Do you envision yourself escaping the blistering cold that most of the Northern Countries provide, laid out on white sandy beaches, relaxing in one of god’s numerous gift to earth in an environment boasting of scenic views that would take your breath away? Pack a bag, grab a loved one or a couple of friends and jet off to the exquisite location that is South America. Explore one of nature’s best-kept secrets, a location that holds many historical, beautiful and under-appreciated sites in the world.
A continent is so vast it holds adventure and stunning views in all its corners. Each country boasts of amazing natural parks, variations of wildlife and plant life that have been many inspirations to writers, people full of culture and life, and exquisite meals that capture the soul of the continent. We’ve put together a collection of the must see sites and countries that would guarantee an unforgettable experience for travelers.
Punta del Este, Uruguay
Located in Southern Uruguay, is a popular beach town in a small city that holds seemingly endless miles of open sand. Punta del Este boasts of scenic coastlines which are divided into Brava; this has miles of white and fine sand and Mansa; this has thick and golden sand. Both coasts are divided by the Mano de Punta del Este statue, a famous statue in this part of Uruguay that was put up to warn beach-goers of the dangers of the waves. There is also La Barra, which has been known to host many South American celebrities in its after-hour fiestas and also popularly known for its fishing and nautical sports. The city also hosts beautiful colonial architecture, casinos, shops and restaurants, keeping in tune with its culture while exploring the depths of the modern world. If you’d like some time away from the luxurious beaches, take a trip to Uruguay capital, Montevideo, which is just a short drive away.
Salvador (Brazil)
Founded by the Portuguese in 1548, Salvador da Bahia also known as Salvador is one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. Be prepared to experience history while walking through the city such as the whipping posts were slaves were beaten in Pelourinho. Salvador was the first slave port in the Americas. Hence it’s African heritage that is viewed around the city especially in the cuisine. Being the third largest city in Brazil, Salvador is also known for its large party community which can be experienced in full during its annual Carnival celebration.
Tayrona National Park (Colombia)
Looking for a location that gives you beauty while caring for the environment? Then Tayrona national park is your destination. The park which happens to be Colombia’s second most visited national park is located on the Caribbean coast and provides a protected marine environment for land and sea creatures alike. Tayrona national park hosts a biodiverse environment with over 300 species of birds, 100 different mammals, and 70 kinds of bats in wildlife and unique flora and fauna. The city, Tayrona, is mostly best known for its breathtaking beaches which are shadowed by mountains and set in deep bays, together the scene gives a view that would forever be in memory and unfortunately are not suitable for swimming due to the strong ocean currents
Atacama Desert (Chile)
Welcome to the driest non-polar desert in the world, the Atacama desert, where rainfall is expected once every four years. The desert is about 1,600 km (1,000 miles) and is spread along the coast of Chile, placed between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. The soil, due to the lack of rainfall is comparable to that on Mars and has been used in feature films such as Space Odyssey: a voyage to the planets. Atacama desert is not only known for Mars-like soil but also intense blue lagoons, active geysers, and intense salt flats. Make a date and experience Chile like never before.
Baños, Ecuador
With spring feelings climate wise and a wide range of outdoor activities, Baños is an adventurer’s dream come true. Surrounded by natural landscape such as huge volcanoes, gardens, and mountains, this little town boasts of natural hot springs (which gave the town its name), hip shops, restaurants, and lifestyle. Known for the church of the Virgin of the Holy Water, it’s a place of pilgrimage to give a blessing to the Virgin. The hot springs though provide the most sought after activity in the city. Some even have gyms, water slides, spas, and saunas. For the adventurous traveler, there is the “Swing at the end of the world” a swing that lets you dangle on what seems like the very edge. Other activities such as hikes around the surrounding volcanoes and tours around the Amazon exist for tourists who want to up their excitement and thrill themselves.
Colca Canyon (Peru)
Stunning views; those words pretty much summarize why Colca Canyon is the third most visited tourist site in Peru. The canyon which is more than twice as deep as America’s Grand Canyon is one of the deepest in the world. Apart from the Canyon, the location offers views of the largest Hummingbirds you’ve ever seen and beautiful sky views of Andean condors. The Villages sell locally handcrafted pieces to keep as souvenirs.
Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia)
Located in the Andes nearly 12,000 feet above sea level, Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world. The salt flat, covered by a thick crust, is as flat as flat can be. Its crust provides salt and covers brine, while its terrain holds alien like views especially after rainfall when the Salar turns into a giant mirror. The oddest or most unusual of the tourist attractions of Salar de Uyuni, is that it is a breeding place for flamingoes.
Buenos Aires (Argentina)
The city which Is the fourth most populated in the Americas is Buenos Aires. It is located on the Argentinean coast of Rio de la Plata which holds a population of 17 million people. The city is known for its architecture and vibrant cultural life which has a cosmopolitan vibe to it. Buenos Aires attracts tourists from all over and is the most visited city in South America. One of its historical settings is the Recoleta which has a cemetery located close to a residential neighborhood. The cemetery is where the famous Eva Peron is buried.
