Cool Places to Visit in South America

South America is a continent full of amazing places to visit. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many of them, and I can tell you that there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re looking for stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, or ancient ruins, you’ll find it in South America. Here are five of my favorite places to visit⁚

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is an ancient city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It was built by the Incas in the 15th century and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. I visited Machu Picchu in 2019, and it was an incredible experience. I hiked the Inca Trail to get to the city, which was a challenging but rewarding experience. The views along the trail were stunning, and it was amazing to finally reach Machu Picchu after four days of hiking.

The city itself is even more impressive in person than it is in pictures. The ruins are well-preserved, and it’s easy to imagine what life was like here centuries ago. I spent a day exploring Machu Picchu, and I could have easily spent more time there. There are so many different things to see and do, from hiking to exploring the ruins to simply enjoying the views.

If you’re planning a trip to South America, Machu Picchu should definitely be on your list. It’s a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Here are some tips for planning your trip to Machu Picchu⁚

• Book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
• The Inca Trail is a great way to experience Machu Picchu, but it’s important to be prepared for the hike.
• Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• There are a number of different ways to get to Machu Picchu, so do some research and choose the option that’s best for you.
• Once you’re at Machu Picchu, take your time to explore and enjoy the views.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil

Iguazu Falls is a waterfall system located on the border of Argentina and Brazil. It is one of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in the world. I visited Iguazu Falls in 2020, and it was an incredible experience. I was amazed by the sheer size and power of the falls. The views from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides are stunning, and there are a number of different ways to experience the falls, from hiking to boat tours.

I spent two days exploring Iguazu Falls, and I could have easily spent more time there. There are so many different things to see and do, and the falls are even more impressive in person than they are in pictures.

Here are some tips for planning your trip to Iguazu Falls⁚

• Book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
• There are a number of different ways to get to Iguazu Falls, so do some research and choose the option that’s best for you.
• Once you’re at Iguazu Falls, take your time to explore and enjoy the views.
• Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes.
• There are a number of different tours available, so you can choose the one that best suits your interests and budget.

Iguazu Falls is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. If you’re planning a trip to South America, be sure to add Iguazu Falls to your list.

The Amazon Rainforest, Brazil

The Amazon rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world, and it is home to an incredible diversity of plants and animals. I visited the Amazon rainforest in 2019, and it was a truly unforgettable experience. I was amazed by the lush vegetation, the abundance of wildlife, and the sheer size of the rainforest.

I spent three days exploring the Amazon rainforest, and I could have easily spent more time there. There are so many different things to see and do, from hiking to boat tours to wildlife watching.

Here are some tips for planning your trip to the Amazon rainforest⁚

• Book your tour in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
• There are a number of different ways to get to the Amazon rainforest, so do some research and choose the option that’s best for you.
• Once you’re in the Amazon rainforest, take your time to explore and enjoy the views.
• Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes.
• There are a number of different tours available, so you can choose the one that best suits your interests and budget.

The Amazon rainforest is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. If you’re planning a trip to South America, be sure to add the Amazon rainforest to your list.

The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, about 600 miles west of Ecuador. The islands are known for their unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and sea lions. I visited the Galapagos Islands in 2018, and it was an incredible experience. I was amazed by the diversity of wildlife, the stunning scenery, and the friendly locals.

I spent five days exploring the Galapagos Islands, and I could have easily spent more time there. There are so many different things to see and do, from hiking to snorkeling to kayaking.

Here are some tips for planning your trip to the Galapagos Islands⁚

• Book your tour in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
• There are a number of different ways to get to the Galapagos Islands, so do some research and choose the option that’s best for you.
• Once you’re in the Galapagos Islands, take your time to explore and enjoy the views.
• Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes.
• There are a number of different tours available, so you can choose the one that best suits your interests and budget.

The Galapagos Islands are a truly unique and unforgettable experience. If you’re planning a trip to South America, be sure to add the Galapagos Islands to your list.

Valparaíso, Chile

Valparaíso is a port city in central Chile, known for its colorful houses, steep hills, and vibrant street art. I visited Valparaíso in 2019, and I was immediately struck by its unique charm. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why.
I spent two days exploring Valparaíso, and I could have easily spent more time there. There are so many different things to see and do, from visiting the historic churches to taking a ride on the funiculars.

Here are some tips for planning your trip to Valparaíso⁚

• Valparaíso is a great city to explore on foot, but be prepared for some steep hills.
• There are a number of different ways to get to Valparaíso, so do some research and choose the option that’s best for you.
• Once you’re in Valparaíso, take your time to explore and enjoy the views.
• Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes.
• There are a number of different tours available, so you can choose the one that best suits your interests and budget.

Valparaíso is a truly unique and unforgettable city. If you’re planning a trip to South America, be sure to add Valparaíso to your list.