13 Underrated Destinations in South America to Discover

ByRachna Chandira

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Turquoise lake and snow-capped peaks in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, with cozy lodges on a small island connected by a footbridge.
Alex Wolowiecki/Unsplash

Skip the usual tourist trail and dive into South America’s hidden gems. Beyond Machu Picchu and Rio, this diverse continent hides countless underrated destinations waiting to be explored. From desert oases to remote beaches and highland villages, these places offer rich culture, adventure, and natural beauty, minus the crowds. If you’re ready to uncover places that most travelers overlook, here are 13 destinations across South America that deserve a spot on your 2025 bucket list.

Pucón, Chile

Snow-capped Villarrica Volcano rising behind lush forest and lake in Pucón, Chile, with sailboats docked along the shoreline under a clear blue sky. Snow-capped Villarrica Volcano rising behind lush forest and lake in Pucón, Chile, with sailboats docked along the shoreline under a clear blue sky.
Ricardo Díaz/Unsplash

Adventure seekers, meet your dream destination. Pucón sits beneath the smoking Villarrica Volcano and offers adrenaline in every form, whitewater rafting, skiing, thermal baths, and even volcano boarding. In summer, hike forested trails and paddle serene lakes. Winter brings powdery slopes and cozy cabins. Still relatively uncrowded compared to Patagonia, Pucón delivers thrills and relaxation in one scenic spot. It’s a must-visit for outdoor lovers craving excitement.

Los Roques, Venezuela

Two people kite surfing over clear turquoise waters in Los Roques, Venezuela, with a tropical shoreline and bright blue sky in the background.
Fuka jaz/Pexels

Tucked away in the Caribbean Sea, Los Roques is a remote archipelago of more than 300 islands. Think soft sands, turquoise water, and coral reefs teeming with life. It’s a paradise for kitesurfers, snorkelers, and anyone craving peace far from resort crowds. With eco-posadas and boat excursions to deserted cays, Los Roques delivers barefoot luxury in an untouched setting. If you’re chasing solitude and sea, this hidden treasure awaits.

Vilcabamba, Ecuador

Aerial view of the rugged green mountains and dramatic cliffs in Vilcabamba, Ecuador, with the Andes in the background under a cloudy sky.
Andres Medina/Unsplash

Known as the “Valley of Longevity,” Vilcabamba is where locals often live past 100. But it’s not just their age that impresses, this town’s relaxed rhythm, mountain air, and wellness vibe create the ultimate slow-travel escape. Wander lush trails, practice yoga with Andean views, or just sip herbal tea in silence. It’s less about sightseeing and more about reconnecting with nature and yourself. A peaceful sanctuary tucked in the Andes.

Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina

Colorful rock formations of Quebrada de Humahuaca rise behind a small village with vibrant houses and green fields in northern Argentina.
Hector Perez/Pexels

Northern Argentina’s Quebrada de Humahuaca is a dazzling desert valley rich in Andean culture. Its rainbow-striped mountains, adobe villages, and ancient trade routes tell stories older than time. In towns like Purmamarca and Tilcara, you’ll find vibrant textiles, archaeological sites, and high-altitude charm. Hike through canyons by day, sip coca tea by night. Still under many travelers’ radars, this UNESCO-listed valley is pure visual poetry.

Cabo Polonio, Uruguay

Rustic lighthouse standing on the rocky coastline of Cabo Polonio, Uruguay, under a clear blue sky with ocean waves in the distance.
Patrícia Cassol Pereira/Unsplash

No roads lead to Cabo Polonio, you reach it by 4×4 over rolling sand dunes. Once there, you’ll find a sleepy bohemian village without electricity, where sea lions outnumber people and stars fill the night sky. Rustic cabins, sandy paths, and endless waves make it perfect for couples or solo wanderers. It’s South America’s ultimate off-grid beach escape. Time slows down here, and that’s the whole point.

Pantanal, Brazil

Lush wetlands and green floodplains of the Pantanal in Brazil, stretching under a vibrant blue and purple sky during early morning light.
Filipefrazao, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

Forget the Amazon, the Pantanal is where Brazil’s wildlife really comes alive. This vast wetland is one of the best places in the world to spot jaguars, capybaras, giant otters, and hundreds of bird species. Visit during the dry season for boat safaris and lodge stays surrounded by raw nature. It’s untamed, thrilling, and surprisingly accessible. If you dream of a safari-style trip in South America, start here.

