South American is the perfect destination for tourists with a flair for culture and relaxation mixed with nature. With a perfect mix of quiet sandy coves to crowded metropolitan shorelines to exotic beaches with free-roaming iguanas, who wouldn’t just love! Below, we have a list of the most exciting beaches in South America. Just take a chill pill and take a tour with me.
The Best Beaches In South America
#1. Praia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha Island, Brazil
Fernando de Noronha Island, located about an hour off the coast of Brazil, offers a beach experience unlike any other in the country. Fernando de Noronha is built up of buried volcanic mountains with peaks that emerge from the water to form 21 islands and islets.
This is a tropical environment with abundant marine life, including sea turtles, humpback whales, spotted dolphins, and albatrosses, and is an excellent choice for individuals who prefer their beaches to be completely private. The secluded cove of Praia do Sancho is one of the most magnificent beaches on the archipelago.
A walk on a wooden boardwalk leads to a steep cliffside drop down some rickety ladders and via some tight rock tunnels.
The effort is worthwhile since at the bottom is a palm-fringed beach with golden sands and the darkest blue waters.
#2. Tortuga Bay, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
This is a lovely place for true nature lovers, with cotton-white sands, deep blue oceans, and pristine shorelines. Tortuga Bay is a protected area, which means the turtles, iguanas, and birds own the beach and you are simply a guest – you are welcome to walk the immaculate sands, but no swimming or water sports are permitted to ensure the creatures are not disturbed.
There is a separate cove where water use is permitted for people who want to dip their toes in the ocean, try surfing, or use a kayak – albeit you will be sharing the waters with white-tip reef sharks.
The bay is only accessible through a 20-minute water taxi journey or a 2.5-kilometer walk from adjacent Puerto Ayora town – both of which are well worth the effort for the sweeping wild beauty you’ll find when you arrive.
#3. Taipus de Fora, Maraú Peninsula, Brazil
Taipus de Fora is no longer a hidden gem, since the rush of tourists has resulted in significant development of the area. Today, guests will discover hotels, stores, and restaurants all around, but the natural beauty of the shoreline remains the main draw.
Taipus de Fora is a seven-kilometer-long beach with soft, white beaches wedged between rows of towering coconut trees and azure waters that seem to continue on forever. At low tide, the shoreline shows a multitude of natural pools intertwining with the coral reefs; at high tide, divers and snorkelers will find abundance of marine animals.
#4. Tayrona National Park, Colombia
The beaches of Colombia’s Tayrona National Park (and the adjacent beaches) are unspoiled, rustic, and breathtakingly gorgeous. Tayrona National Park, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast near Santa Marta, is one of the most diverse and beautiful places in the country.
Tayrona is Colombia’s second most visited park and was designated a protected area in the 1960s. The park’s entire shoreline is spectacular. Tayrona’s beaches feel like a step back in time, surrounded by natural vegetation and swaying palm trees. Cabo San Juan is one of the park’s most popular beaches, famed for its two beaches that appear to be mirror reflections of one another.
Beautiful treks, frequently from beach to beach, abound in the park. The 8.1-mile out-and-back track in Santa Marta is one of the best. The climb takes about three hours to complete and is ideal for exploring the beaches of Cabo San Juan and Arrecifes.
#5. Playa Almejal, Colombia
The black sands of Playa Almejal are flanked by lush vegetation on a magnificent two-kilometer-long beach in an almost forgotten area of Colombia. The beach is a 20-minute walk from El Valle, an Afro-Colombian community with eco-lodges, hotels, and excellent restaurants.
Playa Almejal is home to a turtle conservation initiative, as well as a tranquil spot where visitors can swim or try their hand at surfing. The dark, gritty sands aren’t ideal for sunbathing, but they’re ideal for strolling through driftwood and listening to the lull of the waves against your feet.
#6. Punta del Este, Uruguay
When summer arrives, one of Uruguay’s most popular beach resorts transforms into a celebrity playground. This cosmopolitan city has two main beaches: Playa Mansa (Tame Beach) and Playa Brava (Fierce Beach), both of which have seas that live up to their names. Even the sand varies from beach to beach, with Playa Brava having rougher golden sands and Playa Mansa offering softer whiter sand. A massive sculpture of a half-buried hand with fingers peeping out of the sand separates the two beaches.
Punta del Este is a popular location for water sports and sunbathing, but it also has plenty of diversions off the sand, such as a long avenue lined with elegant boutiques, cafés and bakeries, plus museums, art galleries, and exciting restaurants.
#7. Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Puerto Madryn, located in northern Patagonia, is not your average tropical beach getaway – and that may be the greatest reason to visit. If you visit between June and December, you will observe many southern right whales and their calves playing near the pebble beach and cliffy shoreline.
Because summer in the Southern Hemisphere runs from December to February, late November and December may be the greatest times to visit for both beach weather and a chance to observe whales up close. This is also an excellent time to snorkel or scuba dive with the seals, learn to kitesurf or windsurf, or visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Peninsula Valdés to observe elephant seals or climb the old lighthouse.
