Have you ticked off the 'Big Five' bucket list items in South America?
Wonder which are the best places to visit in South America? Just keep reading and you will see the five top destinations to go to on your next trip!
We introduce you to the Machu Picchu, Amazon, Galapagos, Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls, that are also called the South America’s BIG Five.
1. Machu Picchu,Peru
Number one destination in South America for most of the people is most likely the famous Machu Picchu. It is an ancient Inca citadel set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru at an altitude of 2,430 meters. Also known as the ‘Lost City of Incas’, Machu Picchu is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage and listed as one of the New Seven Wonders. For many, many years the impressive archaeological site stayed undiscovered until 1911, when American professor named Hiram Bingham accidentally found it.
Machu Picchu is surrounded by magnificent temples, terraces and water channels as well as Peruvian llamas overlooking the ancient Inca ruins. The most popular way to approach the site is through Inca trail trek, which is by far the most famous trek in South America, or take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Agua Calientes.
You will not forget the first time you will see the Machu Picchu
2. Amazon Rainforest – Brazil, Bolivia, Peru & Ecuador
The second destination from the BIG FIVE of South America is Amazon Rainforest. It is the largest tropical rainforest in the world covering 9 South American countries, from which Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia are the best access points to the famous jungle.
Amazon is a place that attracts many visitors due to its incredible and rich ecosystem including endangered fauna, impressive numbers of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. Spotting unique animals, such as jaguars, giant river otters, sloths, capybaras, macaws and toucans or seeing the world’s largest water lily is something that needs to be experienced. The Amazon trip lets you disconnect from the outside world and just immerse yourself in the extraordinary beauty of the jungle. It can truly be a great experience to everyone!
A beautiful toucan
3. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Galapagos Islands are undoubtedly a bucket list destination! Due to its extreme isolation from the outside world, the islands are inhibited by animals that cannot be spotted anywhere else in the world, including marine iguana, the giant tortoise, flightless cormorant, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds. What’s more is that due to the unique wildlife Charles Darwin theories of evolution were inspired from the Galapagos Islands after his visit in 1835.
The nature lovers will find Galapagos a perfect place to be to get close-up encounter with animals since most of the time animals are curious and fearless towards humans. A Galapagos cruise will let you explore the stunning islands and bond with nature.
In the Galapagos Islands, you will encounter the blue-footed boobies
4.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Beautiful sandy beaches, the best carnivals with musical samba rhythms and the most famous touristic attraction Christ the Redeemer is what Rio de Janeiro is known for. It is a very popular tourist destination due to its vibrant and colourful city, iconic beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema as well as Sugarloaf Mountain. Just few months ago Rio de Janeiro held the summer Olympic Games that brought great improvements to the city in terms of tourism and now is even more appealing than ever before. Also, Rio has excellent connections to all major Latin American cities, which makes it super easy to tick off this stunning destination of your list.
Rio de Janeiro is a must-see
Witness the largest waterfall i n the world that splits between two countries – Argentina and Brazil. It is made up from 275 falls and therefore considered to be the most majestic of water falls. From Argentinian side get close to the waters and take a bath in the world’s biggest open-air shower, named Devil’s Throat. While Brazilian side lets you enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the Iguazu falls. This is truly an awe-inspiring experience.
It is perfect to see Iguazu falls from both Argentinian and Brazilian side. Mostly people tend to spend one day in the Argentinian side, because most of the falls are on this side and half-a-day in Brazilian side to witness the magnificent panoramic view.
The Iguazu falls will impress you
These 5 beautiful attractions are considered to be the best places to visit to experience the real South America, but definitely the continent has much more to offer. You can combine all these great places in a one trip or make separate journeys. Just contact us and our experienced team will help you to plan your perfect trip to South America.
