We all know that South America is home to breathtaking beauty, super interesting cultures and just a complete vibe for travelers. There is no denying though, that it is quite a large continent with a melting pot of offerings, tourist attractions and different spectacles. So, we've whittled down the 5 most underrated places to experience in South America.
5.Asunción, Paraguay
Asunción lays claim to the title “Mother of Cities,” because it is one of the oldest known settlements in South America. It has a rich cultural history and has long been a center of poetry, music, and the arts. This beautiful city boasts a mix of colonial architecture, fantastic cuisine, and locals who are friendly and welcoming. If your tastes tend to be more modern and chic, you will find trendy neighborhoods, posh shops, and stylish nightclubs. You will be able to find your way around in no time and discover Asunción to be one of the greenest and most pleasant capital cities in South America. Street food is cheap and fun, and food trucks hang out on many city streets.
4. Montevideo, Uruguay
If you've ever explored the major cities of South America, you will find a pleasant change of pace in Montevideo, the laid-back capital city of Uruguay. No traffic jams or blaring car horns here. Instead, walk along palm tree lined roads that are well maintained, set next to a backdrop of gorgeous historical buildings. A must-see while in Montevideo has got to be Ciudad Vieja, the oldest barrio, or neighborhood, in the city. The area has gone through a transformation of late and is now a haven for tourists who can explore the sights using the pedestrian-only walkways winding past boutiques, outdoor cafes, and local markets. Don't forget to stop and admire the sculptures and street art, where talented artists have turned the city into a living canvas for visitors to admire.
3. Cusco, Peru
If you've planned a visit to Peru, odds are you're going to end up at the mecca of Peruvian tourism, Machu Picchu. However, not too far away you will find our next underrated destination in South America — Cusco. Did you know that in Quechuan, the language of the native people of the Andes, Cusco means, “navel of the world”? It was so duly named because the Plaza de Armas in Cusco once marked the exact center of the Inca Empire. Today, the Plaza is still the historic heart of the city, featuring landmarks important to the history of Andean and Spanish cultures. Plaza de Armas is a vibrant square where you will find Peruvian dancing, music, and plenty of cafés boasting great local cuisine. Hotels, restaurants and shops are just off the square adding to the lively feel, both day and night.
2. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands are renowned for their incredible biodiversity - which inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution - and wild, volcanic landscapes, but among the many islands in the archipelago, there are some lesser-known spots that are definitely worth a visit. On boulder-strewn North Seymour, for instance, you'll encounter an abundance of sea lions and magnificent frigatebirds, while South Plaza offers the chance to spot hybrid iguanas while hiking through cactus forests. Alternatively, you can snorkel with penguins off the coast of Bartolome. On this five-day trip, you'll visit an uninhabited island in addition to experiencing the highlights of Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal.
1.Tayrona National Park, Colombia
While the Andes are arguably Colombia's main draw for travelers, it would be a mistake to overlook the country's dazzling northern coastline. There aren't many places in the world where you can trek through the jungle and relax on palm-fringed beaches against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, but the Tayrona National Park is one of them. You'll enjoy a guided hike there as part of this eight-day adventure, as well as river tubing on the Río Don Diego, exploring Cartagena's beautiful Walled City, and snorkeling around the tropical haven of the Rosario Islands. A visit to San Basilio de Palenque - the first African town in the Americas to be freed from slavery - offers a fascinating insight into the region's complex history.
