Thinking of exploring what South America has to offer? While its northern neighbor get most of the recognition, the southern side sure has some hidden gems worthy of being explored. Here’s a list of eight South American destinations to add to your travel list!:

Photo: @fearlessleaderstravel

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat and upon looking at the pictures, you’d think it was an arctic destination! It stretches for more than 4,050 square miles of the Altiplano and was caused by prehistoric lakes that evaporated long ago.

Photo: @michellesimone

Cartagena, Colombia

World Heritage sites are always a worthy destination to visit! It’s filled with castles, vibrant buildings and history. The city is also a popular beach destination so be prepared for white beaches and coral reefs when you go.

Photo: @olivaresdouglas

The Amazon River

Next to the Nile River, the Amazon River is considered to be one of the longest rivers in the world. More than witnessing how magnificent this destination is, you can also go on adventures like piranha fishing, jungle walking, and a river cruise!

Photo: @Katsuya

The Galapagos Islands

Want to go wildlife-spotting? The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador is the perfect South American destination for you. Plant life and animals thrived in this place due how isolated the islands are. It’s also considered as the melting pot of marine species.

Photo: @reinasierra

Machu Picchu, Peru

Others might consider this as one of the overrated South American destinations but you’ll never know the beauty until you visit! Machu Picchu is a famous hiking spot because of the view of sophisticated dry-stone walls that greet you upon reaching the top. It captures the history of the Incan empire and was built back in 1450 AD.

Photo: @SteveAllenPhoto

Easter Island, Chile

Want to witness something mysterious? Chile’s Easter Island is known for its Moai statues—large, carved human statues with oversized heads. However, nobody knows exactly when, how and why they were exactly built.

Photo: @schansen

Canopy Walk, The Amazon, Peru

The Canopy Walkway in Peru is a worthy South American destination if you want to get a view of a rainforest from the treetops. It’s a great way to witness nature at its best. You’ll be greeted by verdant and lush greens everywhere you look!

Photo: @vinnikava

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This Brazilian seaside city is famous for its beaches and is something you should go to if you want nightlife, culture, and beaches in one trip. Also take this chance to see the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue.