Countries with best food in South America

Argentina

Welcome to Argentina, where tango rhythms meet stunning landscapes, offering backpackers a diverse and dynamic adventure. Pros? Revel in the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires, trek the Andes, and enjoy affordable living costs. Argentina's extensive bus network makes it a budget-friendly destination. However, the country's vast size may require longer travel times. For backpackers seeking a blend of cultural richness and natural wonders, Argentina stands out, offering a unique South American experience where each region tells a different tale, making it an enticing and multifaceted destination for the adventurous traveler.

The food in Argentina is so good because of the country’s rich culinary traditions, diverse influences, and high-quality ingredients. Argentine cuisine is a blend of European, Indigenous, and African flavors, resulting in a unique and delicious food culture. The country is known for its high-quality beef, which is a result of its grass-fed cattle and traditional grilling techniques. The asado, or Argentine barbecue, is a staple of the cuisine and showcases the country’s expertise in grilling meats. In addition to beef, Argentina is also famous for its empanadas, choripan, and dulce de leche, which are all beloved traditional dishes. The country’s wine industry is also a significant contributor to its culinary excellence, with Argentina being one of the world’s top wine-producing countries. The combination of these factors, along with a strong emphasis on fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, makes the food in Argentina truly exceptional.

Brazil

Welcome to Brazil, a backpacker's dream where diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and lively festivals create an unparalleled adventure. Pros? Immerse yourself in the Amazon rainforest, dance in the streets of Rio during Carnival, and enjoy budget-friendly accommodations. However, the sheer size of Brazil may require careful planning for efficient travel. Yet, for backpackers seeking a kaleidoscope of experiences, Brazil stands out with its contagious energy, natural wonders, and a melting pot of cultures, making it an extraordinary destination that promises a rich tapestry of memories.

The food in Brazil is so good because of its diverse and rich culinary heritage. Influences from indigenous, African, Portuguese, Italian, and Japanese cuisines have all contributed to the unique and flavorful dishes found in Brazil. The country’s vast and varied landscape also provides an abundance of fresh and high-quality ingredients, including tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and a wide array of spices and seasonings. Brazilian cuisine is known for its bold and vibrant flavors, including dishes such as feijoada, a hearty black bean stew with pork, and churrasco, a style of barbecue that highlights the country’s love for grilled meats. Additionally, the Brazilian food culture is deeply rooted in communal dining and celebrations, which adds to the overall enjoyment and experience of eating in Brazil. Overall, the combination of diverse influences, fresh ingredients, and a strong culinary tradition all contribute to making the food in Brazil so exceptionally good.

Chile

Embark on a diverse journey in Chile, where natural wonders and cultural richness converge for backpackers. Pros? Hike through Patagonian landscapes, explore vibrant cities, and savor affordable local cuisine. Chile's safety and well-developed infrastructure enhance the backpacking experience. However, the length of the country demands time for exploration, and certain regions may be pricier. For backpackers seeking a spectrum of experiences, from the Atacama Desert to the fjords of Tierra del Fuego, Chile offers a dynamic adventure, where each destination unfolds as a chapter in a story of geographical marvels and cultural exploration.

The food in Chile is so good because of its diverse range of fresh and high-quality ingredients. The country’s long coastline provides an abundance of fresh seafood, while its fertile valleys and temperate climate produce a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains. The traditional dishes of Chile also reflect a rich culinary heritage, with influences from indigenous Mapuche culture, Spanish colonialism, and European immigration. The use of native ingredients such as quinoa, potatoes, and corn, combined with cooking techniques passed down through generations, creates unique and flavorful dishes. Additionally, the country’s wine industry produces world-renowned wines that pair perfectly with the local cuisine. Overall, the food in Chile is so good because it is deeply rooted in tradition, uses high-quality ingredients, and showcases the country’s diverse culinary influences.

