South America Calling – Let’s Explore Luxury Tailor Made Holidays
South America is the land of superlatives. The highest mountain range in the Americas, the largest jungle on the planet, the world’s most remote inhabited island and the most extensive river system. However, South America encapsulates so much more. From the Andes to the Amazon and Easter Island to the Amazon River, South America is full of enormous and spectacular must-see natural wonders. Here are the countries you can visit to enjoy your tailor made holidays in South America.
Argentina
Extending over hundreds of miles, Argentina is characterized by various physical landscapes. From elegant Buenos Aires to the wilds of Patagonia, cowboys traversing the Pampas and remote windswept coastlines, there is plenty to see and do. Home to penguins, fine wine, and a museum at the end of the world, Argentina blends a rugged landscape with cosmopolitan affluence.
Northern Argentina
Famed for its culture, food, and wine, the tour to northern Argentina has a lot to offer. Covering the cities of Buenos Aires and Mendoza, this holiday introduces the culture of northern Argentina. As the Argentine winter can be harsh in southern Argentina, take advantage of the milder climate to visit the north at this time.
Patagonia
Largely uninhabited, Patagonia is a vast region of magnificent beauty, endless rolling plains and an enormous sky. Bariloche is located amid Argentina’s stunning Lake District with the wildness of Tierra del Fuego a major highlight of any Patagonia holiday.
Argentina Wildlife Holidays
Home to the world’s second biggest wetlands, Argentina is famed for its wildlife. Known as the Esteros del Ibera, this is one of the country’s most significant reserves. Speak to a travel specialist and plan a one-of-a-kind Argentina wildlife holiday personalised to your specific needs.
Brazil
With almost three million square miles to explore, Brazil is a land of extremes. Rio de Janeiro is a city filled with magnificent old-world hotels, bars, and stunning architecture. The Amazon area encompasses more than half of the country and is home to a collection of the world’s most extraordinary diversity of flora and wildlife.
The beaches in the north-eastern part of Brazil are among the best in the country. Vibrant Salvador, the most important city here, is home to grand Portuguese colonial architecture and African heritage.
The country’s climate dramatically varies by region and it can be very hot in the summer months. Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are all located in the country’s hottest region. Manaus and the Amazon region are hot all year due to their tropical climate.
South East Brazil
With so much to see and do, Rio de Janeiro is without a doubt the highlight of any trip. After leaving Rio, head to Buzios, an upmarket seaside town, or continue down the coast to Paraty, a rich city surviving on the historic gold and coffee trade. From here, head north to Minas Gerais, where the historic villages of Tiradentes and Ouro Preto can be found. End at the thundering Iguacu Falls which has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Amazon Rainforest
Manaus is the gateway to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. This area is home to alligators, piranhas, anacondas, beautiful animals and the elusive jaguar. Covering such a vast area, we would recommend opting for high-quality, tailor-made Amazon holidays and excursions.
Western Brazil
The Pantanal is one of the greatest sites for wildlife in Brazil. Nature enthusiasts flock here to view anacondas, jaguars and a multitude of bird species. When in western Brazil it is also worth visiting the stunning Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimaraes. Speak to a travel specialist for unique and luxury tailormade holidays and trips to western Brazil.
North East Brazil and Beaches
Colourful and laid-back, friendly and with an African flavour, the north east is quintessential Brazil. The sound of drums pound in the streets of Salvador, one of colonial capitals of South America, while the best beaches are only a short distance away. Salvador is one of the most unique and distinctive cities in Brazil.
Brazil Wildlife Holidays
Brazil is defined by the Amazon Rainforest. The Amazon is the largest tropical rainforest on the planet. A trip to the Pantanal wetlands and Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park also offer an ideal opportunity to see animal and bird life.
Chile
Stretching over 4,000 kilometres from the Atacama Desert in the extreme north to the southern regions of Tierra del Fuego, Chile is a melting pot of landscapes and peoples. The vineyards of the Colchagua Valley and the magnificent Chilean Lake District are major highlights of Central Chile. Head to southern Chile to enjoy the spectacular majesty of Torres del Paine National Park or to explore the massive and enigmatic Easter Island monuments set off Chile’s Pacific coast.
The Atacama Desert, in northern Chile, is a barren landscape dotted with volcanic peaks and geysers. South of Santiago is the beautiful Chilean Lake District which borders Argentina.
Chile has four distinct seasons and can be toured year-round. You can visit Easter Island at any time of the year. Temperatures can fluctuate between 32 and -2 degrees Celsius. The topography and terrain of the nation have an impact on the climate.
Santiago
Santiago is one of the most populous cities on the continent of South America. The Andes to the east provide a beautiful backdrop. The proximity to the sea and some of the best wineries make Santiago worth a visit.
Colombia
Colombia features some of the best-preserved colonial architecture on the continent. It is the only South American country with both a Caribbean and a Pacific coastline. Bogota, the country’s capital, serves as a gateway to the country’s historic towns including the Andean settlement of Villa de Leyva.
Bogota
Bogota is the capital and the commercial and political hub of Colombia. The city was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century and seized by Simon Bolivar in 1819. This place is known for being home to some of the best museums and art galleries on the continent.
Ecuador
Ecuador is a great place to start your trip if you are new to South America. Quito is a charming city of small colonial streets and an UNESCO World Heritage Site dotted with painted houses and grand conquistador churches making it a fabulous place to spend a few days. Another draw for visitors to Ecuador are the Galapagos Island which, famously, have many birds and animals adapted to their unique environment. The Amazon region and Yasuni National Park are also home to an incredible variety of insect, reptile, marine and birdlife.
Peru
From the beautiful Andes to the ancient cultures that have left their mark on Peru, there is something here for everyone. The rainforests that line the Amazon River captivate the imagination with abundant wildlife, vegetation and animals, including the elusive jaguar. Another iconic site in Peru is Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu
Nestled high above the sea levels in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s most popular and important sights. A symbol of the Incan Empire dating to 1450AD, Machu Picchu was selected one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983
Summary:
South America is home to many massive, beautiful and must-see natural wonders. There is something for everyone to discover, from the Andes to the Amazon, Easter Island to Patagonia’s rainforests. Here are some of the countries in South America where you may have a tailor-made h