With a huge continent and many countries, South America has a lot to offer the visitor. It is a diverse and beautiful part of the world. It’s difficult to decide where to start. Perhaps it’s best to start with the cities.
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a lot to offer. It has an appearance not unlike Paris in the 20s. The European architecture has a lot to do with that image. There are wide avenues that are tree-lined, cafes and great tango shows at night.
Rio de Janeiro in Brazil certainly can’t be ignored. With its beautiful natural scenery such as Corcovado Mountain, Sugar Loaf and Tijuca Forest, sometimes it feels as if you’re not even in a city. Take the cog railway up Corcovado Mountain to see the enormous statue of Christ the Redeemer looking over Rio. Copacabana, Ipanema and other beaches are large and beautiful. See the samba shows at night for much color and excitement.
Visit Santiago, Chile and go to the Aconcagua Wine Valley for scenery and delicious wine tasting. The Aconcagua, which is the highest peak in the Western hemisphere, can be seen from here.
Other than cities, there are some excursions that shouldn’t be missed while traveling South America. The most famous sight would be Machu Picchu in Peru. A trail starting in Cusco can be hiked all the way to this archeological wonder. Mountains, cloud forests and rivers are just some of the things to enjoy along the way.
Another beautiful excusion would be crossing the lake near Bariloche in Patagonia, southern Argentina. The boat starts in Bariloche and travels to Puerto Montt in Chile. The Andean mountains, volcanoes and waterfalls will be the scenery on this two day ride.
From Columbia and Venezuela coffee plantations, to the southern tip of South America, and everything in between, there is beauty and much to do and see.
Security measures at commercial airline terminals have been relaxed but still create stress. But there is reasonable, stress-free alternative. Chartering a private jet is an idyllic alternative and may be more affordable than you would expect.