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10 best mountain cities in South America

Hiking on the weekend, ski lifts in winter, and a backdrop that never gets old.

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

  1. #1

    Cusco, Peru

    100
    match

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

  2. #2

    Santiago, Chile

    78
    match

    Andes on the horizon, vineyards in the suburbs, and the highest standard of living in South America.

  3. #3

    Mendoza, Argentina

    78
    match

    Argentine wine capital under the Andes. Malbec country, leafy streets, Aconcagua trailheads.

  4. #4

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    77
    match

    Mountains plunge into the sea. Samba, futebol, and one of the most photogenic cities on earth.

  5. #5

    Medellín, Colombia

    77
    match

    Spring weather year-round in a green Andean valley — the comeback city of Latin America.

  6. #6

    Bogotá, Colombia

    77
    match

    Andean capital at 2,600m. Cool, cloudy, intellectual, and Colombia's economic engine.

  7. #7

    Quito, Ecuador

    77
    match

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

Mountain cities in other regions

Other rankings in South America