Variety, culture and color are the mark of any South America travel
Travel South America and any country in the continent and generally you’ll discover this land has everything that a typical traveler would be looking for.
Whatever you’re in to…if it’s waterfalls and beautiful scenery or rivers and rain-forests, perhaps bustling city life with lively music and dance, South America travel can give it to you. Explore in these parts and you cannot get bored. The iconic and internationally famous destinations of Peru with the colorful traditions of Lima and the ancient spectacle of Machu picchu are for the taking. Perhaps the carnival of Rio de Janiero, back-dropped by Sugar Loaf mountain and framed by the white sand beaches of Rio and Ipanema?
South America doesn’t do things halfheartedly. Ancient civilizations combine with outstanding rain forests, expansive and impressive snow capped mountain ranges yawn across 7 countries. Beaches that fulfill your every sunny fantasy lie lazily waiting for your arrival. Likewise, an explosion of color in cultures, carnivals and parties with pulsating Samba beckon. Whatever your taste and desire, South America travel can give it to you.
Tranquillo Argentina – the quiet one with a passionate soul
Speak to anyone about Argentina and they’ll probably associate the tango and beef with the country. Of course, it is that, but it offers so much more to the traveler. In Argentina, you can take in one of the new 7 wonders of the world – the Iguazu Falls. Situated on the border of Brazil and Argentina, these falls are spectacular. With an expanse of 2km and a staggering flow rate of 1.3 million liters per second they roar across the valley.
Here’s more good news! You do not have to travel to Alaska to see a glacier. The Perito Moreno Glacier is an impressive 30km in length.A beautiful blue-white ice that breaks away from the glacier and crashes down into Lake Argentino.
One of my favorite cities in the world is Buenos Aires. Any South America travel must include this city as far as I am concerned. The largest city in Argentina, it serves as the country’s capital city. The metropolis is vibrant day and night and its architecture is very European. The colonial influence though, dressed with a Latin flair. The food is outstanding – gourmet standard! The cafe lifestyle of the city truly attracts.
As a tourist here, the places and sights available are so many. You could easily spend a month or more traveling this great country….if you could afford it. Ah yes, there’s the downside.
The price of Argentina – don’t cry,,
Argentina is expensive. Compared to other travel in South America, it is a bit pricey. Yes, you can be lodging at dirt cheap prices by way of hostels and small hotels but this is where most budget travelers and backpackers get caught out. On the face of it, it may seem like a cheap place to visit. I thought so too. Until I got there.
The food in Argentina is generally expensive but the real expenses are hidden. If you want to see the countryside and visit the sights, the costs start to escalate quickly. It is a vast country and the expenses come with your transport and admission to various sights along the way. That said, if you can afford it, the value of what you get in terms of sights and that perfect tranquillo feel, is well worth it.
Suriname is a South America travel Secret – Earth’s Greenest Treasure
Oddly, this small north eastern part of South America is overlooked by most tourists. South America destinations on most peoples bucket lists are Chile, Brazil and Argentina as their main go to places.
The language is neither Portuguese or Spanish, as you may expect. It is Dutch…along with English and other native tongues that indicate the sheer diversity of people.
Truly, it is the diversity of the inhabitants that make this place what it is. African and Asian nuances blend into a lovely mix of ethnicity. Slaves from Africa were brought to the region to work on the plantations and consequently you find an ethnic group from another continent who hold onto their own tribal customs.
Peoples from Asia and Indonesia found their way to these parts and thus the enjoyment for the tourist today is in the different foods, cultures and languages in the green oasis.
The diversity is not just cultural. The geography is a variety of eco systems. The tropical rain forests, the coast, the savannas in the west and south and one of the largest reservoir lakes on earth.
Suriname is a gem and worthy of a stop as you travel the destinations of the world.
Bolivia the beautiful
Bolivia is a beautiful country. The population is the highest concentration of indigenous people in South America. Tradition and culture is well preserved and is right in the heart of South America, forgotten as a travelers destination, dwarfed by neighboring Chile to the southwest and Argentina and Paraguay to the south, Brazil in the northeast and Peru in the Northwest.
With breathtaking mountains, deserts, forests and savannas, this is one of the least visited countries by tourists. La Paz is the capital city and is the highest city above sea level in the world. You will be delighted by the scenery, the food and the people in Bolivia – it is ideal for the adventurous traveler!
