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: Colombia
- Hits: 1954
The perfect place to get on a horse. During your 3 hour ride surrounded by mountain peaks- those of the Andes adds to the experience. The Cocora valley was named a wildlife sanctuary in 1985 to help protect Colombia's national tree the Wax Palm. Located in the Quindio district itself belonging to the Parque Nacional de los Nevados. You can also take 1 of 3 Hiking trails to enjoy the valley.
The Wax Palm stands at 60m almost 200ft high!
- Category: Colombia
- Hits: 2331
Barichara, a good looking town in Colombia with red tiled roofs and cobbled streets. Churches and a great temperature, bohemian atmosphere new restaurants. This place retains its charm and is not overly touristic and prices are not for the backpacker stay in St Gil instead. There is a great two and a half hour hike to the hamlet of Guane hike down the camino real.
is it just me or after a while these cobbles do get annoying !
- Category: Colombia
- Hits: 2515
A litter free wild beach where the jungle comes as close as it dare to the ocean. Grey sand and numerous places to stay make this place a nice spot to spend some time. Off the beach there are hot springs LAS TERMALES and the beach takes an hour and a half to wander the length. Also is the CASCADA DE AMOR. This is an area where you may be able to do some surfing, enquire in the local posadas ahead of time about equipment rental.
- Category: Colombia
- Hits: 2330
The amazing wax palms are the main interesting feature and nice hikes into the area. This valley eats into the western edge of Los Nevados National Park. The most popular walk is a hike of two hours or so to Reserva Natural Acaime. At Acaime you can buy beverages and see the Hummingbirds in action which makes an awesome photo opportunity as if there are any shortage of these on your hike through a most spectacular scenery. The local farmers often have to tend very steep inclines and they farm among other things coffee, bananas and bamboo that they use for construction.
- Category: Colombia
- Hits: 2298
I have visited an island in a lake before in Nicaragua well Colombia have theirs too.
Pasto is the main reason to visit the area and this makes a pleasant day trip. Pasto is the logical hub for entering Ecuador. The local delicasy of cuy is guinea pig! Trout is farmed in the lago and may also be on the menu.
Rio Encano is the river feeding into this amazing lake and here there are numerous restaurants here. The island is a national park and there are collectivo boats taking you to the island.
- Category: Colombia
- Hits: 2716
Landed at Bogota? The capital of Colombia has a name that rings poetic, you will find excitement galore in this bustling hot south american metropolis.
Bogota Colombia : A name and a reputation to put the fear and excitement into any backpacker. La Candelaria the historical center, chic zona rosa, the southern western barrios take care its gritty but possible.
- Category: Colombia
- Hits: 2219
San Gil has developed its extreme sports and the little town can be a base for kayak white water rafting horse riding abseiling mountain biking quad biking paintball and hydrospeeding oh yes and bungee jumping and phe-eww rest up with an eco trek...
- Category: Colombia
- Hits: 2072
Looking on towards the Caribbean this is the furthest point north in Colombia. Los Flamencos nature reserve is a popular spot as you arrive into the area. The ultimate is Cabo de la vela and Taroa Beach here you have to stay with local wayuu families who cook for you. Take your time and work out the logistics, tell us if you loved this place!
- Category: Colombia
- Hits: 2301
The ruins of the capital of Tayrona, Teyuna its indigenous name was constructed during the 11th to 14th century. The city is 2sq kilometres. Santa Marta is where you can arrange a six day trek to this lost city. There are a few companies Lonely Planet recommends Magic Tours
- Category: Colombia
- Hits: 1976
Try to avoid getting into the park from the boats unless you can get an admission as you avoid the gates to the park and may be asked to provide proof of entry. The park an area of rainforest and beach covering 12000 hectares. This is a privately run park and it would be best visited in low season as it gets crazy and its most attractive asset becomes very much less attractive.
- Category: Colombia
- Hits: 2271
Just across from the Panamanian border these two beach side towns. Difficult to get to if you can't afford to fly they have remained unspoilt. Take a long boat ride from Turbo. The place has a Caribbean feel.
