Best Andean Destinations You Must Visit In South America
Stretching for almost 9000 km in length from Chile up to Venezuela, the Andes mountains are one of the most impressive natural feats we can experience here in South America.
The strong majority of trips to this continent will include a visit to this diverse mountainous region, and if it’s not on your plans then I highly recommend adding it. Whilst Cusco is the most popular city, there are also many other worthwhile sierra cities and towns worth visiting too.
In this guide we’ll explore 6 of the very best Andean destinations that you can visit throughout South America. Each is unique with their own awesome nearby highlights – so make sure you bring your camera fully charged with plenty of available storage space!
7 Of The Best Andean Destinations You Must Visit In South America
We have all heard of the usual staples of Cusco and Lake Titicaca, however below we’ll jump into my own top list which explores some of the more underrated gems around the continent.
Having been to all of these destinations myself, I’ll also share some insider tips to help you have the best experience possible in each place.
Merida, Venezuela 🇻🇪
Located in the baron highlands of Western Venezuela, Mérida has become quite a big hit for travelers who dare to explore this incredible country.
It’s most famous for its cable-car (which is the longest on the planet) which rises some 3000m up a mountain to give some incredible views over the adjacent Pico Bolívar. The town of Mérida itself is bursting with culture, where you can find lots of tasty arepa stands and some of the friendliest people I have ever come across on my travels.
Don’t forget to visit the town of San Rafael de Mucuchíes, which is just a few hours away and is known for its stone cathedral. To get to Mérida you can either take the overnight bus from Caracas, or also a flight from the Venezuelan capital.
Merida Useful Information:
- ⭐️ My Top Highlights: The Cable-Car, San Rafael de Mucuchíes
- 🗺 Difficulty Getting There: Moderate
- ⏱ Time needed: 4-6 Days
Chachapoyas, Peru 🇵🇪
Sitting on the eastern slopes of the Peruvian Andes, many may argue whether this area is truly part of the Andean region given its surrounded by dense green cloud forests and jungle.
However it’s such a diverse area that you simply must include it, which can be reached with an overnight bus from Tarapoto. Most famous for the Chachapoyas Culture (known as the Sky Warriors), they built the impressive Kuelap Ruins here, as well as the iconic Karajía Sarcophagi which houses the remains of their most elite.
You’ll need quite a few days here to tick-off all of these awesome trips, and also so that you can visit the impressive waterfalls of Gocta and the underrated Yumbilla Falls.
Chachapoyas Useful Information:
- ⭐️ My Top Highlights: Yumbilla Falls, Kuelap Ruins
- 🗺 Difficulty Getting There: Moderate
- ⏱ Time needed: 4-8 Days
La Paz, Bolivia 🇧🇴
One of the most popular and diverse cities on this list, La Paz remains one of my own personal favorites which I’ve already returned to after my first trip here.
The Bolivian capital is very easy to fly into, and here we’ll find a ton of awesome things to do in the city such as soaring around on the legendary cable-car metro system to explore different miradores and the higher plateau of El Alto. The culture is also well and truly alive here, where you can enjoy architectural delights like Calle Jaén and Plaza San Francisco by day, and then watch a Cholita Wrestling Match by night.
La Paz also has a plethora of incredible day trips to experience, with my own favorites being the hike up to the glacial lake of Charquini as well as biking down the World’s Most Dangerous Road (which you can do with this awesome day tour which includes all transport and high quality gear).
La Paz Useful Information:
- ⭐️ My Top Highlights: Biking down Death Road, Riding the Cable-Car Metro System
- 🗺 Difficulty Getting There: Very Easy
- ⏱ Time needed: 5-10 Days
Salta, Argentina 🇦🇷
Heading much further south into Argentina now, Salta seems to be missed by most who otherwise spend more time in Patagonia and around the capital of Buenos Aires.
However Salta is a true Andean city – and the culture here is as strong as you’ll feel it in other similar destinations around South America. I actually think it’s one of the most underrated and complete of all the places on this list, given the sheer amount of awesome day trips you can take from the city and around the surrounding regions of Northern Argentina.
These include to the wine region of Cafayate, the Salinas Grandes as well as to the multicolored Quebrada de Humahuaca Mountain (the latter of which where you can try some really tasty Alpaca).
Back in the city you can enjoy pretty colonial architecture in the Plaza 9 de Julio, and also hike up to the nearby viewpoint of San Bernardo.
