South America is rich in culture, breathtaking landscapes and thousands of years of history. From medieval villages to European towns, South America is a region that gives the historian the opportunity to revisit the past. The 10 most visited historical destinations that represent the continent’s diversity are outlined below.
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is not listed in any South American list of historical sites. The 15th-century Incan citadel, located in the Andes Mountains, is an engineering and architectural masterpiece. It was built by the Inca emperor Pachacuti and rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 as a testament to Peru’s history. Because of the stone architecture and amazing mountain environment, it is one of the most must-see places.
2. Cusco, Peru
Cusco was the old imperial capital of the Incas, a city rife with pre-Columbian and colonial pasts. Cobbled streets, Inca walls and Spanish colonial architecture describe a strange hybridity of cultures. The Sacred Valley and the legendary Incan ruin of Sacsayhuamán are just a short drive away.
3. Christ the Redeemer and Corcovado, Brazil
While generally thought of as a monument of the contemporary past, Christ the Redeemer also has cultural and historical resonance. Completed in 1931, this enormous Christ statue looks out across Rio de Janeiro from Mount Corcovado. It is an emblem of Brazil’s religious tradition, and stands for peace and hospitality.
4. Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) in the southeast Pacific Ocean is the site of the legendary Moai statues. We don’t even know the names of these human monoliths, created by the Rapa Nui from 1250 to 1500. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and allows visitors to experience the ancient Polynesian craftsmanship first-hand.
5. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
Iguazu Falls is a cultural heritage site at the border between Argentina and Brazil. Though it was visited for the first time by Europeans in 1541, its religious significance extended at least to the native Guarani who worshipped there. Yet to this day, it is one of the most striking in South America.
6. Cartagena, Colombia
The historic centre of Cartagena has one of the most stunning remains of colonial architecture. The city, founded in 1533, was a Spanish imperial trading centre and a crossroads for precious metals. You can visit its fortress walls, bustling boulevards and monuments like the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas that shielded the city from piracy.
7. Nazca Lines, Peru
The Nazca Lines remain one of South America’s most mysterious secrets. These huge terracotta temples, dug into the desert of Peru, depict animals, plants and figures. They were created between 500 BCE and 500 CE with an uncertain function but probably of a religious or astronomical nature. You can ride on the grid and see this historical wonder in a new light.
8. Tiwanaku, Bolivia
Set in the mountains of Lake Titicaca, Tiwanaku was the spiritual and political centre of a pre-Incan society. The site was built around 400 CE and contains large stone buildings including the Gate of the Sun and the Akapana Pyramid. Tiwanaku offers us an early glimpse into one of South America’s most ancient societies.
9. Valparaíso, Chile
It is a popular seaside resort that was a 19th-century centre for shipping and is now a destination for its history and art. Valparaso’s cobbled alleys, muralised walls and colonial-era architecture echo the city’s turbulent past. The city also hosts La Sebastiana, the home of the poet Pablo Neruda, where Chilean culture is also on offer.
10. Quito, Ecuador
Quito, the Ecuadorian capital, is one of the most intact old towns in the Americas. Colonial churches, monasteries and squares characterise the 16th-century city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll find La Compaa de Jess, a baroque masterwork, and El Panecillo, a sea of 360-degree views.
An Introduction to the History of South America
Get Early Warning: Make sure to check when the tourist season begins to avoid crowds and purchase tickets for places like Machu Picchu or the Nazca Lines.
Suit yourself: Most places are high altitude, keep warm and drink water.
Think About Local Cultures: Often places remain sacred to native peoples. Do your research and be respectful when you are there.
Final Thoughts
South America’s archaeological memorials are not merely buildings: they provide insights into the lives of the ancients, colonial refugees and moderns. From Machu Picchu’s temples to the surreal beauty of the Nazca Lines, there is always a time trip waiting for you. So put away the bags, leave the home comfort zone, and explore the continent’s extraordinary history!
