There’s only so much time in a day. This feels especially true when on vacation. Faced with the knowledge that real life is waiting on the other end, we fit as much as possible into each day. But it’s impossible to see and do everything, which is why so many people opt for the most popular, most well-known cities in South America whenever they visit. If you can say you’ve seen Rio, you instantly earn your travel stripes; since you only have a week off, why would you visit anywhere else in Brazil?
However, if you’re itching for a vacation filled with Instagrammable moments, indelible memories, and decadent desserts and don’t care about checking cities off a list, you might reconsider your strategy. Enter: the “second cities.” In these underrated gems, you can find the same experiences that you would in South America’s “first cities” — that is, delicious food, beautiful architecture, and incredible dancing — but without the sticker shock, safety concerns, or stressful crowds that often plague Latin American metropolises. So, while these may not be South America’s most famous cities, they are certainly its coolest.
Cali, Colombia
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Colombia has a trio of “first cities”: Cartagena, Medellín, and Bogotá. But while these cities certainly have charm, they also have an overabundance of tourists. Cali offers everything that its more boisterous sister siblings have with pristine style.
With its backdrop of lush subtropical mountains, Cali exudes beauty and poise from its perch in the country’s west. Here, you’ll find gay clubs, first-class restaurants, and luxurious hotels, but without constant hawking from street vendors or the dull, persistent anxiety borne from constantly guarding your wallet. If you’re looking for a good time, check out Regia or El Romano over in the Granada district; but if you’re still wondering where to stay, then look no further than San Antonio, with its beautiful cafés (see: Macondo) and luxurious hotels (see: Alko Hotel). As a bonus, Cali is dubbed “the birthplace of salsa”; with that in mind, you definitely shouldn’t miss the city’s monthly “Salsa al Parque.”
Florianópolis, Brazil
Known across Brazil as “the Island of Magic,” this adult playground and textbook beach city is renowned for its beautiful coastline, delicious seafood, thumping nightlife, and beautiful gay men. Plus, you won’t have to worry about being robbed or battling for beach space at any of its 40+ beaches. While it may not have the same number of award-worthy restaurants or cultural opportunities as São Paulo, or even the same abundance of gay clubs as Rio, it more than makes up for it with its natural beauty, reasonable prices, and excellent vibes. Plus, everything is insanely affordable for such a magical city. (Our recommendations: Conca for partying, Quinta das Videiras for lodging, and Villa Maggioni for eating.)
Arequipa, Peru
Chances are you’ve heard of Lima, Cuzco, or, at least, Machu Picchu, but have you heard of Arequipa, the White City? It’s just about halfway between the metropolis of Lima and the magnificent Lake Titicaca and absolutely worth visiting. Originally built from pure white stone produced by nearby volcanoes, it boasts uniquely beautiful architecture that won’t be soon forgotten. It’s also the home of Juanita, a preserved Inca mummy who has appeared in many a History Channel documentary. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike through the nearby Colca Canyon to catch a glimpse of a soaring condor; alternately, you can hike up the towering Misti Volcano, which overlooks the city. Then, when you’re ready to chill out, there is much partying and eating to be done in the city’s queer-friendly center.
Mendoza, Argentina
You shouldn’t skip Buenos Aires if you’re in Argentina; however, you also shouldn’t miss a trip to Mendoza. As the star attraction of the country’s wine region, Mendoza is where gays in the know get their drink. Nestled near the Andes in a haven of rural beauty, Mendoza shelters its vibrant nature behind a peaceful, easy-going exterior. When you’re not going on one of the region’s many wine tours, you can find delicious food at Casa Vigil, legendary partying at Queen Disco, and five-star bedrooms at Cavas Wine Lodge.
Valparaíso, Chile
Santiago gets all the love from visitors to Chile, and for good reason. But for anyone seeking a less frenetic trip or a more bohemian environment, Valparaíso is where it’s at. In this city, the citizens are just as flamboyant as the homes they inhabit. And wow, those homes are flamboyant. Bursting with color and organized to create stunning views of the bay, the streets here are endlessly charming. That said, you’ll want to spend as much time mingling with locals as you do gawking at houses, so make sure to visit the city’s queer bars. Amidst nonstop rooftop parties, ’80s-themed dives, and thrilling drag shows, you’ll get lost in all the excitement. Then, when you’re done dancing at places like Pagano and Delirio, you can score a delightful meal (and view) at Fauna and book an enviable room at Hotel Palacio Astoreca. Top it all off with a trip to the nearby beach towns of Viña Del Mar and Playa Reñaca.
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Quito, of course, is a popular party locale for gays visiting the famed Galapagos Islands. But if you can’t handle the altitude or want a chiller home base for your Galapagos trip, then it’s worth giving Guayaquil a go. As a port city, it has sea views; as a former colonial center, it has stunning architecture; and as a modern metropolis, it has a thriving arts scene. Some of the best cultural offerings include the seaside Malecón promenade, the Santa Ana Lighthouse, the Clock Tower, the Las Peas art galleries, and the natural wildlife refuge of Santay Island. (In the latter, you can find not only mangroves, tropical birds, exotic crabs, and anteaters, but also traditional homes on stilts. Galapagos, eat your heart out!) You’ll need a place to crash at one point, but fret not. In addition to the usual chain hotels, you can find the Hotel Oro Verde, which ranks among the country’s best. For nightlife, though, you’ll want to stop by Rayuela or Diva Nicotina; just make sure you grab a luxe meal at La Pata Gorda before you leave the city.
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