Most Populated Cities in South America

1. São Paulo, Brazil — approximately 22 million (metro area)

South America’s largest city and Brazil’s financial powerhouse, São Paulo is known for its vast skyline, multicultural neighborhoods, world-class cuisine, and vibrant arts scene. It is a major center for business, technology, and culture in the region.

2. Buenos Aires, Argentina — approximately 15 million

Often called the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is famous for its European-style architecture, tango culture, historic cafés, and lively nightlife. It is Argentina’s political, economic, and cultural capital.

3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — approximately 13 million

Renowned for its stunning beaches, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio blends natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. The city is also famous for Carnival, one of the world’s largest festivals.

4. Bogotá, Colombia — approximately 11 million

Located high in the Andes Mountains, Bogotá is Colombia’s largest city and a major hub for politics, education, and commerce. It offers a mix of colonial history, modern development, museums, and a thriving food scene.

5. Lima, Peru — approximately 10 million

Peru’s capital sits along the Pacific coast and is known for its dramatic ocean views, colonial architecture, and internationally acclaimed gastronomy. Lima serves as the country’s economic and cultural center.

6. Santiago, Chile — approximately 7 million

Surrounded by the Andes Mountains, Santiago is Chile’s modern capital and financial center. The city combines contemporary skyscrapers with historic districts, parks, and easy access to wine regions and outdoor recreation.

7. Belo Horizonte, Brazil — approximately 6 million

Known for its hilly landscape and modern urban planning, Belo Horizonte is an important industrial and technological center in Brazil. The city is also celebrated for its food culture and nearby colonial towns.

8. Caracas, Venezuela — approximately 5 million

Nestled in a valley beneath the Ávila Mountain, Caracas is Venezuela’s capital and largest city. It has a rich cultural history, notable museums and theaters, and serves as the country’s political and economic heart.

9. Brasília, Brazil — approximately 4.8 million

Brazil’s planned capital is famous for its striking modernist architecture designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Brasília is the center of the country’s government and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

10. Medellín, Colombia — approximately 4 million

Once known for its troubled past, Medellín has transformed into a dynamic and innovative city. Situated in a scenic valley, it is celebrated for its pleasant climate, efficient public transport, and growing tech and cultural sectors.

Quick Comparison

Rank	City	Country	Metro Population
1	São Paulo	Brazil	~22 million
2	Buenos Aires	Argentina	~15 million
3	Rio de Janeiro	Brazil	~13 million
4	Bogotá	Colombia	~11 million
5	Lima	Peru	~10 million
6	Santiago	Chile	~7 million
7	Belo Horizonte	Brazil	~6 million
8	Caracas	Venezuela	~5 million
9	Brasília	Brazil	~4.8 million
10	Medellín	Colombia	~4 million

These figures are approximate metropolitan-area populations, which better reflect the true size of each urban region than city proper populations alone.