Home to the largest river in the world, the Amazon, the tallest waterfall, the Angel Falls in Venezuela, the highest capital, La Paz in Bolivia, and some of the most remote islands such as the Galapagos Islands and Easter Island, the superlative region of South America never ceases to amaze. Add to these the mystique of the gorgeous Inca ruins and Nazca Geoglyphs in Peru, the wildlife of the Amazon and the Pantanal, the breathtaking Iguazu Falls in Brazil, the stunning landscape of Torres del Paine in Chile, the idyllic beaches of Rio de Janeiro and Colombia, and the architectural wonders of Brasilia and Buenos Aires, and you’ve got yourself one of the best travel destinations on the planet.
Apart from these wondrous attractions, another factor which makes South America exceptional is its people with their age-old customs and traditions. The jungles of the Amazon are home to some of the most backward indigenous tribes in the world who have remained uncontacted despite the changing political scenario through the years. Tribes which have embraced the new world order still hold firm to age-old customs and rituals, showcased in their many festivals like the Inti Raymi in Cusco and Festival de la Candelaria in Bolivia. One of the biggest outdoor parties in the world is also celebrated in South America, the Rio Carnival which draws millions of visitors to this side of the planet each year.
If you’re looking for a unique vacation experience, Bogotá is an excellent destination. It’s not only the capital of Colombia but one of the biggest cities in Latin America. It’s known for its cultural diversity and distinctive cuisine. So if you like heritage tourism, you’ll love Bogotá. The city itself is divided into different districts…
Psychedelic Buenos Aires melds Latin passion with striking European grandeur. The sultry Argentinian capital sits on the estuary of the Rio de la Plata, looking out to the South Atlantic Ocean. There’s never been a better time to visit the smoldering city, what with a dynamic food scene and steamy tango bars. In fact, even…
The simple fishing village of Buzios shot into the spotlight in the early 1960s when Brigitte Bardot and her Brazilian boyfriend discovered it. Since then, it has become one of the most popular seaside resorts in this part of the world. You’ll find boutiques, restaurants, bars, and an abundance of hotels in Buzios, Brazil. Predictably…
Cartagena is the fifth-largest city in Colombia. And this old port city is located on the Colombia Caribbean coast. Do you know that part of Cartagena is surrounded by a large fortress-like wall? It was constructed during colonial times to protect the city from continual pirates’ attacks. That’s why Cartagena is known as the Walled…
Cusco was once the capital of the Incan Empire, and the magic is still here until this day. When it comes to visiting Peru, Machu Picchu is probably on top of your mind. That said, you’ll regret it if you’ve been to Peru and never visit Cusco. It’s a magical city full of history and…
Fortaleza is the state capital of Ceara in Northeastern Brazil. It’s quite a sprawling city with about 25km of urban beaches. This proximity to the beaches makes it a favored destination for tourists. As such, you’ll find plenty of hotels in Fortaleza, Brazil. While you won’t find many over-the-top luxury hotels in Fortaleza, Brazil, there…
The diverse cultures of Bolivia come together in La Paz, its de-facto capital sitting 3,650 meters above sea level. Set against the stark Altiplano plateau, La Paz, with its carnivals, juxtaposing architecture, and buzzing nightlife is one frenetic jamboree. Walking the streets of the city is like stepping into different eras at the same time.…
If you think Lima is just a stopover, you’re dead wrong! While it’s true that many people come to Lima just for quick transit before they head to Machu Picchu or Cusco, Lima itself is a wonderful destination. This capital city of Peru is full of an enchanting panorama, food, architecture, historical landmark, nature, and…
Prepare for a daily staple of rice and beans! Imagine steaming coconut rice topped with soft, yummy beans and your choice of protein. Don’t forget the crunchy slices of banana on the side, that’s the local specialty, patacones! And if you stay at the best hotels in Medellin, Colombia, chances are you can have them…
Rio de Janeiro is one of the largest cities, not just in Brazil, but also in South America. The city characterizes for its beautiful beaches, which makes it one of the best holiday destinations. Even better, most of these beaches are located in front of the best hotels in Rio de Janeiro. The city faces…