Chachapoyas, Peru

Aerial view of Chachapoyas, Peru, featuring the central Plaza de Armas with its colonial architecture, white church, and surrounding mountains under a dramatic sunset sky.
J0EL 20001, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

Hidden in northern Peru’s cloud forests, Chachapoyas is home to ancient secrets and natural beauty. The region boasts Kuelap, a pre-Incan fortress rivaling Machu Picchu, but with far fewer tourists. Trek to waterfalls, explore jungle trails, and uncover ruins wrapped in mist. This lesser-known corner of the Andes blends history and adventure in one mystical package. For a different side of Peru, Chachapoyas is the real deal.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

Angel Falls cascading from a towering cliff in Canaima National Park, Venezuela, surrounded by lush rainforest and misty clouds, world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall.
Yosemite, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

Reaching Angel Falls is no easy feat, but that’s part of the adventure. As the world’s tallest waterfall, it plummets 3,212 feet into a misty jungle basin in Canaima National Park. The journey involves river travel and jungle treks, but the reward is a breathtaking, surreal scene that feels like it belongs on another planet. Few travelers make it here, which makes the experience even more unforgettable.

Elqui Valley, Chile

Lush green vineyards nestled in the arid, golden hills of Elqui Valley, Chile, with dramatic mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
David Vives/Unsplash

Elqui Valley is a skywatcher’s dream. Thanks to clear, dry conditions, it’s one of the best stargazing spots on Earth. But it’s also a place of vineyards, pisco distilleries, and quiet villages tucked between cactus-covered hills. Whether you’re sipping a local spirit or watching constellations from an observatory, the valley radiates tranquility. In a world that moves fast, Elqui invites you to look up, and slow down.

Cabo de la Vela, Colombia

Golden sands and turquoise waters at Cabo de la Vela, Colombia, with rugged coastal cliffs and a clear blue sky in the background.
Tanenhaus, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

In Colombia’s remote La Guajira desert lies Cabo de la Vela, where ochre dunes meet Caribbean waters. This Wayuu indigenous region offers windsurfing, dramatic sunsets, and total disconnection. Stay in hammocks by the beach and hike to Pilón de Azúcar for sweeping sea views. The journey is rugged, but the reward is otherworldly solitude. Cabo de la Vela is raw, beautiful, and deeply rooted in cultural heritage.

Laguna Colorada, Bolivia

Flamingos in the red waters of Laguna Colorada, Bolivia, with mountains in the background.
Jan Tang/Pexels

Imagine a crimson-red lake framed by volcanoes and dotted with pink flamingos, that’s Laguna Colorada. Set in Bolivia’s Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, this surreal spot is high in both altitude and awe factor. It’s a feast for photographers and a stop on many jeep tours of the Altiplano. Few places feel as alien and unspoiled. For those who seek nature’s quirkiest corners, this high-altitude wonder is a must.

Cuenca, Ecuador

Panoramic view of Cuenca, Ecuador, showcasing the historic center, colonial architecture, and central plaza with tall trees under a cloudy sky.
Cristian Castillo/Unsplash

This charming colonial city in the Andes is often skipped by tourists rushing to Quito or the Galápagos. But Cuenca rewards those who linger. With cobblestone streets, domed cathedrals, art galleries, and buzzing cafés, it’s a cultural capital with a laid-back feel. Nearby ruins and natural parks offer easy day trips. Cuenca blends old-world elegance with modern comfort, and may just steal your heart.

Valle de Cocora, Colombia

Tall wax palm trees in the lush green Cocora Valley, Colombia, with rolling hills and a clear blue sky in the background.
Julian/Unsplash

Home to the tallest palm trees on Earth, Valle de Cocora is pure magic. These wax palms stretch up to 200 feet into the misty sky, set against lush green hills in Colombia’s coffee region. Hike through cloud forests, cross swinging bridges, and spot hummingbirds along the way. It’s a peaceful, photogenic escape where nature feels oversized and awe-inspiring. Cocora is the kind of place you’ll never forget.

Rachna Chandira is a travel writer and communications professional known for her culturally rich and emotionally resonant storytelling.
With a background in development journalism, she brings a nuanced perspective to her writing, focusing on people, place, and purpose. Her work spans India, Southeast Asia, and Europe, often exploring slow travel, solo adventures, and underrepresented local narratives.
From crafting immersive city guides to curating thoughtful itineraries, Rachna combines journalistic depth with a storyteller’s heart. She views travel as a way to connect cultures, inspire empathy, and leave a meaningful impression on readers seeking more than just destinations.