South America is one of the most exciting areas of the world to explore and learn about culture, landscapes, and food. With this fantastic list of destinations, the only problem will be where to begin!
Chile
Chile is a country of extremes: the dry, cracked salt flats of the Atacama Desert, the quaint, colonial beauty of Valparaiso, the Aboriginal atmosphere of Easter Island and the buzz of Santiago. While you will have to take a few internal flights to cover this magical country, a self-drive holiday is a fantastic option for the freedom it will afford you. Patagonia is one of the most famous areas in the world when it comes to hiking, and with your vehicle, the best routes are at your fingertips.
The Colca Canyon in Peru is one of the deepest canyons in the world.
Peru
Peru will wow you with its magnificent landscapes, impress you with its ancient history and charm you with its friendly culture. Any itinerary should begin with Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic ancient sites. Your next stop; Cusco, is famed for colonial architecture and that amazing mountainous backdrop.
End your trip with a week-long retreat at the Gaia Tree Center. Set deep in the Peruvian jungle, the immersions here are designed to promote spiritual awakening and personal growth in a natural and safe environment.
Costa Rica
The country of Costa Rica is famed for wildlife; from the untouched jungle, swarming with amazing beasts, to the pristine coastline, boasting gorgeous coral and varied marine life.
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Animal lovers are sure to be in their element. Nature-based adventures such as waterfall treks, ziplining and kayaking will all add to the sense of adventure and allow you to explore this vibrant country further. A great time to visit Costa Rica is November as you’ll be able to enjoy the warm weather without the crowds of people who flock there during the summer months.
El Obelisko, Buenos Aires Argentina.
Argentina
No trip to South America would be complete without a visit to Argentina. Begin your journey in Buenos Aires for a cultural immersion like no other. Learn the tango, witness the best in Latin American art and explore La Boca; the colorful home of Argentina’s original immigrant population.
Next, head to Mendoza for the most excellent red wine and steak you’ll ever eat. The best way to see this area is on horseback, so saddle up and enjoy the ride. Iguazu Falls need to be seen and heard to be believed, treks and boat tours are the best way to witness this natural wonder. End your adventure at the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the only growing glaciers in the world and a real spectacle.
Medellin Colombia
Columbia
Last but not least, Colombia is one of the most exciting countries to visit, with a wealth of adventures to be had. Visiting coffee plantations to learn where your morning cup comes from, hiking through jungles and mountains, or exploring former colonial cities, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Cartagena and Bogota both pack a cultural punch, with colonial architecture and street art making ditching the map and getting lost an absolute must. Top it all off with some chill-out time on some world-class beaches.
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If all of these destinations sound tempting, why not plan your itinerary to include visiting the best bits of all of them? Of course, this requires a great deal organizing, so you might benefit from using a specialist such as the Latin America Travel Company. There is so much to see and do here, talking with a knowledgeable guide will allow you to make the most of your time and have an incredible trip.
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Amazing post ! Keep it up !
Great post! Colombia has always been on my buckets, especially Cartagena. Another country that many don’t know about that I want to visit is Guyana, a Caribbean country in South America. My family is from there and everyone has went back in the past 10 years, except me. We’ll see what happens in 2019!
xo, My Life Parade
Cartagena is a beautiful colonial town, I enjoyed my stay there short as it was :)