Treasure, they say, is something that you have to cross hurdles to find. Well, the story of these spots is somewhat the same. When people come to visit the continent of South America, the obvious choices are the ones most commercialized and popular cities. In a rush to visit the wide known places, what the tourists miss out on is the beauty that lies unknown. However, for a true traveller, these are the places to count.

Now to answers the question of what and where, we have compiled for you a list that will take you on across all the underrated but equally, if not more, spectacular tourist spots. So check out the 7 most beautiful and underrated spots in South America:

1. FORT ZEELANDIA, PARAMARIBO

For most of the foreign travellers, the city itself is a new addition in their travel dictionary, where Fort Zeelandia almost exists in a different dimension as no one seems to be aware of its existence. A culmination of nations, the place was discovered by the Dutch, settled by the English and the wooden fortress was a gift of the French. Existing in the region since 1644, this fort is the house of the remnants of the lost glory of the colonial powers in the region.

2. IWOKRAMA FOREST RESERVE, GUYANA

If you are a nature enthusiast and your idea of a vacation is to experience nature in its unsullied, brazen form, then Iwokrama Forest Reserve situated in Guyana is just the place to be. This 1430-square mile is one area that houses some of the very few swaths of pious unadulterated rainforests in the world today. You can simply spend your day breathing the fresh air and witnessing the diversity of nature. A paradise for the bird watchers, Iwokrama is one of those regions you’d want to carry your camera to, as the number of birds here cannot be matched by many. With the pace the world is advancing, the virgin jungles may not maintain their sanctity, so a visit is advised ASAP!

3. QUILOTOA, ECUADOR

What if you looked down a water body and could see no bottom? According to the local fables in the place, this volcanic cauldron in the Andes is bottomless. When you take a gaze into the crystalline beauty, its gemstone blue perfection will have you believing in the legend, leaving all the common sense behind. A beautiful sight with stunning hiking and driving opportunities, Quilotoa can cater to a wide collection of tourists. One of the best ways to witness this place is by taking a road trip around the water body, trying to get peeks into the lives of a number of indigenous communities.