If you're dreaming of a tropical beach getaway, road trips across otherworldly landscapes, or exploring colonial towns that almost look frozen in the 17th century, South America is probably at the top of your list.
We're pretty sure you've heard of places like Buenos Aires, the Southern Hemisphere's response to Paris, Cusco, the ocher-colored ancient city in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, or Cartagena, a colorful walled port in Colombia's Caribbean Coast, but what about the hidden gems?
Contrary to popular belief, getting to the ‘lesser-visited side' of South America, where the culture is at its most authentic, and mass tourism is more of a distant thought, is less difficult than you think:
Though they are rarely remembered, these 3 offbeat, yet gorgeous destinations in fact host nonstop flights from the United States:
Recife, Brazil
One of the oldest cities in Brazil, settled as early as 1537, Recife is a bustling coastal metropolis with a picture-perfect historic center, cobble-paved streets, colorful building facades, and stunning urban beaches.
With golden sands that run along crystal-clear waters for endless miles and boasting year-round warm temperatures, it is one of the best Brazilian destinations for a laid-back getaway. However, it does get a bad rap for the higher rates of crime and the occasional shark attack.
However, the beaches here are incredibly well-monitored, and as long as there are no red flags, you're good to go.
Most Brazil-bound tourists don't know that Recife is also dubbed the ‘Brazilian Venice' due to its urban sprawl across many bridge-connected islands and European-inspired architecture. In the 17th century, it was, in fact, a Dutch colony named Mauritsstad.
Other must-see spots near Recife include Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial architecture and Baroque churches, and Itamaracá, a peaceful island full of quieter beaches and lush nature just an hour north, connected to the mainland by a bridge.
Fly Nonstop To Recife (REC)
| Departure airport | Airline | Frequency | Days of operation | Flight duration | Average roundtrip price |
| Orlando (MCO) | Azul | 3 times a week | Wed, Fri, Sun | 7h50 | $890 |
| Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Azul | 2 times a week | Wed, Sat | 7h40 | $910 |
Quito, Ecuador
A highland capital nestled in the Ecuadorian Andes, some 2,850 meters above sea level, Quito is the kind of place that will instantly take your breath away, both literally, likely due to its hilly nature and the altitude sickness, and figuratively:
We know you're probably familiar with the Old World allure of Centros Históricos, especially if you're a frequent visitor to Mexico, but Quito's truly is quite the sight, with its stately plazas, Spanish-built churches, and timeless, largely skyscraper-free cityscape.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it features among South America's best-maintained colonial centers. In fact, it was one of the first two cities in the world to receive the distinction, as early as 1978, alongside Kraków in Poland.
Believe it or not, the centrally located Basilica del Voto Nacional is a soaring Gothic cathedral that wouldn't look out of place in France or England. The nearby Palacio de Carondelet is a textbook example of Spanish colonial architecture, featuring large windows and an opulent interior.
If you're looking for an amazing viewpoint, the ‘TelefériQo' cable car will take you up to the imposing Pichincha Volcano, where the best sunset views over Quito are. Don't forget to pay the Mitad del Mundo monument a visit, marking the Equator Line.
| Departure airport | Airline(s) | Frequency | Days of operation | Flight duration | Flight price |
| Houston (IAH) | United Airlines | Daily | Daily | 5h20 | $780–$1,282 |
| New York (JFK) | Avianca | 6 times a week | Mon–Sat | 6h25 | $315–$649 |
| Miami (MIA) | American Airlines, LATAM | Daily | Mon–Sun | 4h30 | $534–$2,156 |
| Atlanta (ATL) | Delta Air Lines | 3 times a week | Mon, Wed, Fri | 5h10 | $641 |
Montevideo, Uruguay
The ‘cooler', more unassuming version of Buenos Aires, Montevideo is a mid-size port city, a 2h30 ferry ride from the Argentinian capital. It boasts a postcard-ready colonial center dotted with architectural landmarks, a lively beachfront, and a youthful, entrepreneurial atmosphere.
When it comes to the latter, you can thank the rapidly growing digital nomad community.
As a short-term visitor, you're likely to be drawn to Montevideo's prominent landmarks, such as La Puerta de la Ciutadela, the largest surviving structure of the once-walled city, Teatro Solís, one of the oldest entertainment venues in South America, and the iconic Palacio Salvo:
The city's pride and joy is an eclectic offer designed by an Italian migrant living in Buenos Aires. It feels like a direct continuation of the kind of grandeur you'd associate with Europe without the sense of being a lesser version.
For delicious market food, make sure you add Mercado del Puerto to your itinerary and try their parrillada and surprisingly vast selection of cheeses.
Looking for a beach to unwind? Playa Pocitos remains a well-frequented spot among locals themselves, thanks to its many cafes and cozy waterside restaurants, like Fellini, an Italian-style trattoria serving fresh seafood and a killer beef with mushroom cream sauce.
| Departure airport | Airline | Frequency | Days of operation | Flight duration | Average roundtrip price |
| Miami (MIA) | American Airlines | 3 times a week (Dec-Mar) | Wed, Fri, Sat | 8h55 | $1,282 |
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