South America conjures of thoughts of dense rainforests, although it is so much more.
South America's beaches lie along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Caribbean. Tours to the
Antarctic depart from the southern tip South America. South America is home to the Amazon
Basin, the largest rainforest in the world. South America is home to the Andes Mountains,
active volcanoes, lakes, and deserts. Although South America was heavily influenced by the
Spanish and Portuguese, many indigenous cultures still exist. Eco tourism opportunities
are prevalent throughout South America, as are adventure tourism activities.
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TRAVEL TO ARGENTINA
Argentina is the second largest country
in South America. Due to its vastness there are many regions, all with varying activities.
Argentineans have a very fluid sense of time. Tardiness is considered normal. It is not
uncommon for someone to be 15-30 minutes late for an appointment. As a result, bus
schedules rarely run on time. For scheduled services, always arrive for the appointed
departure times however expect delays. If driving in Argentina, beware! Drivers are
considerably more aggressive and traffic signs are frequently ignored. When in Argentina,
adjust your meal patterns. Breakfast is usually light, Lunch is fairly heavy, and Dinner
is not served until 9p or later in many places. Argentina is known throughout the world
for its high quality beef and wine.
When in Buenos Aires, the capital, spend some time shopping. Many
beautiful leather garments are available quite economically. Visit the Boca Area,
although stay to the tourist areas. Crime can be quite high outside tourist areas in
this portion of the city. In this area a beautiful river cruise is available. Tango Dancers
dance on the cobblestone streets almost every evening. When in Buenos Aires, take some
Argentine Tango lessons, it's the countries national dance and pastime.
Visit the city of Cordoba, the second largest in Argentina. Its beautiful
Spanish colonial architecture, built by Jesuits in the 17th and 18th century, lends a
charming quality to the city. Visit the Cathedral, the Palacio
Ferreyra, Ex Rectorado de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba,
Compañía de Jesús, and Cabildo. There are also many fine
museums in Cordoba including Museo Iberoamericano de Artesanías,
Museo Paleontológico de la Universität Nacional de Córdoba, and
Museo Nacional de Meteorología.
The most frequently visited location in Argentina is Iguaçu Falls.
The falls are located near the border of Paraguay, Brasil, and Argentina and area UNESCO
World Heritage site. The falls are shared by the Iguazú National Park
(Argentina) and Iguaçu National Park (Brazil). They are taller than
Niagara Falls, and twice as wide. Try to visit both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides
of the falls. There are boat rides and white water rafting trips available.
Also visit the city of Bariloche, located in the region of Patagonia.
Patagonia is located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Visit
El Bosque de Arrayanes (a forest of orange colored trees) and
Museum of Patagonia. Outdoor activities abound in this region. Visit
the Nahuel Huapi National Park for paragliding, rafting, kayaking,
skiing, rock climbing, and many other activities. Also visit the city of El
Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier.
Visit the Mar del Plata, sometimes called 'the Pearl of the Atlantic'
for beautiful beaches. Remember, Argentina is in South America. Summertime in the Southern
Hemisphere is winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
TRAVEL TO BOLIVIA
Bolivia: is a landlocked country in
South America 1.5 times greater than the size of Texas. However, it does have some
unique features. Bolivia is the poorest country in South America, credited to corruption;
however it has extensive natural resources. Bolivia contains the largest salt flats in
the world, the highest commercially navigable lake in the world, the country with the
largest percentage of indigenous Native American Indians, the worlds highest ski resort,
and the World's Most Dangerous Road. The Spanish Empire amassed most of its silver from
Bolivian silver mines.
When visiting La Paz, the capital, stop by some of the local markets.
There are several interesting museums including the Coca Museum,
Musical Instrument Museum, and Museum of Precious Metals.
The altitude of La Paz makes all travelers susceptible for altitude sickness. Make sure
you have adequate travel insurance.
Visit the pre-Columbian ruins of Tiwanaku, a UNESCO world heritage
site. Visit Chacaltaya, the highest ski resort in the world. Visit
Lake Titicaca, the highest commercially navigable lake in the world,
and see the Uros Islands. The Uros Islands are floating reed islands
where indigenous people live. Visit the city of Potosí and visit working
silver mines.
TRAVEL TO BRAZIL
Brazil: is the largest country in South
America and home to over 60% of the Amazon Basin. Most of the population lives near the
coastline. In Rio de Janeiro visit the world famous Copacabana
and Ipanema beaches, although they can be quite polluted. Also take the
tram up Corcovado Mountain to see the world famous Christ the
Redeemer Statue. Trams are also available to the Sugar Loaf Mountains.
Visit Manaus as the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest.
