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Hidden Marvels: 12 Underrated South American Cities
Slide Nr 1Great travel destinations aren’t necessarily overcrowded or highly commercialised. Case in point: South America’s treasure trove of fascinating and under-explored places. If a trip to this dynamic continent is on your bucket list, skip the tourist-packed Instagram hotspots and seek out the hidden magic instead. From beautiful beaches to dramatic mountain towns, historical streets and world-class food, we’ve rounded up the best of South America’s less crowded yet truly inspiring cities.
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Hidden Marvels: 12 Underrated South American Cities.
Slide Nr 2Valparaíso, Chile – A two-hour drive from capital Santiago will take you to the bohemian coastal city of Valparaíso, with its multicoloured hillside houses, zigzagging cobblestone streets, renowned art scene and rich architecture that have combined to earn it UNESCO World Heritage status. With countless historic neoclassical and baroque buildings restored to become chic boutique hotels, restaurants, theatres and art galleries – plus the walls of the city’s 44 hills and narrow alleys covered in mural masterpieces – Valparaíso offers not only one of the most vibrant art scenes in the world, but also some of the most pleasant and entertaining streets to stroll.
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Hidden Marvels: 12 Underrated South American Cities.
Slide Nr 3Salta, Argentina – In Argentina’s northwest, culture and nature blend seamlessly. Natural wonders await in Calchaquí Valleys, home to the country’s most diverse natural scenery, from rugged canyons to idyllic vineyards. And one of the highest rail routes in the world, the Train to the Clouds, reaches almost 4,000 metres above sea level to present views of majestic Andean landscapes. Take your dose of culture in Salta’s eponymous colonial city, with its well-preserved architecture, charming streets and welcoming plazas that’ll take you back in time. Perhaps attend a folk music festival, or simply stop by a charming restaurant and have your empanadas and wine for half of what it would cost in Buenos Aires.
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Hidden Marvels: 12 Underrated South American Cities.
Slide Nr 4Arequipa, Peru – Peru is a must for anyone who travels for food, but nowhere does the heart of Peruvian gastronomy beat faster than in the “White City” of Arequipa. With a rich culinary heritage, astounding variety of flavours, and more regional dishes than you could ever try in one trip, eating – especially at traditional picanterías and street food stalls – is the city’s main attraction. But don’t spend too much time in a food coma, as there’s still plenty more to do: walk the streets to take in the iconic white façades made from volcanic sillar rock, and peruse the authentic crafts that Arequipa is known for. Further afield, check out the imposing Misti Volcano and Colca Canyon – one of the deepest in the world.
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Hidden Marvels: 12 Underrated South American Cities.
Slide Nr 5Natal, Brazil – Move over, Rio: this coastal city checks all the boxes for natural beauty, enticing culture, and bustling city vibrancy, but because it’s far less visited than other major cities, tourists can truly get in touch with the authentic essence of Brazil. Whether you’re looking to swim, surf or sunbathe, this seaside paradise has some of the most stunning beaches in the continent, like the Praia de Ponta Negra. The area is also alluring for its massive sand dunes, tropical forests, unique culinary scene and heavenly climate. And the locals’ characteristic friendliness and laid-back attitude make it all the better.
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Hidden Marvels: 12 Underrated South American Cities.
Slide Nr 6Mérida, Venezuela – Head straight for the heart of the Andes in this underrated South American destination. Boasting one of the world’s highest and longest cable cars, reaching over 4,700 metres above sea level up to the highest Andean peak in the country, Mérida gives visitors a peek of diverse Venezuelan ecosystems with its breathtaking views. Back on the ground, take part in the lively, youthful energy of this university town: visit traditional street markets, view the city’s colonial architecture and relax at the open-air thermal springs, all while taking a sip of the region’s iconic and indulgent hot chocolate.
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Hidden Marvels: 12 Underrated South American Cities.