Puerto Madryn is also one of the few spots in the world where penguins may be seen wandering on the beach. Magellanic penguins arrive on these coastlines to give birth between September and April.
#8. Cabo Polonio, Uruguay
Nothing surpasses Cabo Polonio for a real off-the-grid beach experience. Cabo Polonio is the ultimate Uruguayan beach resort, despite its difficult access (you’ll need a 4WD vehicle or a seven-kilometer walk over the sand dunes), lack of electricity, and shacks dotting the sand dunes.
A few posadas (inns) and humble shack eateries will provide pleasant necessities where you may dine by candlelight and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.
You can swim in the ocean or visit the neighboring sea lion colony for enjoyment. Alternatively, simply lie down in the sun for delightful tranquility. The main attraction here, though, may be the movable sand dunes, which are always changing due to strong coastal winds.
#9. El Cabo San Juan Beach, Colombia
This beach is located in Colombia’s Tayrona National Park and is breathtaking. El Cabo San Juan has one of the best beaches in South America, but getting there is difficult. This beach is accessible by an hour-long stroll through the reserve.
However, once you arrive in El Cabo San Juan, you will be rewarded! This beach is a wonderful spot to unwind and unwind. Hammocks can be rented here for an unforgettable night camping out for those who wish to really appreciate this beach. It’s simple to see why it’s ranked first on our list of the best beaches in South America!
#10. Mar del Plata, Argentina
Mar del Plata is Argentina’s most famous beach, and it is unquestionably one of the best beaches in South America! With its city location, Mar del Plata is a popular summer destination for both visitors and locals.
There is always something interesting and exciting going on in Mar del Plata. Mar del Plata is a beach that will undoubtedly leave you feeling delighted, whether you want to enjoy the fantastic swimming, the warm beaches, or the vibrant beachfront.
#11. Playa Chorillos, Peru
Playa Chorrillos is a picturesque beach located just north of Lima. Playa Chorrillos is a terrific site to experience Chile’s warm weather and gorgeous vistas, thanks to its jagged coastline and thrilling cliff jumps.
The quiet position is one of the key reasons why travelers enjoy visiting this beach. Playa Chorrillos will need some climbing over some stunning cliffs before reaching your ideal sandy location. However, the walk down this beautiful coastline will be well worth your time!
#12. Playa Blanca, Isla de Baru near Colombia
Playa Blanca, located on the little island of Isla de Baru, has to be one of the most stunning beaches in South America. The beach is easily accessible from the mainland by ferry.
Expect lengthy stretches of gleaming white beach, warm clear waters, and languid lounge chairs for true relaxation. To fully immerse yourself in the tropical atmosphere of Playa Blanca, order a Cocada Venezolana (a delightful frozen coconut smoothie) from one of the beach sellers.
#13. Playas de Providencia, Colombia
Providencia is one of the most beautiful islands in the San Andres Archipelago. This island is a favorite pick for one of South America’s best beach holidays.
Think magnificent white sands, tranquil swimming waters, and palm trees, fishing boats, and hidden coves. Playas de Providencia is ideal for anyone looking for a tropical beach break!
#14. Praia do Espelho, Brazil
If you’re seeking for an isolated beach in Brazil, Praia do Espelho is a great choice!
Praia do Espelho is one of South America’s top beaches due to its perfect placement among rugged cliffs and wildlife. Spend an unforgettable day swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the peace and quiet. To make your visit even more enjoyable, you can hire a deck chair or a tent. This is without a doubt one of the top beach spots in South America!
#15. Punta Hermosa, Peru
Punta Hermosa is one of the nicest beaches in Peru, located just outside of Lima. If you’re searching for a fun beach with lots of activities, this is the place to go!
Punta Hermosa is suitable for experienced surfers and those wishing to escape the sweltering Lima heat. It’s generally regarded to be the go-to beach for locals and their weekend excursions because it’s only an hour outside of Lima.
With everything that Punta Hermosa has to offer, it is without a doubt one of the top beaches in Latin America.
Does South America Have Good Beaches?
South America has sandy areas that stretch from Peru to Venezuela, and from Colombia to Chile. A larger percentage of the countries in the continent has really stunning beaches.
What Is The Most Visited Beach In South America?
Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro is the most famous and most visited beach in South America.
What South American Country Has The Best Beaches?
The Countries with the best beaches in South America include Chile, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, etc.
Which Country In South America Is Worth Visiting?
Peru is possibly one of the best South American countries to visit for stunning Inca ruins. Some of the attractions in Peru include boat cruises on Lake Titicaca, jungle experiences in the Amazon basin, hiking Machu Picchu, and learning about Peru’s Inca civilization.
In Conclusion,
South America has everything for beach enthusiasts, from long expanses of white sand, warm clear waters, exciting parties, to laid-back surf villages. These and more combine to give you the most thrilling experience you can ever wish for.
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