Visit Recife, known as 'the Brazilian Venice', and visit the many pristine
white sandy beaches. There are many fantastic museums worth visiting including
Ricardo Brennand Institute, Abolition Museum,
Museum of the Northeastern Man, and many others. Visit The Pantanal,
the world's largest wetland, with lots of opportunities to wildlife including crocodiles,
giant otter, giant armadillo, jaguar, the endangered Hyacinth Macaw, toucans, parrots,
and many others.
The most frequently visited location in Brazil is Iguaçu Falls. The
falls are a UNESCO world heritage site and are shared by Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil.
The falls are located in Iguazú National Park (Argentina) and
Iguaçu National Park (Brazil). They are taller than Niagara Falls,
and twice as wide. Try to visit both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of the falls.
There are boat rides and white water rafting trips available.
TRAVEL TO CHILE
Chile: is a long narrow country running
alongside the Pacific Coast of South America. Chileans call their country 'the Land of
Poets' having produced two Nobel Prize Laureates in Literature. Due to its length it
has many different landscapes, depending upon the region of the country. The police in
Chile are known for their honesty. Don't try to bribe a police officer in Chile, you
will be arrested. Chile contains many natural resources including volcanoes and lakes,
mineral resources, forests and grazing lands. It lies to the west of the Andes Mountains.
When in Santiago, the capital, visit La Moneda Palace,
Parque Metropolitano, and Parque Forestal. Make sure to
partake in a wine tasting event, Chile has exceptional wines. Visit Viña del
Mar and its many beautiful beaches, or try surfing. Visit Punta
Arenas, a port city in Southern Chile, and see the colony of penguins. Additionally,
Punta Arenas is also considered a launching point for many tours to the Antarctic.
Visit Easter Island or Robinson Crusoe Island. Visit
San Pedro de Atacama to see the active Lascar Volcano,
Puritama Hot Springs, the Valley of the Moon, and the
El Tatio geyser field.
TRAVEL TO FRENCH GUIANA
French Guiana: is the only country in
South America governed by an overseas nation (France). Most of the country is
unpopulated. There are no tourist attractions.
TRAVEL TO PERU
Peru: is a magical country with
colonial architecture, the Andes Mountains, coastal deserts, the tropical rainforests
of the Amazon Basin, and world class ruins. Peru was home to the Incas, and the Norte
Chico civilization, the oldest known civilization in the Americas. Spanish is the primary
language of Peru, along with several indigenous languages. Few people speak English
outside major tourist areas. Two primary Inca sites are located within Peru, the
Nazca Lines, and Macchu Picchu. Take a plane trip and
view the Nazca Lines, located within the Nazca Desert. The most visited
tourist attraction in Peru is Macchu Picchu, also called 'the Lost City
of the Incas'. Plan to spend several days in the nearby city of Cuzco, the
capital of the Incas, where many women still wear traditional dress. There are many markets
worth visiting. Many other nearby ruins can be visited, or hiked, include Inca
Wasi, Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman, Old
Vilcabamba, and many others.
In Lima, the capital, see the beautiful colonial architecture. The
historic centre of Lima is a UNESCO world heritage site. Sights to see include the
Church of San Francisco, Cathedral of Lima, National
Museum of Anthropology and Archeology, the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum,
and the Plaza de Armas.
For a relaxing break visit the city of Arequipa, called 'the White City',
which is primarily built from a pearly white volcanic rock. Walk around the city and marvel
in the many beautiful Spanish colonial buildings. Sights worth seeing include the Plaza
de Armas, the Juanita Mummy, and the Convento de Santa
Catalina.
Another interesting city to visit is Trujillo and nearby Huanchaco.
Near Trujillo visit the El Brujo Archaeological Complex. Additionally, this
is a great area for trekking. Huanchaco is a surfing area. Also visit the Chan
Chan archaeological area.
TRAVEL TO SURINAME
Suriname: formerly Dutch Guiana, is an
insular country and is quite expensive. Tourism is not yet developed, and prices can be
more than those found in the US or Europe. Most of the population lives near coastal
areas, there are few roads to the interior of the country. You can visit the
Raleighvallen Nature Reserve and see toucans, macaws, parrots, and
lots of monkeys.
TRAVEL TO VENEZUELA
Venezuela: is located in the northern
portion of South America and has Atlantic and Caribbean coasts. Angel Falls,
the world's highest waterfalls is located within Canaima National Park.
The only way to get to this National Park is by air. Due to its isolation there is a
great variety of wildlife including monkeys, jaguar, and many varieties of birds.
Venezuela has many beautiful beaches. Venezuela boasts the longest Caribbean coastline
of any country. Additionally, it is know for the beauty of its women, with more Miss
World and Miss Universe titles than any other country in the world.
