If you are looking for majestic landscapes and diverse cultures, South America won’t disappoint. South America is brimming with travel opportunities for. From The Pantanal in Brazil to the Iguassu Falls in Argentina, South America has some of the most breathtakingly beautiful destinations. The following are the six most popular vacation destinations in South America that you need to add to your bucket list:
The Pantanal, Brazil
The Pantanal is the world’s largest freshwater wetland, of which Brazil claims 80%. Spanning 68,000 square miles in size—nearly 10 times that of the Everglades, the area is regarded as the most preserved of wetlands in the world. The Pantanal boasts the Americas’ largest concentration of wildlife: 1,700 plant species, over 400 fish species, 80 mammal species including capybaras, marsh deer and jaguars—the Pantanal the only place on earth where encountering them is highly probable!
Machu Picchu, Peru
If you’re headed to Peru, Machu Picchu is a must-see, ancient place. Located within Peru’s Andes Mountains, this city is a famous archaeological site and mountain-top citadel of the Inca until the coming of the Europeans. Inarguably the holy grail of all Inca monuments, Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas,” is a spectacularly-enigmatic maze of temples, terraced hills and plazas enchanting visitors with the unspoken secrets of its construction, function and demise.
Península Valdés (Atlantic Patagonia), Argentina
Wildlife enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Península Valdés in the Atlantic Patagonia region. While seemingly unfit to host life itself, it is the surrounding waters and the sea life that thrives thereunder which beckons a visit. Península Valdés is a 1,544 square mile sandy promontory, thrusting 62 miles eastwards into the South Atlantic; a true marine-mammal haven whose 249-mile shoreline is a stunning sprawl of towering cliffs, sandy and pebble beaches, intertidal mudflats, coastal lagoons, rocky reefs and hidden inlets enclosed by a resounding surf. Marine life both big and small reside here, perhaps the most alluring spectacle being the southern right whales that take rest in the peninsula’s natural bays, their breeding and nursing grounds between June and November. Dolphins; southern sea lions; southern elephant seals; a high diversity of birds including Magellanic penguins (depending on the year); humpback whales; and orcas (killer whales) are no strangers to these parts.
Torres del Paine National Park (Southern Patagonia), Chile
The 1978 UNESCO biosphere reserve of Torres del Paine National Park—the country’s most famous and stunning national park—is the centerpiece of Chile’s Patagonia. Visitors are awed by the spectacular mountain range of the same name that frames the park, extending to heights of 9,000 feet. It is here where you will find the Cuernos del Paine, a granite massif that has been sliced into dangerously-sharp spires by glaciers; and beyond, the vertical, triple towers of the Torres del Paine. There are also 4 great glaciers to discover; mirrored lakes, each with their own beauty and vista; lagoons that stand out for their tranquility and majesty; and surging, hypnotic falls. The park’s some 598,000 acres home to more than 40 mammals including the Patagonia gray fox and puma,
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are located on either side of the Equator in the Pacific Ocean, almost 906 km (563 mi.) west of continental Ecuador. These islands are a one-of-a-kind destination. They have the most exotic wildlife, including the world’s northernmost penguin, playful sea lions, the last existing marine iguanas on Earth, flamboyant blue-footed boobies and multitudes of giant tortoises responsible for the naming of the islands! Best uncovered by expeditionary cruising, a visit to the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador’s crowning jewel, is an unparalleled personal experience with the natural world that promises to awe, entertain, and inspire.
Iguassu Falls – Argentina
The Iguassu Falls are often heralded as the most beautiful falls in the world. Vastly larger than Niagara with its 275 different cataracts and 3-mile spread, the mighty, 266-foot high Iguassu crashes thunderously between Brazil and Argentina’s lands, 269 feet into the Iguassu River. Sun and water vapor often create rainbows over the falls, which becrown this beautiful landscape. Take in the stunning panorama the Brazilian side’s viewing platforms offer, or head over to the Argentina side to witness “The Devil’s Throat,” a gargantuan, 262-foot high, 49-foot wide horseshoe-shaped gorge that plummets into the river with a deafening roar.
South America is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet. Get in touch with us now for the ultimate South America Luxury travel experience. Consult with our South America Travel Specialists by calling Alluring Americas at 800-701-4278 or email us at sales@alluringamericas.com.