South American Countries Tours and Gap Adventures
South America is a vast and diverse continent that offers a wealth of opportunities for backpackers. Whether you're looking for adventure, culture, or just some time in the great outdoors, South America has something to offer. Here are some of the top destinations for backpackers in South America:
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Peru: Peru is home to Machu Picchu, one of the world's most famous ruins, as well as the stunning Andes Mountains and Amazon rainforest. Backpackers can explore the ancient Inca ruins, go trekking in the Andes, or visit the vibrant capital city of Lima.
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Bolivia: Bolivia is a country that is known for its unique cultural heritage, stunning scenery, and adventure sports. Popular destinations for backpackers include the vibrant city of La Paz, the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, and the remote wilderness of the Amazon Basin.
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Ecuador: Ecuador is a small country with a big personality. Backpackers can visit the capital city of Quito, go trekking in the Andes Mountains, or explore the Galápagos Islands, one of the world's most unique ecosystems.
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Argentina: Argentina is a country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery. Backpackers can visit the bustling city of Buenos Aires, go horseback riding in the Argentinean countryside, or trek through the Andes to visit the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.
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Brazil: Brazil is a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse natural wonders. Backpackers can visit the iconic city of Rio de Janeiro, go surfing in Florianópolis, or explore the Amazon rainforest.
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Chile: Chile is a long, narrow country with a diverse range of landscapes, from the arid Atacama Desert to the rugged Patagonian wilderness. Backpackers can visit the vibrant capital city of Santiago, go trekking in Torres del Paine National Park, or explore the remote Easter Island.
These are just a few of the many destinations that South America has to offer. Whether you're looking for a city break or an adventure in the great outdoors, South America is a great place to be a backpacker. Just be sure to plan your trip carefully, and bring the right gear and supplies to make the most of your adventure.
Another Continent that seems to be a firm favourite among backpackers due to its diversity and value for money.Argentina is one country in particularly where you can dine out on a massive steak and potatoes every day with a gorgeous bottle of Malbec cheaply. Enjoy the regular people and wander on Ipanema beach in Rio De Janeiro.
- Category: Argentina
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- Category: Argentina
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It's difficult to choose one place to visit in Argentina. However if you have a few days, do not miss the chance of going to the Iguazu Falls. Located in the border between Argentina and Brazil (2/3 of the falls are within Argentina), these amazing 275 falls along 2.7 km of the Iguazu River will give you one of the most spectacular shows of Nature. The Devil's Throat is the most impressive part of it. It's 82 meters high and 150 meters wide cataract.
It is possible to access the falls from the city Puerto Iguazu in Argentina, Foz de Iguacu in Brazil or Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. In Argentina and in Brazil there are National Parks and both circuits are totally worth it, having two different views of the falls. You can also go for a boat ride very close to the falls and to do a "full moon night circuit".
Better to avoid the summer months because it is too hot and humid (remember the summer is December-january-February in South America) although equally beautiful.
Birds and flowers are abundant and colorful.
- Category: Argentina
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Ushuaia is the only spot to leave for your Antartic tour. It is the southernmost city in the world and is located in Argentina. It is often called "the end of the world".
- Category: Argentina
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Editors note you should first add cold water and leave it 2-3mins to swell the mate. This prevents the pipe getting blocked and also stops you getting boiling tea burns! You add boiling water after that and leave again 2-3 mins.
- Category: Argentina
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Welcome to Buenos Aires!
This is a quick start guide that has some very good links and that info which you find you need first. (bookmark it and come back if you need to) and share it on facebook or other.
- Category: Argentina
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It has been a tough morning ! But only because the metro doesnt go close by Recoletta. I'm having lunch while typing at la poesia on Chile in Buenos Aires.
- Category: Argentina
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The wide boulevards in this city make finding a place to run hard but I found a run today and recommend it, there might be some work getting through the traffic initially but once you are there the ecological park is really good. There are some really cool buildings here too. I like my architecture and music while I run.
- Category: Argentina
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Had a slight delay at Heathrow, which meant I missed my connecting flight to Buenos Aires (BA) and so was stuck in Sao Paulo for 5 hours.. not to much of a problem as I sat in the Business lounge.. who said this backpacking stuff was supposed to be bad?
