South America Travel

Of all the continents, I feel the least qualified to speak about South America.

I’ve traveled to the continent on three separate trips during my life: once when I was thirteen and visited Peru, and twice in more recent years.

In 2020, I was hoping to add to my South America travel repertoire with trips to Colombia and the Guyanas, but the Coronavirus Pandemic put a damper on those plans and caused me to spend more time exploring my own backyard in the Pacific Northwest.

Still, I have fond memories of the places I have visited in South America. These places include some of the most remarkable destinations in the world.

 

TOP SOUTH AMERICA TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

I first traveled to South America when I was thirteen. On that trip, I followed my parents around Peru and Bolivia for nearly a month.

More than a decade later, I returned to the continent with Dan and set out to discover the natural wonders and geologic grandeur of Patagonia.

And most recently, in 2018, I headed to the continent once again, en-route to Easter Island. 

 

  • HIKING THE W TREK IN TORRES DEL PAINE

The Torres del Paine W trek in Chilean Patagonia is one of the most incredible multi-day treks in the world. The five day hike showcases jagged mountain peaks, calving glaciers, gushing streams, and guanaco-speckled plains.

The W trek is part of a larger ten day circuit. Highlights of the W hike include the Grey Glacier, the French Valley, the Cuernos Towers, and the park’s signature rock spires.

Torres towers in Torres del Paine Chile

 

  • ICE TREKKING ON THE PERITO MORENO GLACIER

The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the defining features of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park. It is a magnificent site and one of the only expanding glaciers in the world.

Standing in front of the calving glacier is an unforgettable experience.

But on order to best experience Perito Moreno, you can strap on crampons and join an ice trekking tour that explores the brilliant blue pools on the glacier’s surface.

Blue Pool on the Perito Moreno Glacier

 

  • WALKING THE COLORFUL STREETS OF VALPARAISO CHILE

Valparaiso Chile is one of the most colorful towns in the world. Sprawled across a series of hills and adorned in murals and street art, Valparaiso is a place that boasts photogenic views at every bend.

Valparaiso makes for an unforgettable day trip from Santiago and is one of the top destinations to visit in Chile.

Valparaiso Chile

 

  • STANDING IN AWE OF IGUAZU FALLS

There are few places in the world that can rival Iguazu’s majesty. The series of 275 lush waterfalls on the Brazil/Argentina border is one of the world’s seven natural wonders and South America’s most impressive natural gem.

It is possible to visit Iguazu Falls from both the Argentina side and the Brazil side. Each perspective is extraordinary and highlights the area’s awe-inspiring grandeur.

Iguazu Waterfall

 

  • RELISHING THE JOVIAL AIR OF BUENOS AIRES

Buenos Aires is the birthplace of tango and one of South America’s liveliest cities. Nicknamed the Paris of South America, the sprawling Argentine city has a distinct European flair.

Buenos Aires has always been a tourist favorite in South America—enticing visitors with its eclectic neighborhoods, art nouveau architecture, outdoor cafes, and party-till-you-drop nightlife.

Colorful House in La Boca, Buenos Aires

 

  • ADMIRING THE JAGGED PEAKS OF MOUNT FITZROY

Mount Fitzroy is Argentina’s answer to Torres del Paine in Chile. The spectacular mountain showcases some of Patagonia’s most extraordinary views.

Many hikes around Mount Fitzroy begin in the touristy town of El Chalten. The hikes reveal glacier-carved mountainsides, jewel-like lakes, and soaring peaks.

El Chalten Scenery

 

  • GETTING LOST IN THE CHAOS OF SAO PAULO

Sao Paulo isn’t exactly a glamorous city. One of the world’s largest metropolitan areas, it is a jumble of high-rise buildings and traffic-clogged streets.

But when I visited Sao Paulo on a work layover, I couldn’t help but be charmed by the city’s hidden gems and diverse cultural milieu.

Behind Sao Paulo’s grungy exterior is a city that is vibrant, diverse, and teeming with things to see. 

Sao Paulo Brazil

 

  • VISITING MACCHU PICCHU IN PERU

I visited Macchu Picchu nearly two decades ago, but the experience still remains engrained in my memory. The Incan village in the Andes is one of the world’s greatest human-engineered wonders and an undeniable highlight of visiting South America.