Salta Useful Information:
- ⭐️ My Top Highlights: Quebrada de Humahuaca, Cafayate
- 🗺 Difficulty Getting There: Moderate
- ⏱ Time needed: 4-7 Days
Huaraz, Peru 🇵🇪
Sandwiched right between the looming Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra mountain ranges, it’s hard to beat the snowy landscapes of Huaraz.
Travelers who dream of visiting ice-capped mountains will be spoilt for choice here, and when I went I decided to scale Nevado Mateo which is a day trip I highly recommend you to head on. Avid hikers can also take on longer multi-day circuits too such as those of Santa Cruz and Huayhuash.
The town itself has a true Andean feel, where you can relax in the Plaza de Armas whilst getting some much needed Picarones and Hot Chocolate when the evening hits. Other day trips worth doing from here include to Pastoruri Glacier, Lake Parón and the ancient ruins of Chavín de Huántar.
Huaraz Useful Information:
- ⭐️ My Top Highlights: Nevado Mateo Hike, Lake Parón
- 🗺 Difficulty Getting There: Easy
- ⏱ Time needed: 5-10 Days
Cuenca, Ecuador 🇪🇨
Now we head further north into the Ecuadorian Andes, to the architectural dream that is Cuenca. Known for its casas colgantes (hanging houses) that are similar to those found in the same-named Spanish city, Cuenca is arguably the most picturesque of the lot on this list.
Other highlights worth snapping include the Parque Calderón, Pumapungo Ruins, the Plaza de las Flores and heading to the nearby Cajas National Park. You’ll also want to head up to the viewpoint of Turi Mirador for some awesome views, where you can also head on a heart-racing swing right over the edge.
Don’t leave Cuenca without visiting the Mercado 10 de Agosto, where you can sample different Ecuadorian delights and get your own memorable ritual cleansing.
Cuenca Useful Information:
- ⭐️ My Top Highlights: Mercado 10 de Agosto, Cajas National Park
- 🗺 Difficulty Getting There: Easy
- ⏱ Time needed: 4-6 Days
Uyuni, Bolivia 🇧🇴
If you’re looking for the most diverse range of epic landscapes possible, then you need look no further than the Uyuni region.
Most famous for its iconic Salt Flats, the true highlights lie deeper in the region which can be accessed with a multi-day tour. Over three days you can spot giant herds of Pink Flamingos, Vicuñas and Viscachas, as well as explore red lagoons, remote deserts and towering dormant volcanoes. When I went on the trip my favorite highlight was to the Geysers del Sol de Mañana – which are full of heavy steams as they sit right above bubbling magma.
It’s worth booking your multi-day tour here online before heading to Uyuni to guarantee your spot, where you can also be sure that you’ll be heading with a reputable tour company.
Uyuni Useful Information:
- ⭐️ My Top Highlights: Seeing Pink Flamingos, The Salar de Uyuni, Visiting Red Lagoons
- 🗺 Difficulty Getting There: Easy
- ⏱ Time needed: 2-4 Days
My Top Recommendations Before Visiting The Andes In South America
Pack A Range Of Clothes
Let’s face it – you’re going to need thick jumpers and coats when heading up into the higher mountains here. Evening temperatures can get quite bitterly cold, which you’ll definitely be feeling when leaving early for treks. However you’ll also want to bring thin layers and lots of sunscreen too, given the sun can be really intense during the day which makes it easy to get sunburnt.
Prepare For High Altitudes
Virtually all destinations that you’ll visit here are above 2000-2500m, and some much higher too which can cause different altitude sickness symptoms. These can range from headaches to full on vomiting, so you’ll want to take it easy your first two days as your body is acclimating. You can also munch on Coca Leaves (or drink a tea infused with them) to help speed up the process too. You can read this altitude sickness preparation guide for more advice.
Visit With A Flexible Schedule
Whilst you can usually visit your typical city or town destinations within just a few days, I highly recommend planning longer with between 5-7+ days for each (or even better which is to have an open schedule). Not only will this allow you to acclimate properly without rushing, however you’ll find that these regions are packed with awesome day trips – so you’ll want to give yourself the chance to be able to head on many of them.
Best Andean Destinations
And that’s all for my guide on the very best Andean destinations to visit all across South America.
Whilst places like Cusco and Lake Titicaca remain the most popular favorites, there are in fact many others that are just as impressive and are worth getting to know. Not only can you see epic mountain vistas and a variety of different animals, however you’ll also get to enjoy more warmer cultures too.
Are you looking for an impressive hike to do whilst on in the Andes? Take a look at my experience hiking the Inca Trail in Peru, and why you should also take on this sacred route.
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