Top 5 places in South America to take photos

Latin America is a place like no other. It offers a huge variety of amazing and incredulous terrains, it hosts of wide differing cultures, a fascinating and unique range of wildlife, a gastronomic cuisine, an intriguing history and a range of adventure-filled activities.

That is why South America is certainly one of the world’s most coveted photography destinations. It very difficult to say where you should start visiting. We found the Top 5 places in South America to take pictures in the Chimu website. A quick note about Chimu, is an Australian company started with the passion of two good friends (the co-founders: Chad Carey and Greg Carter), share about everything about for Latin America.

1. Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert, Bolivia and Chile

Although considered two separate destinations in two separate countries, Salar de Uyuni and the connecting altiplano region to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile have to be one of the most photogenic locations on the planet. But the beauty is that they aren’t photogenic in a traditional sense. The landscapes in this area are almost from another dimension, maybe reminiscent of a Salvador Dali painting.

2. Inca Heartland – La Paz to Cusco, Peru

Sun Island on Lake Titicaca is the famed birthplace of the Inca Empire. From there the empires capital eventually ended slightly further north in Cusco. Cusco is well known, not just as the gateway to Machu Picchu, but also as a destination in its own right. The bustling markets and immaculate Inca stonework which still serve as the foundations to many buildings in central Cusco.

3. Southern Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

Blissfully isolated, the windswept plains of southern Patagonia present a vast and varied landscape of forests, granite spires, deep-water lakes and immense glaciers, the most famous of which is the awesome Perito Moreno.

Its working estancias and cosy lodges are perfect bases for expeditions deep into the wilderness and across ice fields, on foot, by boat and air. Those happiest in the saddle can ride from estancia to estancia through some of the continent’s least-charted territories, while further south, the wilds of Tierra del Fuego rank amongst the world’s finest fly-fishing destinations. Between June and October, the resort of Cerro Castor features snow polo and golf tournaments, ice sculptures, and Argentina´s longest-running ski season.

4. Lakes District, Argentina and Chile

Technically the Lakes District is part of Patagonia too, but I didn’t want this more temperate area to be confused with its wild cousin to the south.

The Lakes District is that classically photogenic location. Often called the Switzerland of the south for good reason, it’s an area of interconnecting lakes sounded but gentle rolling mountains and is heavily wooded.

It’s not just the scenery which is reminiscent of Switzerland. Some of the town have a strong Swiss and German heritage and fondue is a very popular dish in the region, especially chocolate fondue. Argentina’s most popular ski resorts are also in this area.

5. The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

It really is near impossible to leave the Galapagos out of this list. It’s not only one of the world’s best wildlife dentations but also one of the world’s best photography destinations. Its diverse wildlife has known no predators and so photography is painless. It’s almost too easy!

Cruises are the best was to get around the Galapagos but to get some photos a little more inland, of the volcanic craters and vegetation, it’s wise to also do some land based touring – especially in Isabella Island which has the most volcanos.


Chimu Adventures can organize photography friendly cruises and land based tours out to Isabella Island.

Source: Chimu Adventures