15 Best Places To Visit in South America According to Travelers
South America is a treasure trove of coffee plantations, tropical beaches, delicious food, and natural beauty. When asked for the best places to visit in South America, a group of travelers agreed on these 15 gems.
1. Patagonia
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Patagonia spreads between Chile and Argentina and is famous for its national parks and reserves, forests, landscapes, native wildlife, and glaciers. Further, Patagonia offers some of the best whale-watching, is home to the largest Magellanic Penguin colony, and has one of the world’s last glaciers still growing.
2. The Galápagos Islands
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The Galápagos Islands were Darwin’s source of inspiration for his evolution theory. It is one of the world’s most volcanically active regions and is Ecuador’s first national park, with 97% of the landmass designated as a national park in 1959. These beautiful islands hold history, intrigue, wildlife, and panoramic views, which is why travelers love them.
3. Cuzco
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Cuzco was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, as it used to be the capital of the Inca Empire and retains its ancient stone architecture. If this kind of ancient history appeals to you, you’ll be in your element visiting.
4. Santiago
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Step into a world of culture when you step into Santiago. The capital city of Chile houses gorgeous art galleries and museums, like the Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of Fine Arts. If it’s not the culture you’re after, Santiago’s cuisine scene will undoubtedly tickle your taste buds. Tuck into empanadas and asado at one of the many bars and restaurants in the city.
5. Lake Titicaca
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This World Heritage Site is South America’s largest freshwater lake and one of the world’s twenty ancient lakes. While you can swim in the freezing lake, it’s not recommended. The main attractions are the floating islands of totora reeds that grow in the lake. You can take a boat to the floating islands.
6. Ollantaytambo
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Ollantaytambo was the Incan Emperor Patchacuti’s royal estate. Outside of Machi Picchu, this area has some of the most incredible Incan Ruins and is well worth a visit. If you plan to stay in Ollantaytambo, there are many day trips that you can take to nearby sites that history enthusiasts will love.
7. Colombia
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The country of Colombia is a firm favorite amongst travelers who’ve visited South America. It’s most well known for producing delicious Arabica coffee, throwing the most lively parties, and the passionate and friendly people who live there.
8. Salar de Uyuni
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Salar de Uyuni was another suggestion many travelers recommended visiting in South America. As the most extensive salt flat in the world at over 6,574 miles, it’s worth adding to the travel bucket list.
9. Quitoloa Loop
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The Quitoloa Loop is Ecuador’s most famous trek for good reason. Hike across dusty paths, deep valleys, small settlements, and green hills. The trail begins or ends (depending on where you start) at the impressive Quilotoa Lake, a crater lake formed after an enormous eruption over 600 years ago.
10. Cuenca
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One traveler said that Cuenca was her biggest surprise when visiting Ecuador, as it was a beautiful underrated city. Cuenca has incredible scenery, distinct and delicious cuisine, and vibrant festivals, all contributing to a fantastic travel experience.
11. San Carlos de Bariloche
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Bariloche is a mountain town located in northern Patagonia in Argentina. Travelers love this spot because of the expansive amount of activities available, such as skiing at Catedral Alta Patagonia, taking the chairlift to see Lake Nahuel Huapi, and hiking the Cerro Llao Llao or Refugio Frey,
12. Bãnos
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Nature lovers will feel like they’ve arrived in paradise when they visit Bãnos. The town sits at the base of the active Tungurahua Volcano and has been termed the “Gateway to the Amazon.” From Bãnos, you can explore impressive volcanoes, abundant wildlife, and national parks.
13. Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
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Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is another bucket list item for nature enthusiasts. It includes incredible wildlife and has some of the most beautiful jungle scenery and views of the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
14. Buenos Aires
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Buenos Aires is known as the “Paris of South America” with its Latin atmosphere, French architecture, museums, and art galleries. The city has many things to do, from eating your way through their steakhouses and watching a live Tango performance to walking the tree-lined streets of Palermo and enjoying Carlos Thays Botanic garden.
15. Ciapata Diamantina National Park
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Travelers love a trip to this national park in Brazil. The ecosystem varies from the dry Cerrado to the tropical Mata Atlantica, and everywhere, you’ll find beautiful orchids and bromeliads and may even be lucky enough to spot a jaguatirica or puma. Trek through the park for the scenery and shower beneath Brazil’s highest waterfall while spending time in Ciapata Diamantina National Park.
Perfect Winter Escapes: 10 Dreamy All-Inclusive Resorts Near Playa del Carmen
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With so many options, choosing where to stay in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, takes a lot of work. Each hotel and resort looks better than the last, and sometimes you’re unsure how to choose.
Here are ten tried and tested, all-inclusive resorts and hotels in and around Playa del Carmen to help make your decision a little easier and your next vacation unforgettable.
Perfect Winter Escapes: 10 Dreamy All-Inclusive Resorts Near Playa del Carmen
Discover The 5 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in The Caribbean for Vacation Bliss
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To the surprise of many travel critics and trendspotters, all-inclusive resorts are more popular than ever, even among millennial travelers who might be expected to opt for more boutique properties or bespoke travel experiences.
Many of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean are doing a better job than ever of offering both seclusion and personalized travel experiences that appeal to even the newest generations of travelers.
Discover The 5 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in The Caribbean for Vacation Bliss
Social Media Reveals the 10 Most Picturesque National Parks in America
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What’s the point of traveling without capturing the perfect “Insta’ pic?” Scenic destinations such as the Grand Canyon likely come to mind as being the most visited and photographed places, but the national park in the U.S. with the most hashtags per acre is Gateway Arch National Park.
Social Media Reveals the 10 Most Picturesque National Parks in America
15 Bucket List Hot Spots To See the Northern Lights
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One of the most enchanting natural phenomena in the Northern Hemisphere is the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. On the proper night, with perfect weather conditions and peak solar activity, you can see the stunning lights that paint the night sky. Here are some of the best places to view the Northern Lights.
15 Bucket List Hot Spots To See the Northern Lights
Incredible Peaks: Here Are the 15 Most Beautiful Mountains in the World
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The planet is full of incredible peaks. Each continent hosts its own contenders. Long used as a symbol for challenges and overcomings, these natural wonders are solemn and majestic.
Here are 15 of the world’s most beautiful mountains. You don’t have to be an avid hiker to appreciate their beauty, but are there any you would dare to climb?
Incredible Peaks: Here Are the 15 Most Beautiful Mountains in the World
