If you are planning to travel to South America, you need to plan your itinerary well in advance. If you are planning to visit the most famous tourist destinations, you should consider visiting Torres del Paine, Iguazu Falls, the Sacred Valley, and Buenos Aires. However, you can also enjoy other activities and places to visit during your stay. To get a more detailed list of the best places to travel in South America, read on.
Torres del Paine
If you’re looking for a stunning national park in South America, Torres del Paine should be at the top of your list. This breathtaking park is located in Patagonia and is accessible by air or land via Punta Arenas. While the park is very popular in backpacking season, there are plenty of accommodations and designated picnic areas for visitors. You’ll also find ranger posts and restaurants for a comfortable stay. There are also multi-day backpacking trails within the park.
The park is huge and has plenty of hiking trails. Day hikes range from 5 km to 20 km, depending on your skill level. You can even do a couple in a day. A more ambitious trip can take you on the W-trek, a 100-kilometer backpacking trail that will require at least four or five days. While there are many other activities to do in the park, the W-trek is probably the best way to experience the entire park.
When to Visit: Torres del Paine is best visited during Austral summer. However, if you’d like to see the snow-covered mountains, visit in the winter months. Although the park’s climate isn’t ideal in the winter, it can be beautiful and snowy. However, the weather is a critical factor in determining when to visit the park.
Iguazu Falls
The stunning Iguazu Falls can be found in Argentina’s Parque Nacional Park. Located on the Argentina side of the falls, this luxurious lodge features an outdoor restaurant and bar. You can even dine in the park’s pristine forest. If you travel to Argentina during the summer, you’ll have the opportunity to see locals enjoying the park during their free time.
Iguazu Falls is a spectacular sight to see, whether you’re visiting the Brazilian or Argentinean sides. A 90-minute flight from Buenos Aires will get you to the falls. Alternatively, you can take a 90-minute bus ride from Parana to the Argentine side. Then, you’ll have to walk through the park to reach the falls, which is part of a large national park.
Iguazu Falls is spectacular no matter what time of year you visit. However, the rainy season (January to March) is the best time to visit, as the falls splash with more water. During this time, tourists are more likely to encounter locals during their holiday season, and the national parks are less crowded. Because of this, you may find some sections of the park closed during this time, so make sure to bring sunscreen and wear sunglasses. Also, consider carrying a sun block that has a high SPF.
Sacred Valley
Pisac is the most famous Andean village in the Sacred Valley and the world-famous site of an Inca fortress. You can shop for beautiful adobe houses and silken baby alpaca shawls at the town’s market. The Sacred Valley’s agricultural and military ruins can be seen within 20 minutes from the town.
The Sacred Valley is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and is an accessible destination for visitors from all over the world. There are numerous Inca paths and roads that lead to the site. Hiking in the valley is challenging, and due to the high altitude, many trails are difficult. Some hikes can last a few hours, while others require a multi-day trek. A tour operator can provide assistance with planning the trip.
The Sacred Valley is home to many tourist attractions, including the Sacred Temple, the citadel, and the terracing. The Sacred Valley’s Citadel is a hilltop Inca citadel, located atop a triangular plateau surrounded by plunging gorges. It’s worth spending a few hours exploring the citadel, which can be reached by taxi or by walking four kilometers. Agricultural terracing wraps around the eastern and southern sides of the mountain in huge, graceful curves and is almost devoid of steps.
Buenos Aires
Known as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is a vibrant city of contrasts. The elegant Plaza de Mayo sits opposite colorful neighbourhoods like La Boca and San Telmo. Known as the birthplace of Tango, the city is a mix of old and new. The city’s culinary scene is impressive, and the atmosphere is continental and romantic.
This bustling metropolis has everything you need to experience a full, exciting day. From colorful houses in La Boca to museums and theaters, Buenos Aires has it all. From world famous steakhouses to the Monumental de River, Buenos Aires has something for everyone. Even if you’re not into sport, Argentine steakhouses are a great way to unwind in this colorful city.
While Argentina’s landscapes are breathtaking, you’ll still find cities with cosmopolitan appeal. Buenos Aires and Lima are two cities where you can experience a wide range of culture. You’ll find ancient ruins and impressive pre-Columbian and colonial architecture, while cosmopolitan Buenos Aires offers a lively nightlife.
El Chalten
The stunning views of El Chalten, Argentina will be sure to impress. If you are an avid hiker, you will want to visit the town’s famous hiking trails. El Chalten is a self-proclaimed hiking capital, located on the northern edge of Los Glaciares National Park. It is the perfect location to experience the infamous hikes of Patagonia, including the notorious El Chalten Valley.
Guests should plan their trip to El Chalten between September and April. Summer is the busiest time in Patagonia, and the weather can change within a single day. Nevertheless, the area is much cooler in spring and autumn, and there is no lack of spectacular scenery. Although spring is the best time to visit, you should avoid July and August when the climate is hot and humid.
You can take part in a variety of immersive activities in El Chalten, including ice trekking on glaciers. There are also guided tours that will show you the turquoise Laguna de los Tres. While hiking in El Chalten, you can relax in a cozy eco-dome and warm yourself around a fire. During your trip to Argentina, you can also purchase an inexpensive USD at one of the local stores.
Paracas National Reserve
There is a wide variety of wildlife in Paracas, including flamingos in their natural habitat, and fossils from millions of years ago. The area is dedicated to protecting the marine ecosystem, and a basic tour of Paracas will show you how to see the flamingos and other wildlife. While you’re in town, you can also stop at La Catedral arch and see the ruins of a large rock formation that was blown away during the devastating earthquake in August 2007.
You can get to El Chaco by bus or take a shuttle from Pisco. The cheapest option will get you to Paracas, the start of Islas Ballestas tours. If you’d rather spend your time in El Chaco, you can choose to stay there for a few days. You’ll have plenty of food and accommodation options. This is one of the best places to travel in South America, regardless of the time of year.
Near Lima, the Paracas National Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to diverse ecosystems and countless brightly colored birds. You can even hike in the reserve! You’ll also find great trekking and hiking trails. There are also arid islands and marine desert ecosystems. There are plenty of activities to do in Paracas. If you’d like to spend more time on the beach, you can rent a bicycle and pedal through the reserve on it.
Bolivia
One of the best ways to experience the unique nature of Bolivia is to take a trip to the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. This salt desert was formed by transformations between prehistoric lakes and is now one of the most visited tourist destinations in the region. Many hotels have been built using salt blocks, and you can even drive through it to reach Chile! The Salar de Uyuni is a popular tourist destination, and you can even take a jeep tour to experience the majesty of this desert.
The region is home to a spectacular array of landscapes. You can experience the Amazon rainforest, the Andes, and the Patagonian glaciers. You can even experience the largest waterfall and the driest desert in the world, all while enjoying the amazing variety of wildlife. Visit a wildlife sanctuary and observe the beautiful birds, monkeys, and other animals. The scenery is so breathtaking that you’ll never get bored.
The cost of visiting South America is affordable compared to North America and Europe. However, you must be wise and select your locations carefully. Some regions and cities in South America are expensive. The cheapest countries in South America are also the most fascinating and beautiful. It’s not uncommon for a country to be a little expensive, especially if you’re traveling on a tight budget. There are many ways to budget a trip to South America, and I hope these suggestions help you find the right way to see the most of it.
