Why? Well for starters it’s not short on iconic attractions, with the 30-metre-tall statue of Christ the Redeemer, vibrant red steps of Escadaria Selarón and unbeatable coastal views from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain all fighting for your attention. The Cidade Maravilhosa (marvellous city) is a must-visit for every traveller. Starting the list with not just one of the most beautiful cities in South America, but one of the most spectacular on the whole planet.

We challenge you to not quit your job after reading this… To get your wanderlust whirring, we’ve put together a list of the ten best cities to visit in South America, with something for every type of explorer. But whatever your travel style, it’s fair to say that any trip to this whopper of a continent needs a bit of planning. A continent of vibrant colour, Latin rhythm, incredible people, atmospheric cities and epic nature, is it any wonder we can’t seem to stay away? Some travellers dedicate a whole year to dive deep into this part of the world, others plan shorter trips to explore a region at a time. The best cities to visit in South America for the adventure of a lifetimeĮmbarking on a South America backpacking trip is the adventure of a lifetime.

Ultimate list of cities