South America has long been on the bucket list of American adventurers, and for good reason. The continent is, simply put, teeming with superlatives – if you’ve ever wanted to experience the most of what our fantastic planet has to offer, South America may very well be the place to visit. Yet beyond the landscapes and ruins, it is the warmth of people that shapes a trip into something unforgettable. With over half of travelers stating that local hospitality is a major factor in choosing a travel destination, the friendliness of a city matters enormously. These five destinations consistently earn that distinction from U.S. visitors who return home with more than just photos.
1. Cusco, Peru – The Imperial City That Welcomes the World
In 2024, Cusco, Peru was named the top destination in Latin America by travelers, receiving a score of 87.47 – a remarkable achievement that reflects not just its archaeological splendor but the genuine warmth of its people. Peru welcomed over 5 million international tourists in 2024, with travelers from the United States, Europe, and neighboring Latin American countries, and Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lima remained the top destinations. That volume of traffic speaks volumes. American travelers keep returning, and they consistently point to the hospitality of Cusco’s residents as a core reason why.
Known as “The Imperial City,” Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in Inca and Spanish colonial history. Cusco is great for sightseeing, with its historic center and beautiful landscapes – visitors can explore the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, and Sacsayhuamán ruins, making it a top travel spot. Cusco attracts approximately 1.5 million visitors annually, and Cusco, a favorite among tourists, won awards for its great hotels, including the 2024 JW Marriott Heritage Hotel Award and the Aranwa Boutique Luxury Hotel. The city’s hospitality extends from five-star suites all the way down to its cobblestone alleys, where locals greet visitors with genuine curiosity and pride in their heritage.
2. Medellín, Colombia – The City of Eternal Spring
Forget what you think you know about Medellín, Colombia. The “City of Eternal Spring” is known for two things in 2025: its gorgeous climate and its friendly atmosphere. The transformation of this city is one of the most remarkable stories in modern travel. Medellín has long been a city associated with a negative reputation, largely because of its tumultuous history of drug cartels, high crime rates, and civil conflicts. However, this Colombian city has undergone a significant transformation, shedding its past image to emerge as a welcoming and vibrant destination full of nightlife, culture, great food, nature, and modernity. U.S. travelers arriving with skepticism almost universally leave converted.
Tourism in Medellín now reaches a historical record number of 1.2 million foreign visitors in 2025. That number represents an 11.7% increase compared to 2024, confirming that the city is no longer an emerging destination but a consolidated one on the global tourism map. The Antioquian region of Colombia, where Medellín is located, is the birthplace of Paisa culture, which is known for its welcoming people and rich, hearty Paisa food – a tourist visiting for just a week may still feel like they got close to the local culture thanks to the friendliness of their hosts and tour guides. It’s that particular quality, the sense of being genuinely embraced rather than merely served, that keeps American visitors raving.
3. Cartagena, Colombia – Caribbean Charm and Colonial Warmth
Cartagena, Colombia is one of the best South American cities to visit – a port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, known for its colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and the vibrancy of its people. The city’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing well-preserved buildings and historic plazas. The energy here is unlike anywhere else on the continent. Music spills from doorways, flowers cascade over painted balconies, and strangers smile readily. For U.S. travelers in particular, Cartagena tends to feel immediately approachable, partly because the city has a long history of welcoming international visitors.
Cartagena de Indias attracted more than 855,000 visitors in 2024, equivalent to 18% of Colombia’s international tourism. In the World Travel Awards 2024, Cartagena was named South America’s Leading Honeymoon Destination, a title that speaks to its reputation for romance and warmth. Cartagena is located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, and the African influence here is strong – there’s a distinct mix of three different cultures (Spanish, African, and Indigenous) in the city, and this mishmash means there’s plenty of new food to try. By countries, the U.S. continues to be the country with the highest flow of foreign visitors arriving in Colombia, and Cartagena remains one of its most beloved stops.
4. Buenos Aires, Argentina – The Paris of South America
Often referred to as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires has an irresistible blend of European elegance and Latin American vibrancy. American travelers have long had a soft spot for this city, and the feelings tend to be mutual. Argentina is one of South America’s safest countries, known for its vibrant residents whose welcoming energy and infectious passions makes visitors feel at home. Whether you’re sitting over a long lunch in Palermo or watching tango at a milonga in San Telmo, the Argentine willingness to share their culture openly is something U.S. travelers mention again and again.
With 11 million tourists, Argentina is distinguished by its cosmopolitan charm and stunning landscapes – from the elegant Buenos Aires to the majesty of Patagonia, the country attracts travelers with a unique mix of culture, gastronomy, and nature, while the Iguazú Falls and the wine region of Mendoza are just two examples of its attractions. Argentina ranks well for traveler comfort, especially in regions known for wine and nature – the country’s hospitality culture runs deep, and people are warm and expressive. The city boasts an impressive array of museums, art galleries, and theaters, and simply walking around can be a lot of fun – its lively street life keeps you busy, from the colorful houses of La Boca to the tree-lined streets of Palermo, where every district offers a distinctive ambiance.
5. Montevideo, Uruguay – The Understated Gem U.S. Travelers Keep Discovering
Uruguay appears frequently at the top of global safety rankings for the continent. Its cities feel calm, its coastline draws relaxed visitors, and its cultural rhythm is unhurried – the country receives international praise for stability, quality of life, and friendly communities. Montevideo in particular tends to catch American travelers off guard. It’s smaller and quieter than Buenos Aires, but that is precisely its appeal. Uruguay is a country known for its progressive and welcoming attitude, and Montevideo is the clearest expression of that national character.
The city combines urban sophistication with a laid-back atmosphere – strolling along the Rambla, a picturesque coastal promenade, exploring the vibrant Mercado del Puerto, and immersing yourself in the city’s rich cultural offerings are among the highlights. Featuring beaches as well as a beautiful city center, Montevideo is perfect for the traveler who enjoys long walks after work or during their lunch break. Argentina has a Global Peace Index ranking of 46 out of 163 with a U.S. advisory of Level 1, and Uruguay similarly earns top safety scores on the continent. Uruguay consistently ranks as the safest overall, though Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Colombia all offer secure, welcoming destinations for luxury travelers when explored with expert planning. For U.S. travelers who want South America’s warmth without the hectic pace of larger capitals, Montevideo delivers exactly that.
