10 of the Best Beaches in South America

Despite being twice the size of Europe, South America is sometimes overlooked as a vacation destination.

It shouldn’t be.

With a coastline that stretches for more than 15,000 miles, the continent boasts a seemingly endless array of beaches. From isolated coves perfect for relaxing to luxurious shorelines popular with the rich and famous, there’s something on the continent for every type of traveler.

So when the weather in the United States turns cold, escape to the Southern Hemisphere for a warm-weather vacation. As you plan your trip, make sure your itinerary includes plenty of beach time at South America’s top-rated shorelines.

Brava Beach, Uruguay

Located about a 40-minute drive from José Ignacio, Brava Beach is one of two marquee shorelines in the cosmopolitan city of Punta del Este. Relax on Brava’s golden sand, and be sure to check out the enormous sculpture of a half-buried hand that divides Brava from the neighboring Playa Mansa.

When you get tired of spotting the celebrities that spend their summers here, wander over to the art galleries and boutiques located just off the beach. Finish the day by enjoying some fresh seafood at the open-air restaurant La Huella.

Playa Blanca, Colombia

Tourists can certainly get their beach fix on the bustling shores of Cartagena, but those who are in the know will make their way to Playa Blanca. Located on Isla Baru, Playa Blanca enchants travelers with fine white sand and clear, shimmering water.

To reach Playa Blanca, hire a speedboat operator in Cartagena. Once you arrive, revel in the tranqulity of this serene island coastline.

Cabo Polonio, Uruguay

Even harder to reach than Playa Blanca is this off-the-grid hippie enclave. If you’re looking for luxury, you won’t find it here: Cabo Polonio doesn’t have electricity or running water. There aren’t even roads.

What you will find is a blissful town ideal for fully escaping the modern world. Spend your days lying out in the sun while watching the sand dunes change with the wind. In the evening, dine by candlelight at the modest restaurants and inns.

Cariló, Argentina

The brilliantly green forests and grasses that line the sand at this pristine coastline contrast with the richly blue Pacific waters. Adding to the striking sight are the boulders that dot the shoreline.

An exclusive getaway for Argentina’s elite, Cariló exudes luxury. From the lavish spas to the palatial homes, travelers won’t be able to miss the fact they’re in an area that Thrillist calls the “the Hamptons of Argentina.”

Ovahe Beach, Chile

Tucked away on remote Easter Island is a cove so isolated that many travelers miss it. If you’re lucky enough to experience it, you won’t forget it.

Rust-colored cliffs tower over a pink-hued beach onto which turquoise waters lap. Located about a mile from the historically rich Anakena Beach, Ovahe boasts history of its own in the form of tunnels used by the island’s ancient inhabitants.

Praia do Sancho, Brazil

This gorgeous beach is the place to go to observe marine life in its natural habitat. Humpback whales, sea turtles, albatrosses—you’ll find them all here, even spotted dolphins, which are known to leap from the stunningly blue water.

Along with ample marine life, the shoreline, which is located on one of the 21 islands that constitute Fernando de Noronha, offers a level of seclusion that has helped to garner it recognition as one of the planet’s best beach destinations. 

Punta Sal Beach, Peru

Long a favorite among Peruvians, Punta Sal has seen hotels, restaurants, and other development spring up in recent years. Even still, the small village remains largely unknown to those outside the country and is a perfect destination for those looking for a slice of local culture.

Dig your toes into the soft white sand while relaxing under a straw umbrella or in a sun lounger. Thanks to El Niño, the water and air temperatures are steady year-round, meaning there’s never a bad time to visit.

Playa Roja, Peru

Travelers interested in exploring nature should venture to this undeveloped desert beach. Located in the center of Paracas National Reserve, Playa Roja is a protected shoreline where travelers may very well find more animals than people.

South American fur seal, pelicans, and marine otters all make their home on the rust-colored sand, on the yellow cliffs, and in the blue waters. To ensure they’re undisturbed, no swimming is allowed.

Tortuga Bay, Ecuador

After experiencing Playa Roja, nature lovers can double down by visiting Tortuga Bay in the Galapagos Islands. Like its Peruvian neighbor, Tortuga Bay is a protected beach where strolling on the fine white sand will take you past turtles, iguanas, and birds.

Like Playa Roja, you also can’t swim here, though those intent on getting out on the water can rent a kayak or surf at a nearby cove. In keeping with the nature theme, the cove is home to white-tipped reef sharks and variety of colorful fish.

Zapallar, Chile

Lavish mansions reflecting a variety of European architectures styles rise up from a verdant hillside overlooking this shoreline. To see them up-close, stroll along the stone walkway that runs along the cliffs.

Zapallar’s European influences and charming tranquility combine to create an atmosphere akin to the French Riviera. Despite being a playground for Chile’s rich and famous, Zapallar’s beaches are public, meaning anyone is free to recline on its golden sand.