- Category: Bolivia
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La Paz, Bolivia is located at an altitude of 11, 811 feet (or 3,600 meters), which is a city of startling contrast and stunning beauty. It is situated is a sunken valley of Andes Mountain range. The picturesque snow capped Mount Illimani, at an elevation of 21 thousand feet, can be easily seen from this city.
La Paz is one of the last travel destinations of South America that still needs to be explored. In fact, the city is the highest capital city in the world, which belongs to the Bolivia's Altiplano region. Almost half of the entire population of La Paz (about 1.5 million) lives in the valley itself and the rest half lives in rickety housing at the plateau of El Alto, which is just above the city. Even the airport of the city is located in El Alto and is the highest international airport in the whole world.
However you prepare yourself for the city, you will always find yourself surprised once you are surrounded by the new sounds, sights and smells of the city. La Paz is a mix between the past and the present and hence the city is highly influenced by the modern culture, still it maintains the traditional but authentic roots of Andean culture. As a sign of historical influence, you will see the inhabitants of La Paz wearing colorful indigenous clothing. On the other hand, you'll also see the city bustling with modernization, whose examples are: skyscrapers, tourists, busy traffic and suited business man, etc.
- Category: Bolivia
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Well its been ages since I have updated the journal, I guess keeping in touch is hard whether your traveling or working…anyway, I have to apologize for keeping it brief, I don’t want to bore any of you..
After leaving the jungle covered in bites, tried to leave La Paz for Cocacabana (not the one in Rio) with the aim of seeing Lake Titicaca, and some of the islands. I say tried to leave as Bolivia was in the middle of political unrest, and so there were endless roadblocks, riots etc. However, I had a window of opportunity, as there was a big fiesta on, and so the roadblocks ceased so that they can get people in and out for the weekend.. However, it wasn’t all plain sailing – I was suppose to catch my bus (which I got the ticket for free after some smooth talking) to Cocacabana at 10am, but the night before I got back to the hostel and got a message so say that we now leaving at 4am to avoid any potential road blocks.. not the thing you want to hear at 1am. So I sit there in the reception at 4am, a bit worse for wear.. and I don’t get picked up till 9.30am.. not a happy camper, but this is south America and so you things happen when they happen. Got to the lake in the end, a lovely little town, and the following morning took a boat at to Isla de Sol for a half day trek.. the following day headed to Puno, which is on the Peruvian side of the lake..
- Category: Bolivia
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I know I haven't updated what I have done for a few weeks, but I have to update you on my most recent experience in South America... “Tinkuy Ritual Fighting”
The History
In Machu, which is north of Potosi, they carry out annually the “Festival of the Cross”, whose origins date back to the pre-Inca times. In this festival they give thanks to the Cross and Christ, as well as Andean Gods and Mother Earth to celebrate the annual harvest.
- Category: Bolivia
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Seeing that I was in South America, it was time to head to the Amazon.. the jungle, and not the River. The staring point for trips to the Amazon Basin in Bolivia is Rurrenbaque (Rurre) you have two ways to get there.. and awful and painstaking 16hr+ bus ride, or a flight for less than an hour.. so being lazy, I took the flight! As soon as landing in Rurre, I was off to start a 3 day Pampas Trip (basically being taken around by motorized canoe along the river) and a 2 day Jungle trip (mainly walking around the jungle). In the office, I was joined by the rest of my group, luckily enough for me 4 girls – much to the envy of all the other groups! To get the canoe, involved a rather dull 3 hour drive, but it least it gives you an opportunity to know the people you're spending the next few days with.
- Category: Brazil
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This is not the full list but we are choosing those places that you might start to consider as being the best and most popular places to visit in Brazil.
- Category: Brazil
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Brazil is an exciting country with everything from jungle jaunts to beautiful beaches, and everything in between.
- Category: Brazil
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Welcome to Rio De Janeiro!
We won’t bore you with more of how good looking Rio is, this is an article that has some very good links and basic info so that you can get up to speed quickly (bookmark it come back if you need to).
Things to Do
What to Wear and Climate
Rio is Tropical and though very humid is cooled by some winds. The best time to visit is when you are there ;) obviously carnival is a busy time. Shorts and T Shirts or short sleeve shirts and flip flops work well. During the rainy season it might be good to have an umbrella, but who packs those!
- Category: Brazil
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Rio de Janeiro is a vast and exciting city. You should certainly plan ahead for where to stay and what you might like to see. With something for all tastes the city could be the most attractive travel hub for other parts of Brazil and may well be your entry point with many options for flights into the country.
