Travel Guides: All Countries, South America.
 |  | Destination Guide : South America |
|
| | | Cornucopia of culture |  | Why go on holiday to South America?
To explore great natural wonders like the Amazon rainforest, the stunning waterfalls at Iguazu on the Brazil/Argentine border, the Andes mountains, the wildlife paradise of the Galapagos islands and the dramatic fjord-like coast of southern Chile. To marvel at ancient historical sites like the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru and Ciudad Perdida in Colombia. To laze on the beaches of Brazil, samba till you drop, or go skiing in Chile. To meet a fascinating mix of people, from Incan descendants with a remote way of life in the Andes, to big city sophisticates in Rio, Buenos Aires, Santiago or Bogota.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary quite considerably but these are some sample packages: a 17-day escorted tour of Peru is from £2,500; a 10-day tour of Ecuador and the Galapagos can be found from £2,500. Flights to most capital cities are from around £400. Good hotels in Rio de Janeiro are from £60 and a more modest £20 and up in Chile and Peru (though accommodation can be had in Peru for as little as £5, expect to pay up to £150 for rooms at tourist trap Machu Picchu). An 18-night fly-cruise to Brazil is from £2,500.
When should I go?
If you're into trekking, avoid the rainy season, which will vary from country to country. Skiers should aim to visit between June and September. For general sightseeing, the winter months of June, July and August are good in Peru, and in Chile, opt for the summer months of December, January and February. Hit the Brazilian beaches in the winter months. Remember, two-thirds of South America is in the tropics and in the rainforest areas be prepared for average daily temperatures of 30C (86F) and high humidity. Whenever you go, try and stay as long as you can - especially if visiting more than one country - as distances are great. If you're planning to go to Rio for the Carnival in February/March, book well ahead as tickets and accommodation are snapped up months in advance.
|
|
|
|
|
| | | Unique wildlife | | What should I do when I'm there?
For most people, the Amazon basin with its jungles and river cruises is an obvious choice. To absorb some of this vast continent's history and culture, walk the Inca trail to Machu Picchu or visit the reed houses of the Uros Indians of Lake Titicaca in Peru. In Rio de Janeiro, check out the landmark Sugar Loaf mountain and Corcovado, the mountain sporting the 30m-high statue of Christ, or head for the World Heritage city of Salvador with its 16th and 17th-century buildings and African influences. Explore the 50 or so museums in the lively Colombian capital Bogota, which also has some important colonial churches. In Venezuela, marvel at the world's highest waterfall - Angel Falls, 16 times the height of Niagara.
Where can I see wildlife?
The Galapagos Islands host a unique collection of wildlife on and off its barren, volcanic shores, including sea lions, penguins, birdlife and giant tortoises. It's expensive to visit, but an unforgettable experience. Patagonia at the southern tip of the continent also has penguins, sea lions, dolphins, whales and elephant seals. In Brazil, the rainforest and the wetlands of the southwest offer opportunities to see wildlife including monkeys and hundreds of exotic bird species. In the Peruvian highlands, look for Llama and Alpaca and the huge Andean condor with its three-metre wingspan. At the other end of the scale, Peru has 120 species of hummingbird.
Where can I find good beaches?
Brazil's famous Copacabana beach runs for 4.5 kms but is backed by a messy mass of buildings. It's a happening place, but watch out for pickpockets who make a good living from unsuspecting tourists. Ipanema (which inspired the song) is quieter and more sophisticated. South of the increasingly popular package destination of Recife are white beaches protected by coral reefs. In Colombia, Parque Tayrona, Cabo de la Vela and Sapzurro have great beaches. For snorkelling and diving check out the Islas del Rosario and the San Andres archipelago. In Argentina, Mar del Plata is a popular seaside resort. Venezuela's north east coast has good white sand beaches.
|
|
|
|
|
| | | Dance the night away | | Where's good for nightlife?
Most capital cities have a good club scene and lively bars. Rio tops the lot - check out the Jornal do Brasil at the news-stand. Latin America is big on dance and not just disco - Brazil loves to samba, try a tango in Argentina or salsa the night away in Bogota's salsatecas. Leblon and Ipanema, in Brazil, have some good jazz clubs. If you're into the classics, visit the grand Teatro Municipal in Rio or in Buenos Aires, check out the beautiful Teatro Colon. Cinema is popular everywhere and most films are screened in their original language with Portuguese or Spanish subtitles, so there are usually plenty of English and American movies to catch.
What's the food like?
In Brazil, a typical dish is feijoada, a bean stew. Street food is also popular - in Salvador in the Bahia region try acaraje, a freshly fried bean and chilli ball filled with shrimp sauce. Brazil's national drink is not coffee as you might think, but caipirinha, made from sugarcane brandy, lemon and sugar. In Chile, the seafood is among the world's best - try the shellfish stew. In Venezuela and Colombia, snack on an arepa, a small maize pancake stuffed with a variety of fillings. Argentinian steaks are mind-bogglingly big. Both Chile and Argentina produce some good wines to wash down your meal.
What should I buy?
Woodwork, lace, pottery, Yanomami basketware, local music, leather footwear, woollen goods from the Andes, silverwork from Venezuela.
What is there for children to do?
Children will receive a warm welcome in South America. Big towns and cities and major resorts will offer the usual entertainments but if they enjoy outdoor activities, they'll be in their element. In the Venezuelan capital Caracas, the hands-on Children's Museum is good value - Santiago in Chile also has a Museo Infantil. In Rio there are plenty of parks, some with sports and activities, or wow them with a cable car ride. Older children will love Peru's archaeological sites. Or take them on an unforgettable train ride - one of several scenic routes runs from Curitiba to Paranagua in Brazil.
|
|
|
|
|
| | Available rental properties in South America |
|
|
|
|