- Category: Colombia
- Hits: 2102
Only had 10 days here, so couldn’t do the country justice. One thing I have to say, I felt safer walking around Bogotá, then I did in La Paz. In a nutshell.. 2 days in Bogotá exploring the city.. 4 days in a town called Medellin.. partying.. the women here are the best in the world.. then finished off Columbia spending the last few days on the Caribbean coast.. playing volleyball, and more partying. Short and sweet, but really didn’t do too much.
- Category: Colombia
- Hits: 2518
If you go to Colombia chances are you won't miss out on this colonial city. Its a world heritage site and Colombia's top tourist destination. The area of interest (colonial city) lies within the cities walls, that formed its defence. This defence was breached many times but on one such occasion it held out for 56 days in 1741 the defence run by Blas de Lezo a one eyed one armed and also one legged hero commemorated with his own statue in the entrance to San Felipe Fortress.
- Category: Ecuador
- Hits: 1810
Residents of Quito, Ecuador sometimes refer to their hometown as ciudad de los campanarios: “city of bell towers.” It’s not hard to see why.
With over 80 churches inside the city limits, Quito’s skyline is crowded with domes and soaring spires, giving the world’s second-highest capital a luminous, transcendent quality unlike any other in Latin America. Other quiteño nicknames for the city are equally celestial: “city of swallows,” “eternal city,” “little face of God.”
- Category: Ecuador
- Hits: 2174
Guayaquil is the largest city of Ecuador and is the busy seaport and river destination. This city is also considered to be Ecuador's economical capital. This city is basically located on a cost and is the activity center of Lower Guayas Basin, which is popular for its fertile valley and high agricultural yield. It is the perfect city for starting one's journey for Ecuadorian adventures.
There are several wonderful places nearby as well as within this city that must be visited by a traveller to Ecuador. Some special site-seeing places include: great beaches of Playas, Salinas and Banos, the exotic fruits and flowers of Ambato, Amazon rain forest and many others. One of the best things about Guayaquil is that one can reach the Galapagos Islands within two hours of flight from this city.
Besides offering several archaeological ruins, museums and historical attractions, this city also provides the opportunity for ecotourism by having some great reserves on its outskirts. If you are used to take frequent strolls then what could be the better place than the promenade at the bank of the Guayas River. However, if you are a fan of foods, especially sea foods, then you must try a restaurant boat floating on the Guayas River, which offer exquisite seafood.
You can also satiate your love for historical architecture by visiting the Church of Santo Domingo and several other cathedrals built in 1400s. You can further please yourself by strolling in the Parque Bolivar botanical garden, where you may also find some iguanas and turtles. If you can arrive in Guayaquil in January, you can be a part of several city's fiesta and festivities.
- Category: Ecuador
- Hits: 1852
One of the most beautiful cities of Ecuador is Quito, which is nestled within a valley. This valley itself is situated at the foot of the Pichincha Volcano. Perhaps, there is no other city in the world that can be at par with the exquisite natural surroundings of this city. Quito is much more than only being the capital city of Ecuador. It is a place for real adventures.
Once upon a time, this city had been proud to be the northern capital of Inca civilization. Unfortunately, its makers were the ones who destroyed it in fear of Spanish conquistadors. This is why; the most fabulous architectural examples of Quito are all Spanish, which can be ascertained by visiting the Quito's Old Town. Even UNESCO has provided it the status of World Heritage site and is now preserved as the historic center of Latin America. However, Quito is not about ancient history only.
Most of the hotels are built in the newer area of the city, which are not too far from the budding business sector. It is advised to first adjust to the climatic conditions of Quito before stepping out of your hotel room for some real adventures. Once you are acclimatized to the climate, you can experience some eco-adventures of the city, like climbing, hiking and birding.
- Category: Peru
- Hits: 1832
The young man in the red bandana passed me three times in the tight confines of Cusco’s “Gringo Alley”, each time repeating his pitch, “Marijuana, cocaine, and Ayahuasca.”I wasn’t interested in the drugs, but I was curious. Everyone knows marijuana and cocaine but I wondered what the third one was. Ayahuasca, he told me was a drug with ancient and divine meaning to Andean people. He offered to be my guide into the spirit world; a trip that would give me enlightenment and wisdom. He claimed to be an Inca shaman. I declined this dubious offer of enlightenment, but became intrigued by Andean psychedelic shamanism.
