This time of year, you can divide most travelers into three categories – the sun seekers jetting off to the shores of Cancun or Punta Cana, the city trippers crossing the Atlantic in search of the prettiest European cities, and the backpackers eager to explore the diverse landscapes of Asia.
However, there’s one gorgeous region that right now remains criminally underrated – South America.
Thankfully, that’s all about to change.
Don’t get me wrong – the continent has always been part of many of our bucket lists, but the surge in popularity many of its stunning countries are experiencing right now is still nothing short of remarkable.
Three, in particular, are leading the way as South America’s fastest-growing destinations.
3. Brazil
According to the ForwardKeys report linked above, tickets for international arrivals in Brazil have seen an impressive 23% increase in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year.
Considering that the number of foreign visitors in Brazil consistently tops 6 million, a growth of this degree is something truly noteworthy.
When you really think about it, though, Brazil’s re-emergence as one of the world’s trendiest hotspots was just a matter of time.
After all, where else can you experience the views of the Amazon Rainforest, the wonder of the Iguazu Falls, and the iconic views of Christ the Redeemer all in the same place?
Brazil is so vast and diverse that every traveler is sure to find something they’re passionate about here.
Thrill seekers probably got excited just hearing the name “Amazon,” foodies are already researching the best places to get Feijoada, Brigadeiro, or Coxinha, while those particularly fond of that city atmosphere will love the colorful, fast-paced vibe of Rio de Janeiro and São Paolo.
2. Colombia
Colombia is expecting to see almost 30% more visitors during the first three months of 2024 than it did just a year ago, and considering that the country broke its all-time tourism record not too long ago, that’s saying a lot.
It seems like travelers are finally able to see beyond Colombia’s tumultuous past and appreciate the remarkable transformation that the country has gone through this last decade.
Digital nomads, in particular, have officially fallen in love with the South American nation, and for good reason.
In Colombia, you can live up to six months without a visa, and if you do feel enticed to extend your stay (which, let’s face it, is a pretty real possibility), theirs is one of the best digital nomad visas to get, and I haven’t even gotten into the low cost of living that makes gorgeous cities like Medellin so alluring.
Even if (temporarily) moving to Colombia isn’t on the cards for you, you can always enjoy the country’s many cultural, natural, and historical attractions as a short-term traveler; after all, you won’t even need a visa, remember?
So, take this as a sign to book that plane ticket and finally explore the colonial architecture of Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, the pristine beaches of Tayrona National Park, as well as the jaw-dropping landscapes of the famous Coffee Triangle.
1. Argentina
While the tourism bump experienced by both Brazil and Colombia this 2024 is nothing to scoff at, their numbers don’t even come close to what you’re about to see now.
Argentina, most commonly known as the land of tango and passionate football rivalries, is currently witnessing a whopping 57% increase in foreign visitor arrivals compared to the same time last year, leading us to believe that a brand-new tourism record isn’t too far behind.
Now, whether this huge surge in popularity is thanks to the country’s exceptionally low prices, safe atmosphere, or sheer number of attractions and awe-inspiring sights – that’s up for debate.
What we do know is that for those looking to cross the iconic South American country off of their bucket list, now might be the best time to pull the trigger.
Now that the Argentine Peso, the local currency, is reaching historical lows, your dollar is going to stretch that much further as you take in the rich artistic atmosphere of Buenos Aires, the humbling views of the Andes Mountains, or the breathtaking glaciers of Patagonia.
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