The very mention of the great continent of South America is enough to invoke images of impenetrable jungle, superb ancient architecture, beautiful beaches and old cultures and civilizations. South America is famed for its Latin flavors almost in every walk of life, and the music, dance and cuisine are present everywhere you go. South America has absolutely everything for the traveler, from small colonial towns, bustling and vibrant cities, breathtaking lakes, and smoking volcanoes. If you are to visit South America in the near future, then perhaps the following may give you some food for thought.
Venezuela – Angel Falls
One of the top bucket list destinations in the world has to be Angel Falls in the Canaima National Park in Venezuela. At just under one thousand meters high it is the highest waterfall in the world and the jungle setting adds to the overall drama. Although it is one of the world’s most famous locations you can only get there by plane or helicopter as it is not accessible by road. If your budget permits, choose for the fly-over option where the overhead views are absolutely stunning.
Bolivia – Salar de Uyuni
If you had just woken up on the Salar de Uyuni you could be excused for thinking that you had been transported to another galaxy. As far as the eyes can see, the salt flats of this remote part of the world go on and on until they finally reach the mountains. The Salar de Uyuni covers a vast expanse of over ten thousand square kilometers, and sporadically there are lakes and deserts that break up the exhaustive salt flats to add even more surrealness to the vista. Expect to see great wildlife such as pink flamingos and llamas as they roam around in their natural habitat.
Peru – Machu Picchu
The outstanding Machu Picchu is one of the greatest archaeological places not just in South America, but the whole world. It attracts many people to its ancient secret history that took place among the huge stone walls. Building this amazing Incan city is quite remarkable due to the remote location. And the daunting craggy peaks and lush green jungle that surround this unique citadel make the construction of Machu Picchu simply amazing. The best time to visit is the first thing in the morning when the sun rises, the early rays of day highlight the beauty of the landscape.
Ecuador – Cotopaxi National Park
From the thick green jungle of Machu Picchu to the ice lands of Ecuador our last great place to visit in South America is Cotopaxi National Park. The must-see attraction of this park is the strato-volcano covered in ice. The six thousand meters volcano is dark, brooding, and menacing. To climb up this unbelievable part of nature throws up the most complex challenges known to climbers. Firstly, you have to cope with the biting winds, and the temperatures are enough to freeze your breath. But the weather is not the only hurdle to overcome, the volcano is almost in permanent twilight which makes the ascent almost impossible. These wonderful destinations of South America are all so different and each one is unique in their own right. To visit any one of them would be a trip of a lifetime.
