Whether you want to get closer to nature, explore ancient civilisations or immerse yourself in
the heart of cosmopolitan city life, there is a destination to inspire you to visit South America. This
predominantly Spanish and Portuguese speaking continent is comprised of beautiful
landscapes and vibrant cultural hot-spots that will spark your historical interest. Here we
uncover four of the best.
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
On the eastern slope of the Andes sits Peru’s world-famous Lost City of the Inca,
overlooking several large valleys and the Urubamba river. If the initial journey up to Machu
Picchu, 7,970 feet above sea level, doesn’t take your breath away then the view of the 15th-
century citadel certainly will. It's no wonder it has become the most visited tourist destination
in Peru.
Machu Picchu is actually listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and also considered to
be one of the wonders of the modern world. Since being discovered in July 1911 by
American archaeologist Hiram Bingham, the initial purpose of the ancient site still remains
largely unknown. There are many different hypotheses for its proposed function including
being a retreat for Incan royals, a place for chosen holy women, known as the Virgins of the
Sun, to live or an agricultural experiment. Why not visit and see what you think for yourself?
2. Galapagos Islands
There are many things that make the Galapagos islands remarkable. It is a destination with
landscapes and wildlife like nowhere else on earth. Part of the Republic of Ecuador, the
Galapagos are an archipelago of volcanic islands where Basaltic eruptions occur every few
years.
Not only are the Galapagos Islands incredibly beautiful with vast stretches of white sandy
beaches, but they are also famous for being home to a large number of endemic species.
Charles Darwin studied the Galapagos Islands during his second voyage on board the HMS
Beagle. His observations and collections later contributed to his theory of evolution by
means of natural selection. You can actually visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in
Puerto Ayora where continued research and conservation take place.
Need more trip inspiration? Check out my 30 trips to take before you’re 30!
3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Combine traditional Latin America with European grandeur as you enter the bustling capital
city of Argentina. Buenos Aires is a vibrant hub of culture that celebrates incredible food,
impressive architecture and wild nightlife. Explore the beautiful boulevards and shop in the
stylish malls before washing down a steak with the world-famous locally produced wine.
Finish your evening by dancing the night away in the seductive tango clubs. If you’re unsure
of the steps, you can take classes at the Argentine Tango Foundation.
4. Elqui Valley, Chile
If it’s not already, the Elqui Valley in La Serena, Chile should definitely be on your bucket list.
The Elqui Valley is Chile’s main pisco producing region so you should definitely grab a glass
before gazing up from the best stargazing spot in the whole of South America.
On average, Chile has 360 nights of clear skies each year making it the perfect place to view
a solar eclipse. A total solar eclipse occurs when the new moon passes between the sun
and the earth and casts its shadow across the surface of the earth. This kind of eclipse will
occur around once every eighteen months. The next total solar eclipse visible from South America will take place on 2nd July 2019 so hurry up and get your trip booked.
Thank you to Wayne for providing this guest post. I definitely can’t wait to make it to South America one day and I hope you feel the same!
Katie x
