One of the most read articles on World of Wanderlust has always been our roundup of the 25 places you must visit in South America, a list that’s stayed popular since we first published it back in 2016. It got us wondering: which countries in South America are actually pulling in the most visitors these days, and has that changed much over the years? As it turns out, quite a bit has shifted, most notably Colombia, which has climbed dramatically up the rankings in the past couple of years. Here’s the current picture, country by country.
Post updated July 2026.
The most visited countries in South America
1. Argentina
7.4 million visitors
Argentina holds onto the top spot, back to roughly the same visitor numbers it saw before the pandemic. Buenos Aires remains the obvious starting point, a city with enough energy and personality to easily fill a few days on its own, before heading out to the country’s natural showstoppers like Iguazú Falls and the glaciers and mountains of Patagonia.
One thing worth knowing before you book: Argentina went through serious economic turbulence between 2022 and 2024, with inflation peaking above 100%, which pushed prices for food, hotels and everyday basics up to levels comparable with cities like Paris. Inflation has since eased significantly, but the days of Argentina being a notably cheap destination are behind it, so budget accordingly rather than assuming the bargain reputation still holds.
2. Colombia
Approx. 6.5 million visitors (2025, a record year)
Colombia is the real story in this ranking. A decade ago it barely registered on most travellers’ radars, weighed down by its reputation from the Escobar era. That’s changed dramatically, and Colombia has posted record-breaking visitor numbers, climbing well past where it sat even a few years ago. Bogotá and Medellín have grown into genuinely major, modern cities, while the colonial old town of Cartagena remains one of the most photogenic corners of the continent. If you haven’t considered Colombia before, now is very much the moment.
3. Brazil
5.9 million visitors (2023, a record year for Brazil)
Brazil’s pull remains obvious: Rio de Janeiro’s beaches, nightlife and that iconic Christ the Redeemer view over the bay, alongside São Paulo’s scale and energy and Búzios’ quieter coastal charm. Brazil actually posted a record year for international arrivals in 2023, and momentum has continued as the country leans further into tourism as a growth industry.
4. Chile
5.2 million visitors (2024, up 40% year-on-year, also a record)
Chile posted one of the biggest tourism jumps anywhere in Latin America in 2024, and it’s easy to see why once you look at what’s on offer. This is arguably the most geographically diverse country on the continent, from the otherworldly Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonia and Torres del Paine in the south, with Easter Island sitting far out in the Pacific for those wanting something completely different. Santiago makes an easy base, with Valparaíso’s artsy hills and the Andes’ ski fields both within reach.
5. Paraguay
Approx. 4.5 million visitors (2023)
Paraguay’s number looks surprisingly high next to some of its more famous neighbours, and there’s a simple reason: a large share of these arrivals are day-trippers crossing the border from Argentina and Brazil for cheaper shopping, rather than travellers staying for a full holiday. That said, Paraguay genuinely rewards those who go further, with far fewer tourist crowds, epic day hikes, cultural markets and some of the best value food in the region for travellers wanting to get well off the beaten path.
6. Uruguay
3.8 million visitors (2023)
Uruguay remains the continent’s slower-paced, more understated option, and it consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in Latin America to visit. Punta del Este draws the jet-set beach crowd, while the countryside estancias offer horseback riding and a genuine step back in time. If you want South America without the intensity, this is it.
7. Peru
3.3 million visitors (2024, up 29% year-on-year, though still below its 2019 peak of 4.4 million)
Peru is recovering strongly but hasn’t yet climbed back to its pre-pandemic numbers, which makes right now an unusually good time to visit before crowds inevitably build back up further. Machu Picchu remains the headline draw and for good reason, but Iquitos and the Amazon River are well worth the detour for travellers wanting something wilder and considerably less photographed.
8. Ecuador
1.26 million visitors (2024, down slightly from 1.42 million in 2023)
Ecuador sits smaller on this list than its natural drawcards would suggest. Small country, huge highlights: the Galápagos Islands are the obvious headline for wildlife lovers and divers, but the Amazon rainforest, towering volcanoes and Andean nature reserves around Quito all deserve more attention than Ecuador tends to get compared with its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country in South America gets the most tourists? Argentina currently receives the most international visitors in South America, with around 7.4 million arrivals in 2024, though Colombia has posted the fastest growth of any country on the continent and is closing the gap quickly.
Why is tourism to Colombia growing so fast? Colombia’s improved security situation, growing global interest in cities like Medellín and Bogotá, and its coffee region, beaches and colonial architecture have all combined to shift its reputation dramatically over the past decade, moving it from an overlooked destination to one of the region’s fastest-growing.
Is Argentina still a cheap place to visit? Not as cheap as its reputation suggests. Argentina went through severe inflation between 2022 and 2024, pushing prices for food and accommodation up to levels similar to Western Europe. Inflation has eased since, but it’s no longer a budget destination the way it once was.
What’s the safest country to visit in South America? Uruguay consistently ranks as the safest country in South America and one of the most stable in all of Latin America, making it a good option for first-time visitors to the continent who want a gentler introduction.
Like this? Now read:
The 25 Places you Must Visit in South America
101 Cities to Visit Before you Die (PART ONE)
This one time I went to La Paz Bolivia
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Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.
