Off the Beaten Path: 7 Hidden Gems in South America You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should)

South America’s towering Andes, vibrant cities and iconic landmarks like Machu Picchu and Rio’s Christ the Redeemer often steal the spotlight - but the continent is brimming with lesser-known treasures. If you're looking to escape the tourist crowds and discover something truly special, here are 7 hidden gems that deserve a place on your itinerary.

1. Minca, Colombia – A Jungle Paradise in the Sierra Nevada

Nestled in the lush mountains above Santa Marta, Minca is a tranquil village surrounded by waterfalls, coffee farms, and panoramic viewpoints. Hike to Cascada Marinka, sip local brews at La Victoria Coffee Farm, and wake up to the sounds of toucans. It’s a backpacker favorite - for good reason.

How to get there: Take a colectivo (shared taxi) from Santa Marta (~45 min). Roads can be steep - 4x4s recommended for higher lodges.

2. Isla del Sol, Bolivia – The Island of the Sun on Lake Titicaca

While most visitors head straight to Copacabana or Puno, those in the know take a boat to Isla del Sol. Steeped in Inca mythology, this peaceful island boasts ancient ruins, dramatic cliffs, and walking trails with sweeping lake views. With no cars and limited electricity, it’s a rare digital detox.

How to get there: Daily boats operate from Copacabana (~1.5 hours). Choose the north or south dock based on your intended hike.

3. Elqui Valley, Chile – Stargazing in a Desert Oasis

Forget Atacama for a moment. The Elqui Valley is a magical mix of vineyards, pisco distilleries, and some of the clearest night skies in the world. Stay in domes or eco-lodges and don’t miss a tour of one of the many observatories.

How to get there: Bus or drive from La Serena (~1.5 – 2 hours) to towns like Vicuña or Pisco Elqui.

4. Berlín, Colombia – A Wind-Swept Moorscape in the Andes

This tiny town between Bucaramanga and Cúcuta sits over 3,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by surreal páramo landscapes and icy winds. It's not for the faint-hearted, but the experience - biking or hitching rides through high-altitude plains is unforgettable.

How to get there: Local buses or bike tours along the Troncal Central del Norte. Expect steep climbs and cool temps.

5. Cabo Polonio, Uruguay – Sand Dunes, Sea Lions, and No Roads

Accessible only by off-road trucks, Cabo Polonio is a coastal hamlet that feels like the edge of the world. There’s no electricity grid, no paved streets, just wooden cabins, shifting dunes, and a lighthouse overlooking a huge sea lion colony.

How to get there: Take a 4x4 truck from the park entrance at Km 264 on Route 10.

6. Quebrada de las Conchas, Argentina – Painted Desert Drives

Tucked between Salta and Cafayate, this Martian red canyon is filled with whimsical rock formations like the Garganta del Diablo and El Anfiteatro. Rent a car or hop on a bike to explore the sculpted beauty of Argentina’s northwest.

How to get there: Drive or bus between Salta and Cafayate; rent a car for the freedom to stop at each formation.

7. Cachoeira do Buracão, Brazil – Brazil’s Best Waterfall You’ve Never Heard Of

While tourists flock to Iguaçu, locals whisper about Buracão in Chapada Diamantina National Park. To reach it, you hike through canyons, swim through a gorge, and are finally rewarded with a massive cascade plunging into a hidden canyon pool. It’s pure adventure.

How to get there: From Ibicoara in Chapada Diamantina National Park, take a guided tour (required for access).

Final Thoughts

The magic of travel lies not just in seeing the world’s famous wonders, but in discovering the places that few have ventured to. South America is full of these hidden gems - where the WiFi is weak, but the connection to nature and culture is deep.

Pack light, stay curious and go where the guidebooks don’t.

Caribee offers a solid range of travel bags, each suited to different styles of adventure. For a South America trip - especially one involving off-the-beaten-path exploration, buses, hostels, hikes and changing climates - you’ll want something durable, comfortable to carry, versatile and lightweight.

Here are three top Caribee travel bags recommended depending on your travel style:

🧭 1. Caribee Sky Master 70L Wheel Travel Pack

Best for: Backpacker-style travel, long-term trips, multi-country adventures

✅ Why it’s great:

• Large 70L capacity (55L main + 15L detachable daypack)

• Zip-away harness cover for airport check-ins

• Built-in base compartment for separating dirty clothes or shoes

• Detachable daypack is perfect for day hikes or city exploring

• Wheels and trolley + Concealable backpack harness system

🎒 Ideal for: South America’s mix of cities, hikes, and overnight buses. If you want one bag to rule them all - this is it.

🧳 2. Caribee Adventure 70L Hybrid Backpack

Best for: Flashpackers, urban adventurers, those who don’t want to carry a pack full-time

✅ Why it’s great:

• Hybrid: use it as a backpack or wheel it like luggage

• Heavy-duty wheels and extendable handle

• Recycled material - Eco conscious 

• Internal compression straps and multiple storage compartments
  

🧠 Tip: Great for South American cities with decent infrastructure, but may be trickier on muddy trails or cobblestones.

🌍 3. Caribee Journey 65L or 75L Travel Pack

Best for: Minimalist trekkers, adventure travelers who pack smart

✅ Why it’s great:

• Lightweight and ergonomic adjustable harness system

• Internal aluminum frame for load support

• Streamlined, proven travel backpack design

• Detachable daypack and rain cover included

🌱 Perfect if: You’re trekking the Inca Trail, exploring Patagonia, or navigating jungle towns and want a simple, rugged pack with detachable daypack

My Recommendation for a South America Trip:

🎒 Caribee Sky Master 70L – it's the most versatile, giving you the capacity, detachable daypack, and the structure to survive long-haul travel and rugged terrain.

*The How to get there info was best available at time of writing. We recommend you check the current local situation before setting off on your adventure and make travel decisions based on your own thoughts and research.