Exceptional South American Islands to Visit for an Unforgettable Vacation

South America is full of beautiful vacation destinations, including some seriously incredible islands. With plenty of unique island destinations in South America, there is a little something for everyone whether you are looking for the perfect beach vacation, wildlife viewing, or cultural experiences.

This list of South America’s best islands has everything from white sand beaches to floating islands to volcanic islands and everything in between. You can frolic with the penguins, explore the mysteries of lost civilizations, or just enjoy the gorgeous scenery that the beaches of South America have to offer.

There are so many islands off of South America’s coast (and in the interior of South America!), I’ve included a map of the best islands below.

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The Best Islands in South America

Easter Island, Chile

By Vicki from Vicki Viaja

Anyone visiting Chile should not miss this wonderful remote island: Easter Island also called Rapa-Nui. You have probably also heard of this extraordinary island in the Pacific Ocean. Although the culture and location of the island belong mainly to Polynesia, it is politically part of Chile and can be visited via a 5-hour flight from Santiago de Chile.

This fascinating island boasts a tropical climate and an exciting history and culture. One thing you can’t miss on your Easter Island itinerary is the spectacular Moais. This is the name of the unique stone heads that can be found all over the island.

You can spot them in so many places on the island and are guaranteed to be fascinated by these impressive works of art every time.

Besides the impressive Moai, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on a hike around the island. There are so many picturesque places worth visiting, such as the Rano Kau volcano.

You can rent a car on the island or take a tour to see the fantastic sights Rapa-Nui has to offer.

Chiloe Island, Chile

By Joanna from The World in My Pocket

Chiloe is one of the most fascinating islands in South America. When you step on Chiloe Island, you are entering a mystical land, where legends are still alive and well part of modern life. If a girl remains pregnant outside a marriage, it’s the Trauco who did it, a midget creature living in the woods. If there is fog in the morning, don’t go sailing, the Pincoya will lure you with her irresistible song and your boat will sink. And the list can go on.

But it’s not just the mysticism that makes the island special. The culture of the island is a mix of the indigenous Mapuche and European, which combined when the first Spanish arrived here. The traditional food on the island is the cultural curanto, whilst the local cake is the German kuchen.

One of the main attractions on the island are the wooden churches, scattered around the different villages. The island is also home to a remote National Park where you can spot whales and penguins.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

By Inês Nunes from Randomtrip.net

Galapagos Islands, the archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin to write “The Origin of Species”, is a true paradise and a must-visit destination for anyone that loves animals, nature, and beaches.

An ideal trip to make the most out of the islands should last between 8 and 15 days, splitting your stay between the 3 main islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, and Isabela) from which you can choose several day boat tours to visit other nearby islands, since the uninhabited ones are where you will find more wildlife. It is also possible to hire a cruise, with a minimum duration of 4 days, which depending on the route and amount of days will allow you to visit more impressive islands that are not possible to visit on a day tour. Depending on your interests, budget, and time availability, you can combine both to try to cover as many places as possible.

Some of the highlights include sharing the beach with sea lions (very easy and common especially on San Cristóbal island), admiring giant tortoises, snorkeling with turtles, penguins, sea lions, and seahorses, diving with hammerhead sharks or trekking around volcanic landscapes while you learn about the origin of the islands in Isabela or San Bartolomé. 

Although Galapagos is not a cheap destination, it is possible to see and do lots of things with a tighter budget, staying on the main islands and combining free activities with some paid day tours.

Falkland Islands

By Chris Heckmann from aroundtheworldwithme.com

An often forgotten chain of islands in South America is the Falkland Islands. 250 miles off the coast of southern Argentina in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, the islands are one of the few inhabited places in the world where locals share the land with multiple colonies of penguins. 

The Falkland Islands are technically an overseas territory of the United Kingdom and not a separate country, though they are completely self-governing. About 3,400 people call the islands home, most of them living in the capital of Stanley. 

Very few people visit the Falklands due to its remoteness and lack of connection to the rest of the world. There are only a few flights per week to Stanley so most people who visit come as part of an organized expedition cruise that includes South Georgia Island and Antarctica as well. Those who make the journey to the Falklands are rewarded with extreme natural beauty in the company of millions of penguins. 

You’ll be at the mercy of your tour operator during your time in the Falklands. Luckily, they usually have awesome activities planned, like hikes across the mountainous landscape or finding colonies of rockhopper penguins and giant albatrosses. You might even get to see some mage stud king penguins too if you’re lucky!

