10 Best South American Cities: 2022 Readers' Choice

Cuzco, Peru, is consistently ranked among the top urban destinations due to its rich Incan heritage and high-altitude Andean landscapes. Other highly rated cities for historical exploration include Cartagena, Colombia, for its UNESCO-protected colonial architecture, and Quito, Ecuador, where travelers can experience well-preserved Indigenous culture and traditional artisan markets.

Navigating the 2022 Readers' Choice Winners

South America is a continent defined by its contrasts, from the dizzying peaks of the Andes to the humid rhythms of the Atlantic coast. This year’s best South American cities list reflects a renewed interest in places that offer more than just a passport stamp. Our readers are looking for deep cultural immersion, culinary excellence, and urban environments that feel safe yet authentic.

For culinary enthusiasts, Lima serves as a primary hub for gastronomic experiences, while Montevideo is noted for its regional specialties like asado. Travelers seeking vibrant nightlife and social culture often prefer Rio de Janeiro's coastal neighborhoods or Buenos Aires, which is renowned for its world-class tango shows and European-influenced urban infrastructure. Meanwhile, megacities like São Paulo and Bogotá are favored for their modern metropolitan infrastructure, making them suitable for digital nomads and business travelers.

1. Cuzco, Peru: The Incan Heartland

Claiming the top spot for another year, Cuzco remains the undisputed crown jewel of the continent. At an elevation of roughly 12,000 ft, the city requires a few days of acclimatization, but the reward is a living museum of Incan civilizations merged with Spanish colonial grandeur. The city is much more than a stopover; it is a destination where ancient stonework forms the foundation of modern cafes.

Planning a trip to Cuzco Peru for first timers often involves navigating the high-altitude environments carefully. We recommend spending your first afternoon sipping coca tea and wandering the San Blas district. The city is a masterpiece of the Andean landscape, where every cobblestone street seems to lead to a view of the surrounding mountains. For those interested in the best Latin American cities for historical landmarks and museums, the Pre-Columbian Art Museum and the Qorikancha are essential visits.

When it comes to local flavor, don't shy away from traditional delicacies. A local favorite that many adventurous eaters seek out is cuy al horno, or roasted guinea pig, often served with a side of Andean potatoes and spicy rocoto pepper sauce.

Cuzco Scorecard

• Rank: 1
• Score: 88.79
• Best For: Incan Heritage & High-Altitude Exploration
• Safety Level: High (Tourist Districts)

Don't Miss

• Stay: Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel
• Experience: Full-day Sacred Valley private tour ($185 USD)

2. Antigua Guatemala: Baroque Beauty

Ranking at #2 this year, Antigua Guatemala represents the enduring charm of popular Central American cities for travelers. It is a city where time seems to have slowed down following the 1773 earthquakes. This UNESCO-protected site is famous for its preserved Spanish Baroque architecture and the three massive volcanoes—Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango—that loom over its skyline.

The appeal of Antigua lies in its walkable urban cores. Every turn reveals pastel-colored ruins, hidden courtyards, and vibrant flowers spilling over colonial streetscapes. If your visit coincides with November 1st, make sure to head to the nearby towns for the All Saints’ Day Kite Festival, where giant, hand-painted kites are flown to communicate with the spirits of the deceased.

For shoppers, the artisan markets here are some of the best in the region. You will find intricate textiles, hand-carved masks, and jade jewelry that tell the story of the modern Mayan people. It is a hub for anyone seeking a blend of aesthetic beauty and indigenous roots.

Antigua Scorecard

• Rank: 2
• Score: 85.93
• Best For: Colonial History & Volcanic Views
• Safety Level: Medium-High

Don't Miss

• Stay: Casa Santo Domingo
• Experience: Pacaya Volcano sunset hike ($65 USD)

3. Cartagena, Colombia: Caribbean Colonial Charm

Cartagena is a tropical fever dream of bougainvillea-draped balconies and sea breezes. This coastal city has become one of the best urban destinations in Latin America for luxury travel and boutique hotels. While the walled Old Town is the primary draw, the Getsemaní district has emerged as the trendiest neighborhood, filled with street art and local music.

Cartagena is highly recommended as one of the safest urban destinations in Latin America for families, particularly within the historic center. The 32-room Movich Hotel offers one of the best rooftop views of both the old architecture and the modern skyline of Bocagrande. It is a place where you can spend the morning exploring 16th-century fortifications and the afternoon sipping a coco loco on a white-sand beach.

Cartagena Scorecard

• Rank: 3
• Score: 84.72
• Best For: Romantic Getaways & Photography
• Safety Level: Medium

Don't Miss

• Stay: Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias
• Experience: Sunset Catamaran Cruise ($55 USD)

4. São Paulo, Brazil: The Metropolitan Hub

Perhaps the most surprising movement on the 2022 list was São Paulo’s jump from #10 to #4. While it lacks the beach-side allure of its neighbor Rio, São Paulo wins on pure urban energy and world-class Metropolitan infrastructure. It is a sprawling forest of concrete and glass that hides some of the best art museums and jazz clubs in the world.

This is arguably one of the best South American cities for digital nomads working remotely. The internet speeds are high, coffee culture is serious, and the variety of co-working spaces is unmatched. The Avenida Paulista serves as the city’s heart, closing to traffic on Sundays to become a massive pedestrian park filled with musicians and food stalls.

