Top 10 Scenic Cities to Visit in Latin America

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Nestled between lush mountains and some of the most incredible beaches you’ll ever visit, Rio de Janeiro is a breathtaking city. Iconic landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain and the Sugarloaf Mountain provide panoramic views of the city and its surrounding landscape that will make the trip worth every step it took to get there.

Cusco, Peru

This city was once the capital of the Inca Empire, so there’s a lot of history there. It is surrounded by mountains, and walking the cobblestone streets will make you feel like you’re in a different time. The most interesting thing about Cusco is that it’s home to archeological sites like Machu Picchu, which is incredible to explore and also offers some of the best views of the Andes.

Cartagena, Colombia

Colombia is known for its coffee and also for its beautiful cities. Cartagena, in particular, looks like it’s straight out of a postcard. It’s one of the most scenic cities in Colombia, and tourists particularly enjoy wandering through the winding streets of old town and watching the sunset from the ancient Walls of Cartagena, which overlooks the Caribbean Sea.

Valparaíso, Chile

This beautiful Chilean city is known for its bohemian vibe and vibrant street art, so it offers its own unique experience you won’t find anywhere else. Valparaíso is perched on hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean, so the streets are steep, which means there’s plenty of opportunity for adventure on one of the many funiculars and thousands of steps. One of the great things about the city is that the houses are very colorful, and it’s well known for its street murals and graffiti, so you can take some of the coolest travel photos when exploring around.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Known as the "Paris of South America," Buenos Aires is one of the most charming cities to visit in Latin America. It’s very artsy and elegant but also warm and welcoming. From the grand avenues of Recoleta to the colorful streets of La Boca, the city's neighborhoods offer something unique for every traveler. If you’re a carnivore, you’ll find the best cuts of beef for “asado,” a beef cut made popular by Argentenia guachos.

Quito, Ecuador

Found high in the Andes mountains, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its historic center is a maze of colonial architecture, while the surrounding mountains provide breathtaking views of the city below. Whether you want to spend time in nature or are more interested in the urban areas, you will find something to love in Quito.

Havana, Cuba

While the circumstances of why going to Havana feels like traveling back in time are not worth celebrating, it’s undeniable that the city is a delightful destination. Vintage cars and colorful buildings bring Havana’s streets to life and the colonial architecture from Old Havana to the seaside Malecón makes this place a real feast for the eyes. Because of the always-evolving geopolitics, it’s best to check with the rules of your country to know if you can legally travel there or not.

Guanajuato, Mexico

Nestled in the mountains of central Mexico, Guanajuato is a city straight out of a fairy tale. Not only does it have beautiful colonial architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and beautiful plazas, but it also hides surprises under the surface. Visitors can explore the underground tunnels that wind beneath the city. If you’re claustrophobic, you can take in panoramic views from the iconic El Pipila statue instead.

Mérida, Venezuela

Located in the Andes Mountains, Mérida is known for its landscapes, including lush cloud forests, towering peaks, and picturesque valleys. Hiking in the Sierra Nevada National Park, exploring the Mérida Cable Car (the highest and longest cable car system in the world), and visiting nearby attractions like the Andean páramo ecosystems and the famous Los Llanos plains will make unforgettable experiences.

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

This historic city on the shores of the Río de la Plata is an incredible place to visit. Colonia del Sacramento's Barrio Histórico (Historic Quarter) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering visitors a glimpse into Uruguay's colonial past. The city also boasts beautiful waterfront views, charming cafes, art galleries, and museums.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to scenic cities in Latin America. Each offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and urban charm that makes them must-visit destinations for any traveler exploring Latin America, but there are also so many more worthwhile cities to see beyond this list, so get that wanderlust energy going - you'll need it.