- Category: Brazil
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I'm in the early stages of planning a London to Rio flight and then spending a week or a bit less there. Then I want to head to either Itacare or Florianopolis.
Read more: Planning a surf trip to Brazil Rio de Janiero and Surfing North or South ?
- Category: Brazil
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In the north of Brazil is Bahia and Itacarè where you will find a very real Brazil and its a great backpacking destination it's especially popular as a place where you can learn to surf or even try it as the waves are nicely tame and predictable. The region is rich in culture for others and you might like to take some time to explore towns and beaches nearby. Salvador would be such a town and deserves a separate mention.
- Category: Chile
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Like many other coastal cities of Chile, Vina del Mar too consists of two different parts. One part consists of winding houses and streets that cling to the hills precariously. The other part consist of buildings and streets that have been built by adhering to the colonial era grid plan and lie between the sea and the hills. Unofficially, Vina is known as the tourism capital of Chile, which occupies around 170 square km area and inhabits a population of 300,000. Some of the best travel destinations of this town are given below:
Cerro Castillo
Cerro Castillo has served as the Presidential summer residence since 1931. If you like, you can see the Museum of Maritime Culture, Castillo Wulff, which is located in this area. In this area there is one prominent beach of Chile and that is the Playa Caleta Abarca.
Quinta Vergara
Quinta Vergara is another very prominent place of Vina, where a tourist can find the main square of the city (Plaza Vergara), the municipal theater (Teatro Municipal) and the horse carriages (quaint Victorias). Some other tourist places in this area include: Vergara Amphitheater, Parque Quinta Vergara, Palacio Vergara and Mirasol, Los Marineros and Acapulco beaches.
City Center
It is in rectangular shape and is bounded in the north by Marga Marga Estuary and in the south by railway line. Once can find Plaza Jose Francisco Vergara to its east and wooded Castle Hill to the west.
Renaca
Renaca consists of a wide selection of shopping centers, discotheques, hotels, restaurants and beaches, which made it the focus point for various holiday activities.
- Category: Chile
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Santiago is the capital of Chile with over 5 million populations. It is situated almost 500 meters above the sea level and is probably the most modernized metropolitan city of Latin America. Most of its architecture is modern, as the colonial buildings are very few in numbers thanks to the frequent earthquakes here.
The transportation of Santiago is so fast that it would impress you in no time, while taking you every to corner of the city including the Greater Santiago. The transportation consists of 25 thousand cabs, hundreds of yellow mini-buses and the most impressive Santiago Metro that runs almost 90 km all around the city with more than hundred stations. Santiago Metro is the cheapest, fastest and not to mention the safest mode of transportation for city-dwellers and even for travellers.
When you are in Santiago, you won't need to worry about extreme temperatures, as this city is well surrounded by beautiful mountains and it boasts a Mediterranean climate. In fact, the entire city is situated within a valley. You would never face temperature above 35 degree Celsius (or 95 degree Fahrenheit) from December to March; you'd face a humid atmosphere with -2 to 13 degree centigrade temperature in winter (June – August), though. The coldest time of the day is Morning time here. City also witness snowing, approximately after every 10 years.
If you are in a mood to visit Santiago then you must see some amazing places here, which include: Plaza de Armas, Estación Central (Central station) and Parque Araucano of Los Condes. The last one is close to Parque Aracano Mall. If you are a food lover then you can taste some sea food and Chilean wine here, which are very popular among the city inhabitants.
- Category: Chile
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With more than 5,000,000 inhabitants and a bit more than 500 meters above sea level, the capital of Chile is one of the most modern metropolitan areas in Latin America.
- Category: Colombia
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Notable Locations: National Park Old Providence McBean Lagoon and Crab Cay (Cayo Cangrejo)
The locals claim that Providencia’s 32km long double barrier reef is the second largest in the Caribbean (after Belize’s reef). But scuba diving is not the only reason to visit Colombia’s Providencia Island.
Read more: Providencia Island Caribbean | Diving Providencia Colombia
- Category: Colombia
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Cartagena is situated on the north-coast of Colombia and is the capital of bolivar. According to 2009 census the population of Cartagena is around 995,928 which make it the fifth largest city in Colombia . Cartagena is considered as the mid of economic activities in the entire Caribbean as well as a very popular travelling destination.
