Six Fascinating Places to Visit in South America
The most we here at LetsPour ever think about South America is when we’re uncorking a fabulous bottle of wine from Argentina or Chile. But Donald Gioia has us dreaming of moving…err, traveling, to South America for a nice long vacation (thanks Donald!).
South America, the land of sun, sea and surf is a paradise when it comes to tourism. The continent abounds in delightfully sunny beaches and also has a rich culture to showcase for those who visit this exotic land. Here is a list of fascinating places that you should definitely visit if you are lucky enough to visit South America:
The Galapagos Islands
These remote islands, located off the western coast of South America were made famous by Charles Darwin’s pioneering research work. They are a stunning locale to visit and you will be able to witness thousands of species of animals that are being nurtured in its national park as well as marine reserve. There are 14 main islands that are part of the archipelago that is the Galapagos and each is home to unique species that are rarely found elsewhere on Earth. You might spot the marine Iguana warming itself on the rocks near the ocean on Darwin island or the sea lions, seals and even whales that can be seen in nearby waters. You could also enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling which are a major attraction here. However, the journey is not cheap and you might want to visit some other place if wild life doesn’t excite you a whole lot.
Rio De Janeiro
If nature is not your cup of tea but night life is, then you have come to the right place. Rio De Janeiro is world famous for its long beaches, the scenic Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountains and of course its electrically charged carnivals where partying is in the very air. Go there to let your hair down for a few days.
Machu Picchu – the Lost City of the Incas
Once you have partied till you drop, you might be in the mood for some mystery. Machu Picchu in Peru will give you spadefuls of that. This well-preserved site of the Incans was re-discovered in 1911 being known only to the locals until then. The 3 main temple sites are placed amidst sheer cliffs of almost 1500 feet. It is quite a sight to behold and will entrall you to no bounds. Don’t forget to take your camera to this place!
Iguazu Falls
Situated on the border of Brazil and Argentina, this gigantic waterfall almost 3 kilometres in width and more than 80 metres in height at some places will awe you into silence. The defeaning roar of millions of gallons of water gushing to its imminent fall has to be heard to be believed. This place definitely needs to be in your places to visit and will make you feel like returning to see it every year. Such is its sheer beauty.
Lake Titicaca
It is the biggest fresh water lake in South America located on the borders of Bolivia and Peru. 27 rivers empty into this lake and make it a large and very peaceful locale. This puma shaped rock will ease your mind and see to it that you have only sublime memories to take away with you as you leave this heaven on Earth.
The Amazon rainforest
This location doesn’t need any introduction. It is home to millions of species of plants and animals with the biodiversity of the forest being the highest on the face of the Earth. If you have ever watched the Discovery Channel or National Geographic, you would have seen footage from this forest in its shows. But it is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
These are only a small slice of what South America has to offer. There are many more places that are worth having a look other than these too. You just need to explore them until you are exhausted.
About Donald K. Gioia: Donald is a permanent resident in Jaco Beach Costa Rica. He likes to blog about Costa Rica and other fascinating destinations around the world.
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There are so many places I want to visit in South America, but I think the Galapagos Islands would be first on my list. To be so close to amazing creatures and to watch them play and swim would be such an unforgettable experience.