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- Bonnie Hamre
- Buenos Aires, Argentina. Big, sprawling Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is cosmopolitan and yet retains a neighborhood feel in the barrios. Sightseeing, nightlife, including the sensual tango, is a must in this sophisticated city.
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Truly a cidade maravilhosa, Rio is spectacularly located, and to live up to the scenery, cariocas and visitors enjoy a vivid lifestyle nestled between fabulous beaches and rainforested hills.
- Santiago, Chile. Chile's capital city is cosmopolitan, the financial, cultural, and political center of the country. It's graced with tree-lined streets, parks, distinctive neighborhoods, ample assortment of restaurants and hotels.
- Sao Paulo, Brazil. The city is South America's largest, Brazil's center of trade and industry. Paulistanos work hard and play hard. Here are some of the things you'll enjoy when you visit São Paulo.
86,934. Tumaco. Colombia. 86,713. Barra do Corda. Brazil. 86,662. showing: 500 rows. Although among the nations of South America, Buenos Aires in Argentina tops the list of most populous cities with its thirteen million residents, it is Brazil that features most heavily, with a total of nine cities in the top twenty.
- São Paulo, Brazil – 22.6 million. São Paulo, often called Sampa, is the largest city in South America, with a population of approximately 22.6 million.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina – 15.5 million. Officially the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, this city is the most populated in Argentina. Buenos Aires is one of the most diverse cities in South America and has a rich mix of different religions and cultures.
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 13.7 million. Europeans discovered Guanabara Bay in January 1502. The bay inspired the name Rio de Janeiro, meaning ‘River of January’, as the explorers mistakenly believed they had found the mouth of a river.
- Bogotá, Colombia – 11.5 million. Colombia’s capital city, Bogotá is the largest city in the country and the fourth largest in South America. Indigenous people originally populated the region, before the Spanish invaded it.
People also ask
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- La Paz, Bolivia
- Baños, Ecuador
- Medellin, Colombia
- Colonia Del Sacramento, Uruguay
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Quito, Ecuador
- Cusco, Peru
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Cartagena, Colombia
- Valparaiso, Chile
If you haven’t heard much about Bolivia travel or about La Paz in general, you’re not alone. La Paz, Bolivia, is still a mostly off-the-beaten-path travel destination, but not for lack of things to do, incredible landscapes, and super cheap travel. Highlights of La Paz include the fascinating Witches Market, where you’ll learn so much about indigen...
If the sprawling metropolis of La Paz isn’t the travel experience you’re looking for, one of the nicest small cities in South America is Baños, Ecuador. This small town wedged between the Andes Mountain and the Amazon Rainforest in the center of Ecuador is the country’s adventure sports capital. However,it has plenty to do if you’re looking for res...
World, take note: Medellin’s transformation from a dangerous metropolis to a thriving, bustling city, digital nomad destination, and South American travel hub is complete. The change you’ll see in Medellin is remarkable, and this favorite Colombian cityis well worth a visit. Don’t get sucked into the tourist trap-style things to do in Medellin that...
With just around 26,000 inhabitants, the tiny city of Colonia del Sacramento is a far cry from some of the massive and sprawling cities in South America you’ll find on the rest of this list. However, this charming city on the Rio de la Plata is a UNESCO World Heritage Siteand a colonial gem, making it a highlight of a trip to Uruguay. Just wanderin...
Buenos Aires is unlike any other of the countless capital cities in South America. A unique mix of European architecture and culture with New York City hustle and bustle, Buenos Aires has a fascinating mix of influences that you won’t find anywhere else in Latin America. There are so many things to do in Buenos Aires that you’ll never get bored: fr...
After traveling all around South America, I’ve come to the conclusion that Quito, Ecuador is one of the very BEST cities in South America to visit. I might be biased – I did spend two years living here, after all – but this stunning city in Ecuadorhas so much to offer travelers, whether you’re planning on spending just a few hours or a few weeks he...
At the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, Cusco is one of South America’s most enchanting and beloved cities. With its fascinating mix of Incan and colonial historic architecture, easy access to nearby Incan ruins and natural wonders, and proximity to Machu Picchu, this city has plenty to offer. The historic center of Cusco is a gem, filled with histor...
Rio de Janeiro has everything you might want from a city in South America. With a variety of spectacular beaches, incredible coastal and mountain views, plenty of cultural events and activities,and cool day trips from Rio de Janeiro,you’ll have a hard time narrowing down your itinerary in Rio de Janeiro. Of course, a must-visit destination in Rio d...
Located on Colombia’s dreamy Caribbean coast, Cartagena is one of the most popular cities to visit in Colombia, and it’s easy to see why. With a perfect combination of old architecture with a fascinating history (and UNESCO World Heritage status!) and modern luxury, there is something for every kind of traveler in Cartagena. There are plenty of thi...
Get your hiking shoes on because the hilly coastal city of Valparaiso, Chile will have you climbing some huge hills to explore the town. Don’t let this deter you – it also means you’re in for some killer views of the ocean and the colorful, historic houses that cling perilously to the hillsides. This unique, quirky city is a joy to experience and a...
- Cartagena, Colombia. Why Cartagena. Cartagena, a jewel nestled on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a city steeped in history and adorned with vibrant colors.
- Montevideo, Uruguay. Why Montevideo. Montevideo, the enchanting capital of Uruguay, embodies a balanced fusion of tradition and innovation. This city, known for its architectural gems, cultural richness, stunning beachfront, and warm-hearted locals, presents an unmatched appeal.
- Salvador, Brazil. Why Salvador. Salvador is the soul of Brazil, radiating a rich and unique blend of African and Brazilian cultures. This vibrant city is popular for its pulsating music scene, historic colonial architecture, and mouth-watering cuisine.
- Medellín, Colombia. Why Medellín. Medellín, once feared for its association with drug violence, has remarkably transformed into an innovative metropolis.
Brazil. Timon. Bucaramanga. 1,005,000. 610,000. 70 Km². Colombia. Floridablanca. * data on urban agglomerations updated to 2023 (estimates), those on population according to official data or more recent estimates of the national statistical services, when different from urban agglomerations.
Nov 3, 2023 · São Paulo, Brazil – population: 21.486 million. São Paulo stands as the epitome of Brazil’s rapid urbanisation. Originally founded in 1554 by Jesuit missionaries, the city has grown exponentially, metamorphosing into South America’s largest metropolis. Today, São Paulo is not only Brazil ‘s economic heartbeat but also a melting pot ...
