Best of South America

As a Continent of wonders, South America is the place where the most incredible adventures can happen. If you haven’t been to this exquisite part of the world yet, hold on tight because what we are about to reveal will start a new life addiction – Latin America!

Here are 13 reasons why you will be love-struck:

Number 1: Exploring vulcanos

The shifting power of the earth is always near the surface in Pucon.  The Villa Rica volcano sparks and rumbles, thermal pools simmer and impossibly blue water laps at the feet of mountains.

Number 2: Touching the sky in Torres del Paine

One of the world’s premier hiking destinations, acre upon acre of protected landscape stretches out to wonder and amaze you; from glacial lakes to undulating, grassy plains, to soaring, snowcapped mountains. Home to everything from rare species of orchid to the elusive puma, Torres del Paine’s landscape has been moulded by forest fires and glacial retreat, as well as by the footsteps of its many visitors.  There aren’t many better places to reflect on the vast power of nature, and of our impact on it, than this.

Number 3: Andes

The Andes Mountains. Home to rainforests and deserts, glaciers and volcanoes, ancient civilisations and modern capital cities.

Where to go in the Andes?

Home to Machu Picchu, Peru has arguably the most popular and well-known tourist attraction in the Andes. Whether trekking the Inca Trail, or travelling by train from the stunning capital of Cusco, this is one destination you definitely won’t want to miss. Ecuador is a fantastic destination if you want to visit the Andes, and is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the range. The Avenue of Volcanoes is undoubtedly a highlight, a region where you can visit emerald lakes in dormant volcanoes, relax in natural hot springs, and visit the stunning snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano.

The Andes Mountains in Argentina are a favourite for adventure enthusiasts. The highest peak in the Andes, Mount Aconcagua, is located in Argentina –  as are some of the best ski resorts in the southern atmosphere. Skiing in Argentina is a great alternative to the resorts of Europe and North America, and can even be combined with a trip to see Iguazu Falls. The Andes Mountains in Chile offers the best of everything. The Chilean Lake District with its twelve crystal blue lakes, surrounded by jagged mountain peaks, is ideal for active travellers. From mountain biking to hang gliding to fantastic ski resorts, it’s truly an adventurer’s paradise.

Number 4: Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier is in the Los Glaciares National Park, in southwest Santa Cruz, Argentina. It’s considered to be one of the most important Argentinian Patagonian attractions and with good reason. It is 30 km long and one of the 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the Andes. Other than that, it’s just another wonder of the world, and one of the reasons why (after this post) you will be booking a flight to South America! You can learn more about the Perito Moreno Galcier on our El Calafate and El Chalten page.

Number 5: Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a big world. Big in the sense that there is so much that you can do and see when visiting the city. From alluring beaches to tropical landscapes, culture activities to lively parties, Rio is quite literally a Carnival town 24/7! Other than that, it is also home to the ‘carioca spirit’ which is all you would want to add to your day: spontaneous, good-natured and thirsty for life!

Number 6: Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert is a 1,000km long strip of land on the Pacific coast and west of the Andes mountains. It has a completely otherworldly appearance and it has often been compared to Mars. Some say that the high quantities of quartz and copper in the area act as a positive energy booster for the locals. In the end, it doesn’t really matter how true this is as anyone can see that the desert’s beauty, on its own, is the endorphin booster! Visit our Atacama desert page.

Number 7: Iguazu Falls

The Iguazu falls lie split between Brazil and Argentina and are the largest waterfall system in the world. Legend has it that a deity intended to marry a beautiful woman named Naipí, but she fled with her mortal lover Tarobá in a canoe. In a rage, the deity sliced the river, creating the waterfalls and condemning the lovers to an eternal fall. Love hurts? Not visiting the Iguazu Falls also does! Visit our Iguazu Falls page for more information.

Number 8: Easter Island

Easter Island is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world and best known for its 887 extant monumental statues called Moai. These were created by the early Rapa Nui people who to this day, still inhabit the island. You can experience the land’s beauty in all sorts of ways – diving, snorkeling, surfing, horse riding or even biking. There’s also a very mystical aura about the island as its unique characteristics cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. You can learn more about Easter Island here.

Number 9: Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon is a world within a world. Its river, solely, has more water than anyone can imagine; more than the next eight largest rivers combined and is twice the area of India. It’s impressive in size and in diversity, and it can be enjoyed on a lodge – where you will have the chance to sleep in the forest at an established camp – or hiking – for two or three days on a ‘survival tour’. It’s safe to say: welcome to the jungle! Learn more about holidays to the Amazon.

Number 10: Torres Del Paine

There are pieces of art that you visit a museum, others, you can see in South America. Torres Del Paine is one of them. – This beautiful National Park encompasses mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers in southern Chilean Patagonia. Despite what you might think, there are plenty of attractions in the park such as azure lakes, trails in beautiful emerald green forests, rivers, rickety bridges, and one big, blue glacier.

Number 11: Uyuni Salt Flats

As the world’s largest salt flats, the Salar de Uyuni are as expected, quite unforgettable. Formed due to transformations in several prehistoric lakes, this stunning salt wonderland is today ones of the most celebrated destinations in South America. Why should you visit? Between an incredible sea of diamond bright salt or pastel blue lakes, you take your pick! Truth is, this vast salt desert is too beautiful to miss.

Number 12: Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a land of history, beauty, and mystery. Dating back to the 15th-century, this Inca citadel situated on a mountain ridge 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above sea level, is probably one of the most breathtaking places to visit. It has been built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls and it has three primary structures; the Inti Watana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. Are you ready to go back in time and indulge in a unique Inca adventure? We dare you! Learn more about holidays to Machu Picchu.

Number 13: Galapagos Islands

As one of the few places on earth where human influence has been kept to a minimum, this little paradise on earth is not your everyday oasis. It’s better! Home to wonderfully unique wildlife such as frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, sally lightfoot crabs, waved albatross (and so much more) – these volcanic islands are a rarity almost too good to be true! Learn more about holidays to the Galapagos.

Call us on 01730 711010 or email [email protected] if you wish to travel to any of these places or for any other holiday requirements.

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