South America has numerous natural and cultural World Heritage sites. Here I present ten amazing attractions!
Table of Contents
10 wonderful World Heritage sites in South America
Quebrada de Humahuaca
This stunning, colorful canyon valley in Argentina was carved out by the Rio Grande river in the Andes mountains.
The area has a rich geological, historical, and cultural heritage. For more than 10,000 years, it served as a trade and cultural route, from ancient hunter-gatherer societies through the Incas and then the Spanish colonial period.
It received World Heritage status in 2003. The area is outstanding not only for its natural beauty but also for its archaeological sites, settlements, and religious monuments. The place was a meeting point of cultures for centuries and still preserves local communities’ traditions, such as farming techniques and religious festivals.
Iguazu National Park
Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, it is home to one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders, the Iguazu Falls. The park area is covered with tropical rainforests and boasts exceptionally rich biodiversity.
The breathtaking sight of Iguazu Falls includes more than 270 waterfalls, the most famous being the „Garganta del Diablo” (Devil’s Throat). The falls attract millions annually, and the forest is home to numerous rare species, including jaguars, tapirs, and various birds.
The Argentine side was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984, followed by the Brazilian side in 1986, due to its natural beauty, ecological significance, and excellent state of preservation, which represents global value.
Historic Quarter of Valparaíso
Located on Chile’s Pacific coast, it is one of the country’s most important port cities.
In the 19th century, it served as a significant trading center, especially before the opening of the Panama Canal, as it lay at a crucial point on trans-oceanic routes.
UNESCO added it to the World Heritage List in 2003 due to its rich history and architectural heritage. Valparaíso is famous for its unique, colorful houses situated on steep hillsides, connected by unique funiculars and stairs. The city’s streets carry numerous artistic and cultural elements, especially vibrant murals.
Notable attractions include the Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción hills, historic funiculars like the Ascensor Reina Victoria. Additionally, La Sebastiana, Pablo Neruda’s former home, now operates as a museum.
Cartagena
This Colombian coastal city is one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial cities. It is officially listed as „Port, Fortresses and Monumental Complex of Cartagena” on the World Heritage list.
Founded in the 16th century, it soon became one of the Caribbean’s most important ports, especially for transporting Spanish colonial treasures. Cartagena’s walls and fortifications, such as the San Felipe de Barajas fortress, reflect European engineering achievements. The city also preserves a unique mixture of Spanish, African, and Indian cultural influences.
Main attractions include the Ciudad Amurallada (walled old town), San Pedro Claver church, and Las Bóvedas, former barracks and prisons that now function as craft shops.
Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands, belonging to Ecuador, are located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 1000 km from the South American coast.
This unique archipelago is of volcanic origin and famous for its stunning biodiversity. The islands inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, which he outlined in „On the Origin of Species”.
The area is crucial for global conservation as it provides a home to numerous unique plant and animal species: such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and Galápagos penguins.
Cuzco
Peru’s former capital was the center of the Inca empire and remains one of the most important cultural and historical centers in South America today.
UNESCO added it to the World Heritage List in 1983, as the entire city preserves an exceptional mixture of Peruvian and Incan cultures. Cuzco is famous for its Incan architecture mixed with Spanish colonial influences, visible in buildings like the Inca walls and the cathedral.
There are numerous historical attractions. The Qorikancha (Temple of Gold) was the temple of the sun god, Inti, and the Sacsayhuamán fortress showcases impressive Incan stonework. Cuzco is the main route to Machu Picchu, which is also a world-famous attraction.
Historic City of Sucre
Bolivia’s constitutional capital is a city with rich history that was a key site of South American colonial and independence movements.
UNESCO added it to the World Heritage list in 1991, as the city has exceptionally preserved its colonial architectural heritage and historical significance. Sucre’s downtown features elegant, white-washed buildings and historical squares dating back to the Spanish colonization period.
Famous attractions include the Historical Museum, San Felipe Neri church, Reina de la Plata cathedral, and Liberty Square, where Bolivia’s declaration of independence was born.
Historic Quarter of Colonia del Sacramento
One of Uruguay’s oldest cities, founded by the Portuguese in 1680.
The city’s historic quarter represents a unique colonial architectural style that reflects the mixture of Portuguese and Spanish influences, as the area was contested between the two empires for centuries.
It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 as an excellent example of colonial urban development and preserved architectural heritage. The cobblestone streets, old fortifications, and historic houses create a sense of time travel.
Attractions include the Faro de Colonia (lighthouse), Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs), and the Basilica del Santísimo Sacramento, one of the city’s most significant churches.
Canaima National Park
Venezuela’s Canaima National Park is one of South America’s largest protected areas, covering more than 30,000 square kilometers in Bolívar state. The park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994 for its outstanding natural beauty and unique geological formations.
Canaima is famous for its stunning tepui mountains, these flat-topped sandstone formations are among the world’s oldest geological formations. The park’s iconic attraction is Angel Falls (Salto Ángel), which at 979 meters is the world’s highest waterfall. The area also boasts rich biodiversity and is home to numerous rare plant and animal species.
The park is special not only for its natural beauty but also for its cultural significance. It is home to the indigenous Pemon people, who consider the tepui mountains sacred places in their spiritual and mythological traditions.
Historic Center of Diamantina
This Brazilian colonial city in Minas Gerais state flourished as a diamond mining center in the 18th century. The city is famous for its historical center built in Baroque and Rococo style, fitting into the mountainous landscape, which is an excellent example of Portuguese colonial architecture.
UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site in 1999, as Diamantina faithfully reflects the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the diamond trading era, as well as architectural and urban planning traditions.
The Esmeraldas Palace is one of the city’s iconic buildings, reflecting colonial-era architecture. The building was once used by important figures related to the diamond trade and now serves as a venue for historical and cultural events.
