South America comes with countless and unique places to

visit however this 12 places seem to be the most popular

choices amongst tourists, so let’s check them out.

12 BEST PLACES TO 12 BEST PLACES TO 12 BEST PLACES TO GO IN SOUTH GO IN SOUTH GO IN SOUTH AMERICAAMERICAAMERICA

J A N U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 1 3 J A N U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 1 3 B Y E I L I N C A B U T T OB Y E I L I N C A B U T T O

Iguazu Falls (Brazil-Argentine) are

one of the world's largest waterfalls.

They extend over 2 miles in a semi-

circular shape. Of the 275 falls that

collectively make up Iguassu Falls,

"Devil's Throat" is the tallest over 262

ft. in height. Iguazu Falls are on the

border between the Brazilian state of Pa-

raná and the Argentine province of

Misiones. Both are subtropical rainfor-

ests that are host to hundreds of rare and

endangered species of flora and fauna.

They are among the most stunning water-

falls in South America, even taller than

The Niagara Falls and twice as wide.

Torres del Paine (Chile) is one of the

most breathtaking mountain scenery you

could ever see. Located in the Southern

region of Chile. For those willing to ven-

ture to Patagonia it offers astonishing

hiking opportunities amongst glaciers,

lakes and Blue Mountains. Treks are availa-

ble for varying experience levels on clear-

ly marked paths with options for accommoda-

tion and basic services. Those wanting just

a taste of its breathtaking views can

choose a day trip, while many others hikers

take the popular five day “W” route. For

the most adventurous, the full circuit can

be completed 9 days.

The Pantanal (Brazil) most of it lies within the Brazilian

state of Mato Grosso do Sul, but it extends into Mato Grosso

and portions of Bolivia and Paraguay, sprawling over an area

estimated at between 54,000 sq mi and 75,000 sq mi. Perhaps

the wildest region in the world, the Pantanal has the greatest

density of animal life in South America. Created by seasonal

flooding of the river Paraguay, these wetlands are considered

one of the world's largest and most diverse freshwater wetland

ecosystems. Many flock to the Pantanal on a photographic safa-

ri to see the majestic jaguar, a number of colorful birds;

hummingbirds, macaws and parrots that inhabit this area.

National Park Los Glaciares (Argentine) Designated a World

Heritage region by UNESCO. The national park, created in 1937,

is the second largest in Argentina. Its name refers to the

giant ice cap in the Andes range that feeds 47 large glaciers,

of which only 13 flow towards the Atlantic Ocean. The ice cap

is the largest outside of Antarctica and Greenland. In other

parts of the world, this glaciers start at a height of at

least 4920 Ft. above mean sea level. The northern part of the

park has splendid vistas and panoramas of Cerro Fitz Roy and

tri-pinnacled Cerro Torre. Again marvelous for hiking, rock

and ice climbing. The southern part of the park has the Perito

Moreno Glacier, its walls tower over two-hundred vertical feet

from the ground, where the ice meets the Lago Argentino.

Amazon Rainforest (Ecuador) The Ecuadorian Rainforest is lo-

cated in the eastern lowlands of Ecuador. This region descends

from the foothills of the Andes to 200 mts above sea level,

this is the upper edge of the world’s Amazon basin. The cli-

mate of the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest is relatively uniform

with an average of 27º C/ 80º F. You can expect rainfall every

single month, but the rainiest months are from March to May.

You can walk past huge kapok trees and vines while spotting

exotic birds, tropical frogs, reptiles such as black and white

caiman, noisy monkeys such as howler monkeys and spider mon-

keys and with some luck mammals like giant otters, tapirs and

others. You can also have the opportunity to visit the native

communities of the area. In the East there are 6 different

communities (Cofan, Siona-Secoya, Huaorani, Achuar, Shuar and

Quichua) most of them conserve part of their culture and try

to live like their ancestors.

The Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) a wonder of creation, the Ga-

lapagos Islands have captured the imagination of poets and

biologists alike. Separated from the mainland in the waters of

Ecuador, evolution created stunning endemic creatures such as

the giant tortoise and the sea iguana, animals found only on

the Galapagos. The most groundbreaking work ever to be pub-

lished concerning evolution, “The Origin of Species”, was

based on observations made on the Galapagos Islands by Charles

Darwin. Galapagos are perhaps the last unspoiled place on

earth where man continues to respect the boundaries of mother

nature and wild creatures prosper without fear of man. Nowhere

else can you find animals frolicking, unafraid of their on-

lookers. Like a child's fairytale, here you can play amongst

sea lions, laugh with the penguins and swim alongside turtles.

This is nirvana and it won't last forever. Walking amongst

this wildlife creates a memory you will never forget.

Lake Titicaca (Bolivia-Peru) Lake Titicaca evokes a spiritual

tranquility and is a beautiful lake. It touches the clouds at

an altitude of 12.532 ft. with amazing dark blue waters never

seen before. Titicaca, the biggest freshwater lake of South

America, lies on the borders of Bolivia and Peru and hosts

some wonderful islands such as “The Floating Islands” and

“The Island of the Sun”.

Machu Picchu (Peru) the lost city of the Incas is a mystical,

sacred place. Peru has become the hot spot in South America

and the darling of the traveling community. But it would be

nowhere without its shining jewel, the Incan kingdom of Machu

Picchu. The ruins are one of the most enigmatic and beautiful

ancient ruins in the world. Rediscovered on July 24, 1911 by

Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu (meaning 'Old

Peak' in Quechua, the language spoken by the Incas) was

thought to be a sanctuary for the preparation of priestesses

and brides for the Inca nobility. Hidden within the lush Peru-

vian mountains, this mystical city remained a secret for ages

and now is the continent's best known archaeological site. The

dramatic setting in a remote area of the Peruvian Andes en-

hances the shroud of mystery even more. While some travelers

choose a plush train ride to enjoy the view in comfort. Others

choose to trek the original Inca Trail and after several days

are delighted by the ruins that dot the terraces. But for all,

a tremendous sense of wonder for ancient society can be felt.

Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia) The big secret of South America is

without doubt the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia The world's larg-

est salt flat in the world, salt and other abundant minerals

are sought in this area. But travelers know this area as the

world's best photo op. The salt flats are often part of a 3-4

day tour in Bolivia that promises to defy expectations and

include such unusual stops as the Salt Hotel. This location

feels out of this world. Also it has, with a staggering 4.025

square miles, The beautiful Fish Island (Isla Pescada) giving

a wonderful contrast with the salt lake. The “salar” contin-

ues in the atacama desert, near the border of Chile, with gey-

sers, the red and green lake, hot baths and a never ceasing

tranquility.

San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) San Pedro de Atacama once was a

destination when transporting cattle and today has flourished

into a major tourist destination. Its popularity stems from

its position in the heart of some of northern Chile's most

spectacular scenery. The star of the area is the Valle de Luna

(Moon Valley) tour at sunset. Travelers marvel as the desert

morphs and provides an idyllic setting for star gazing. But

the area has much more to offer with its beautifully hot, dry

landscapes that crack the earth and mountainous sand dunes.

Guests are taken by the town's quaint charm and often stay

longer than expected for its many tour offerings of craters,

canyons, caves, valleys and salt mines.

Angel Falls (Venezuela) Angel Falls is a waterfall in Venezue-

la. It is the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall, with a

height of 3,212 Ft. and a plunge of 2,648 Ft. Settled within

Venezuela’s Canaima National Park, Angel Falls are the high-

est waterfalls in the world. Although impressive, the hike

into Angel Falls are not the only reward. This jungle trek is

its own adventure as a guide navigates the grasslands, rivers

and mountains to reveal spectacular waterfalls and lagoons.

Travelers who brave the trip deep into the jungle are treated

to tropical wildlife in the area including monkeys, poison

arrow frogs and orchids.