Chile covers almost the whole length of South America, from north to south. This results in such diversity in cuisine, weather, natural beauty, and even culture. Whichever part of Chile you’re visiting, chances are you’ll be spending some time in Santiago even just for quick transit. Why stay only for a few hours if you…
São Paulo is the most populous city in Brazil and one of the largest cities in the world. It’s located in the wealthiest state of Brazil. Therefore, it has become a popular vacation destination. Whether you’re on a business or leisure trip, São Paulo is an excellent place to visit. It offers all kinds of…
Also known as the “living museum and showcase of evolution,” the Galapagos Islands are an archipelago part of the Republic of Ecuador. Located in the Pacific Ocean, these islands are home to one of the richest marine ecosystems of the world. Therefore, thousands of people travel here each year and look for the best hotels…
When it comes to visiting Chile, most of you will probably think of Santiago or Patagonia. However, there are so many reasons why you should visit Valparaiso as well. It’s safe to say that this is one of the most underrated cities in South America. Not many people talk about this city. While in fact,…
Brazil’s “City of Dreams” Sao Paulo is home to almost 20 million “paulistanos,” as the denizens of the city are called. But, with millions of travelers visiting the city every year, it’s no surprise that its airport was once Latin America’s second-largest. Aeroporto Internacional São Paulo–Guarulhos, a.k.a. Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport or Sao Paulo Guarulhos…
Cosmopolitan, lively, and sophisticated are the words we’d use to describe Santiago, Chile’s capital. It’s a wonderful place for strolling, and each neighborhood has its own unique flavor. Head out for the day to take in the museums, art galleries, and pedestrian malls before an afternoon picnic in one of the lush parks. Then, enjoy…
Bogota is Colombia’s capital and largest city, with more than 7 million residents. It was home to the region’s indigenous people, the Muisca. Today, Bogota is a vibrant restaurant scene, world-class museums, and surprisingly wild nightlife. The city is also a charming colonial quarter with classical and progressive architecture, making it one of the most…
The Falkland Islands is an archipelago located at almost 500km from Patagonia in the South Atlantic Ocean. It’s a non-autonomous British overseas territory. However, it has its own capital and government. It consists of two main islands: East and West Falkland. These islands are where the majority of the population is located. The rest of…
People from all over the world are flocking to a cliff in Rio de Janeiro, to take death-defying adventure photos overlooking the ocean below. It all started in November 2015 when Luis Fernando Candela was photographed by his girlfriend and appeared to be hanging off a cliff above a 300 meter (1,000 ft) drop. Even the best hotels…
I was 11 years old when I heard this name for the first time. I was intrigued even by the sound of it. I read and studied about it for months and then my father took me to visit it. Not even for one second did I ever imagine that Machu Picchu would become, only 7…
The dictionary defines a capital city as a city or town that functions as the seat of government and administrative center of a country. However, not all countries have their seat of government in the capital, like Sucre in Bolivia, which is the official capital but not the seat of the government. Capital cities are…
The largest landlocked country in the Southern Hemisphere and only one of two landlocked countries in the Americas is the intriguing nation of Bolivia. Bolivia has aptly been described as a land of ‘superlatives’ with the highest capital city, largest salt flat and the driest desert in the world all within its boundaries. From the…
Brazil, the largest country in South America and Latin America, is also the fifth largest country in the world. The country, which spans such a vast area, has plenty of geographical diversity and variations in the landscape. It is no wonder, then, that it’s filled with some breathtaking sights. From the natural beauty of the…
One of the most enigmatic countries of South America is Peru with its megadiverse landscapes combined with a rich ‘golden’ history. Its 5000-year history is showcased in the numerous archaeological sites that are scattered throughout the different parts of the country. From pre-Incan Geoglyphs of Nazca and remnants of Chan Chan, hoto the Incan sites…