Not everyone who visits South America wants to visit the main attractions. If you prefer destinations that are more off the beaten path, this continent has a lot of secrets and hidden gems yet to be fully discovered. Take one of the more popular Peru tours, and you’ll experience Machu Picchu. Paracas, and Huacachina, which are truly spectacular, but the following list includes destinations that promise a more authentic experience.
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Choquequirao, Peru
This Incan site is located in southern Peru and contains ruins that are often compared to those of Machu Picchu. However, one thing that makes it very different is the distinct lack of visitors. This may be due to its location on the Sunch’u Pata hilltop, which is very remote. The only way to reach the ruins is to trek across canyons and rivers.
This spectacular former Inca city is bigger than Machu Picchu. However, you don’t get to appreciate its true size because only parts of it have been excavated. If you’re brave enough to trek to the site, you’ll be rewarded with the history and incredible architecture of the place.
Marble Caves, Chile
These rare and beautiful caves are located in the heart of Patagonia, in the General Carrera Lake. There are three different cave formations, and they are one of the most spectacular natural sights you’ll ever see. The caves have been formed over many years of erosion, resulting in wavy curves in the marble columns and black and white striations.
The water in the lake comes from glaciers that melt during the warmer months. The color of the water is bright turquoise which is truly stunning, but if you’re there at the right time, the sun turns the cave walls a matching blue.
Purmamarca, Argentina
Purmamarca is home to the Hill of Seven Colors, or the Cerro de los Colores. Folklore says that the colors were made by the children of the village who sneaked out and painted the hilltop a different color every night.
The seven colors are:
- Ochre
- Yellow
- Orange
- Green
- Brown
- Lilac
- Violet
The scientific reason for these different colors is the various types of claystone and limestone that have been layered down over time.
Jujuy, Argentina
Jujuy is located in the northwest of Argentina and is one of the most underrated regions of the country. It is home to Purmamarca but also to the 14-colored mountain, Humahuaca. The villages and towns that nestle amongst the mountains look like they’ve been pulled from an old history book. Their streets are cobbled, and the houses are painted bright colors.
Very few people venture out this far, so the region remains untouched, and the local wildlife thrives.
Cordillera Real, Bolivia
If your experience of choice is outdoor climbing activities, you’ve got to include this mountain range. The Cordillera Real spans 125 kilometers and is ideal if you’re up for a challenge and want to soak up some awe-inspiring views. For the really bold, there’s a 17-day trek across the full length of the mountain range. Alternatively, you can always take a one-day trek from La Paz.
If you want a truly memorable experience, opt for a sunrise climb. You start your climb at night, and when you reach the top, you’re just in time to see the mountain face turn a glorious golden color.
Las Lajas, Colombia
This sanctuary is located between a canyon and offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscape. However, the beauty of its location is not the reason for so many visitors.
The chapel that was originally built at Las Lajas before it was taken down to make way for the current sanctuary, was the final step in a pilgrimage people took to see an image of the Virgin Mary.
The Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a mother and her deaf-mute daughter who sought refuge in this location during a storm. At one point, a bolt of lightning hit the rock under which they were sheltering, and the daughter said an image of the Virgin Mary appeared there. News of this vision spread and led to a chapel being built.
Vilcabamba, Ecuador
Vilcabamba is a small village on the southern coast of Ecuador that’s surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is often called the Valley of Longevity, as many of the village’s inhabitants live to be over 100 years of age.
If you want somewhere you can disconnect, this is where you need to head. Very few tourists get this far; the only people you’ll likely meet are local villagers.
It’s also a great spot for outdoor lovers because it’s not far from the Podocarpus National Park. The park is a haven for wildlife and flora.
Jesus de Tavarrange, Paraguay
The final location in this list is one of Paraguay’s most well-preserved and important Jesuit Missions ruins. The church was never actually completed but had it been, it would have been the largest church in South America. The ruins were built by local indigenous Guarani and Jesuit priests and are a testament to the work and time of the period.