Be warned: Quito sits at an elevation of 9,350 feet, so be prepared to feel the altitude when you first arrive. That being said, that height prevents you from feeling the heat and humidity of the nearby Amazon. In Quito, you can explore a city dotted with Spanish colonial architecture and full of Ecuadorian spirit.
Locals are kind and helpful, while the city’s growing tourism infrastructure makes it easy to explore the city’s cultural offerings and then get out into the wild. And speaking of getting out into the wild, you can take a plane to Amazonian gateways like Coca or Lago Agrio—or take a bus.
The bus rides are long, but the destinations are absolutely worth your time. You can explore the forest, veg out in hammocks listening to the river, and sample Amazonian delights. In fact, Coca is the place where the name Amazon is thought to have originated.
Where to stay and what to do in Quito.
Close to the mountains: Santiago, Chile
Cable car and Costanera Center in Santiago, Chile (Getty)
Aren’t looking for a gateway into the Amazon Rainforest? Head south to Santiago, the capital of Chile, which is rimmed by the Andes Mountains. Famous peaks like Cerro El Plomo and Cerro San Cristobal loom around the city, towering into the sky.
And you can explore them at your own pace via portals like Cajon del Maipo, using the city as a home base. In fact, while I’m recommending Santiago to anyone who wants to delve into the Andes, half the magic is the city itself.
Santiago is home to innovative design projects, vibrant nightlife, and easy-to-navigate public transportation. Plus, you can find wineries dotting the valley around the city, just in case you’re looking to take a break from hiking.
Where to stay and what to do in Santiago.
Coolest cultural experiences: La Paz, Bolivia
Snowcapped Mount Huayna Potosi in the background (Getty)
As with Quito, you can expect a high-altitude experience in this capital city, which sits at a whopping 11,924 feet.
Assuming you’re okay with that type of altitude, you’ll be treated to some of South America’s most unique cultural experiences—ones that you haven’t likely heard of before. That’s largely thanks to the presence of Aymara indigenous culture and practices.
You can sample Quechua Aymara foods, remedies, charms, and more at the city’s marketplaces—or take a more historical approach at the city’s museums, such as the Museum of Ethnography and Folklore. If culture is on your radar, La Paz needs to be on your bucket list.
Where to go and what to do in La Paz.
Best big city vibes: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Urban Skyline of Santos in Sao Paolo Brazil (Getty)
With almost 23 million residents, Sao Paolo is South America’s most populous city. (It has the same population of Mexico City, if that helps you picture how vast it is.) For solo travelers, that size means one thing: you’ve got even more neighborhoods to sink your teeth into and friends to make.
Dubbed a ‘bustling megacity’, you’ll find art galleries, museums, theaters, and tons of unexpected finds. For example, Sao Paolo is home to the largest Japanese population outside Japan, letting you learn more about the country’s cultural melting pot—similar to heading to Chinatown in New York City. In other words, it’s a layered experience.
Where to stay and what to do in Sao Paolo.
Friendliest atmosphere: Medellin, Colombia
Plaza Botero in central Medellin (Getty)
Forget what you think you know about Medellin, Colombia. The ‘City of Eternal Spring’ is known for two things in 2025: its gorgeous climate (the moniker isn’t just for fluff) and its friendly atmosphere. Medellin is a vibrant metropolis that’s thriving—and its people are happy to welcome visitors.
I vote you schedule your trip to Medellin during its famous Flower Festival or over Christmas when grand light displays are put up around the city. While there, make sure to explore its public museums, libraries, and public spaces—there’s always a cultural event going on, and visitors are always welcome.
Where to stay and what to do in Medellin.
Most delicious eats: Lima, Peru
Lima cathedral (Getty)
I know, I know—this list is full of capital cities. But if you’re a foody who’s heading to South America on a solo trip, you must stop in Lima. In some culinary circles, it’s regarded as the gastronomic capital of the continent. You probably know it as the birthplace of ceviche, lomo saltado, and pisco sours.
But that’s just a basic introduction. Similar to Sao Paolo, Lima has a large Japanese population, along with Chinese. You can sample fusion foods like Chifa (Chinese-Peruvian) and Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian). Or if you want a more hardcore taste of Lima’s traditions, go for the famous 17-course tasting menu at Central, one of the world’s top restaurants.
Where to stay and what to do in Lima.
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Publish date : 2025-02-25 01:12:00
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