20 of the Greatest Locations to Go to in South America…
South America, that huge territory of giant peaks, impenetrable jungles and previous civilizations, is the right vacation spot for any journey traveler.
The Latin-flavored continent has just about every part you could possibly count on: vibrant cities, colonial cities, smoky volcanoes, spectacular lakes, deep traditions and, above all, a few of the friendliest individuals on earth.
In the event you journey to South America by yourself, you’ll see that the hospitality and kindness of its inhabitants shouldn’t be a fable, however a actuality.
By the way in which, I’d wish to remind you that you simply’ll be in nice hazard: you would possibly wish to keep there without end!
That’s what occurred to me.
At present, after 5 years dwelling round Colombia, Perú, Argentina and Brazil, I made a decision to create an inventory of the locations in South America you may’t miss to encourage you to go to this glorious land.
20 finest locations to go to in South America
1 – Angel Falls, Venezuela
Salto Angel, often known as Kerepakupai (the deepest fall) to the Pemón tribe, is among the most breathtaking locations I’ve seen in my life.
It’s situated in Canaima Nationwide Park and, at 979 meters excessive, is the best uninterrupted waterfall on the earth.
If you wish to get there, you’ll have to fly to Canaima as a result of there are not any accessible roads. I took the overflight to observe it from above and it was a mind-blowing expertise!
2 – Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Sticking with the “information” theme, Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat, at over 10,00zero sq. kilometers.
I used to be impressed by the area’s countless white expanses and surreal surroundings. It actually seemed like I had arrived on one other planet by which smoky volcanoes, coloured lagoons and nice deserts create the surroundings.
It’s additionally an ideal place for watching wild fauna like llamas and pink flamingos all around the lakes. Undoubtedly among the best locations to go to in South America!
three – Machu Picchu, Perú
The sacred metropolis of Machu Picchu was constructed within the 15th century and later deserted. Most likely probably the most well-known archaeological locations in South America, this Incan citadel is known worldwide for its big stone partitions and mysterious historical past.
I like to recommend visiting Machu Picchu early within the morning to observe the solar rising over the inexperienced peaks.
To get to Machu Picchu, you’ll first have to journey to Cusco, a colonial metropolis by which Spanish structure blends with indigenous traditions.
I beloved Cusco a lot that I stayed there for over three months, volunteering and visiting close by villages.
[/ybox] Learn Extra: Issues to do in Peru – a 10 day itinerary [/ybox]
four – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The most effective locations in South America is Rio de Janeiro – a place that actually touched my coronary heart.
Most individuals prefer it as a result of it provides good seashores and loopy events. That’s true. Nevertheless, Rio provides hidden secrets and techniques as properly. You’ll have the possibility to take pleasure in a captivating mixture of African-European tradition and top-class climbing.
Town boasts the world’s largest city forest, which comprises magnificent mountains and peaks. Rio de Janeiro has dozens of trails, so I like to recommend going as much as the mountains and having fun with the town from above.
5 – Eje Cafetero, Colombia
Colombia has a few of the finest espresso on the earth, so I couldn’t resist the temptation of attempting a scrumptious cup proper in a espresso plantation! It was nice to be taught concerning the historical past of the espresso, the method and the varieties grown.
Probably the most well-known getaways are Salento, Filandia and Pijao – all beautiful colonial cities by which it appears to be like like no time has handed.
Furthermore, the plush, inexperienced mountains supply a variety of actions like climbing, horseback using, kayaking, canopying and extra. One of many highlights of the go to was taking a hike round Valle del Cocora.
Extremely advisable to your South America journey!
6 – Isla del Sol, Bolivia
Situated within the outstanding Lago Titicaca, the Island of the Solar is at present residence to the Quechua and Aymara individuals, who nonetheless protect their languages and previous traditions.
Whereas taking the boat to this small island, I felt like I used to be in a sacred place.
The lake is large; once you take a look at it, it appears like you might be surrounded by an ocean. I like to recommend strolling as much as one of many hills to take pleasure in unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.
7 – Cotopaxi Nationwide Park, Ecuador
This conical-shaped stratovolcano has turn into one of many greatest points of interest in Ecuador, and it’s no shock why.
As a climbing lover, I made a decision to climb to the highest (nearly 6,00zero meters excessive), and it was really a novel expertise.
Remember that it’s a difficult ascension towards the darkness, the peak and the freezing wind. In the event you try the climb, you’ll want to rent an excellent information and convey particular gear similar to crampons and ice axes.
In the event you don’t assume the climb is such an ideal thought, you may take a jeep tour to the refuge, which provides wonderful views of neighboring volcanoes.
eight – Iguazú Falls, Argentina and Brazil
The title Iguazú means “huge water” within the indigenous Guarani language, and little question they’re proper!
One of many new seven wonders of nature and some of the well-known South America landmarks, these imposing waterfalls may be visited from both Brazil or Argentina.
As most individuals do, I visited the falls from the Argentinian aspect as a result of it offers entry to “Paseo del Diablo”, a path that takes you proper over the falls of Devi’s Throat, the best fall within the park.
Make sure you put Iguazú Falls in your bucket blist of finest locations to go to in South America!
9 – Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
In case you are on the lookout for colonial structure, Colombia provides a few of the finest preserved colonial cities on the continent.
Cartagena de Indias is a stunning metropolis filled with vitality, Caribbean vibes and pleasant individuals.
It was one of many greatest slave ports within the Spanish colony, and you’ll really feel it once you take a look at its individuals and study their historical past.
It was nice to spend just a few days strolling its colourful streets, previous church buildings and splendid castles, imagining that I used to be in certainly one of Gabriel García Marquez’s tales.