Slide Nr 7Montevideo, Uruguay – Wedged between two much more famous countries, it’s no surprise that Uruguay’s capital city often gets overlooked. Montevideo may be small compared to other main South American cities, and not as frequented by visitors as its trendy neighbour, Punta del Este, but the city’s sandy beaches, colonial-era landmarks, incredible steakhouses and scenic La Rambla – the longest continuous waterfront esplanade in the world – make it an enticing stop all its own. Discover the local gaucho culture, try an invigorating cup of maté, explore the traditional quirky architecture and abstract art, and take part in all the unassuming delights this criminally ignored city has to offer. [Photo by Marcelo Campi via Wikimedia Commons]
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Hidden Marvels: 12 Underrated South American Cities.
Slide Nr 8Sucre, Bolivia – Known for its whitewashed 16th-century architecture, peaceful environment and cultural diversity, Sucre gives visitors a front-row ticket to Bolivia’s history, as well as an escape from the everyday hustle. From the historic centre (a UNESCO World Heritage site) to the charming markets selling authentic Yampara hand-woven items, from the impressive La Glorieta Castle to the Maragua Crater and the wide array of affordable luxury accommodations – this is a don’t-miss destination. The year-round balmy weather is the cherry on top. [Photo by Dan Lundberg via Wikimedia Commons]
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Hidden Marvels: 12 Underrated South American Cities.
Slide Nr 9Pichilemu, Chile – Wave seekers will find this under-explored city in northern Chile a swell destination, due to its favourable surfing conditions – perfect for both experienced surfers and beginners – and stunning blend of Pacific Ocean and desert dunes. However, visitors will discover a lot more than just high-quality waves and a variety of reef and beach breaks. From paragliding to sandboarding, duty-free shopping, historic architectural sites and vibrant nightlife, Pichilemu caters to every traveller’s style, with the added bonus of extra-friendly locals to serve as guides.
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Hidden Marvels: 12 Underrated South American Cities.
Slide Nr 10Barichara, Colombia – Though it’s ranked as one of the most beautiful and well-preserved colonial cities in Colombia, Barichara receives relatively few visitors, due to its remote location. Once there, however, it proves well worth the effort. Barichara is as if lost in time, showing much the same visage as it did 100 years ago – it even inspired the setting of Disney’s Encanto. Here, travellers will find an open-air sculpture museum, stunning hiking trails, ancient chapels, the iconic El Mirador viewpoint, and photogenic eateries serving enticing local delicacies. When it comes to Instagrammable locations minus the Instagrammers, this is it.
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Hidden Marvels: 12 Underrated South American Cities.
Slide Nr 11Cuenca, Ecuador – There’s a good reason why Cuenca is nicknamed the “Athens of Ecuador”. Its rich architectural heritage, strong educational tradition and vibrant artistic scene make it the country’s top cultural and intellectual hub. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets, visit the perfectly preserved colonial houses, discover archaeological sites, and try the hornado, their traditional roasted pork. Cuenca is also the centre of the country’s craftsmanship – the renowned Panama hat is made here, and you can stop by workshops to see the whole process and purchase your own souvenir. In Ecuador, for spotting giant tortoises, visit the Galápagos; for everything else, Cuenca will do.
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Hidden Marvels: 12 Underrated South American Cities.
Slide Nr 12Curitiba, Brazil – Curitiba might not be as widely recognised as other Brazilian destinations, but it’s definitely first on the list when it comes to unique urban planning, sustainable practices and stunning green spaces. Their well-developed transportation system, recycling programs and environmentally friendly solutions to pollution, as well as the extensive bike lanes and pedestrian-only streets across the city, all combine to give tourists a much cleaner travel experience. Add to that its world-famous botanical garden, the Tanguá nature escape, the fairy tale-inspired German Woods, and the city’s overall peaceful, leisurely vibe, and you’re in for a truly detoxifying trip.
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Hidden Marvels: 12 Underrated South American Cities.
Slide Nr 13Huacachina, Peru – Okay okay, you got us: this remote outpost is a far cry from a city, but it’s well worth the trip. Accessible from the nearby city of Ica, this relatively new and isolated village is a literal oasis in the middle of the desert (and the only one on the continent), centred around Laguna Huacachina and surrounded by lush palm trees and gigantic dunes. Go sandboarding or dune buggying, take a paddle boat ride, try to catch a glimpse of the mythical mermaid living in the lake, and finish off the day by watching a stunning sunset, pisco sour in hand.
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