MyNextDestination
Sign in

10 best historic cities in South America

Cities that have been a city for a millennium. The layers show.

Ranked by climate, cost of living, language access, safety, and lifestyle fit. Personalize this →

  1. #1

    Buenos Aires, Argentina

    100
    match

    Europe-by-way-of-Latin-America. Tango, late nights, steak, and bookshops that never close.

  2. #2

    Cartagena, Colombia

    100
    match

    Walled colonial gem on the Caribbean. Pastel facades, bougainvillea, and a heat that doesn't quit.

  3. #3

    Cusco, Peru

    100
    match

    Inca capital at 3,400m. Spanish-Andean stone city and the launching pad for Machu Picchu.

  4. #4

    Lima, Peru

    77
    match

    Pacific capital. World-class ceviche, surfable cliffs, and the gastronomic heart of South America.

  5. #5

    Quito, Ecuador

    77
    match

    Highest official capital on earth at 2,850m. Old Town is a UNESCO jewel, volcanoes on the horizon.

Historic cities in other regions

Other rankings in South America