From the snow capped peaks of the Andes to the undulating waterways of the Amazon, South America spreads a dazzling array of natural wonders. You can hike past ancient temples first laid down by the Incas, contemplate the awe-inspiring power of Iguazu Falls or spend the day watching wildlife!
Top South American Experiences
*Machu Picchu- A gorgeous Inca citadel with emerald terraces and peaks! Tickets to see Machu Picchu can no longer be purchased online, so working with a travel agent is wonderful when thinking ahead. It is most visited during 10am to 2pm. About 2500 people visit daily! Also don't miss out on the wonderful hike of Huayna Picchu! A small town below the ruins, Aguas Calientes, is a wonderful isolated area. A great place to stay is either Gringo Bill's or Hostal John. A bus can take you to Macchu Picchu and there is also a train! Don't leave without trying the yummy food at Indio Feliz!
Gringo Bill's
*The Amazon- This is the home to some of the most wonderful plants and animals. It covers almost over seven million square kilometers! You can trek through the jungles and sleep among the trees and wildlife. Little known fact is that the Amazon Rainforest provides enough oxygen to supplement the whole world. Manaus is the rainforest base camp for many excursions into the jungle, particularly the river cruises on the Amazon. From Manaus, brief and extended tours can take you to exotic places like the "meeting of waters," the juncture at which the dark Rio Negro encounters the brownish-yellow Rio Solimoes.
*Rio de Janeiro- A must see! Gorgeous Atlantic-blue waters and sugary white sands with a mountainous backdrop of the rainforest! It is the second largest city in Brazil. It is one of the most visited cities in the southern hemisphere. a popular thing to see in Rio is the giant statue Christ the Redeemer atop of Corcovado Mountain. The Cama e Cafe is a great affordable place to stay. It is a bed and breakfast that links travelers with the local residents. You can rent a room as cheap as $120 a night! As far as food goes, anywhere that has a self serve lunch buffet and juice bar. For fancier fare, try Leblon. That area has the best options.
Cama e Cafe
Typical Rio food
Christ the Redeemer
*Buenos Aires- Beautiful metropolis with gourmet cuisine and awesome shopping! Believe everything you have heard-Buenos Aires is one of South America's most electrifying cities, graced with European architecture! The heart and soul of Buenos Aires is Plaza de Mayo which attracts souvenir salesmen, curious tourists and locals! Toward the east is Casa Rosado. It is famous because Evita Peron preached to thousands there! Tours are available on the weekends. It is a must see for sure! Don't miss shopping and eating in Palermo Viejo, looking for finds at San Telmo's antique fair on Sundays, going to a tango show, and soaking in the night life of Buenos Aires! In central Buenos Aires, the best place to stay is America del Sur. It is a modern hostel with a relaxed atmosphere. For entertainment, try the Basement Club or Bahrein. Both are very small and intimate clubs. For food, try Chan Chan. It has amazing reviews. Chan Chan offers Peruvian food. Just make sure to get there before 8PM or you will be waiting in line all night!
Need to Know
When to go: May-September is the dry season and the best time to see wildlife. Great time to trek around the Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. October-November tends to be the dry months of the Amazon. Fewer crowds and lower prices make this a good time to visit Buenos Aires, Rio, and other coastal destinations. December-March is the high season in Brazil and the Atlantic coast; the festivals and beaches are big draws.
Your Daily Budget: The cheapest places are Bolivia, Ecuador, and Columbia. Dorm beds range can be as low as $7-$20. Food can be as low as $3. The most you should budget a day for room and food is around $80. Shopping and treks are up to you!
Money: ATMs are available in major towns and cities. They are generally the best way of getting cash. Stock up on funds before visiting remote areas. Most places accept cash only, so take that into consideration. Also read up on exchange rates!
Arriving in South America: Three airports to use are Aeropuerto Internacional de Ezeiza in Buenos Aires, Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chavez in Lima, and Aeropuerto El Dorado in Bogota. Each have shuttle buses.
Argentina
*Offers big cities, scenery, and the outdoors. Buenos Aires is a bustling metropolis full of hip and old-world attractions. There are also natural wonders to see in Argentina. Go to the Moreno Glacier. You will be in awe of the whales, penguins, and other wildlife! There is also great hiking in Patagonia and the Lake District. Try white-water rafting near Bariloche and Mendoza and skiing in Cerro Castor and Cerro Catedral!
Bolivia
Offers scenery, trekking, and wonderful wildlife. Bolivia has gorgeous rock formations, valleys, volcanic peaks, and beautiful lakes! You will want to visit all the scenic places. Visit the Inca trials and trek into the valleys through the wilderness. You can't beat the wonderful views Bolivia has to offer. Nature is everywhere and is a favorite for nature lovers. Try the El Choro Trek or the Amazon tour! You will not regret it at all!
Brazil
Offers beaches, wildlife, and culture! There are hundreds of miles of gorgeous coastline in Brazil. Try visiting Fernando de Noronha or Rio Grande do Sul. Wonderful sandy escapes. Brazil is a melting pot of culture. From people and food to film and clothing. Try the seafood stew called Moqueca. It is famous in Brazil. Also the succulent meat, Picanha. Wonderful! If you are looking for more adventure, go on an Amazon tour. There you can see piranhas in action. How cool! Why not go to a street party in Salvador. Or take a tour in the Pantanal to see the wildlife.
Chile
Offers outdoors, landscapes, wine and fish! Wonderful outdoor experiences with unforgettable hiking in Torres del Paine. Chile has the driest desert in the world, the Atacama. It has salt caves, eerie moon-like surfaces, and geysers. Try the delicious food at El Tercer Ojito or at La Marmita. They are known for their fresh fish and wine! Wine and fish are essentials in Chile. The pisco is usually mixed with a grape brandy, lemon juice and sugar make the famous "pisco sour" cocktail. Visiting the vineyards of Chile is a must when visiting. Vui Manent, close to Santa Cruz, is a good place to start. The tour includes a carriage ride through the vineyard! How fun! If you like surfing, catch a wave in Arica and Iquique. There is so much to do and see in Chile!
Atacama Desert
Arica surfing
Ecuador
Offers architecture, landscape, and ecotourism. Ecuador is known for architectural treasures. A big hit in Ecuador is to visit the rainforest, snow-covered mountains, and the Galapagos Islands. Wild-life watching is also a must when visiting Ecuador. If you like white-water rafting, go to Tena. Or mountain biking down Chimborazo.
Peru
Offers culture, ruins, and landscapes. Culture is all around you in Peru. There are always festivals honoring the cultures as well. Wherever you go in Peru, you will find that the Peruvians hold a deep love of life. There is rich food, rich culture and views. Visit Machu Picch to see the ruins. Or visit the rainforest and valleys. Peru has a wide variety of food. From shredded chicken to roasted guinea pig.
Language
The main language in South America is either Portuguese or Spanish. So maybe buying a book or taking a class in either language before you depart on your trip can help! Knowing simple and basic words can make your trip so much easier! When in a different country, knowing what their road signs and signs in general mean is a big deal. Research the local signs as well so as to not be confused when you arrive.
South America is one of the word's most beautiful places. Now get out there and take an adventure you will never forget!