- Category: Peru
- Hits: 1598
Lima was a culturally important territory for both the pre-Columbian inhabitants of Peru and those who arrived to the coastal region with the destructive Spanish Conquest. Today, the country’s history and culture can be explored through a number of nationally significant museums in the Central district of the capital.
- Category: Peru
- Hits: 3165
By Naomi C. Kumar
The Amazon is hailed as the most biodiverse place on Earth – hundreds of birds, mammals and insects call this tropical rainforest home. After Brazil, Peru contains most of the deep jungle. In fact, more than half of Peru is the Amazon! Travelers here often want to see the coastlines of Lima, the mountains of Cusco or the lake of Puno, but many miss this not-so-hidden treasure.
If you like the comforts of hotel life, or even indoor life, the rainforest is not for you. This may seem an unnecessary disclaimer, buts many people think they’d like to spend some time in the great outdoors only to find themselves in sincere withdrawal from the modern world.
- Category: Peru
- Hits: 2281
One of the historical and most dynamic cities of Peru is Cusco Peru, located at an altitude of above 11 thousand feet and is situated in the very heart of Andes Mountains.
Read more: Cusco Peru – The Dynamic City of Peru that Preserved the Ashes of Inca Civilization
- Category: Peru
- Hits: 1969
Peru draws thousands of visitors annually to its rich and extra ordinary archaeological heritage as well as to its splendid natural beauty. Among these thousands of visitors, very few people would be there who won't make a stop at Lima even for a day or two. Lima is considered to be the cultural and business hub of Peru.
Lima is comparatively slow paced city, which is against the rhythm of many other fast paced South American metropolises. It is comparatively more traditional, reflecting its calmer and steadier constitution. When you pay special attention to the inhabitants of this city, you would find them to be usually amenable to foreigners and with one another too. This nature of the inhabitants would sometimes make you feel that the city is a cluster of small towns.
The atmosphere of Lima makes this city like a dreamland because of its 'garua', whereas garua is the local term for mist that settles over Lima from May to October. Under this silvery blanket, the people of the city meet at 'Penas' (Bars offering Creole and folk music), dine at the city's celebrated restaurants and shop at open markets. There are a number of museums in Peru that not only display but also preserve the golden past of Peru. The most acclaimed and internationally recognized museum of Lima is none other than the Museo Nacional de Antropologia y Arqueologia.
The south of Lima host several long white beaches that are continually washed by Southern Pacific's cold waters. These beaches are backed by a long range of white sand dunes. However, these beaches have nothing more than a few small cafes and restaurants to call as amenities, which is contrary to the warmer climate's tourist beaches. One of the best and most beautiful beaches is El Silencio, which proves its name by making itself to be found remotely.
- Category: Peru
- Hits: 2496
Lima, capital of Peru and the largest city in the country, is an amazing mixture of historical sites and modern residential neighbourhoods. With a very pleasant climate, mild throughout the year and almost non existent rains, it's a very nice place to enjoy not only because of the beauty of the large parks and gardens, and the interesting archaeological sites, museums and art galleries, but because of the excellent quality of food and the variety of restaurants. If you have just a few days, do not miss National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History located in Plaza Bolivar, the archaeological site Huaca Pucllana and the restaurants in the district of Miraflores.
- Category: Peru
- Hits: 4643
From Puno, was my intention to see the Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca, but as was now becoming apparent.. the south Americans will strike over anything, and at anytime. As was my luck, I picked the day to do the islands when the islanders were striking against the government and so but a blockade of boats on the lake to stop any tourists going out to see the floating Islands (also known as Reed Islands).. however, the cheeky gits actually got us on the boat and attempted to go… which made for amusements, as they all had guns, and so the police had to be called out to clear the blockade, after some standoff the police told us to come back to land.
