5 hidden gems in South America that will make your trip unforgettable
5 highlights to make your adventure truly special
South America is huge and diverse. Sure, countries like Peru, Argentina and Colombia are epic destinations in their own right, but it’s often the smaller, lesser-known places that turn a trip into something truly memorable. Think a hidden oasis in the desert or an island group where time just slips away. In this blog, you’ll find five places you won’t see on every bucket list. The best part? Getting there is easy with airlines like AirEuropa, which fly direct to the region’s major capitals. From there, it’s just a few steps to your ultimate adventure.
1. Huacachina - an oasis full of adventure in Peru
Peru is famous for Machu Picchu, but on the coast you’ll find something totally different: Huacachina, a tiny village built around a lagoon, right in the middle of giant sand dunes. It almost feels like a mirage, but it’s absolutely real.
During the day, you can chase adrenaline by racing a buggy across the dunes or sandboarding down steep sandy slopes. If you’re after something more laid-back, just soak up the oasis vibes with a drink by the water. The best moment? Sunset from the dunes, when the sky shifts from bright orange to purple and red.
Huacachina is also close to other cool spots, like Paracas and the Ballestas Islands, where you can spot sea lions and pelicans.
How to plan it: Start your trip in Lima, Peru’s capital and one of South America’s main gateways. From there, it’s about five hours to Huacachina. The moment you drive into the desert, it feels like a completely different world.
Huacachina
2. Cabo San Juan - Tayrona National Park, Colombia
On the north coast of Colombia, you’ll find Tayrona National Park: a place where tropical jungle literally spills onto white sandy beaches and crystal-clear sea. One of the park’s most famous spots is Cabo San Juan, an idyllic bay where you can swim, snorkel, and even spend the night in a hammock overlooking the ocean.
Besides the beaches, the park has amazing hiking trails through the jungle. You’ll walk among howler monkeys, colourful birds and ancient trees. It feels like you’re on several adventures at once: nature, beach and culture all rolled into one.
Life in Tayrona is simple. There are no luxury hotels here - just eco-lodges and basic huts. That’s what makes the experience special: you wake up to the sounds of the jungle and fall asleep to the ocean’s waves.
How to plan it: Most travellers fly first to Bogotá. From there, take a domestic flight to Santa Marta, and within an hour you’ll be at the park entrance. Perfect to combine with other Colombian highlights like Medellín or Cartagena.
Piedra de Penol Colombia
3. Valle de la Luna - in the stunning Atacama desert, Chile
In northern Chile lies the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. Right in the middle of it is Valle de la Luna: a landscape that lives up to its name. Sand dunes, salt flats and jagged rock formations make you feel like you’ve landed on another planet.
The absolute highlight is sunset. As the sun drops, the colours of the rocks and dunes shift from gold to bright pink and deep purple. Many travellers opt for a guided tour, so you can reach the best spots and learn more about the region’s geology and history.
San Pedro de Atacama, the base for Valle de la Luna, is a lively village with small restaurants and hostels. From here, you can also head out to geysers, salt lakes and stargazing spots.
How to plan it: Fly to Santiago de Chile, then take a domestic flight to Calama. From there, it’s a short drive to San Pedro. It might sound like a detour, but you’ll get a taste of the spectacular scenery along the way.
Atacama Desert
4. The Galápagos Islands - wildlife you won’t see elsewhere
About 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador lie the Galápagos Islands, a place that feels almost like a living natural museum. Here, you’ll come face to face with giant tortoises, marine iguanas swimming in the sea, sea lions chilling next to you on the beach, and countless bird species you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
What makes the islands so special is that the animals are barely afraid of humans. You can walk right alongside a blue-footed booby or snorkel among curious sea lions. Many travellers go for a multi-day boat trip around different islands, but you can also island-hop and stay in small villages.
How to plan it: Fly first to Quito in Ecuador, which you can reach directly with AirEuropa. From Quito, we’ll take you to the Galápagos Islands with this round trip.
Iguana
5. The Iguaçu Falls - the border of Brazil & Argentina
Picture this: hundreds of waterfalls forming a wall of water, surrounded by jungle and tropical wildlife. That’s the Iguaçu Falls, on the border between Brazil and Argentina. It’s one of the largest waterfall systems in the world and absolutely a natural wonder you need to see for yourself.
From the Brazilian side, you get a panoramic view of the falls. From the Argentinian side, you walk along paths and bridges that take you right up close - sometimes so close you feel the spray on your face. The most impressive spot is the Devil’s Throat, where the water crashes down with deafening force.
Besides the falls, you can spot wildlife here too, from colourful toucans to coatis (a kind of raccoon) wandering around.
How to plan it: Most travellers fly to Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) or Puerto Iguazú (Argentina). Both cities are close to the falls and can be reached via connections from bigger hubs like São Paulo and Buenos Aires - cities you can fly to directly from Europe with AirEuropa.
Iguaçu Falls
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