Last year didn’t give us the best possible travel opportunities to travel and forced many of us to cancel exciting trips. If this has left you hungry for an adventure, why not plan your trip for the next year?. When you run your finger across a map of the world, looking for breathtaking destinations that will reward your lack of travelling last year, you should consider South America. 

If you want to experience the best of what our planet has to offer, the fourth biggest continent in the world should be on the top of your list. There you can find landscapes, mountains, and rivers like you’ve never seen before, and be enchanted by the mixture of cultures, flavours, and contradictions. Urban cities, jungles, and ancient civilisations; this continent has some of the best. But before you head to this giant continent, and start to wonder about the best road to take, let’s explore some of the places that shouldn’t be missed on your trip!

1. Machu Picchu 

It doesn’t need to be mentioned that Machu Picchu holds one of the top positions in travel destinations’ bucket lists. Located in the Andes, this ancient civilisation delights with Incan civilisation’s cultural heritage, surrounded by the magical green hills. 

To see this marvellous citadel preserved from Incan civilisation, to get there, you can hike a trail in the Andes if you want a less taxing adventure you can choose the short Inca trail and enjoy the view of famous ruins without exhaustion. However, hiking isn’t the only option you can simply go there by train.  If you want to experience the magic, this place can offer it would be best to go there in the morning when the stunning ancient architecture is in the sunlight and all its glory.

2. Bogota

Are you a fan of the TV show Narcos? If you want to follow Pablo Escobar’s steps and delve into Colombian’s beating heart, head to Bogota. The vibrant cultural scene, mixed with the historic downtown and surrounded by green hills, can give you a wide range of experiences. From lunch in the city centre’s fancy bars and restaurants to wandering through 300 years- old churches and houses, this city is a must-see during a trip to South America. 

3. Buenos Aires

As Leopoldo Marechal said, “the Tango is the natural pulse of Buenos Aires.” Tango was born in the capital city of Argentina and has lived on ever since. If you want to experience once of the most lively cities in the world, don’t think too long and book a hotel in Buenos, where the music never stops playing, and the steaks are always juicy. 

This place is a quintessence of being alive filled with Latin culture and passion. So go there, see the famous monuments in the morning, feast and sip red wine in the afternoon, and dance all night long when the sun is down. 

4. Galapagos Islands

This destination should be a must-see on your travel plan if you want turquoise water, diverse wildlife, and volcanos. Located near Ecuador, this place is 97% a national park due to the natural beauty. Seeing this volcanic archipelago gives you the sensation of being in a documentary on National Geographic about fascinating species and unknown plants, especially if you decided to try snorkelling or diving there. 

What’s more, it’s a great travel destination any time, as the temperature here is pleasant for visitors all year round and the amount of daylight doesn’t shrink even in winter. 

5. Uruguay

Often unfairly underrated, over other South American wonders, Uruguay finally gets its well-deserved recognition. This second smallest country in the continent is a perfect pick for fans of coastal cities who crave resting on the beautiful sandy beaches. 

Uruguay is also a country of art and friendly locals who are incredibly hospitable towards visitors and will provide you with many unique memories. This amazing country can give you a feeling of familiarity thanks to its small bays, countryside greenery, and sheep that slowly chew grass right next to you.  

Conclusion

South America delights with its diversity and scope of possibilities. You can choose to rest and relax on unspoilt Uruguayan beaches, dance the Tango in Buenos, or admire breathtaking views of the Andes. This place offers something special for all types of travellers who want to explore its natural environment, rich cultural scene or historical heritage. 

Plan your trip thoughtfully and decide which country attracts you the most. It’s also a great idea to have a road trip through the marvels of the continent, so you can taste each flavour that South America offers. Talk to locals, eat exotic fresh food, and feast your eyes on the landscapes that you’ll never forget.