San Andres, Colombia

By Adam McConnaughhay from CartagenaExplorer.com

The island of San Andres, actually located closer to Nicaragua, is part of Colombia, and it is one of the best islands of South America without a doubt. The gorgeous waters around the island are known as the Sea of 7 Colors for the shades of blue and green you can see. In fact, the entire surrounding waters and reef are a UNESCO Biosphere.

One of the best things to do on San Andrés is renting a golf cart or moped scooter for the day and exploring the tiny island. The Hoyo Soplador blowhole on the southern tip of the island, the beach in front of the tiny rocky island of Rocky Cay, and snorkeling at the natural swimming pool known as La Piscinita on the western side of the island are all must sees on a circuit of the island.

A day tour that visits the palm tree covered island of Johnny Cay and the natural aquarium located off the coast is also well worth it. San Andrés is also a good and affordable place to do a mini scuba diving lesson if you’re interested in getting your feet wet diving. The really adventurous can also plan a trip to the more secluded and less developed Providencia Island nearby.

Most travelers will enjoy staying on the North End of the island, where most of the best San Andres, Colombia hotels and the best beach of Spratt Bight is located. 

Rosario Islands, Colombia

The Rosario Islands are one of South America’s most beautiful islands to visit. They are easily accessible by boat from Cartagena so you can visit either as a day trip or spend some time at one of the resorts.

The Rosario Islands are surrounded by crystal clear, warm Caribbean waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling in. There are many options here to visit, including visiting a resort on a day pass or taking a catamaran cruise. Visiting a private resort is a great option if you want a relaxing day on the beach without many other visitors or any vendors as beaches closer to Cartagena can be quite busy. If you don’t mind skipping the beach, a catamaran tour is a great option for swimming and snorkeling.

A must-do in the Rosario Islands is snorkeling. The reef here is protected and offers up an opportunity to see coral and brightly coloured fish. One unique thing you can snorkel over is a downed drug plan outside of Pablo Escobars now abandoned mansion.

Aruba

By Disha Smith from Disha Discovers

Aruba is one of the best islands in South America, offering visitors a unique blend of Caribbean charm and Dutch influence.

Aruba is a beach lover’s paradise with crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and a year-round warm climate.

Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, and Baby Beach are a few of the most popular beaches on the island, and visitors can enjoy activities like snorkeling, swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, and more.

In addition to pristine beaches, Aruba also boasts several natural wonders, such as Arikok National Park. The park is home to the iconic Natural Pool, lush vegetation, and exotic wildlife.

Aruba also offers plenty of cultural attractions for visitors to explore. The capital city of Oranjestad is filled with Dutch-style architecture, shops, and restaurants.

One of the most fun things to do in Aruba is to visit Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island, owned by the Renaissance Aruba Resort. The island is only accessible to hotel guests and those who purchase a day pass. What makes Flamingo Beach so unique is the presence of its namesake — flamingos.

An insider tip for visiting Aruba is to check online and see what local events are happening during your visit. Beyond its beautiful beaches, Aruba is also home to many cultural events like music festivals and carnivals.

Bonaire

By Sabrina from Shades of Summr 

Bonaire is by far one of the most beautiful islands in South America that I have visited. 

The tropical little paradise is mainly famous for one thing: water sports! Bonaire has one of the world’s most magnificent marine life, making it a prime destination for snorkelers and divers. There are over 84 different marked dive sites on the island. 

Another really special thing about Bonaire is its interesting history that you can see all over the island. From the small white slave huts to abandoned plantation houses and a donkey sanctuary – there is something to see for everyone. 

The beautiful capital city of Kralendijk is absolutely adorable and worth a visit. The houses have different pastel colors and there is amazing street art everywhere. Visitors enjoy shopping on Kaya Grandi or sipping a coffee at the shoreline.

Lastly, it is one of the few places in the world where you can see flamingos in their natural habitat up close. The Washington Slagbaai National Park is an amazing place to spot flamingos, sit on a black sand beach, or watch the big waves that come crashing in.  

Curaçao

By Dan Bagby from HoneymoonAlways.com 

Curaçao is a beautiful island located just off the coast of Venezuela. The tropical paradise is a Dutch Caribbean island that gives a mix of what you would expect from an Island like clear waters and beautiful beaches but with unique European influences.

There are plenty of things to do in Curaçao that make it worth a visit. The capital city of Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its iconic colorful buildings that line the waterfront. Around the island, you can find natural pools like those at Shete Boka National Park which you can arrive at by a guided tour, rental car or by ATV. 4×4. 

You can find tons of areas to snorkel or go scuba diving like at Tugboat Beach or several beach areas well known for sea turtles. For a unique experience, visit the Hato Caves and explore the underground limestone formations. 

