The Most Underrated Travel Destinations in South America

By: Savannah Foster Last updated: 05/04/2026

Have you ever stood at a famous viewpoint and realized you are looking at the backs of five hundred other heads? It is the classic tourist trap dilemma. You fly halfway across the world, only to find the exact same crowds you left behind. Thankfully, a major shift is happening right now in 2026. More travelers are choosing quiet, authentic alternatives. They swap crowded hotspots for places where they can actually hear themselves think.

In fact, air traffic to South America grew by six percent recently, which proves that people are eager to explore this side of the world.¹ But they are not all heading to Machu Picchu or Rio. They are looking for places that still feel like a secret.

Choosing an underrated country means your money goes further, your photos do not have strangers in them, and your presence actually benefits local communities. It is a win for everyone.

Guyana: The Untouched Wilderness

If you want to feel like a true explorer, Guyana is the place. It is one of the least-visited countries in South America, but it has some of the most spectacular wilderness on the planet.

Take Kaieteur Falls, like. It is the world's largest single-drop waterfall by volume, about five times higher than Niagara Falls. But unlike Niagara, you will not find guardrails, souvenir shops, or thousands of tourists blocking your view. You might literally be the only person standing there.

The country is covered in pristine Amazonian rainforest. It is a dream for eco-tourism because the jungle is completely intact.

Why choose Guyana?

• Pristine nature: You get to see wildlife like giant otters and jaguars in their natural habitats without dozens of tour buses around.

• Local guides: Most tours are run by indigenous communities, so your money directly supports forest conservation.

• No crowds: You will experience the wilderness exactly as it has been for thousands of years.

Uruguay: The Sophisticated Coastal Escape

Uruguay often gets overshadowed by its giant neighbors, Brazil and Argentina. That is a massive mistake. This small nation is incredibly safe, progressive, and easy to handle.

If you want beach luxury without the attitude, skip Rio and head to Jose Ignacio. It is a chic, laid-back fishing village that attracts artists and surfers who want quiet relaxation.

For a dose of history, you can take a ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento. It is a gorgeous town with cobblestone streets and historic Portuguese architecture.

But the real adventure is Cabo Polonio. This is a tiny, bohemian beach village with no electricity, running water, or paved roads.

• The entry: You cannot drive there. You have to take a bumpy, twenty-minute ride in an open-top 4x4 truck across massive sand dunes.

• The wildlife: It is home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in South America, right by the historic lighthouse.

• The night sky: Because there is no electricity, the stargazing here is spectacular. You will see the Milky Way with total clarity.

Suriname: A Cultural Melting Pot

Suriname is a fascinating anomaly. It is the only country outside Europe where Dutch is the official language, and it sits right on the edge of the Caribbean.

The capital, Paramaribo, is a beautiful mix of Dutch colonial wooden architecture and tropical energy. You can walk down the street and see a mosque next to a synagogue, then grab some incredible Javanese or Creole food.

Once you leave the city, the real adventure begins. The interior of the country is dense jungle, accessible mostly by small planes or motorized canoes.

• River villages: You can stay in Maroon villages along the Suriname River, where you can learn about communities founded by escaped slaves who preserved their West African traditions.

• Deep jungle: It is a place for true off-grid travel, where you can fall asleep to the sound of howler monkeys.

• Incredible food: The cultural mix means you will eat some of the best fusion food in South America, from spicy roti to peanut soup.

Bolivia: The High-Altitude Adventure

You have probably seen photos of the Salar de Uyuni, the giant salt flat that looks like a giant mirror after it rains. But even with that fame, Bolivia remains highly underrated compared to Peru or Chile.

The country is currently seeing a massive surge in popularity, with over three million trips recorded recently.² People are finally realizing that Bolivia offers some of the most dramatic terrain on earth for a fraction of the cost of its neighbors.

Beyond the salt flats, you have the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, a high-altitude desert filled with red lakes, active geysers, and thousands of pink flamingos.

If you are planning a trip, keep these tips in mind:

• Take it slow: La Paz sits at over 3,600 meters. Give yourself a few days to adjust to the altitude before doing any heavy hiking.

• Hire a guide: The terrain in the southwest is wild and roadless. You absolutely need a 4WD vehicle and an experienced local driver.

• Embrace the rustic: Outside of the main cities, accommodation can be basic, but the views are worth every cold shower.

Lençóis Maranhenses: The Desert of Lagoons

Brazil has plenty of famous beaches, but nothing compares to the dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses. Imagine a blindingly white desert that collects seasonal rainwater, creating thousands of crystal-clear, blue lagoons.

It is a surreal sight, and it recently became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.³ Even with that honor, it gets only a fraction of the visitors who crowd the beaches of Rio.

If you plan to go, timing is everything.

• The best months: Visit between May and August, right after the rainy season when the lagoons are full.

• Where to stay: Base yourself in the quiet village of Atins for a relaxed, slow-paced experience.

• What to bring: Pack plenty of sunscreen and a good pair of sandals, as you will be walking on sand all day.

Barichara: The Slow-Paced Colonial Dream

Colombia is booming right now, welcoming over ten million visitors recently.⁴ But while everyone else is fighting for space in Cartagena, you should head to the Santander department.

Barichara is often called the prettiest town in Colombia, and it is easy to see why. It is filled with white homes, yellow-stone streets, and quiet plazas.

It is the perfect place to slow down.

• The Camino Real: You can hike this ancient stone path built by the indigenous Guane people, which leads to a sleepy nearby village.

• Local creates: The town is a hub for artisans, paper-makers, and quiet cafes.

• The vibe: It is incredibly safe and quiet, making it a great alternative to the busy coastal cities.

Before you pack your bags, here are a few highly recommended spots and services to make your trip smoother.

Creating Your Own South American Adventure

So how do you start planning? The key is to prioritize curiosity over popularity. Instead of ticking off a famous list, ask yourself what kind of experience you actually want.

Do not let logistics scare you off. Although places like Suriname or Guyana require a bit more planning, the reward is a trip that feels yours entirely.

There is also a beautiful side effect to choosing these destinations. By visiting lesser-known areas, you help prevent over-tourism in crowded spots. Even better, your travel spend supports local economies directly. In fact, community-led tourism now makes up over a third of new premium itineraries in places like Colombia and Peru.⁵

South America is full of wonders that do not require waiting in line. All you have to do is look a little further.