Best Tourist Destinations South America

Fancy a trip to South America ? You're not the type to put your bags down for 8 days in the same place? Bolivia, Peru, Costa Rica, what are the countries to discover during a road trip in South America ?

Bolivia

Bolivia is an essential stopover during your journey in South America . Spared by mass tourism, it is authentic and friendly, like the Bolivians.

The territory presents varied landscapes such as the Atacama Desert , the Amazonian tropical forest , the eternal snows of the Andes Cordillera , the volcanoes of the Altiplano or even the largest salt desert in the world “Salar de Uyuni” .

Of course, Lake Titicaca is a must. The highest freshwater lake in the world is nestled in the heart of the Andes. It is also crossed by the border with Peru.

Peru

Peru is a wonderful destination. It is above all the cradle of the Inca civilization with many unmissable sites such as Machu Picchu. In the heart of the Peruvian Andes, this unique city built on top of a mountain during the 16th century was only discovered in 1911.

While the Sacred Citadel of the Incas is obviously a stop to add to your trip, there is plenty to do in Peru. You will be able to discover the green jungle of the Amazon, walk through the old streets of Lima, visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman or admire the Gocta waterfalls.

Ecuador

This small, relatively unknown country has some very pleasant surprises in store, such as the magnificent historic center of Quito. The capital is also warm and welcoming, like the people of Ecuador. It is easy to meet them and immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture.

Although its area is not very large, Ecuador is rich in a great diversity of landscapes and remarkable sites. You can thus plan during your stay to go hiking in the Amazonian forest to approach the tropical fauna. To admire parrots, anacondas or monkeys, go to Cuyabeno Reserve or Yasuni National Park.

Of course, a breakaway is needed in the Galápagos Islands. This archipelago is at the heart of a huge marine reserve listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Among the most emblematic sites, Santa Cruz and its particularly rich fauna. There are the famous Galapagos giant tortoises, iguanas and even reef sharks.

Brasil

Impossible to plan a road trip in South America without making a detour to the largest country on the continent, Brazil. The name alone is synonymous with festivities like the Rio Carnival, mythical beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema, Santa Catarina, etc.) and music.

A trip to Brazil must therefore begin with Rio de Janeiro dominated by the huge statue of Christ the Redeemer. However, many other opportunities are available to you. These are so numerous that the choice is difficult: the Iguazu Falls in the middle of the tropical forest, Mount Roraima, the Tijuca forest, São Paulo, the Chapada das Mesas national park, etc.

Venezuela

Jungle, Amazonian forest, sublime beaches, snow-capped peaks of the Andes, Venezuela is a compendium of all the landscapes you find in South America.

The first stop is obviously Caracas. Teeming with life, the capital has a remarkable historic center centered around the Plaza Bolivar.

But it is important not to stop at this huge city. If you have the opportunity, add to your program the highest falls in the world Salto Angel (979 meters), the archipelago of Los Roques made up of around fifty islands or even the Sierra de la Neblina park . Finally, a detour via the dunes of Coro (Medanos de Coro) is a must.

Argentina

Breathtaking landscapes, gastronomy, culture, Argentina is one of the most incredible destinations in South America.

Its capital, Buenos Aires, is very surprising because it is very “European”. Above all, it is a very lively city, both day and night. Even if it is difficult to define the city in a few places, you still have to see La Casa Rosada (the presidential palace), the Parque Tres de Febrero (Japanese garden) or the Plaza de Mayo (May Square). Finally, be sure to stroll through the streets of La Boca and Recoleta.

Moreover, the country is full of wonders. Among these, the 200 Iguazú Falls, the Devil's Throat (Garganta Del Diablo), the Pampa, Mendoza or the Nahuel Huapi National Park and its lake.

Chili

Chile is a thin strip of land with a thousand facets with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Andes Cordillera on the other. Its cultural richness, the beauty of its landscapes, the kindness of its inhabitants make it a very popular destination for globetrotters.

On the occasion of a road trip on Chilean lands, a visit to the capital, Santiago, is a must. However, it is very "European". To fully appreciate this country, one must explore the land. Among the must-sees are the port of Valparaiso, the Tatio geysers at 4,200 meters above sea level, the Torres del Paine national park and the Villarrica volcano.

The Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small country in Central America that has managed to preserve its natural heritage. It is therefore a very popular destination for recharging one's batteries and encountering generous nature.

Its lands are home to the famous Monteverde reserve located at 1530 meters above sea level . This earned it the nickname cloud reserve. Hiking and ecotourism enthusiasts can appreciate a great diversity of flora and fauna. Suspension bridges and zip lines add even more to the exotic side.

If you have time, many other places are to be discovered. Among these, the beaches of Guanacaste, Arenal Volcano National Park and its hot springs, Samara and the Nicoya Peninsula and Mount Chirripo.

Nicaragua

Volcanoes, sublime beaches, tropical forests and nature reserves, Nicaragua is an authentic country. The first thing you appreciate there is the warmth of the Nicaraguans who are proud of their culture. You should also think about tasting some of the local specialties such as gallo pinto, plantain bananas, vaho or even indio viejo.

In addition to this culinary stopover, the country has many sublime landscapes. It starts with the unmissable black sand beaches, especially those of Las Peñitas or Poneloya. But Nicaragua is also:

• many volcanoes (San Cristóbal, Mombacho, etc.);
• magnificent reserves (Los Guatuzos, Masaya volcano, Bosawas, Indio Maiz);
• tropical forests.

Guatemala

Unknown and still spared by mass tourism, Guatemala is a small nugget. Many travelers say it is one of the most amazing lands.

It is true that Guatemala is rich in varied landscapes. You will discover magnificent beaches on the Caribbean Sea as well as multicolored cities, luxuriant jungles, Mayan archaeological sites or impressive volcanoes.

Among the unmissable things to do in Guatemala, there is obviously Lake Atitlán, considered the most beautiful in the world. Semuc Champey and its turquoise waters, the Mayan city Tikal or Antigua and its colonial architecture, the list of Guatemalan treasures is very long.