Beautiful Destinations For Your Next South American Beach Vacation

South America is a place of great geographic diversity, with the largest rainforest on the planet fed by mighty rivers, seemingly endless expanses of high desert, towering waterfalls, and soaring peaks. It also has long strands of shoreline, with more than 15,000 miles of coast wrapping around South America, some rugged with sheer drop-offs, some gently ceding to the oceans beyond. Along these edges, the continent is home to scores of beaches, some hovering on the cusp of sprawling cities, offering dwellers easy escapes into nature, while other remote reaches feature distant strands that kiss the Atlantic or Pacific.

U.S. residents might look to more obvious options for beach holidays, as U.S., Mexico, Central America, and Caribbean beaches are closer to visit, but you shouldn't overlook South America. Sure, it's hard to know where to start, and the choices can be bewildering. But some beaches, like those below, stand out. These strands of South American coastline are worth considering when planning your next beach vacation. 

The beachfront town of Cariló resides within Buenos Aires province, but the Argentine capital is some distance away — four hours to the northwest by car. Nevertheless, the beach retreat is a popular destination from Buenos Aires, drawn by the gorgeous strip of waterfront sand. What, perhaps, sets apart Cariló from many other standard beach destinations is the unexpected terrain, which is a key part of the experience here. The town sits within a manmade forest, as forestation began in the 1920s to change the landscape of dunes and farmland. This isn't a typical beachfront retreat where blocks of soaring condos and squat holiday homes line a glimmering waterfront, a pattern that replicates block after block behind the beach. 

Step a short distance away from the water and visitors may feel like they are in the countryside, where shrubs, pine trees, and patches of grass are just as fitting to the location as a wide strip of soft sand. Even the main business strip, Avenida Divisadero, is a narrow road with sand lining its side, a refreshing change from the blatant commercialism that is commonplace in many other beach towns. While relaxing and swimming are a key part of the beach experience, some visitors like to carouse on the sand and play soccer, volleyball, and rugby, three popular sports in the country.

Look at this Chilean island on a map, and the first thing that might strike you is how detached it is. Moored out in the Pacific all alone, Easter Island is thousands of miles due west of Chile. And yet, Easter Island, perhaps because of its remoteness, is a travel bucket list place for a lot of travelers. Much of that interest is due to its moai, or giant stone statues that rise up to 80 feet in height. Made from volcanic ash that has cooled and hardened, these sculptures have been an issue of debate, as it's hard to imagine lifting and transporting these heavy megaliths without machinery. 

Of all the beaches on this small, volcanic island, Anakena Beach is possibly the most alluring. The beach is also part of island lore, being the place where the first king landed on the island, more than 1,000 years ago. Anakena manages to embody the image of a tropical beach, with powdery white sand and clear turquoise water that, despite being in the middle of the Pacific, is lovely and calm. What makes the beach extra special is the array of moai nearby, set a little back from the beach, as well as platforms used during ceremonies.

At the northern bit of Patagonia, that wild, untamed part of Argentina that's a dream destination for outdoors enthusiasts, beachgoers will find the scenic beach town of Las Grutas. The waters here are noticeably warmer than at beaches farther north, with currents of warm waters flowing into the Gulf of San Matías while keeping away the cold currents that flow up from the south. Adding to that thermal bonus, the water is also deeply blue and hypnotically clear, and with high levels of salt and iodine, has beneficial medicinal effects. The beach itself is long, perfect for taking an extended stroll.

The name of the town takes its cue from cave formations that have been eroded across the eons, shaped by the constant battering of wind and water. The appearance of cliffs is part of that process, and local daredevils and fearless tourists take leaps from them into the wild, blue yonder. For anglers, Las Grutas also offers some excellent sport fishing opportunities, whether you choose to fish from the shore or take a boat charter offshore.

