For travelers who don’t want to play it safe, Latin America offers some pretty unique opportunities.
Latin America offers an incredible range of biodiversity that wows even the most seasoned travelers. For those seeking a bit of extra adventure in their itineraries, it’s also the perfect place to go off the beaten path, get active and create lasting memories. But when planning your trip it can become overwhelming when it comes to deciding where to go and what to do. This is where we come in! Check out this list of the best – and most adventurous – destinations for group travel across Latin America.
Patagonia
Cuernos del Paine. Credit
Torres del Paine National Park is a renowned national park in southern Chile, within Patagonia. Known for its iconic landscapes and breathtaking views, this park is a must visit and attracts so many people from around the globe for a reason. Some of the main aspects include its natural beauty, from granite peaks, crystal clear blue lakes, the gorgeous land spreads for miles. The wildlife that is inhibited there are ones you might not see everyday. People who visit can spot foxes, condors, eagles, pumas and guanacos which are similar to llamas. Lastly the hikes and treks you are able to take through the park give way to some of the most iconic views of the park. There are two different trail circuits offered to you to venture on. The W trek circuit is for beginning hikers and takes you to the more well known parts of the park, whereas the O circuit is for more experienced hikers that is longer and covers the entirety of the park. You can also take day tours as well to visit more specific spots of the park.
Brazil
Pantanal. Credit
The next must stop destination is Brazil. Starting off with one of the most iconic landmarks of the country, the Christ the Redeemer statue is a must see. Located in Rio de Janeiro, this landmark scours over the city with its elongated arms outstretched symbolizing Christ’s embrace to his people. The statue was created by French sculptor Paul Landowski and built by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French engineer Albert Caquot. To continue, the Botanical Gardens of Curitiba offer a breathtaking view of an array of all different kinds of flowers. Landscape and greenery is something that when traveling you should definitely take advantage of because unfortunately you never know how long it will be there. Lastly, the Escadaria Selaron, locally known as the “Lapa Steps” are world renowned steps set in Rio de Janeiro. Jorge Selaron, an artist native to Chile claimed the work as a “tribute to the Brazilian people.”
Chile
Atacama Desert. Credit
Moving onto Chile, a must see are the marble caves of Chile Chico. This is a wonder to see and something that pictures simply do not even compare to the sight in real life. Another must see is a site with a lot of history and many urban legend stories about what seems to be this mystical place. Easter island, although located in Polynesia, is a Chilean territory. It is famous for its enormous statues created between the 13th-16th centuries. The large carved human-like sculptures with oversized heads called moai, are once in a lifetime sites. Another amazing site is the view from Sky Costanera. From here you can see the entire city and skyline crystal clearly. You can witness all the culture and unique landscape, one of the many things Chile is known for.
Colombia
Cuidad Perdida. Credit
Starting off strong in Colombia they have some pretty amazing sites to see within their land. The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira is an underground Roman Catholic church that was actually built within the tunnels of a salt mine. It is a huge tourist attraction, but do not let that deter you as this is something you will not get to see anywhere else you travel. It is also a place of pilgrimage in the country. Moreover, the city of Cartagena is a port city on the Caribbean coast. It is filled with lots of colorful colonial style buildings and cobblestone streets making this city a must visit with the character it holds. It is also a popular beach destination in the warmer months! Only reachable by boat, Isla de Baru, known for its beautiful white sand beaches and Islas del Rosario known for their coral reefs.
Peru
Machu Picchu. Credit Willian Justen de Vasconcellos.
One of the most famous sites within Peru is one you will never forget. Machu Picchu built by the native Incas, is a citadel located in the Andes Mountains. However this place holds a sense of mystery as the great place known for ahead of its time architecture of dry stone walls, buildings that are peculiar shapes and draw on astrological alignments. It was later abandoned and the use of this alien place is still not known to society today. This ancient place is another must see as it holds so much history and education while providing extravagant views and unique architecture. Continuing on, Lake Titicaca is another place associated with the Incan empire, being said to be the birthplace of this empire and home to multiple of its own ruins. It is one of South America’s largest Lakes and the world’s highest navigable body of water. The waters are so beautiful and calm. It is home to rare aquatic life like giant frogs so there are not many options as far as getting into the water. However you can kayak in the river, and there are so many hiking trails and viewing options as well.
Argentina
San Carlos de Bariloche. Credit Emilio Lujan.
Finally, Argentina holds many wonders you may not think of when you imagine this Latin American country. The first is the Perito Moreno Glacier located in the Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. There are not many opportunities to see glaciers as beautiful as these, let alone glaciers themselves, especially in this region of the world. To continue, Iguazu falls are waterfalls of the Iguazu River and is a part of the largest waterfall system in the world. Definitely worth making a stop for! The capital city of Buenos Aires is home to many major attractions including the Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, Teatro Colon, and the MALBA museum. The center of the city is the Plaza de mayo and this holds many 19th century buildings including Casa Rosada. The presidential palace. The Teatro Colon is the main opera house of Buenos Aires, home to almost 2,500 seats and is considered one of the ten best houses in the world according to National Geographic.
Wherever you end up going, not one place is the wrong choice. Each city and region has their own special flare that makes it unique and special. They all hold characteristics you cannot find anywhere else and in order to understand them, you must experience them.
By Alyssa Mastando
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