Few places combine natural and man-made elements quite as majestically as Machu Picchu. Even fewer are as mystical as this historic Inca citadel is at dawn. Early risers shouldn’t expect a single burst of radiance as some internet forums are eager to claim, but rather a gradual dissipation of mountain mists and the alluring appearance of ancient stones strewn among lush peaks. Other benefits of a sunrise at Machu Picchu: beat both the crowds and the full strength of the searing Andean sun.

The Amazon River and its surrounding basin is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Here an odd assortment of avian species and shy mammals swing amongst the trees and creep quietly through the underbrush. During the day these tropical creatures tend to snooze in the shade, so you want to rise when they do: early. Sunrise on the Amazon River is one of the best times for wildlife watching, so set your alarm.

Backpackers and hikers descend upon Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia for its sweeping scenery and numerous trekking options. Though a sunrise anywhere in Patagonia is likely to be memorable, a particularly pretty highlight is watching the sun slide up the iconic three towers from which "Torres del Paine" derives its name.

While our other sunrise selections primarily feature natural landscapes, we’d be amiss if we left the cities out altogether. Anyone who has slipped out the door before the morning rush and strolled the silent streets knows the serenity of an urban sunrise. City sunrise in South America doesn’t get better than Rio de Janeiro. A metropolis interspersed with subtropical mountains and miles of sandy shore, Rio de Janeiro is a slice of surprising serenity. Watch the magic unfold from high above, perched on one of the city’s many hillsides, or better yet, from the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain.