South America - Travel Highlights and Travel Tips
Travel Highlights
- Head to the Peruvian Andes and climb the Inca trail on your way to the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu. It’s easily the most famous archaeological site in South America, and while there are some great alternatives, the Inca Trail is iconic.
- See the blinding white and blue of Salar de Uyuni, the Bolivian salt flats. An almost dreamlike experience, the salt flats stretch for as far as the eye can see, with the sparkling white salt and cerulean blue sky being completely void of any distractions.
- Stand in the divine presence of Angel Falls, Venezuela. Almost one kilometer high, the waterfall cascades from a tepui - a table top mountain, called Auyantepui - and is approximately 16 times taller than Niagara Falls.
- Canoe down the legendary Amazon river, the life source of our planet, and appreciate the interconnectivity of Earth and it’s inhabitants.
- Get lost in the crowds and gawp at the rainbow coloured floats and the passionate Samba Schools of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival and get ready for a party like you’ve never experienced before.
- Tango with the best in Buenos Aires.
Travel Tips
- Brush up on your Spanish, as it’s the official language of most of South America, and a little effort goes a long way with the locals.
- While much of South America is friendly to tourists, extreme poverty means some areas in large cities are off-limits. Keep your wits about, make smart decisions and you’ll only have great experiences.
- Much like North America, South America is big on affordable bus journeys. The only difference is the variety of passengers you’re likely to meet - from a live chicken to your new best friend.
- South America straddles the equator and the tropic of Capricorn, meaning most of the continent experiences a tropical climate. However, temperatures vary on the time of year and be aware that the southern part experiences reversed seasons, so plan your wardrobe carefully.
- Visit your doctor before you travel and make sure you’re up-to-date on all vaccinations and medications needed for travelling in South America.
- Eat local, it’s the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture and it’s also usually the cheapest way to get a good meal.