10 – Mount Roraima, Venezuela
Mount Roraima is an impressive table-shaped mountain situated within the south of Venezuela. It’s the best tepui within the area, and likewise serves because the triple border level of Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana.
I took the five-day hike to the highest and loved the loopy surroundings of unusual rock formations, lots of of waterfalls descending from big cliffs, and vertigo views in all instructions.
It’s thought-about some of the stunning hikes on the earth, and I promise it’s a type of locations in South America that’s properly definitely worth the effort.
11 – Torres del Paine, Chile
Torres del Paine is a highly regarded vacation spot amongst vacationers visiting the Chilean Patagonia. Puerto Natales is the getaway to this nationwide park, by which you’ll discover a number of day hikes and longer multi-day trails.
The park can get fairly crowded throughout the excessive season. Luckily, I visited Torres del Paine on the finish of the season, when there have been just a few different hikers.
I took the Torres W trek, which may be accomplished in 5 days, however you may as well attempt the well-known O circuit, which often takes from seven to 10 days.
The area’s color-changing timber, big glaciers and dramatic peaks make it some of the engaging locations to go to in South America.
12 – Tayrona Park, Colombia
This nationwide park, residence to the indigenous Tairona individuals till the 15th century, is among the most genuine locations within the nation. One of many issues that struck me most was the place’s wild nature.
The seashores are not like another Caribbean seashores you’ve seen. It’s all surrounded by lush inexperienced mountains and peaks, giving it an untamed character.
As well as, you may go to a number of archaeological websites hidden within the thick forest, or scuba dive within the clear waters round Cabo San Juan.
13 – El Chaltén, Argentina
The Argentinian Patagonia is an actual paradise for climbing lovers and among the best locations to journey in South America.
El Chalten might be one of the best place to begin for exploring the area. Don’t miss the path that takes you to Fitz Roy Mount and Cerro Torre.
One of many nice benefits there may be which you can take day excursions to discover the mountains, lakes and glaciers, then return to city later to take pleasure in a sizzling bathe and comfortable mattress.
14 – Iquitos, Perú
No go to to South America can be full with out an expedition into the Amazonas.
I like to recommend that you simply use Iquitos as your base. This metropolis, accessible solely by boat or aircraft, deserves just a few days spent wandering round its markets and studying concerning the historical past of rubber.
You’ll discover excursions to get you into the jungle and see the wild natural world.
In my expertise, a three-day tour was good for attending to know the jungle. We went to a standard village, navigated rivers, visited a stunning lake and walked by way of the rainforest.
Throughout that point, we have been fortunate sufficient to see various animals, together with monkeys, tarantulas, caimans, piranhas, sloths and lots of of birds.
15 – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Probably the most European of cities in South America, Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan hub with numerous museums, artwork galleries, theaters and cultural facilities.
I spent just a few days wandering round Sant Telmo, Puerto Madero, La Boca, Palermo and the town heart.
I beloved La Boca as a result of it’s a colourful neighborhood filled with historical past. It was one of many most important settlements of the Italian migrants, and it has a novel character.
That is additionally an excellent place to see the well-known tango dances, and even take some classes in the event you really feel prefer it.
16 – Chapada Diamantina, Brazil
Throughout my first go to to Brazil, Chapada Diamantina was the primary spot on my South America bucket checklist. The complete park is shaped by large valleys, deep canyons and, above all, lots of of spectacular waterfalls.
Probably the most well-known one is Cachoeira da Fumaça, at 353 meters excessive. I noticed it from one other mount within the entrance, however there’s additionally a path that takes you proper to the highest, the place the autumn begins – that have to be improbable!
17 – Cayo Sombrero, Venezuela
Cayo Sombrero is by far probably the most interesting of seashores in South America I’ve seen in all my travels.
First, it’s small; there are not any roads or lodges, and no one lives there. Second, the sand is pure white, the water is turquoise and there are many reefs with tropical fish. It’s good!
To get there, you’ll have to journey to Chichiriviche. From there, it will likely be simple to discover a boat that may take you to any of the cays.
Take a full day to relax out and luxuriate in this pristine paradise.
18 – Perito Moreno, Argentina
It might be a sin to journey to South America and to the Argentinian Patagonia with out together with this glacier in your itinerary.
The Perito Moreno glacier appears to have been made to be admired; I can’t discover one other clarification for it.
This big mass of ice is 5 kilometers lengthy and about 70 meters above the water degree. Nevertheless, what actually impressed me was catching a glimpse of the ice blocks falling away from the glacier and collapsing into the lake beneath. Unforgettable!
19 – Salvador de Bahia, Brazil
Salvador was the primary capital and the principle slave port of the Portuguese empire in Brazil. Due to this fact, most of its inhabitants are African descendants whose traditions and beliefs are fairly linked with Africa.
Most guests keep in Pelourinho, a captivating (though touristy) neighborhood of colourful streets and steep slopes. I feel it’s probably the most fascinating Brazilian metropolis when it comes to tradition, colonial structure and historical past.
The African-influenced meals is scrumptious, and I’m already lacking these good “acarajés”.
20 – Atacama Desert, Chile
Atacama, the world’s driest desert, is a “must-visit” vacation spot within the north of Chile. Its most important points of interest are salt flats, geysers, spring waters and large volcanoes.
I rented a bicycle and visited Valle de la Luna, which is just 13 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama. The unusual rock formations and desert expanses make you assume you will have flown to the moon. As well as, the sundown is spectacular.
One other place I beloved was Piedra del Coyote, an enormous stone on which you’ll be able to stand upon a rocky precipice. Don’t miss Atacama!
Which of those finest locations to go to in South America would you wish to see first?
I hope this checklist of South America landmarks has made you wish to pack your baggage and journey to South America? I promise you gained’t be dissatisfied!
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