When planning your holiday to South America you may ask yourself; which are the best countries to visit in South America?
South America is a continent of amazing contrasts. These range from tropical jungle to glaciers, remote high mountain villages to bustling coastal cities, mountain ranges to endless pampa.
The continent is blessed with a population as diverse as its landscapes. Different traditions, styles and food, all offer a warm and colourful welcome to the visitor.
This is our pick at Andean Trails of the top 5 countries to visit in South America.
Ecuador
Ecuador nestles into the north western corner of South America. It borders the Pacific Ocean on the west, straddles the Andes Mountains, is crossed by the equator line, and is bordered by the Amazon jungle on the east.
The Galapagos Islands belong to Ecuador and are a 2 hour flight from the mainland.
Visitors to the country are spoiled for choice.
The Andes Mountains are a draw with their stunning scenery, colourful peoples, markets and traditions as well as challenges for the more adventurous. The choices are endless. You can take a highlights holiday, climb volcanoes, trek the mountains and valleys or be amazed by the birds in the cloud forest.
The Amazon jungle offers comfortable lodges where one can experience the jungle, learn about its communities and of course spot the wildlife.
The Galapagos Islands are Ecuador’s star attraction. The incredible wildlife, diversity of island landscapes and history are the principal reasons to visit. There are cruises of varying lengths on offer or the possibility of a hotel based tour visiting one or more of the islands.
Peru
Peru is normally seen as the land of the Incas, the high Andes, and Machu Picchu- the lost city of the Incas. However, the country does have much more to offer with over half its landmass being Amazon rain forest.
Peru’s gastronomy is renowned taking its influences from the bounty of the Pacific to the Inca terraces in the mountains.
The area around Cusco and the Sacred Valley attracts visitors of all ages and fitness. The more adventurous may consider the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu or a more off the beaten path trek such as the Choquequirao where you can also finish visiting the lost city of the Incas.
Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, beckons with a cultural experience and home stay on an island at over 4,000 metres altitude.
Northern Peru offers the intrepid trekker looking for trails away from the crowds anything from short 4 day treks such as the Santa Cruz, to longer adventures trekking the Huayhuash Circuit.
A general taste of Peru considering highlights such as Lima, Arequipa, the Colca Valley, Lake Titicaca, Cusco and finishing with Machu Picchu is a popular choice.
Not to be forgotten, the Amazon offers the wildlife enthusiast exciting itineraries either in Manu or the Tambopata.
Chile
Chile is a long thin sliver of a country sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. It offers contrasting landscapes from the most arid desert in the world, through Mediterranean type scenes, snow-capped volcanoes overlooking pristine lakes to granite spires guarding fjords and glaciers.
The Atacama Desert inspires with its lunar type scenery, rock formations, salt flats and wildlife such as llamas and flamingos. Visitors can explore in comfort with all inclusive adventure programmes, trekking itineraries or tailor-made and multi-activity holidays.
Central Chile attracts with its fertile valleys, wine country, mountain peaks near the capital Santiago, and its craggy coast line.
The Lake District, sometimes referred to as “Green Patagonia” beckons. Attractions include cold rain forest, towering conical volcanoes, National Parks and shimmering lakes. There are options for all ages and all levels of activity. A particular favourite is to visit the area with a multi-activity itinerary.
Chile’s northern Patagonia, the least densely populated part of the country, is the place to see nature away from the crowds.
For many a visit to Chile is not complete without getting to know the Torres del Paine National Park. You may opt for an all inclusive adventure package at one of the hotels, such as the Hotel Las Torres, or trek the iconic W trek or Paine Circuit also known as the “O”.
Bolivia
Landlocked in the middle of South America is Bolivia. This is a small fascinating country to visit, ideal for that off-the-beaten-path experience. High mountains, iconic salt flats, wildlife rich rainforest as well as culturally diverse colourful cities will not disappoint the intrepid traveller.
The Uyuni salt flats with their incredible scenery in the altiplano are a favourite with visitors.
The more adventurous can trek at altitude in pristine mountain nature; for example the Apolobamba or even enroll in a mountaineering course.
The Amazon beckons with programmes at rustic lodges such as Chalalan, or the fascinating Toro Toro National Park with its dinosaur prints.
A two weeks highlights tour, taking in La Paz, Sucre, Potosi, Uyuni salt flats and Lake Titicaca can give you a real feel to the country and its wonderful people.
Argentina
Argentina conjures images of Gauchos on horseback, Evita and steak. However, the country is much more than that. It is the 8th largest in the world and is home to huge mountains, huge waterfalls, huge glaciers, huge grasslands. It is home too to people with huge hearts.
In the North East of the country are the majestic Iguazu Falls and the bristling with wildlife Ibera wetlands.
The North West is home to the Andean communities and a little further south the wines of Mendoza and the highest mounting in the America’s, Aconcagua.
Bariloche, half way down the country nestles into the Andes Mountains. It is in a strikingly beautiful setting of snow capped mountains, vivid blue lakes and lush green forests. It is a great destination also for the adventure seeker with a multi-activity itinerary giving a feel of what the area has to offer.
In the heart of Argentina’s Patagonia are the towns of El Calafate and El Chalten. Here you will find the awesome Perito Moreno Glacier as well mountain trekking trails and the vast expanse of the southern ice field. Many visitors combine trekking in this area with the Torres del Paine National park in Chile taking in the highlights of Patagonia.
On the shores of the Beagle Channel on Tierra del Fuego Island is the world’s southernmost city Ushuaia. Visitors come here to sight-see, to trek and also board ships to Antarctica.
Wildlife enthusiast will include a visit to the Peninsula Valdes where during the right time of the year they can combine tours spotting Southern Right Whale and visiting the largest Penguin Colony in South America.
Much More
These are just 5 of the 12 countries that make up the South American continent. All in their own right have good reasons to visit.
