South American Getaway
The Amazon rainforest, Carnival, tracing the Gold route that built the Americas, beaches, skiing and culture are all reasons to plan a South American getaway.
South American Getaway
Perhaps the best-known South American getaway is Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Renowned for the raucous Carnival celebrations, Rio de Janeiro is also full of rich Catholic, Imperial, and indigenous culture. Lying between the sea and the mountains, it has long been a getaway for the rich and famous. Buzios is the world famous beach of the Golden Age of Hollywood. White sand beaches, clear blue water and a sense of untouched beauty lead people of means there every year.
Adventurers may want to go to Chile or Peru for their South American getaway. The Andes Mountains are in Peru and have long been a place where man challenges himself against nature. In addition to the magnificent mountains, Chile’s hilly green lushness, much of which is covered by orange groves and vineyards, offers a relaxing break from the modern world. If you are looking a cosmopolitan vacation, Santiago is a modern city full of luxurious accommodations. Easter Island is part of Chile and is famous for the Moai, which are gigantic stone figures found all over the island.
Bolivia lies northwest of Peru, with Argentina to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina to the south, and Chile to the west. The capital city, La Paz, is the highest capital in the world. It has opportunities for enthusiasts of the arts as well as modern and comfortable hotels. At Cochabamba, other wise known as the garden city, visitors can experience an authentic tradition of local culture and folklore. If interested in a jungle excursion, the states Beni and Pando offer visitors dramatic landscapes.
Perhaps the “hottest” getaway currently in South America is to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. On Galapagos, you can commune with the giant sea turtles and sea birds or be more adventurous and scuba dive or kayak. This is Mother Nature distilled to a raw level. On the mainland, every village and small city offers folk art, festivals, and authentic food. In the major cities, there are spas and high-end hotels. The historic district of Quito has undergone a transformation and can give the visitor an eye back to the past. Ecuador has become a popular destination for specialized cruise ships.
Before planning a South American getaway, tourists should check the local climate – both physical and political. Physically, harsh weather conditions can occur frequently below the equator. Politically, the region flows in and out of political unrest. For example, Ecuador is considered safe as long as you stay away from the Colombian border. A little bit of research will help visitors enjoy their South American getaway.
