The Best Beaches In South America

San Andres, Colombia

The number of things to do in San Andres is surprising! Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and even scuba diving. You name it. Also, don’t forget to save some time for shopping: San Andres offers duty-free shopping!!

The best time to visit San Andres is during its dry season (January-April). Getting there is not difficult, but it’s not straightforward either since it is an island. Many flights can take you there. However, bear in mind that many cruises stop in San Andres and allow passengers to enjoy the beaches and do some shopping.

Playa Medina, Venezuela

Because it is largely untouched by the outside world, here it’ll be easy to feel like a castaway. The good news? You won’t even mind.

This paradise is located in the North-Eastern region of Venezuela. You can get there by plane, and from Caracas, a 10-hour drive along the coast will get you to Playa Medina.

Playa Blanca, Colombia

No, this photo is not photoshopped! This is what the turquoise waters of Playa Blanca look like in real life. However, if you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful beach, this is not your better choice.

Playa Blanca is located on the island of Baru, a short trip away from Cartagena. There you can easily find sunbeds, beach bars (and even massages!) Tip: the south end of the beach is best to stay away from the hustle.

Laguna Torre, Argentina

Patagonia isn’t just icebergs and mountains. Laguna Torre, located in El Chaltén, is worth the visit just for the view alone.

There’s a five-mile hike to the beach, which opens to a breathtaking view of Cerro Torre, a beautiful ice-glazed mountain.

Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil

The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park consists of thousands of sublime blue lagoons formed by heavy Amazonian rain.

Visitors usually stay at Atins, a village located less than a mile from the park, as well as the Atlantic Ocean, which makes it an ideal holiday spot.

Anakena Beach, Chile

Anakena Beach, located on Easter Island, Chile, is the only beach open for swimming on the island, which makes it a very attractive place to visit.

The stunning white-sand beach is home to eight iconic _moai_, the famous human figures by the Rapa Nui people.

Cabo Polonio, Uruguay

Cabo Polonio is a hippie-hut beach town located on the Atlantic coast of Uruguay. It is an ideal destination for those who want to be one with nature.

The town has no electricity nor running water, but visitors enjoy the sand, the sun, and the amazing local food.

Baía do Sancho, Brazil

The crystalline water, the velvety sand, and the glittering waterfalls make Baía do Sancho a postcard-worthy sight.

Tourists might even spot leaping dolphins in its deep blue waters. However, it’s so secluded that visitors can only access it via a series of steep iron ladders.

Huanchaco, Peru

Huanchaco is the birthplace of wave-riding and one of the only five surfing reserves in the whole world. It is the perfect place to go surfing, especially on the_ caballitos de totora_.

The _caballitos_ are beautiful vessels woven from native totora reeds, used instead of surfing boards.

Galibi, Suriname

Galibi is a rustic Amerindian village in Suriname, where Olive Ridley and Leatherback sea turtles arrive each year to slowly dig and lay their eggs in the sand.

It is the perfect place to enjoy the tropical weather while spotting its wonderful fauna.

Isla del Sol, Bolivia

Bolivia‘s Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake, standing 12,500 above sea level. Isla del Sol is the largest of the 41 islands of the lake and is known as the birthplace of the Inca Sun God.

The island is also the best location for watching the sunset behind the snow-capped Andes.

Punta del Este, Uruguay

Although it is crowded in summer, Punta del Este is a must-see of Uruguay. Known as _The Pearl of the Atlantic_, it is one of the country's most popular spots.

The white-sand beach and the lively city life make it a perfect holiday destination. A famous sculpture of a hand rising from the sand is its highlight. However, the next one on our list is a tough contender.

Playa Roja, Peru

Playa Roja, which translates to _red beach_, is a breathtaking location framed by jagged yellow cliffs. It’s home to flamingos, sea lions, penguins, and prehistoric geoglyphs. What else could you ask for?

The crimson sand is made from pink granodiorite, a rock formed from solidified magma, which makes it unique.

Rosario Islands, Colombia

The Rosario Islands are ideal for kids of all ages to build sandcastles, kayak, and spot exotic fish, which makes them a great family destination.

Snorkeling is also very popular, as more than 1,300 different species of aquatic animals and plants can be observed.

Shell Beach, Guyana

Shell Beach is covered by 90 miles of palm-lined sand and is inhabited by many magnificent species, such as four different species of endangered sea turtles.

Not only that, but travelers can also spot jaguars, manatees, howler monkeys, scarlet ibis, and even dolphins.

Punta Tombo, Argentina

Sure, Punta Tombo doesn’t have palm trees and tiki drinks, but you know what it _does_ have? Over a million adorable Magellanic penguins.

Visitors can see and even get close to them, and, in November, they can see hundreds of fluffy penguin chicks join the waddle.

Tortuga Bay, Ecuador

Tortuga Bay, which is part of the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, is a magnificent location that lets visitors see black sea turtles, white-tipped sharks, and more in their natural habitat.

It is also a wonderful place to relax, kayak, and sunbathe.

Valparaíso, Chile

The seaside city of Valparaíso is a breathtaking area that inspired poets such as Pablo Neruda with its beautiful beaches and turquoise waters.

It is home to more than 30 different beaches, so you’ll never get bored, and it definitely has to be visited more than once.

Cacimba do Padre Beach, Brazil

We’re positive you’ll find in Cacimba do Padre a place to revisit time and time. Many adventures are awaiting! You name it: snorkeling, swimming, hikes, surfing, and more. However, this is also the ideal place for you, even if you want to simply rent an umbrella and rest.

Among the awesome features this beach has to offer, you can find Crystal-clear water, silky sand, seashells, and the renowned formation called Two Brothers rock.

Cabo San Juan, Colombia

Cabo San Juan is a paradisaical beach located in the heart of the Tayrona National Park in Colombia, which means that a long hike or horse ride awaits before you can enjoy this beach. But trust us, the effort is well worth it.

This park is a treasure for those who enjoy being surrounded by untouched nature and wildlife sightseeing. However, even if you’re not a big fan of animals, you’ll still adore this place.