Travelers name 10 best places to visit in South America

South America is a treasure trove of coffee plantations, tropical beaches, delicious food, and natural beauty.

No wonder travelers are constantly booking trips back to this continent to explore its many wonders, writes Technabob.com.

Patagonia

Patagonia is located between Chile and Argentina and is famous for its trails, nature reserves, forests, landscapes, local wildlife and glaciers. It also offers some of the best whale watching spots, is home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins and one of the world's last and still growing glaciers.

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands inspired Darwin's theory of evolution. It is one of the most volcanically active regions in the world and Ecuador's first national park, with 97% of the land area designated as a national park in 1959. These beautiful islands offer history, intrigue, wildlife and panoramic views, which is why travelers love them.

Cusco

In 1983, Cusco was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it was once the capital of the Inca Empire and has preserved its ancient stone architecture. If this ancient history appeals to you, you will be in your element when you visit Cusco.

Santiago

Immerse yourself in a world of culture when you set foot in Santiago. The capital of Chile contains excellent art galleries and museums, such as the Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of Fine Arts. If that's not the culture you're looking for, Santiago's cuisine will undoubtedly tickle your taste buds. Try empanadas and asados at one of the city's many bars and restaurants.

Lake Titicaca

This World Heritage Site is the largest freshwater lake in South America and one of the twenty ancient lakes in the world. Although you can swim in the lake, it is not recommended as it is very cold. The main attraction is the floating islands made of totor reeds that grow in the lake. The floating islands can be reached by boat.

Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Outside of Machi Picchu, the area has some of the most incredible Inca ruins and is well worth a visit. If you plan to stay in Ollantaytambo, there are many day trips to nearby places that history buffs will love.

Bogota

The country of Colombia is a favorite among travelers visiting South America. It is best known for the production of delicious Arabica coffee, the liveliest parties, and the passionate and friendly people who live here.

Salar de Uyuni

Salar de Uyuni was another suggestion that many travelers recommended to visit in South America. Being the widest salt marsh plain in the world at over 6574 miles, it is worth adding to the travel bucket list.

Kilotoa Loop

The Kilotoa Loop is Ecuador's most famous route for a reason. Hike through dusty trails, deep valleys, small settlements and green hills. The route starts or ends (depending on where you start) at the spectacular Lake Quilotoa, a crater lake that was formed after a huge eruption over 600 years ago.

Cuenca

One traveler said that Cuenca was her biggest surprise when visiting Ecuador, as it was a beautiful but underrated city. Cuenca has incredible scenery, unique and delicious cuisine, and vibrant festivals, which all contribute to a fantastic travel experience.

As reported by TravelWise, tourists planning to visit South America have been given recommendations on the best time to travel so they can plan their trip taking into account the climate, cultural events and periods of least crowded conditions.