Art Tours in South America

With artworks dating back hundreds of years and plenty of modern masterpieces too, a South American art tour is an ideal way to get to grips with the continent’s rich cultural heritage.

Art plays an intrinsic part of any country’s identity and while travelling in South America you will be treated to a diverse and beguiling range of artistic treasures. For example, you could pay a visit to Bogotá’s Museo del Oro to discover some of Colombia’s oldest relics, then later learn about Medellín’s vibrant street art movement – a complete contrast but equally impressive, showcasing the nation’s artistic journey from ancient times to the modern day. Whichever of its countries you visit, an art tour through South America is intriguing, enlightening and utterly enriching.

South America is a melting pot of creativity. From colourful Peruvian textiles to delicate Bolivian pottery, the continent’s past, present and indeed its future can be seen depicted in all manner of artworks. To see some of South America’s most contemporary pieces of art on a huge scale, make your way to Inhotim Art Park in Brazil, not far from Belo Horizonte – which itself is peppered with eye-catching architecture. Inhotim is a fascinating project where modern art meets nature, set in a botanical garden covering 500,000 acres that is teeming with art installations and interactive experiences.

Of course, one of the most famous pieces of art in South America (if not the world) can also be found in Brazil: Christ The Redeemer, an art deco statue towering above the glittering city of Rio de Janeiro. Uruguay, meanwhile, has more than its fair share of artistic offerings. Look out for the instantly recognisable La Mano emerging from the sands of Brava Beach in Punta del Este, a seaside town that’s also home to Casapueblo – the house and workshop of famous artist Carlos Páez Vilar. Or, spend an afternoon wandering through Galería Ciudadela in Montevideo before moving on to mingle with the locals in the chic beach resort of José Ignacio, and enjoy the art exhibitions that are regularly showcased at Galería los Caracoles.

Across the water in Argentina, street art is thriving. In fact, it is in the Barracas district of Buenos Aires that you will find one of the world’s longest murals covering 2,000sq m, painstakingly created by the pioneering artist Alfredo Segatori over the course of several years. Furthermore, there are many other opportunities to explore the country’s artistic background with myriad galleries scattered through the city; the Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art (also known as MAMBA) being a particular highlight. If you wish to see some classical pieces, pay a visit to the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and familiarise yourself with some of Argentina’s most prestigious fine art. However, this is just a taste of the many art galleries and museums to discover in South America, where a personalised art tour promises to give you an appreciation of this dynamic continent on a whole new level.

Art Tours in South America Highlights:
  • Inhotim Art Park, Brumadinho, Brazil
  • A street art tour of Medellín, Colombia
  • Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Galería los Caracoles, José Ignacio, Uruguay
  • PLOP! Galería in Santiago, Chile
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