 While on the island, make sure to try some local cuisine influenced by the melting pot of cultures represented on the island. Some local staples are stobá (beef stew), keshi yena (stuffed cheese), and funchi (cornmeal porridge). For a refreshing drink, try the island’s signature cocktail, the Blue Curaçao. 

No trip to Curaçao is complete without a visit to the island’s stunning beaches. From the popular Mambo Beach to the secluded Cas Abao Beach, there is a beach to suit every taste. You can even take a boat tour out to the uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao

Islas Ballestas, Peru

By Kitti from Kitti Around the World

Many travellers visit the small coastal town of Paracas in Peru for one reason: to take an unforgettable tour to Islas Ballestas.

The Ballestas Islands are often referred to as the “poor man’s Galapagos” because they offer probably the best wildlife experience in Peru for a fraction of the price of a trip to the Galapagos Islands. You can book a 2-hour speedboat tour which leaves Paracas twice a day in the morning and takes you wildlife spotting around the Islas Ballestas.

Thanks to the Humboldt Current, the tiny islands are home to many different species, including the endangered Humboldt penguin. Unfortunately, you can’t set foot on the islands because they are protected. However, from the boat you can definitely enjoy listening to the sound of South American sea lions and fur seals and trying to avoid being a victim of guano dropping from the hundreds of birds like Guanay, Inca terns and Peruvian pelicans. Islas Ballestas is definitely one of the best things to do in Paracas, Peru and is an island you should add to your South America itinerary.

Isla Taquile, Lake Titicaca, Peru

By Martha from MayCauseWanderlust.com

Isla Taquile is one of the most beautiful islands on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world and the largest lake in South America. The island is about 45km from Puno, on the Peruvian shore of the lake, with a wonderfully preserved culture.

On this car-free island dotted with charming stone archways, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the vast blue water of Lake Titicaca, but you’ll also get a glimpse into a unique and traditional community.

Isla Taquile is known for its craftsmanship in textiles, which was designated ‘Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO. Most famously, there are traditional customs in dress: men’s hats signify their age and marital status. Boys wear white hats they knit themselves, and when they want to marry, their ability to knit a good hat is a key factor in whether the match gets approved. When they do marry, the father-in-law presents the groom with a red hat to mark the occasion.

Isla Taquile has a collectivist economy, based on fishing, horticulture and tourism. Taquilenos have established control over a sustainable tourism model which puts them in control of visits and all members of the community benefit from tourism.

It is easy to visit Taquile Island, and many day tours go from Puno, stopping at the floating Uros islands on the way out. 

Uros Khantati in Lake Titicaca, Peru

By Catrina from 24 Hours Layover

For something truly unique head to Uros Khantati – one of the floating islands of Lake Titicaca in Peru! Uros Khantati is not only one of the most beautiful islands in South America, but it’s one of the best places to get a truly unique cultural experience with indigenous people of South America.

At Uros Khantati you’ll experience the unique way of life of the Uros people, who have lived on these islands for centuries. Forced to abandon their homes on the mainland due to attacks from Inca tribes and colonisation, they built these islands on Lake Titicaca made entirely of reeds. These man-made floating islands are so impressive and beautiful, plus the surrounding area of Lake Titicaca is absolutely beautiful with spectacular scenery!

While some of the other floating islands have become touristy and commercialised, Uros Khantati has maintained its traditional way of life so it’s a really great authentic experience. You can also stay overnight with the family which is an unforgettable experience!

When visiting Uros Khantati, be respectful of the local traditions and always ask permission before taking photos of the locals. Also, make sure to bring cash – Uros Khantati is a small community with limited facilities!

Isla Incahuasi, Bolivia

By Laura from Laura the Explorer

Covered in giant cacti and surrounded by a sea of salt, there’s no doubt that this tiny, rocky oasis is one of the most unique islands you’ll ever visit. Located in the middle of Salar de Uyuni (the biggest salt flat in the world) and sitting at an altitude of over 3800m, this island is definitely off the beaten track. In fact, the best way to visit is by joining a multi-day 4×4 adventure through the mesmerising Salar de Uyuni where paved roads are almost non-existent.

Climbing over fossils and rocks that formed when the island was part of a pre-historic lake, it’s a short 15 min walk to the top. Take some time along the path to check out the incredible cacti that cover the island. These ancient succulents can stand many metres tall, and given they grow only a centimetre or two each year, it’s impressive just how old they are.

At the top, find a spot amongst the rocks to witness an other-worldly sunset over the brilliant white salt flats, before heading down to your 4×4 and on to spend the night at a hotel made of salt!

