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Discover South America
South America is one incredible continent. Why? Well, where do we begin! It’s full of incredible nature – from the Amazon Rainforest to the mighty Iguacu, there is so much to explore. There’s a fascinating indigenous heritage, think Machu Picchu, and lots of colonial history too, with many cities boasting plenty of beautiful architecture. Oh, and there’s the great food and wine to indulge in – Peru’s foodie reputation is on the rise, and Argentinian and Chilean wines are world class. We challenge anyone to resist that infectious fun and fiery Latino rhythm that pulses throughout the continent, and not come home ready to go back for more!
Our Brochure
This South America programme brings together some of the world’s most inspiring sights across seven incredible countries – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and Peru. Whichever country or countries your clients choose to visit, they will be embarking on an itinerary that is packed with unique history, culture and beauty.
Read on for more information about each of our featured countries:
Argentina
Argentina is best known for steak, tango, football and gauchos, but these are just some of the many delights that make exploring this country so glorious. We mean, there’s the thunderous waters of Iguacu in the north; the vibrant Buenos Aires, capital city; the wine region of Mendoza and lakes of Bariloche; and the glaciers and mountains of the bleakly beautiful Patagonia…who could resist all this?
Brazil
In the largest and liveliest country in South America, you can’t really blame the Brazilian people for their desire to live life to the full, just look at where they live! From the captivating samba rhythms of the cities, to vast tracts of rainforest that make up some of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes, to spectacular beaches, the magic of Brazil isn’t hard to find.
Chile
A slither of land between the Andes and Pacific Ocean, Chile is a destination that packs a lot of punch! A country of glorious landscapes it is topped and tailed by two extremes – the bleak beauty of the Atacama Desert and the rugged majesty of Patagonia, whilst inbetween you’ll find volcanoes, lakes and winelands. It’s safe to say that Chile does the great outdoors on an epic scale!
Colombia
Colombia has shaken off its reputation for drugs and violence to become South America’s new star destination, and it’s easy to see why! It’s got spectacular landscapes, two magnificent coastlines (Pacific and Caribbean) fringed with beautiful beaches, charming colonial towns and cities and a coffee region! All of which can be explored whilst enjoying the country’s wonderfully laidback vibe.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to Central America’s most impressive and unspoiled nature, with lush rainforest and verdant cloudforest galore! With both a Pacific and Caribbean coast, each boasting paradise beaches, towering volcanoes, and a wonderful and colourful assortment of creatures that call it home, Costa Rica is an ever-popular destination to explore!
Panama
Connecting South and Central America, Panama is best-known for its world-famous canal, the 48-mile-long waterway which connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. A wonderfully cosmopolitan country, in Panama it’s easy to flit from vibrant cities, to atmospheric colonial ruins, to lush rainforest, all topped off with a few days on one of the many incredibly beaches!
Peru
Peru is a country that is high on many a bucket list. Head high into the Andes to explore the Incan heartlands of Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, where locals sport colourful traditional dress and there are woolly llamas galore. Then there’s Lake Titicaca, charming Arequipa and colonial capital Lima, to visit too, each giving a glimpse of a different side of this amazing country.
Wendy’s Top South America Sights
Choosing our top sights across seven incredible countries has not been easy. Each has its own wealth of wonders, be they cultural, natural, urban or rural! But here they are, some of our favourite South America sights:
Machu Picchu
One of the world’s most iconic sights, this 15th century Incan citadel didn’t come to international attention until 1911, when it was stumbled upon by American explorer Hiram Bingham. Not much is known about why it was built or why is was abandoned, but its position high up in the Andes makes it all the more enigmatic and spectacular.
Iguacu Falls
On the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguacu’s cascades stretch three magnificent kilometres across as the Rio Iguacu plunges off the edge of the Parana plateau. You can view the falls from both sides of the border, each giving a different yet spectacular perspective of this natural wonder.
Patagonia
The rock and ice wilderness at the tip of South America, Patagonia is an unspoiled land of immense natural beauty. There’s glaciers, mountains, lakes and sea with opportunities to spot a wealth of wildlife from penguins and seals in the Beagle Strait to guanaco and flamingos on land.
Cartagena
The Colombian Caribbean Sea-side city of Cartagena boasts South America’s most beautiful colonial old town. Colourful houses overflowing with bougainvillea line vibrant cobbled streets. These lanes, leading to charming squares and Spanish churches, are perfect for strolling!
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil’s most famous city, set in a magnificent location on Guanabara Bay, Rio is an energetic, exciting city full of passion! Backed with the constant thump of a samba beat, iconic sights like Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Beach and Sugarloaf Mountain are easy to explore!
Panama Canal
Considered by many to be an engineering marvel, the Panama Canal stretches across Panama, connecting the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west. Today, hundreds of huge cargo ships pass along it, and visitors can take to its water on a cruise too.
Monteverde Cloudforest
When it comes to biodiversity, Costa Rica is at the head of the pack. Monteverde’s luscious cloudforest is packed with native flora and fauna, such as ring-tailed coati, sloths, frogs and toucans. The cloud forest is also incredibly easy to explore!
Amazon Rainforest
The world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon is home to over 16,000 species of creature! Exploring amongst its lush, green beauty is always an adventure, be it by hiking or cruising some of its many waterways. You can even meet the tribespeople who still live a traditional lifestyle within it!
Extensions
As your clients are venturing all the way over to South or Central America, they might as well make the most of their time over there! We’ve got a range of awesome extensions that they can pop on pre- or post- tour. Some, such as the Galapagos Islands, Easter Island or a Patagonia cruise, offering even more adventure, whilst others, beach stays in Costa Rica, Panama and Brazil, are purely for relaxation.
