From the oceanic wonders of Ecuador to the magnificent Sacred Valley of the Incas, these five areas in South America offer incredible opportunities for adventures, cultural immersion, and natural exploration.
Chiloé Island and its adjacent archipelago, situated between land and sea along the Chilean coastline.
In the south of Chile On the Pacific coastline, the Chiloé Archipelago presents an intriguing mix of unspoiled natural beauty and rich cultural traditions. This part of the Lake District features diverse scenery—ranging from sandy shores and secluded bays nestled beneath rolling hillsides to lush woodlands—which makes it ideal for hiking enthusiasts. From certain spots along the east side of Chiloé Island, crystal-clear skies reveal views of majestic, snowy Andean peaks! Moreover, the island boasts charming cultural elements; one can stroll through these captivating sites. palafitos , the vibrant stilt houses characteristic of the area, and explore around a hundred UNESCO-listed wooden churches.
The incredible Peruvian marvel of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Snaking through the majestic mountain ranges and turbulent currents of the Vilcanota-Urubamba River, the Sacred Valley of the Incas lies to the north. Cusco in Peru stands out as undoubtedly one of the top scenic spots for hiking in South America However, the primary reason to explore this iconic valley lies in its remarkable cultural heritage. Spanning from the revered Intihuatana site to the ancient remains of Pisac, the region—considered as a link between human existence and the spiritual domain by the Inca civilization—provides profound understanding into their world. th Inca civilization from centuries ago. A short distance further downriver, Machu Picchu serves as the pinnacle attraction for any Peruvian itinerary: nestled among towering peaks, this revered fortress, with its icy remnants perched at 2,400 meters above sea level, becomes visible after ascending through the jungle for about two hours.
Guaviare, ranging from ancient cave art to the untamed expanse of the Amazon rainforest
The rock formations at Puerto de Orión, the vibrant waterfalls and natural pools near San José del Guaviare, along with the verdant forests and cave systems within the Túneles Naturales nature reserve... Just a brief 40-minute journey by air from Bogotá awaits these wonders. region of south-east Colombia features an impressive variety of terrains. Nestled within this, in the SerranÃa de Chiribiquete National Park, is Cerro Azul, an ancient archaeological site that dates back thousands of years and is categorized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site In 2018, the rocky cliffs were found to house numerous cave paintings, with some believed to date back as far as 12,000 years ago.
Do note: once a FARC stronghold, this region squeezed between the Llanos plains and the Amazon basin is now available to visit, but make sure to plan this with a local agency.
São LuÃs and the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, hidden gems along Brazil's coast.
Initially under French control, later ruled by the Dutch and subsequently governed by the Portuguese, São LuÃs was constructed with labor from both indigenous peoples and Africans. It serves as the capital of the Brazilian state of Maranhão. Brazil is fundamentally a cosmopolitan city. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the historic center of the city is delightful, featuring well-maintained colonial buildings and houses adorned with Portuguese elements. azulejos However, the city serves as the gateway to explore one of Brazil’s most breathtaking national parks along its coastline. National Park of Lençóis Maranhenses Renowned for its extensive sandy landscapes interspersed with freshwater lakes, this park provides stunning vistas, particularly during the wet season when these lakes swell with water, forming a dramatic juxtaposition against the pristine white sands. To fully immerse yourself in the encounter, hiking through the park is highly recommended as it lets you savor the distinctive plant and animal life found in this lesser-explored section of Brazil’s coastline.
Guayaquil along with the Galapagos Islands showcase all the natural variety of the Pacific coastline in Ecuador.
In Guayaquil Once a fishing village nestled along the shores of the River Guayas, now stands a hidden gem in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. This coastal metropolis in central Ecuador boasts an array of attractions including Malecón 2000 promenade—a vibrant blend of lush parks, cultural institutions, and historical landmarks—alongside the picturesque neighborhoods like Las Peñas and Santa Ana Hill adorned with their colorful residences. Additionally, Guayaquil serves as the principal entry point to the renowned Galápagos Islands, home to some of the planet’s richest ecosystems both undersea and above ground. Situated approximately 1,000 kilometers west of mainland Ecuador, these volcanic islands provide visitors unparalleled experiences such as observing gigantic tortoises wandering freely across Santa Cruz Island or catching sight of diminutive penguins on Isabela Island—an absolute paradise for nature lovers.
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