Journey to Peru
Peru is a budget friendly destination (for the moment), that will take you to the place of the ancients. Inca archaeological sites nestled in and around the magnificent Andes Mountains and thick Amazon jungle.
The country provides for both the backpacker and the budget traveler and you can find many tours online that are affordable and have great reviews from fellow travelers. As a country, Peru stretches from coast to mountain peaks, over 2000 kilometres (1242 miles).
Your Choices ...
Head off to Lake Titicaca, the highest lake in the world and meet the peoples of the Uros tribe. Take a stroll on the floating reed Islands or relax in the mountain ranges and observe the grace of the Andean condors. Peru is a place of many faces. This really is the trip of a lifetime! Imagine exploring the ancient and mystical ruins of Peru, bargaining at the Sacred Valley markets, sampling the seafood in Lima, climbing up the Inca trail to Machu Picchu and so many more memorable moments.
Machu Picchu, a world heritage site in Peru is one of the most beautiful and fascinating locations to visit in South America. High on a ridge, embraced on three sides by the Urubamba River 2,000 feet below. The remains of an urban Inca Empire at the zenith of its power and evolution tells us how advanced these people were. This truly is a spiritual adventure to have.
Chile - a top destination for adventure
From a country that stretches over half of South America in length, you would not be surprised to find something that would interest you.
Glaciers, mountains, desert, coastline and geysers are all a feature of this 4300km (2361 miles) landscape.
If you enjoy the great outdoors, going on hikes, swimming in lagoons with waterfalls or doing a bit of rock climbing, swathing your way through the jungle or some desert trekking, Chile has it for you.
The arrival gateway and capital city of Chile is Santiago. This city nestles in a valley with the protective peaks of white capped Andean mountains surrounding this cosmopolitan city. As a visitor, I must admit my surprise at the modern culture of Santiago with its many museums and galleries. The bars and cafes are fun and lively and the city feels friendly and inviting. One place I would recommend is getting to the Cerro San Cristóbal hill that offers an amazing view of the city from 300 metres above. To get up there, just take the Venicular. Bellavista and Lastarria are the areas in the city to seek out a great meal.
Must Sees in Chile
- The city of Santiago
- Viño del Mar – Coastal town with beautiful beaches
- Valparaíso –steep hills meeting brightly coloured seaside houses
- Chilean Patagonia – rivers, glaciers and lakes
The Wine Valleys – Chilean wine is getting a really good reputation. Visit the source.
Carretera Austral – Great cycling trail that will lead you to General Carrera lake where you’ll find the Marble Caves
Lauca National Park where you’ll find the volcanoes of Parinacota and Pomerape
Pucon – The adrenalin junkie’s dream – climbing, horseriding, canyoning, hiking and white water rafting
Easter Island – Hey, you’re in Chile. You absolutely MUST go to the home of the ancients – the Rapa Nui. And of course, snorkeling and diving in this part of the world is unrivalled.
Columbia - The only risk is wanting to stay.. (well, it's getting safer)
Columbia has a recent history – a bad rep, if you like. Drugs, trafficking, murder and kidnapping being on the menu of the day.
Fortunately this aspect of Columbia is fading from reality in many parts of the country. Is Columbia safe? Certainly you are safer in the urban areas of the cities Bogota and Medellin and some of the provincial capitals but it makes sense to do your research.
There remain areas outside of these places that would not be a wise choice to travel in. Colombia has a very diverse culture, made up of the original native inhabitants, Spanish colonists and African people originally brought to the country as slaves and immigrants from Europe and the Middle East.
The diversity of the landscape is the treasure of this country. Columbia can provide a spectrum of experiences, sounds, tastes, sights and experiences to the traveler. Amazon Jungles, snow capped mountains, history with the ancient ruins and sun kissed beaches are all provided.
The Costs of travel in Columbia
As with all costs – it depends how you want to travel. As a hostel dwelling backpacker, Columbia can definitely keep your tight budget in line. Expect to pay around $15-25 per night in a decent hostel. If you want a private room, you will start to be paying beyond the restrictions of your budget – around $45-50 per night.
Hotels can start at a budget friendly $45 and soar to $200. Private accommodations like houses and apartments can cost upwards of $200 per night.
Food on the go is cheaper if you stick to street food or cook for yourself. Grab the set lunches available in the local establishments – these can be as low as $7-10.