Walking tours in South America
Beaches in Rio, tango streets in Buenos Aires, colonial squares in Cartagena, Inca stones in Cusco and wind-swept towns in Patagonia: South America covers every landscape a city walk can offer. Pick a country on the map, or start with the cities people watch most.
- countries
- 9
- cities
- 54
- 4K videos
- 293
- of walking
- 236 h
Countries with walks: click one to open itCities: hover for a preview, click to walkNo walks yet
Did you know?
Short facts about walking South America: some from our own video library, some from the map.
- From our data12.6°NSan Andrés is the northernmost city we have walked here.
- From our data54.8°SUshuaia (Argentina) is the southernmost city on our map of South America.
- From our data6 hoursThe longest video in South America on the site was filmed in Arequipa: "Arequipa Walk".
- From our data57 videosColombia has the most walks, drives and drone films of any country in South America on the site.
- Map factNew wonderRio's Christ the Redeemer statue was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007; it looks down over the city from the top of Corcovado mountain.
- Map factEnd of the worldUshuaia in Argentina is often called the southernmost city in the world, and its harbour is the starting point for many Antarctic cruises.
- Map factDriest desertSan Pedro de Atacama sits on the edge of the Atacama, one of the driest non-polar deserts on earth and a famous place for stargazing.
- Map factWidest avenueBuenos Aires' Avenida 9 de Julio is often described as one of the widest avenues in the world; crossing it on foot usually takes more than one green light.
Most-watched walking cities in South America
Ranked by total YouTube views of 4K walking videos. See the full study
▶ 13A walk throughRio de JaneiroBrazilBeaches, mountains and Christ the Redeemer.13 videosExplore →#1
▶ 10A walk throughMedellínColombiaThe 'City of Eternal Spring'.10 videosExplore →#2
▶ 11A walk throughLimaPeruA food capital on the Pacific cliffs.11 videosExplore →#3
▶ 8A walk throughCartagenaColombiaA walled Caribbean city of color.8 videosExplore →#4
▶ 5A walk throughMar del PlataArgentinaArgentina's favorite beach city.5 videosExplore →#5
▶ 10A walk throughBuenos AiresArgentinaTango, grand boulevards and colorful La Boca.10 videosExplore →#6
▶ 4A walk throughFlorianópolisBrazilAn island of beaches, lagoons and surf.4 videosExplore →#7
▶ 6A walk throughBogotáColombiaA high-altitude capital of art and history.6 videosExplore →#8
Right now in South America
Local time across the continent, and a walk that matches the moment.
Ways to explore South America
Trip plans
Where to stay
Live city cams
Countries in South America
Walking South America: what to expect
Most South American cities are built around a central plaza, with a cathedral, government buildings and a grid of colonial streets around it. That makes the historic centres easy to walk, and many of the best videos start right there before heading to markets, hillside neighbourhoods or the seafront.
Altitude and latitude change everything. In the Andes, cities like Cusco, Bogota and Arequipa sit high above sea level, with cool air and steep streets; along the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts the walks are hot, colourful and full of music; in the far south, Patagonian towns are filmed under huge skies and changing weather.
Seasons are reversed compared with the northern hemisphere, so the southern summer runs from December to February. Watch a few walks before you go to see how busy and how walkable each city feels, then check our trip plans and where-to-stay guides.
FAQ
Which South American cities are best for walking?
Buenos Aires, Cartagena, Cusco, Valparaiso, Medellin and Rio de Janeiro have some of the most popular walks, from old town lanes and hillside neighbourhoods to long beachfront promenades.
When is the best time for a walk?
It depends on the region: the Andes are driest from about May to September, the Caribbean coast is pleasant most of the year, and Patagonia is best in the southern summer, from December to February.
Can I use these walks for a treadmill or a virtual tour?
Yes. Most videos are filmed at walking pace with natural street sound and no talking, so they work well for treadmill sessions, virtual travel or planning a route. Our treadmill mode picks long walks and keeps track of your time.