At twice the size of Europe, South America is the fourth largest continent on the planet, and one of the most culturally rich and geographically diverse travel destinations on the globe.
Caribbean beaches, vast expanses of jungle, spectacular Andean peaks, arid deserts and icy plains guard some of the world’s most awe-inspiring splendors; the ruined Inca City of Machu Picchu in Peru; Venezuela’s Angel Falls, the largest in the world, and the buzzing cosmopolitan cities of Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires are just a few of the places that draw floods of tourists from all over the planet.
It’s a fantastic place to get off the beaten track as well; here you can float down narrow rivers deep into the Amazon Jungle, hurtle down volcanoes on a bike at breakneck speed and visit remote mountain villages where the locals still maintain their traditional customs and where tourists rarely venture.
The thirteen countries that make up the continent each have their own local flavor, but their people are some of the friendliest in the world, bound together by their fun-loving, Latino spirit, their love of coffee and colorful festivals, and the ubiquitous concept of mañana.
Framed by spectacular Andean peaks and surrounded by verdant jungle, Machu Picchu is an eye-tantalizing tribute to man in harmony with nature. Located high above the clouds, the city's streets,
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Approximately 240,000 gallons of water passes over Iguazú falls every minute, passing through more than 250 separate waterfalls before falling 170 to 350 feet and crashing to the rocks below. The
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In the two-hour flight across the thousand kilometers of Pacific Ocean from the Ecuadorian mainland to the Galápagos archipelago, visitors can expect to be transported to an environment reminiscent
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Torres del Paine National Park is bordered by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, one of the largest glaciated areas in the world outside of Antarctica. Sister park to Yosemite in California, Torres
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Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfalls at 979 m (3,212 ft), are so high that during dry season the water can evaporate into mist before reaching the bottom. Set in the rainforest of the Guiana
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The name Ciudad Perdida really is fitting as Colombia’s “lost city” went centuries without being discovered by the outside world. Treks to La Ciudad Perdida combine the opportunity to see some
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A walk down Av. Francisco de Aguirre from the center of town leads to a quaint lighthouse, the Avenida del Mar and La Serena’s long, popular beach. The beach is not nearly as pristine as others
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In the indigenous language Quechua, Cumbe Mayo means fine river, which is a quite fitting name for this ancient aqueduct. It is located about 12 miles southwest of Cajamarca, and stretches on for
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An image carved into the sandstone cliffs along the Pisco Bay is said to be one of the most mysterious archeological sights in South America. It is often called the Candelabra de los Andes, which
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Perched forebodingly in the hillsides rising above Cusco, the fortress ruins of Sacsayhuamán are some of the most impressive and closest ruins in the area. Though few structures now remain inside,
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Characterized by rugged ascents boasting magnificent views of Andean scenery and trails that wind their way through the cloud forest and past ancient archaeological sites, the Inca Trail is perhaps
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In terms of trekking opportunities in the Sacred Valley, this one requires a bit more physical and logistical preparation. The crowning jewel of the Salcantay trek is Nevado Salcantay (6,271 meters),
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Quito’s best-known tourist attraction offers some of the most spectacular and most easily accessible views of the city. There are 18 gondolas that soar up the side of Quito's western mountain range
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The alternative trek takes in three more unusual, quieter campsites along the route, largely away from other tourists. On the alternative Salcantay trek, many choose to take transport further along
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