Popular Cities in South America

1. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Big, sprawling Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is cosmopolitan and yet retains a neighborhood feel in the barrios. Sightseeing, nightlife, including the sensual tango, is a must in this sophisticated city.

2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Truly a cidade maravilhosa, Rio is spectacularly located, and to live up to the scenery, cariocas and visitors enjoy a vivid lifestyle nestled between fabulous beaches and rainforested hills.

3. Santiago, Chile
Chile's capital city is cosmopolitan, the financial, cultural, and political center of the country. It's graced with tree-lined streets, parks, distinctive neighborhoods, ample assortment of restaurants and hotels. In addition to its own attractions, Santiago is near ski resorts, beach resorts and the ideal base for excursions into the Central Valley and either extreme of Chile.

4. Sao Paulo, Brazil
The city is South America's largest, Brazil's center of trade and industry. Paulistanos work hard and play hard. Here are some of the things you'll enjoy when you visit São Paulo.

5. Bogota, Colombia
Nestled high in the Andes at 2620 m. (8646 ft), Santafé de Bogotá is a city of contrasts. It's a city of highrise buildings standing next to colonial churches; a city of universities and theaters. It is a mixture of influences, Spanish and English and Indian.

6. Lima, Peru
Lima is called the City of Kings for the day it was founded. A vastly important colonial city, Lima now suffers many of the ills of modern cities, but visitors who rush through it on the way to Peru's other attractions are missing a wealth of history and culture.

7. Caracas, Venezuela
Venezuela's capital and largest city is the center of commerce, culture, economics and the base for touring the country's attractions, including Angel Falls and the llanos.

8. Cartagena, Colombia
The old walled city and fortress repelled invaders and pirates in its early days. Now it welcomes visitors to its colonial charm, energetic nightlife and nearby attractions.

9. Quito, Ecuador
Ecuador's capital is a mix of colonial history and modern enterprise, a city at the middle of the world, and a delight to visitors. Tour the city, then venture out on the PanAmerican Highway, north and south.

10. Salvador, Brazil
Impressions of this lively city include Candomble, Baina do Acarages, the water, streets, Cairinhas, architecture and lots of beach time.