São Paulo Scorecard

• Rank: 4
• Score: 84.15
• Best For: Art, Business, & Urban Vibrancy
• Safety Level: Medium (Exercise caution in downtown areas)

Don't Miss

• Stay: Hotel Fasano São Paulo
• Experience: Liberade District food walking tour ($45 USD)

5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Nightlife and Social Culture

Rio de Janeiro is a city of impossible geography, where granite mountains thrust up directly from the Atlantic. It is frequently cited as one of the top South American city destinations for nightlife and social culture. Whether you are drinking caipirinhas in a Lapa samba club or enjoying the upscale refined energy of the Leblon neighborhood, the city’s "carioca" spirit is infectious.

The landmarks here are global icons. The statue of Christ the Redeemer stands 98 feet tall atop Corcovado Mountain, offering a perspective on the city that explains why it is often called the Marvelous City. Rio excels as one of the most famous coastal capital cities, where the beach isn't just a place to swim, but a social theater where the entire city congregates.

Rio de Janeiro Scorecard

• Rank: 5
• Score: 83.89
• Best For: Iconic Landscapes & Nightlife
• Safety Level: Medium-Low (Stay in South Zone)

Don't Miss

• Stay: Belmond Copacabana Palace
• Experience: Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car ticket ($30 USD)

6. Lima, Peru: The Gastronomic Capital

Lima is no longer just a gateway to the Andes; it is the culinary destination of the South. For travelers seeking the best South American cities for foodies and culinary tours, Lima has no equal. Two of the top ten restaurants in the world are located here, but the real magic happens in the cevicherías and street-side stalls.

The Miraflores district remains the preferred choice for those looking for walkable urban cores and boutique hotel experiences. It offers a blend of safety and accessible local culture, with a cliffside boardwalk overlooking the Pacific. Between meals, visit the markets to find traditional handicrafts including alpaca wool sweaters and intricate silver jewelry.

Lima Scorecard

• Rank: 6
• Score: 82.55
• Best For: World-Class Gastronomy
• Safety Level: Medium-High (Miraflores/Barranco)

Don't Miss

• Stay: Hotel B (Barranco)
• Experience: Lima Gourmet Night Tour ($135 USD)

7. Medellín, Colombia: Innovation and Value

Medellín’s story is one of the most remarkable social transformations in urban history. Nestled in the Aburrá Valley, the "City of Eternal Spring" is lauded for its innovative public transport and community projects. It is frequently highlighted as one of the most affordable South American cities for long term stays, attracting a large community of expats and slow travelers.

To truly understand the city, take a tour of Comuna 13. Once one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the world, it is now an explosion of color and hope, reachable by public outdoor escalators. The street art there tells the story of resilience through murals and hip-hop performances.

Medellín Scorecard

• Rank: 7
• Score: 81.90
• Best For: Resilience & Value
• Safety Level: Medium

Don't Miss

• Stay: The Charlee Hotel
• Experience: Comuna 13 Graffitour ($19 USD)

8. Montevideo, Uruguay: Coastal Laid-back Living

Montevideo offers a much more relaxed pace compared to its larger neighbors across the Río de la Plata. It is often described as one of the underrated South American cities to visit for local experiences. The city is famous for its nearly 13-mile Rambla (waterfront promenade) where locals gather to drink mate and watch the sunset.

The local food culture revolves around the Mercado del Puerto, where the smoke from dozens of grills fills the air. Sampling a traditional asado beef steak in one of the local boliches is a rite of passage. As one of the continent's safest capital cities, it provides a sense of tranquility and European-influenced urban infrastructure that is rare in the region.

Montevideo Scorecard

• Rank: 8
• Score: 80.50
• Best For: Safety & Chill Coastal Vibes
• Safety Level: High

Don't Miss

• Stay: Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco
• Experience: Full-day Winery Tour to Canelones ($120 USD)

Plan Your Latin American Adventure

The best South American cities of 2022 represent more than just dots on a map; they are the starting points for much larger journeys. Use Quito as your base for the Galapagos Islands, or use Cuzco as the essential first step before embarking on a trek to Machu Picchu. Whether you are drawn by the metropolitan infrastructure of São Paulo or the artisan markets of Antigua, Latin America’s urban centers are ready to surprise you with their depth, safety, and soul.

FAQ

What are the top 5 cities to visit in South America?

According to the 2022 Readers' Choice rankings, the top 5 cities are Cuzco (Peru), Antigua Guatemala (Guatemala), Cartagena (Colombia), São Paulo (Brazil), and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). These cities were selected for their unique combinations of historic sites, social culture, and modern amenities.

Which South American city is the safest for tourists?

Montevideo, Uruguay, and the Miraflores district of Lima, Peru, are consistently cited as some of the safest urban destinations in Latin America for foreign travelers. Montevideo is particularly well-regarded for its stable social environment and low crime rates relative to other major capitals.

What is the most beautiful city in South America?

While beauty is subjective, Cuzco's combination of Andean mountain scenery and ancient stone architecture often earns it the top spot. Rio de Janeiro is also a strong contender due to its dramatic coastal landscape, where the rainforest meets the ocean and iconic peaks like Pão de Açúcar define the horizon.

What is the best South American city for food enthusiasts?

Lima, Peru, is widely considered the gastronomic capital of South America. It is famous for its diverse culinary landscape that includes high-end fusion restaurants, world-class cevicherías, and traditional street food markets.

What are the must-see cities in South America for first-time travelers?

For a first-time trip, Cuzco and Lima in Peru are essential for their history and food. Cartagena, Colombia, offers an accessible and beautiful introduction to South American colonial history, while Rio de Janeiro provides an unforgettable look at Brazil's vibrant social culture and natural icons.