Isla Del Sol, Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

By Alex Trembath from Career Gappers

Lake Titicaca, straddling Peru and Bolivia, is the heartland of the old Inca Empire. It is South
America’s largest lake and stands at an eye-watering 3,800 metres above sea level

One of the best ways to experience the lake and soak up its fascinating history is to visit its
largest island, Isla Del Sol. The island was sacred to the Incas; their legend tells that the first
Inca king, Manco Cápac, was created here from a rock by the sun god Inti.

Today, there are more than 180 Inca ruin sites scattered across the island. You can explore
many of them by taking a scenic walk over the island’s hills, while also soaking up the
surroundings of snow-capped mountains on the horizon across the deep blue lake.

You can take a day trip to Isla Del Sol from the Bolivian lakeside town of Copacabana, which is
a beautiful spot to include in your Bolivia itinerary. The main town on the south side of the
island, Yumani, also has a small selection of hotels and hostels if you want to make it an
overnight stay.

Ilha Grande, Brazil

By Chelsea from Adventures of Chels

One of the best islands to visit in South America is most definitely Ilha Grande, Brazil.

Ilha Grande is an island located just a few hours away from Rio de Janeiro. It offers beautiful beaches, snorkeling, hiking, and a laid back relaxing vibe that any visitor can appreciate.

One of the best and most popular activities to do in Ilha Grande is going on a boat tour around the island. Spend the day making stops to enjoy the views, go for a swim, and do some snorkeling. Highlights of boat tours are stops at Lagoa Azulejo and Lagoa Verde which are known for their beautifully colored water.

Note that the busiest time to visit Ilha Grande is in the summer months from roughly November to February. The shoulder seasons (September-October and March-May) are the best times to visit as the weather is comfortable and it’s not too crowded.

Enjoy your visit to beautiful Ilha Grande! 

Ilhabela, Brazil

By Hannah from That Adventurer

Ilhabela is a beautiful island in Brazil, it’s known for its pristine beaches, lush forest, and colourful, peaceful villages. For travellers looking for relaxation with a side of adventure, it’s the perfect place and should definitely be on your South America itinerary. 

Ilhabela offers a wide range of activities, from hiking through the island’s stunning rainforests to snorkelling in the warm sea. A highlight of a trip to Ilhabela is visiting the stunning Bonete Beach, which is only accessible by foot or boat. This secluded paradise boasts a long stretch of white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. There are a couple of hotels and restaurants in the area where you can grab a drink or some food after walking or boating to the beach. 

Aside from Bonete Beach, Ilhabela is also home to several other stunning beaches, such as Praia do Curral and Praia do Julião. Aside from its beaches, Ilhabela is also home to a rich history and culture. You can explore the island’s colonial architecture and visit the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios church, which dates back to the 18th century. 

Aim to spend one or two nights on Ilhabela and book early if you’re visiting during the peak season of December-March. 

Paquetá Island, Brazil

By Victoria from Guide Your Travel

Paquetá Island is a hidden gem located just one hour away from Rio de Janeiro. Despite being so close to the bustling city, the island offers a peaceful escape for those seeking a serene and tranquil environment. The island is known for its lack of cars, which makes renting bikes the perfect way to explore its colonial architecture and stunning scenery.

With its narrow streets and colorful buildings, Paquetá Island offers a glimpse into Brazil’s colonial past. The island is home to several historical landmarks, including the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Health and the Paquetá Museum, which showcases the island’s rich history and culture.

Although the island is small, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Visitors can take a walk along the shoreline or relax on the island’s beautiful beaches. Paqueta is also home to several restaurants serving traditional Brazilian cuisine, and there are plenty of cafes and bars to enjoy a refreshing drink. Spend the day on Paqueta, enjoy a drink with a view and see a completely different side of Rio.

Florianópolis, Brazil

By Dan from Layer Culture

When looking for islands to visit in South America, Florianópolis should be near the top of your list.

Located in Santa Catarina, Brazil, this state capital city is known as the magic island and is one of the safest cities in Brazil for thousands of tourists each year. Referred to by locals only as Floripa, this magic tropical island offers its visitors the ultimate mix of urban beach life and has some of the best beaches in southern Brazil.

Praia Mole and Campeche Island Beach are two of the most popular spots where visitors can find warm and calm waters with no waves. There is also a list of other activities such as sandboarding, surfing, hiking, and paragliding to take part in.

While exploring the city, Catedral Metropolitana and the Municipal Market are two landmarks worth visiting when having a day off from the beach.

The island is connected to mainland Brazil by a bridge, so it is easy to get to Florianópolis without flying, just take the overnight bus which leaves from São Paulo or Foz do Iguaçu.

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