10 best UNESCO Sites in South America

Even if the name of this colourful city doesn’t ring a bell, you’d probably recognise it. Built between the mountains and the sea in northern Chile, Valparaiso is a photographer’s dream. When you walk along the main road, it looks like any other port – but head up into the hills to the protected Historic Quarter, and you’ll soon realise that Valparaiso is pretty special.

Steep steps are painted to look like piano keys, vibrant murals cover whole alleyways, and every house is treated like a canvas. In fact, the entire Historic Quarter is a masterpiece. Take a walking tour to make sure you don’t miss any of the stop-and-stare street art. 

Straddling the border between Brazil and Argentina, crescent-shaped Iguazu Falls is one of the world’s most famous waterfalls. Stretching for 2,7000 metres, Iguazu is twice as wide as Niagara Falls, but you can still get close to the rushing waters on a boat tour. The surrounding rainforest is impressive, too, with tapirs, monkeys, jaguars and more.

If you can’t decide whether to see the Falls from the Brazilian side or the Argentinean side, why not do both on one of our South America tours?

Bolivia may not be as well-trodden as its neighbours, but this diverse country boasts some wonderful sites. And Sucre is our pick of the bunch.

Dating back to the 16th century, this place is the constitutional capital of Bolivia. Sucre is easily the country’s most beautiful city, with whitewashed churches, colonial architecture and many of the original buildings still intact. Compared to the chaotic legislative capital, La Paz, Sucre is a calm retreat of red rooftops and shaded patios – bliss.

South America’s headline act is, of course, Machu Picchu. This ancient Incan city in Peru is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and hugely popular, seeing up to 5,000 visitors every day.

Depending on how energetic you’re feeling, you can either hike a four-day trail to the summit, or ride straight up on a train from Cuzco. Whichever you go for, you’ll be greeted with postcard-worthy views – but it’s best to get there as early as possible. All our Peru tours include a visit to Machu Picchu, so you’ve got plenty of options.

The phrase ‘jaw-dropping’ can be overused. But, when it comes to Perito Moreno Glacier, it’s completely justified.

This enormous chunk of blue ice in Argentina covers more than 250-square kilometres – or, in simpler terms, it’s bigger than Buenos Aires. But what’s really special about Perito Moreno is the fact that, unlike most glaciers, it’s advancing. As the glacier grows in size, huge icebergs break off and fall into the lake below with an almighty crash. If you’re planning a trip to Argentina, a visit to Perito Moreno is a must. You can take a day trip from the nearby town of El Calafate, or visit this immense glacier on one of our Argentina tours.

Admittedly, not all of Rio de Janeiro is UNESCO-protected. But the Carioca Landscapes between the Mountains and the Sea – yes, that’s its full title – certainly is. Stretching from the highest point of Tijuca National Park all the way down to the ocean, the Carioca Landscapes include Rio’s Botanical Gardens, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the hunchbacked Corcovado Mountain, where you’ll find Christ the Redeemer.

You can discover this incredible landscape on one of our Brazil tours, or plan your own tailored trip with the help of our Travel Specialists.

Sea lions, giant tortoises, Darwin's finches, and blue-footed boobies – nowhere does wildlife like the Galapagos Islands.

Floating off the coast of Ecuador, this archipelago is one of the most untouched places on Earth, famous for its natural beauty and unique species. So, if you’re an animal-lover, the Galapagos should be at the top of your list. And you can enjoy all sorts of activities, too, like snorkelling with incredible marine life and sailing between volcanic landscapes. 

Tucked away in northern Argentina, Quebrada de Humahuaca is one of South America’s lesser-known UNESCO Sites. But it’s certainly not a wallflower.

Nearly 100 miles long, this narrow valley is lined with multi-coloured mountains. The varying shades of purples, reds and yellows are actually different layers of rock, each one thousands of years old. But the most eye-catching spot is the Hill of Seven Colours, whose striped surface looks like a painting.

When you think of the Patagonia region, at the very end of South America, you probably imagine a dramatic wilderness, probably with some mountains, lakes and glaciers? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll find in Torres del Paine.

This UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve is absolutely stunning. You can visit the park on one of our Chile tours or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not don your boots and hike deep into the park along the famous ‘W route’? The trek takes at least four days and is by no means glamorous – you’ll be sleeping in either a tent or a very simple lodge – but the spectacular views are more than worth it.  

Last, but certainly not least, there’s Cusco. The once-capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a truly fascinating mishmash of cultures. You’ll find grand cathedrals towering over Inca temples, llamas walking the cobbled streets, and sprawling plazas filled with people.

The food is top-notch, too. Peruvian cuisine is one of the tastiest in all of South America. You can sink your teeth into fresh sea bass, stir-fried beef, spicy stuffed peppers, and more.