A three-hour drive from the city of Guayaquil, the Ecuadorian beach town of Montañita is known for its party scene. The former quiet beach retreat has attracted the backpacking crowd and has morphed into a city that welcomes a bit of revelry. However, partying is only a part of Montañita, and visitors are just as likely to enjoy a yoga session at sunrise or to sip a quiet drink while admiring the scenery. So, while Montañita has a bit of a party reputation, you can choose to partake or not. 

And the scenery is magnificent. The long stretch of beach essentially continues into the neighboring villages, and surfers will enjoy consistent breaks. Pioneering tourists were initially drawn here for the surf, and this is one of the country's best spots to hit the waves. At Balsa Surf Camp, which also offers accommodations, packages can include surf lessons, as well as yoga instruction and Spanish classes.

A coastal reserve in Peru, Paracas National Reserve is a slice of nature that features some outstanding biodiversity. Split between land and marine realms, the reserve sits about 150 miles from the Peruvian capital, Lima. A living, thriving ecosystem, the reserve is home to more than 200 species of birds, over 30 species of mammal, and a huge range of marine life, such as octopus, the Humboldt penguin, and fur seals. 

Venture farther out to sea, and the humpback whale or dusky dolphin might make an appearance. There are even archaeological sites within the reserve's boundaries, tracing the lives of the fishermen who lived here centuries ago. While there are plenty of beaches at the park, not surprising given its setting, few compare to La Mina. Set on a small bay and backed by cliffs striated in different hues, the water here is calm and clear, and combined with the rocks all around, the place has a real end-of-the-world, castaway feel.

In the northern part of Peru, and not far from Máncora, which draws surfers, Punta Sal is laid-back and promises travelers some breathtaking sea and sand. The crescent-shaped beach yields to a tranquil part of the Pacific, so swimmers of all ages and abilities can feel comfortable taking a dip. Sometimes thrill-seekers take dune buggies out onto the sand for a spin, but generally, the vibe here is calm with a capital "C." But there is much more to Punta Sal than the simple (if irresistible) pleasures of sunbathing and swimming. 

For a few months beginning in June, humpback whales trawl the waters here to mate and deliver their progeny before heading back south to Antarctica. Boat trips, usually on private charters, can take travelers out to see these gargantuan mammals. For a more intimate encounter with a giant marine creature, visitors can also swim with whale sharks, usually done in concert with research conducted by local organizations, an experience that travelers are likely to never forget.

Closer to Nicaragua, the Colombian island of San Andrés has tons of gorgeous beaches. Coupled with the nearby islands of Santa Catalina and Providencia, San Andrés is ideal for beach-loving tourists and is part of a UNESCO-designated reserve. This part of the country lures divers, thanks to the huge range of diving sites around the islands, but non-divers can also enjoy the region. Arriving on these shores, visitors will encounter brilliant beaches with dazzling white sand, archetypally clear Caribbean water, and slender palms that complete the tableau of the tropical paradise. 

On San Andrés, the local Creole mixes vernaculars of English, Spanish, and certain parts of Africa, creating a complex, interesting patois, and that hybrid extends to the fun music visitors will hear across the island. Arguably the finest beach on the island is Spratt Bight, near the island's main shopping drag. The area extends for more than a mile and is close to plenty of places to eat and stay. For a memorable excursion, a short boat ride from San Andrés brings travelers to Johnny Cay, a small island with equally mesmerizing beaches.

It takes less than two hours to drive northwest from the Chilean capital of Santiago to reach the seaside city of Viña del Mar. Once here, visitors will enjoy a sunnier way of life. The vibrant Viña del Mar has beaches that look onto the skyline, and, past that, the hills that rise up behind it into the distance. There is plenty of green space, with some residents referring to the destination as the Garden City, and all that affords plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Locals and visitors commonly stroll along the waterfront promenade, especially as dusk falls, to enjoy wonderful sunset views. 

For architectural wonders, castles and palaces appear throughout the city. Some sites are tourist attractions, while others have been converted into museums. Revelers gravitate to the beachfront Reñaca, an area with plenty of high-rise buildings along the water. The district also features a good mix of clubs and night haunts that keep tourists and locals entertained all night.