s Millions of visitors travel from Cusco and the Sacred Valley to see South America's most impressive spectacle: Máximo Picchu. The legendary ruins, one of the most amazing architectural achievements of the ancient world, were found by American explorer Hiram Bingham in the early 20th century. Make the most of your time if you're visiting Machu Picchu while in Cusco by following these suggestions.

But while visiting Cusco, make sure to see more than just this UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the glittering Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) to the delectable Andean cuisine, this charming city has more to offer. The charm of this important Peruvian city and all of its beauties can be experienced in just one day.

• #1 in Best Cheap Vacations in Central and South America
  
  
• #5 in Best Places to Visit in Central and South America
  
  
• #5 in Best Places to Visit in August
  
  
• #9 in Best Places to Visit in May

Country: Peru