South America’s gorgeously sunny beach destinations will blow you away! This exciting continent has beaches to suit any traveller’s desires. South America’s beaches are found on the Atlantic, Pacific, and Caribbean Oceans – and each one offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for a tropical paradise, a vibrant party beach, or a surfer’s dream, South American beaches have it all!
Here’s our list of the best beaches to add to your South America bucket list.
Bahia Inglesa, Chile
Chile’s Bahia Inglesa has got to be one of the best South American beaches. Located on the northern Atacama Desert coast, Bahia Inglesa is famous for its warm waters and shimmering white sand.
This beach is great for watersports such as surfing, sailing, and windsurfing. If that’s not for you though, there couldn’t be a better location to just sit back and relax under the sun!
Copacabana, Brazil
No list of South American beaches would be complete without Copacabana! This iconic Brazilian beach is located right in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, making it one of the most popular beaches on the continent.
The white beach is lined by a stunning boardwalk, with lots of hotels and restaurants just behind it. Between the festivals, many amenities, and easy access from the city, Copacabana is a beach that always has something going on!
Mancora, Peru
Mancora is a well-known beach destination with a unique feel. In Mancora, there is an ocean on one side, and a desert on the other! This sunny beach in Peru is the perfect place to just relax and enjoy some fresh sea air.
Mancora is also famous for kiteboarding, attracting fanatics from all over the world. Whether you visit Mancora for adventure, or just to relax in the sun, you will be sure to call this one of the top beaches in South America.
El Cabo San Juan Beach, Colombia
Found in Colombia’s Tayrona National Park, this beach is a place of serious beauty. El Cabo San Juan is one of the nicest beaches in South America, but accessing it is not easy. Getting to this beach requires an hour-long hike through the reserve.
Once you reach El Cabo San Juan though, you will be well rewarded! This beach is a magnificent place to just take a break and relax. For those wanting to experience this beach to its full potential, hammocks are available to rent here for an unforgettable night camping out. It’s easy to see why it’s on our list as a top choice if you’re looking for the best beach in South America!
Mar del Plata, Argentina
Mar del Plata is the most famous beach in Argentina, and it is certainly one of the top beaches in South America! With its city location, Mar del Plata is a very popular place for tourists and locals to flock to in the summer.
You can always expect some fun and activity going on at Mar del Plata. Whether you want to enjoy the great swimming, the warm sands, or the vibrant beachfront, Mar del Plata is a beach that will definitely leave you feeling happy!
Playa Chorillos, Peru
Just north of Lima, you will find the beautiful beach of Playa Chorrillos. With its rugged coastline and fun cliff jumps, Playa Chorrillos is a great place to enjoy Chile’s warm sun and picturesque views.
One of the main reasons why tourists love visiting this beach is due to its secluded location. Playa Chorrillos will require a little bit of climbing over some dramatic cliffs before you get to your desired sandy destination. However, once you walk along this stunning beach, it will be worth the effort!
Playa Blanca, Isla de Baru near Colombia
Located on the small island, Isla de Baru, Playa Blanca has got to be one of the most beautiful beaches in South America. The beach is easily accessible by ferry from the mainland.
Expect long strips of shining white sand, warm clear waters, and lazy lounge chairs for some serious chilling. To really soak up the tropical experience at Playa Blanca, grab a Cocada Venezolana (a refreshing frozen coconut smoothie) from one of the vendors on the beach.
Playas de Providencia, Colombia
One of the most picturesque islands located in the San Andres Archipelago is Providencia. This island is a top choice for one of the best beach vacations in South America.
Think beautiful white sands, calm waters for swimming, and all lined with palm trees, fishing boats, and hidden coves. Playas de Providencia is the perfect place for those dreaming of a tropical beach getaway!
Praia do Espelho, Brazil
If you’re looking for a remote feeling beach in Brazil, then Praia do Espelho is a great destination!
Due to its ideal setting amongst rocky cliffs and nature, Praia do Espelho is one of the best beaches that South America has to offer. Spend an unforgettable day here swimming, sunbathing, and appreciating the sense of peace and quiet. You can rent a deck chair or tent here to make your time even more enjoyable. This place is definitely one of the best beach destinations in South America!
Punta Hermosa, Peru
One of the best beaches located just outside of Lima, Peru, is Punta Hermosa. If you are looking for a fun beach loaded with activities, then this is the place!
Punta Hermosa is the ideal location for avid surfers and those who are looking to escape the hot Lima weather. Being only an hour outside of Lima, it’s often thought to be the go-to beach for locals and their weekend getaways.
With all that Punta Hermosa has to offer, it is definitely one of the best beaches in Latin America.
South America really has it all for beach lovers! Long stretches of white sands, warm clear waters, fun parties, or laid back surf towns, anyone looking for a beach holiday would be wise to visit South America.
As this is such a large continent, beach options here are vast! Check out some of our Expat tours in South America if you’re wanting to see these gorgeous paradise spots for yourself.