Visiting The largest and most iconic cities in South America

South America is home to some of the largest countries in the world, and, therefore, also to some of the most populous, influential, and iconic cities in the globe. No matter which country you live in, you will surely have heard of the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Sao Paulo, to name a few, as they are large cities that receive a lot of tourism.

In addition, many of these cities also receive students from other parts of the world because they have excellent schools and universities. In fact, international students who want to learn Spanish often choose cities like Buenos Aires to carry out their studies. Learning Spanish in Buenos Aires is a great option nowadays, thanks to the high academic level and the particular lifestyle of the Argentines.

In this article, we will mention some of the most important and significant cities in South America, and we will tell you a little about them. Let’s get started!

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo is located in the southeast of Brazil (the largest country in South America, with more than 8.5 million square kilometers). It is home to more than 22 million people, making it the largest and most populous city in Brazil and the southern hemisphere.  Believe it or not, this is not the capital of Brazil. Still, it is one of the country’s most important cities as it is the financial center (one of the largest and most important in Latin America) and where the most important banks are located.

Like most metropolises worldwide, Sao Paulo has a crucial cultural life and a lot of nightlife. The climate is delightful and ideal for enjoying one of its many beaches. However, the urban rhythm is maddening, as well as the traffic, and it could be said that it lacks many green areas, as there is not much vegetation.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Located in the second largest country in South America is Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. It is the second largest and most populated city in Latin America, home to more than 15 million inhabitants. Known around the world for its beauty, tango, art and culture, the passion of its inhabitants, soccer, and much more.

Buenos Aires also lives at a chaotic pace like all big cities, but it has hundreds of parks and green spaces where you can take a break from the chaos. The city receives millions of tourists annually, and many international students travel to learn Spanish Buenos Aires.

The nightlife in the capital of Argentina is unparalleled; you could say that the city never sleeps; there is always something to do, such as going dancing, dining in restaurants, having a few drinks in a bar, etc. It also has hundreds of tourist sites and places of interest to visit, cinemas, theaters, museums, exhibitions, fairs, and much more. The range of activities is endless.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is the second most populous city in Brazil, home to more than 13 million inhabitants. It is, therefore, the third largest city in Latin America. Formerly, Rio de Janeiro was the capital of Brazil, from 1822 to 1960; then, it was decided that the country’s capital would be Brasilia.

It is a vibrant city where fun and celebration reign; Rio is famous worldwide for its carnival season, which attracts millions of tourists every summer. Seeing the parades live with their costumes, floats, dances, and music is a unique and unforgettable experience.

Rio also has several paradisiacal beaches, which is why many tourists decide to visit the city during their vacations. The most famous are Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. Its landscape is mountainous and very green. Río really has it all!

Bogotá, Columbia

Bogota is Colombia’s capital and has more than 10 million inhabitants, as it has grown a lot in recent years. A curious fact is that it is the third highest city in the world, with an average altitude of 2625 meters above sea level.  Due to its high altitude, the city has a mountain climate; however, as it is located very close to the equator, its temperature is relatively constant throughout the year (about 13 degrees on average).

Bogota has a wide cultural offer, which has been growing increasingly throughout the last decades. It has several museums, theaters, libraries, and galleries.

Lima, Peru

The capital of Peru has a little bit more than 10 million inhabitants, located on the shores of the Pacific; the city receives a lot of tourism throughout the year. Miraflores is the main tourist, hotel, and gastronomic center, with stunning beaches and beautiful gardens.

The city’s historical center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Lima also has many other tourist sites, such as El Barranco, a beautiful bohemian neighborhood, or the business center of San Isidro.

Santiago de Chile

Santiago de Chile has a little more than 6 million inhabitants. The capital of Chile is very modern but, at the same time, very traditional. It is considered one of the cities in Latin America that offers the best quality of life and security. The city of Santiago is less than 100 kilometers from the Pacific coast, so that you can visit beautiful beaches such as Valparaiso, San Antonio, Viña del Mar, Isla Negra, Roca de Santo Domingo, and several others. However, one of the city’s most striking features is its mountainous landscape, formed by the imposing Andes Mountains, which makes it a city like no other.

During the winters, Santiago becomes one of the most sought-after ski resorts for tourists worldwide. The city’s nightlife is also vibrant, with activities to do until the sun comes up.