South America houses destinations that belong to travelers’ ultimate bucket list, such as Machu Picchu, Patagonia, and Salar de Uyuni. Rio de Janeiro’s iconic football culture and beaches, Cartagena’s bright-colored streets, and Peru’s long line of spectacular landscapes are also inviting travelers to keep coming. But beyond these famous highlights lies a collection of hidden gems in South America that offer the same awe-inspiring scene, yet with no tourist lines.
Our travelers and local hosts have compiled a list of colonial towns, remote beaches, and more that lead you to a more authentic side of South America. These underrated places are perfect for travelers who want to go off the beaten path and experience the continent from another perspective.
Here are 11 hidden places in South America (and nearby Latin America) every curious traveler should know.
TL;DR – Underrated Places in South America
- Villa de Leyva, Colombia: A colonial town nestled in the Andes
- Puerto Escondido, Mexico: A laidback surf town by the Pacific Ocean
- Rio Lagartos, Mexico: A wildlife sanctuary with bright pink salt flats
- Papallacta Hot Springs: Ecuador: hidden thermal pools in the Ecuadorian Andes
- Mompóx, Colombia: A colonial town by the Magdalena River
- El Bolsón, Argentina: A laidback, hippie-styled mountain town in the Patagonia
- Huacachina, Peru: A desert oasis where you can do sandboarding and other adrenaline-rushing adventures
- Barichara, Colombia: Often called Colombia’s most beautiful village
- Isla del Sol, Bolivia: A sacred island based on Incan mythology, located in the center of Lake Titicaca
- Itacaré, Brazil: An small coastal town with golden beaches and a friendly community
- Cabo Polonia, Uruguay: A remote village that can be only reached by a 4×4 vehicle
1. Villa de Leyva, Colombia
In contrast to Cartagena’s vibrant colors and Medellin’s party scene, Villa de Leyva describes the word “serene” perfectly. TripLeader Alessandro, a local Colombian host, recommended this colonial town for its vintage facade, relaxed atmosphere, and a choice of activities to do. You can spend the day exploring fossil exploring fossil museums, hiking to ancient sites like El Infiernito, and enjoying long café breaks with mountain views.
Why it’s special: One of the most atmospheric colonial towns and one of the true hidden gems in South America for slow travelers.
2. Puerto Escondido, Mexico
“If you are tired of the crowded Cancun or Tulum, Puerto Escondido is your go-to. This coastal town is quiet, laidback, and has enough golden-sand beaches to relax on and great waves to surf. We went there in November and loved how friendly and warm the town was,” said TripLeader Ellis, a traveler who has explored 30+ countries.
Puerto Escondido has become a favorite among surfers, solo travelers, and digital nomads looking for authentic beach life. Expect golden sunsets, powerful waves, beachside tacos, and a social yet unpolished vibe that feels refreshingly real.
Why it’s special: Adventure, affordability, and local culture without resort crowds.
3. Río Lagartos, Mexico
You might think of Salar de Uyuni when we say the words “pink lakes” and “salt flats”, but local TripLeader Ray told us about another place in Mexico. Rio Lagartos sits next to a protected biosphere reserve where wildlife steals the show. You can see a herd of flamingos chilling around the lake, their pink feathers match the lake’s pink hues. Also, boat tours take you through mangroves to spot birds and see crocodiles from a safe distance.
Why it’s special: One of the most visually striking hidden travel spots in Latin America.
4. Papallacta Hot Springs, Ecuador
Located just outside Quito, Papallacta offers natural hot springs surrounded by misty mountains and páramo landscapes. After hiking or city exploring, soaking in these thermal pools is pure bliss—especially with cool mountain air around you.
Why it’s special: A rare mix of wellness, nature, and altitude adventure.
5. Mompóx, Colombia
A living museum along the Magdalena River.
Mompóx is a UNESCO-listed town that feels beautifully untouched by time. With colonial architecture, quiet river life, and a rich literary history linked to Gabriel García Márquez, it’s one of Colombia’s most underrated destinations.
Why it’s special: Deep culture, history, and an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
6. El Bolsón, Argentina
A bohemian escape in the heart of Patagonia.
Surrounded by forests, rivers, and snow-capped peaks, El Bolsón offers a slower, more soulful alternative to Argentina’s busier mountain towns. It’s known for artisan markets, organic food, and easy access to scenic hikes and lakes.
Why it’s special: Patagonian nature with hippie soul and fewer tourists.
7. Huacachina, Peru
A desert oasis built for adventure.
Huacachina is one of the most unexpected hidden gems in South America. Encircled by massive dunes, this tiny oasis is famous for sandboarding, dune buggy rides, and unforgettable desert sunsets just hours from Lima.
Why it’s special: Adrenaline, scenery, and surreal landscapes in one place.
8. Barichara, Colombia
Often called Colombia’s most beautiful village.
Barichara charms travelers with its stone streets, artisan workshops, and scenic viewpoints. It’s also the starting point for the Camino Real, a historic walking trail leading to the village of Guane.
Why it’s special: Timeless beauty and one of the most peaceful places in Colombia.
9. Isla del Sol, Bolivia
A sacred island on Lake Titicaca.
Steeped in Inca mythology, Isla del Sol offers hiking trails, ancient ruins, and panoramic views over the world’s highest navigable lake. With no cars and minimal development, it’s ideal for travelers seeking calm and cultural depth.
Why it’s special:
Spiritual, scenic, and deeply connected to Andean heritage.
10. Itacaré, Brazil
Where rainforest adventures meet wild beaches.
Itacaré is one of Brazil’s most exciting yet underrated coastal towns. Surrounded by Atlantic rainforest, it’s perfect for surfing, waterfall hikes, cacao farm visits, and sunset beach bars—all without the mass tourism of Brazil’s bigger beach destinations.
Why it’s special: Jungle, surf, and social energy in one adventurous package.
11. Cabo Polonio, Uruguay
Accessible only by 4×4 vehicles across sand dunes, Cabo Polonio is raw, remote, and unforgettable. Expect dramatic coastlines, roaming sea lions, candle-lit nights, and total digital detox.
Why it’s special: One of the most off-the-beaten-path destinations in South America.
Why Explore Hidden Gems in South America?
Traveling to hidden gems in South America allows you to experience the continent beyond the typical tourist trail. These lesser-known destinations offer richer cultural exchanges, fewer crowds, and a stronger sense of discovery, often at a lower cost and with more meaningful memories.
For solo travelers and adventurous explorers, these off-the-beaten-path South America destinations are where the real magic happens.
Explore Hidden Gems in South America the Authentic Way
Ready to go beyond the obvious? Explore the hidden gems in South America with local guides and expert travelers who know the region inside out. Join curated small-group trips designed for curious travelers who want authentic experiences, real connections, and unforgettable adventures, without traveling alone.