Located in Maranhão state, this national park is Brazil's largest sand dune field that stretches about 1,500 kilometers — aka, over 930 miles. You can walk the area, take a ride in a 4x4, or go for a swim and admire the majestic lagoons that truly make the place feel otherworldly.
At 10,582 square kilometers (over 4,000 square miles), Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world. The salt flat is also known for being the "The World's Largest Mirror" when a thin layer of water covering the salt creates an impressive mirroring effect that reflects the sky. You'll probably take lots of photos of the area's vibrant lakes, rock formations, geysers — and yes, the crowds of flamingoes that just, like, walk around.
The small town of Lamas, located near Tarapoto, is known for this medieval-style castle called Castillo de Lamas. The castle was built by Italian expat and businessman Nicola Felice in 2005 — and if you wander inside, you'll find some surprises, like a pool, restaurant, and reproductions of famous artwork.
The Semuc Champey might be hidden away in the jungles of Guatemala, but the beautiful landscape is 100% worth the visit. In addition to its watery caves and underground waterfalls, the area's most notable feature is its turquoise swimming pools, which rest on top of a natural limestone bridge.
The colorful city of Cartagena is the capital of the Bolívar region of Colombia, and with its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, it pretty much belongs in a storybook. Located on the Caribbean coast, the historic city has rich cuisine, cultural festivals, and plenty of beautiful beaches and landscapes to explore.
The Marble Caves, found on Chile’s largest glacial lake, might just be one of the most breathtaking sites you'll ever see. You can access the caves by boat and get a tour to explore the mesmerizing caverns and caves that were naturally formed from over 6,000 years of erosion. Yeah... I don't think it gets more surreal than this.
This natural park in central Ecuador is found with Andes Mountains and features the massive Cotopaxi — which is the second-highest peak in the country and one of the highest active volcanoes in the world at 5,897 meters (over 19,000 feet). If you're very adventurous, you'll probably love the numerous activities available such as hiking, camping, mountain biking, and even horseback riding.
Gramado is a mountain resort town in Rio Grande do Sul that might make you feel like you've been transported to Europe. The small, cozy city has unique, Bavarian-inspired architecture, chocolatiers, artisan shops, and plenty of scenic spots, like the Black Lake.
Purmamarca is home to an Indigenous population and has the most stunning backdrop — the El Cerro de los Siete Colores (the Hill of the Seven Colors). With adobe houses, mountain trails, salt flats, museums, several dining options featuring regional cuisine, and a vibrant artisan market, there's plenty to do and see in this charming village.
El Salvador's Cerro Verde National Park is known for its hiking trails, orchid garden, and incredible views (which include the Izalco and Santa Ana volcanoes). Visitors also enjoy other activities like birdwatching and picnicking — and NGL, I suddenly have to the urge to buy some hiking boots, because WOW 😍.
Founded in the 18th century, this former mining town has rich history, a rugged landscape, and Baroque-style architecture. You can easily walk around the small town and visit breathtaking sites, such as its many bridges, churches, fountains, residences, and museums.
Found in the Lago de Camécuaro National Park, the Camécuaro Lake has beautiful, crystal-clear water supplied by natural springs and is surrounded by majestic vegetation. You can take a relaxing boat ride on the lake, and you can enjoy the area to the fullest by camping nearby.
Montevideo is the capital city of Uruguay — and even though it's one of the smaller capitals in South America, it's incredibly memorable and has rich culture. The city is known for its industrial port, theaters and arts, colonial-era landmarks, stunning beaches, and much more.
The Ischigualasto-Talampaya Natural Parks are two continuous parks in the northern part of central Argentina. They contain the most complete continental fossil record known from the Triassic Period, and their massive rock formations might make you feel like you're on another planet.
The charming, historic Ponce is Puerto Rico's second largest city (with San Juan as the largest). You can explore La Guancha, the city's boardwalk district, visit Plaza Las Delicias, the town square, or check out the Museo de Arte de Ponce, one of its well-known art museums. And of course, since it's located on Puerto Rico’s southern shore, there are many beaches to relax on as well.
The San Blas Islands, also known as Guna Yala, is an Indigenous territory in Panama governed by the Guna Indigenous group. You'll be able to unplug, learn about the Guna culture, and enjoy the natural beauty of the islands by going island hopping, snorkeling, or lodging in one of the unique housing options — which can include staying in a thatched hut, renting a tent, or staying aboard a sailboat.
Built inside the canyon of the Guáitara River, Basilica Santuario de las Lajas (or Shrine of Our Lady of Las Lajas) is a neo-Gothic style church in the south of Colombia. Its unique location and impressive architecture have made it a well-known destination for tourism and pilgrimages since the 18th century.
Located in Patagonia, Chile, it's pretty clear that the Torres del Paine National Park has some of the most out-of-this-world, cinematic views in the country. You'll find hiking trails, lakes, rivers, glaciers — including the huge Glacier Grey — wildlife, and lots of vegetation. Plus, during the summer, there are 17 hours of daylight, so you'll have ~plenty~ of time to enjoy it all.
Well, I'm just about ready to grab my passport. Which places on this list would you visit? Let me know in the comments below!
