10 Top Ruins In South America

There's something about ancient ruins that captures the imagination and sparks a sense of awe in people. They serve as a reminder of the complex civilizations that once existed and left behind beautiful remnants for later generations to explore, contemplate and admire. It's difficult to know how many of these ancient sites there are today, with new ones being discovered constantly. One database has 22076 placemark entries of ancient ruins across the world.

When it comes to uncovering these long-forgotten places, South America is a great place to start. From ancient Incan cities to colonial Dutch fortresses, the continent is a treasure trove of alluring ruins waiting to be discovered. Here are the top 10 must-visit ancient sites in this vast and stunning continent.

10 Machu Picchu – Peru

One of the richest countries in South America, Peru is home to the continent's most iconic ancient site – Machu Picchu. Nestled in the Andes mountains, this 15th-century Inca citadel is an iconic symbol of South American history and culture. Visitors can explore the terraces, temples, and dwellings that make up this magical complex. The ruins themselves stand at 7,972 feet above sea level, offering visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Hiking the Machu Picchu Inca Trail is an excellent way to explore the area and appreciate its unique beauty. Before leaving Peru, adventure seekers may also want to check out the country’s lesser-known Inca structures and sites.

Entrance fees: 154.00 Peruvian soles ($40.65).

9 Tiwanaku – Bolivia

This ancient city is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, near the border between Bolivia and Peru. Tiwanaku was an important religious and political center for pre-Inca civilizations in the region. The site contains a wide array of temples, mounds, plazas, platforms, statues, and other structures that give visitors an insight into this advanced ancient civilization. The city itself was home to 10,000 to 20,000 people at its peak. Visitors can explore the Sacred Plaza, Akapana Pyramid, and Kalasasaya Temple. Many of Tiwanaku’s artifacts are now kept in museums across Bolivia, though the ruins themselves remain largely intact.

Entrance fees: $100 Bs ($14.49) per adult

8 The Moais Of Easter Island – Chile

Easter Island is a remote island in the South Pacific that’s home to some of the most mysterious ruins in the world. The island is best known for its 887 Moai statues, giant stone heads that have been standing on the island for centuries. The statues were carved by the Rapanui people and are thought to represent ancestors, although no one knows their exact purpose. The Ahu Tongariki – an ancient platform containing 15 moai statues is worth exploring.

Entrance fees: $63,000 CLP ($80) per adult

7 San Agustin Archeological Park – Colombia

This sprawling archeological complex is South America's largest collection of megalithic sculptures and religious monuments and is one of the best places to visit in Colombia. The 116-hectare park is home to over 600 monoliths, along with tombs, statues, and other artifacts. The sculptures are thought to be up to 2,000 years old and depict a variety of human figures, animals, and fantastical creatures. Visitors can explore the vibrant artwork that adorns many of the structures as well as the remains of ancient tombs.

Entrance fees: 25,000 COP ($8) per adult.

6 Cueva De Las Manos – Argentina

This archeological site is located in the Patagonia region of Argentina and features some of the oldest rock art in South America. The cave's walls are adorned with hundreds of paintings depicting human hands, which were likely made by hunter-gatherers between 13,000 and 9,500 years ago. Ancient artwork adorns its walls, making for a truly mesmerizing experience. Adventure seekers can explore the cave and its many wonders, as well as hike around the tranquil lake nearby.

Entrance fees: 2,000 pesos ($9.78) per adult.

5 Ingapirca – Ecuador

Ingapirca, which means “wall of the Incas” in Quechua, is an important archeological site near the town of Cañar in Ecuador. The ruins are believed to be the most extensive and important archeological site of the Inca Empire outside of Peru. The complex, which includes a sun temple, a royal palace, and an Inca wall, is thought to have been built in the 15th century. Tourists can explore the ruins and learn about their fascinating history at the small museum located on-site.

Entrance fees: $2 per adult.

4 Chan Chan – Peru

The largest adobe city in the world, Chan Chan is a sprawling archeological site located near Trujillo in northern Peru. The city was originally built by the Chimu people around 850 AD and consists of ten walled citadels that feature intricate designs and sculptures made from mud and clay. The cities’ grand palaces and plazas, as well as a variety of tombs and temples, are a sight to behold.

Entrance fees: 10 soles ($2.64) per adult.

3 La Santisima Trinidad De Paraná – Paraguay

Located near the town of Encarnación in southeastern Paraguay, La Santisima Trinidad de Paraná is an important archeological site and former Jesuit mission station. The complex consists of a church, a convent, and several other buildings that date back to the 18th century. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the mission station as well as its inhabitants.

Entrance fees: 25000 guaraníes ($3.47) per adult.

2 Nueva Cádiz, Venezuela

Nueva Cádiz was a Spanish colonial city founded by conquistadors in 1528 and is now an important archeological site located near the city of Chichiriviche on Venezuela’s Paraguaná Peninsula. The ruins of the old city, which include a Dominican church, a fort, and a number of old houses, are some of the oldest in South America. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of early Spanish settlements in Venezuela.

Entrance fees: Free

1 Fort Zeelandia – Suriname

An important archeological site located in the town of Paramaribo in Suriname, Fort Zeelandia is a star-shaped fort built by the French in 1640 and taken over by Dutch colonists in 1667. The fort, which was once the center of colonial power in Suriname, features a variety of old buildings, including barracks, a guardhouse, and a powder magazine. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the fort as well as its role in the colonization of South America.