15 Best Beaches in South America You Must Visit

1. Taipus de Fora, Maraú Peninsula

Taipus de Fora is not much of a secret anymore, as the influx of tourists has led to major development of the area.

2. Tayrona National Park, Colombia

Unspoiled, rustic, and unbelievably beautiful, the beaches of Colombia's Tayrona National Park have considerable bragging rights.

3. Praia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha Island,

About an hour off the coast of Brazil, the Fernando de Noronha island offers a beach experience like no other in Brazil.

4. Tortuga Bay, Galapagos Islands

Cotton-white sands, deep blue waters, and pristine shorelines make this a dreamy destination for true nature lovers.

5. Playa Almejal, Colombia

A stunning two-kilometer-long beach in an almost forgotten corner of Colombia, the black sands of Playa Almejal are flanked by thick rainforest.

6. Punta del Este, Uruguay

One of Uruguay's most popular beach destinations becomes the playground of celebrities once summer rolls around.

7. Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Located in northern Patagonia, Puerto Madryn is not your typical tropical beach destination – and that's perhaps the main reason to visit.

8. Cabo Polonio, Uruguay

For an authentic off-the-grid beach experience, nothing beats Cabo Polonio.

9. Playa Roja, Peru

Aptly named because of its rust-colored sands, Playa Roja (Red Beach) sits at the heart of the Paracas National Reserve.

10. Ovahe Beach, Easter Island, Chile

Reddish cliffs, turquoise waters, and an almost pink beach make this area look almost alien.

11. Nuqui, Colombia

Beaches in Nuqui tend to be on the small side, separated from each other by mangrove forests.

12. Zapallar, Chile

A seaside resort town located two hours north of the capital city of Santiago, Zapallar has long been known as the beach playground for Chile's elite.

13. Mar del Plata, Argentina

Sitting right on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the busy city of Mar del Plata is home to Argentina's most popular beaches.

14. Salvation Islands, French Guiana

The three islands that make up the Salvation Islands group have a dark history.

15. Punta Sal, Peru

Punta Sal in northern Peru is somewhat still a secret for international visitors, though locals love this coastal village all-year long.

16 Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in the World

NEXT