Picture South America and your mind will conjure up images of Brazilian carnivals, Bolivian salt flats, Chilean deserts, Argentinian vineyards and so much more. Proving that there’s no limit to the exciting adventures that await you throughout this vibrant continent.
Covering close to 18 million square kilometres, it can be tough to pinpoint those spots you really want to see. That why we’ve chosen to highlight five places you won’t want to miss of your itinerary.
1. Discover Machu Picchu
Set at a dizzying 2,430 metres above sea level, the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu is breathtaking – both literally and figuratively. The palaces, tombs and temples that make up this fascinating complex are surrounded by the mist-covered peaks of the Andes. It’s up to you to decide how you’d prefer to experience this slice of history, whether by taking a four-day guided hike or the less-strenuous, but equally scenic, 90-minute train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
2. Wander through Patagonia
The remote region of Patagonia sits at the bottom end of South America, stretching across both Chile and Argentina. Despite its enormity, it remains one of the most isolated places on Earth. Its sparse population has left the scenery here relatively untouched, enabling it to flourish. Think snow-capped mountains, craggy rock outcrops, desolate steppes and imposing glaciers. Patagonia’s abundance of national parks makes it a haven for trekkers and adventure-seekers alike.
3. Take in the Amazon
Accessible from nine different countries on the South American continent, the Amazon jungle is the largest tropical rainforest in the world. Thought to be home to several hundred species of mammal, over a thousand types of bird and 2.5 million kinds of insects, its biodiversity is utterly astonishing. These numbers are enough to draw avid birdwatchers and wildlife lovers from far and wide. Delving deep into this biome by canoe or on foot promises to leave you with some unforgettable memories.
4. Witness the Iguazu Falls
Consisting of 275 separate cascades, these thunderous waterfalls are spliced between Argentina and Brazil. Higher than Niagara and the biggest on the planet by volume, they offer up spectacularly different views from both sides of the border. In Argentina, you can take the walkway right up to the Devil’s Throat and peer down at the giant u-shaped cascade. Whereas in Brazil, you can hop on a boat and take a ride right up to the roaring water – remember your raincoat!
5. Experience the Galapagos
A short hop from the Ecuadorian capital lies the cluster of 21 islands that make up this astonishing archipelago. Famed for being the destination that inspired Darwin’s best-known theory, the Galapagos houses thousands of unique species including penguins, marine iguanas, giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies. Their volcanic nature also means there are plenty of intriguing landscapes to be discovered, such as 10-kilometre-wide craters and winding lava tunnels.
Whilst these spots are not to be missed, it’s worth saying that they barely scratch the surface of this amazing continent. With Peregrine you can look forward of getting under the skin of your chosen destination, travelling with a knowledgeable guide and meeting the local people who call these countries home.
Peregrine offer more than 400 trips in over 80 countries, visit their website to start planning your adventure.
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For more information about the tours of South America described in this article visit Peregrine Adventures.
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