Colombia

Embrace the vibrant spirit of Colombia, a backpacker's paradise that seamlessly blends rich cultural heritage with breathtaking landscapes. Pros? Picture yourself trekking through lush coffee plantations, exploring historical cities like Cartagena, and immersing in the lively local atmosphere. Colombia stands out for its affordability, making it a budget-friendly haven for backpackers. However, exercise caution in certain urban areas due to safety concerns, though the overall security situation has improved significantly in recent years. The warmth of the Colombian people and the diverse adventures it offers make this South American gem an unparalleled backpacking experience, striking a perfect balance between excitement and cultural discovery.

Colombian food is so good because it is a rich and diverse fusion of flavors, influenced by the country’s diverse geography and cultural heritage. The abundance of fresh and locally sourced ingredients, such as tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and a variety of vegetables, contribute to the vibrant and flavorful dishes. The use of traditional cooking techniques, such as grilling, stewing, and frying, also adds depth and complexity to the cuisine. Furthermore, the influence of indigenous, African, and Spanish culinary traditions has led to a wide range of unique and delicious dishes, such as arepas, bandeja paisa, and sancocho. The passion and creativity of Colombian chefs and home cooks also play a significant role in elevating the food to a level that is truly exceptional. Overall, the combination of fresh ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and diverse cultural influences makes Colombian food a delightful and unforgettable culinary experience.

Best known for:Known for: backpackers | scenery | people
Best time to visit: July-August, December-March

Ecuador

Welcome to Ecuador, a backpacker's paradise offering a symphony of diverse landscapes, from the Amazon rainforest to the Galápagos Islands. Pros? Immerse in rich indigenous cultures, hike active volcanoes, and enjoy budget-friendly living. Ecuador's compact size facilitates easy exploration, but occasional transportation challenges exist. For backpackers seeking biodiversity, cultural richness, and affordability, Ecuador stands out as a dynamic and accessible destination, where every step unfolds a new adventure in this South American gem.

The food in Ecuador is so good because of the country’s diverse and rich culinary traditions. Ecuadorian cuisine is a reflection of the country’s varied ecosystems, from the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest and the Pacific coast. This diversity of landscapes has given rise to a wide array of local ingredients, including fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and highland grains.Ecuadorian cuisine also draws influence from indigenous traditions, Spanish colonial heritage, and African and Asian immigrant communities. This mix of cultural influences has resulted in a unique fusion of flavors and cooking techniques, creating dishes that are both traditional and innovative.Additionally, Ecuadorians take pride in using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, which adds to the quality and flavor of their food. From ceviche to llapingachos, and from encebollado to cuy, the food in Ecuador offers a delicious and varied culinary experience that reflects the country’s history, culture, and natural abundance.

Peru

Embark on a backpacker's dream in Peru, where ancient wonders and diverse landscapes create a captivating adventure. Pros? Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Incan history, trek the Andes, and savor budget-friendly local cuisine. Peru offers a well-established backpacker infrastructure and friendly locals. However, popular sites can be crowded, and altitude may pose challenges for some. Yet, the blend of cultural richness, affordability, and breathtaking scenery makes Peru a must-visit for backpackers, providing an unparalleled journey through history and nature in the heart of South America.

The food in Peru is so good because of its rich culinary heritage, diverse ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques. Peru’s cuisine is a fusion of indigenous Incan, Spanish, African, and Asian influences, resulting in a unique and flavorful culinary tradition. The country’s diverse geography provides an abundance of fresh and high-quality ingredients, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meats. Additionally, Peru’s traditional cooking techniques, such as marinating, grilling, and slow-cooking, enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. The use of indigenous herbs and spices, such as aji peppers and huacatay, add depth and complexity to the dishes. Furthermore, the creativity and innovation of Peruvian chefs have elevated the country’s cuisine to international acclaim, with dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and causa gaining popularity worldwide. Overall, the combination of cultural influences, fresh ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and culinary creativity makes the food in Peru truly exceptional.

Countries with the best food in South America in 2025 addMaskedRevealAnimation('67042867acb36');

Argentina

Brazil

Chile

Colombia

Ecuador

Peru

Countries with the best food in South America in 2025 addMaskedRevealAnimation('67042867ccd00');

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Countries with the best food in South America in 2025

Countries with the best food in South America in 2025