3 Places to Treasure a View in South America

Known for some of the highest of the high (Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, the tallest peak in South America) and the lowest of the low (Colca Canyon in Peru, one of the deepest in the world), the South American continent is a nature and landscape lover's dream destination. Whether armed with a camera to capture the best of moments or with just your eyes for absorbing every precious second, be sure to visit these 3 high up points to feel the true grandeur and magnitude that Mother Nature has blessed the continent with.

Machu Picchu, Peru
Situated in the middle of the Peruvian Andes with a history of over 600 years, built by the hands of the mighty Inca Empire before the Spaniards ever landed in South America, and left undiscovered by the outside world until just 100 years ago, the mystique of Machu Picchu in addition to its scenic location is what makes it one of the top attractions on earth. Hundreds of thousands of travelers visit Machu Picchu each year, electing to hike in the Inca Trail for a more intimate feel of the environment along the way, or taking a series of train and bus rides to the entrance. Machu Picchu tours can sell out months in advance at times, so be sure to book early.

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
The iconic white statue of Christ standing over all of Rio de Janeiro is the ultimate postcard-picture image of Brazil that many think of before arrival. Rio de Janeiro and its numerous islands scattered around, jungles, and renowned pristine beaches only add to its reputation as a top exotic destination for adventure and thrill-seeking travelers. A trip to the top of Corcovado mountain where Christ the Redeemer is situated can be done by hiking or taking a train ride. The views from the top are unforgettable and a must-see on any Brazil tours.

Baños, Ecuador
South America is lucky to have the Andes mountain range, which is the source of a large part of its beauty. Baños is one of the best places to earn your experiences with the Andes. There is nowhere to go but up from the valley-situated town, so depending on your skill level, go on a dayhike to waterfalls, rivers, or just to a high up viewing point, or go on longer treks into the mountains. If you are unsure how to navigate on your own or need assistance, don't hesitate to enlist the help of an experienced guide so you don't spend your Ecuador vacations lost!

This article about South America was written by a travel expert at Latin America For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value Ecuador vacations and fully customizable Brazil tours.

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South America Travel: Explore Neighbors Peru and Bolivia

Why travel only to Peru when Bolivia is also so close by? One of the easiest dual-country holidays to enjoy in South America are the neighbors of Peru and Bolivia, both offering distinct glimpses into Andean and Altiplano life on the continent.

Peru is an absolute place of wonders, with all of its rich heritage and culture to speak of, is a premier destination in South America for due reason. The country features a wide range of climates and geographic regions, making it one of the most ecologically diverse places on the planet. Travel to Peru to see some of the most stunning views on earth, from the vibrant Pacific Ocean coast to the quaint Andean lifestyles of the central highlands and the exotic niches of the Amazon Basin, Peru and its people are an impressive and fascinating example of Latin culture and the results of Spanish colonialism centuries after the making. Another most famous destination is Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel that was created over 600 years ago by the mighty civilization. Researchers today still don't know exactly why the incredible archeological site in the middle of the Andes was created, but the purpose of religion is the most reasonable motivation. Also worthy of your precious Peru holiday time is Puno along the brinks of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigatable lake in the world. Sunrises and sunsets are particularly beautiful, and the manmade floating reed islands all around still inhabited by the indigenous people as they have lived there for centuries is a breathtaking vista.

Just on the other side of Lake Titicaca on the Bolivian side is the town of Copacabana, the original site whose name lends itself to its more infamous brother in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From there, visitors may visit the large and impressive Sun Island on Lake Titicaca, providing another beautiful perspective of the lake. Further inland is the capital city of La Paz, the highest city in the world, so make sure to spend some time getting acclimated to the altitude. The massive salt lake of Uyuni is typically the next stop after La Paz. The glistening white salt expanse is flat as a pancake, and an organized 4x4 tour across it will make for some of the most exciting vacation photos one can ask for, not only during your Bolivia travel times but of them all. A visit to the city of Sucre will round out your Bolivian experiences with all of its iconic white colonial buildings, a site which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This article about Peru and Bolivia was written by a travel expert at Peru For Less who specializes in helping you travel to Peru and Bolivia travel plans.

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South America Travel: Discover 2 of the New 7 World Wonders

For over a year, the international public had been invited to vote for what they thought should be considered the new 7 wonders of the world. The original legendary list of 7 ancient wonders include the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and many more that no longer exist; the only one of which can still be seen are the pyramids of Cairo, Egypt. Therefore, the new destinations have a lot to live up to! The semi-final list of New 7 World Wonders was revealed earlier this week, of which 2 are proudly located in South America.

Iguazu Falls: The massive waterfall spans the political borders of two countries: Argentina and Brazil. On both sides, natural parks of the same name provide for a dramatic environment in which visitors can explore the plants and animals of the area. The falls themselves are comprised of 275 smaller cascades, but the entirety of the view is absolutely stunning. Crashing down hundreds of feet, the water provides for spectacular photo opportunities. For the more daring, Iguazu Falls tours can take you via boat to the base of the natural wonder where you can see, hear, and feel the powerful sprays of the falls.

Amazon Rainforest: Spreading over 40% of the South American continent and the majority of its countries, the Amazon Rainforest is the largest of its kind in the world. Countless exotic species of animals consider the jungle their home, as well as thousands of indigenous natives who have lived there for centuries upon centuries. In Peru, the best jumping points for venturing further into the lust rainforest are the cities of Iquitos (reachable only by air or water) and Puerto Maldonado which is blessed with the nearby Manu Nature Reserve infamous for its incredible wildlife populations. In Brazil, Manaus is a top travel hub to visit before continuing further to jungle lodges such as those situated near the Madre de Dios River. Due to some complexities that may be had when planning a trip to the Amazon, booking Brazil tour packages and Peru tours are highly recommended in order that travelers are able to get the most convenient and best value experience during their holidays.

Shortlisted - the Galapagos Islands: The wildlife rich archipelago of Ecuador. It is considered one of the most biologically diverse areas of the world, and many endemic species of animals live there that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. From marine iguanas to centuries old sea turtles and exotic bird types, a Galapagos cruise is a perfect excursion for the nature-loving traveler.

This article about Iguazu Falls and the Amazon Rainforest was written by a travel expert at Latin America For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value Iguazu Falls tours and fully customizable Brazil tour packages.

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