Entry by Juergen Keller, CEO SouthAmerica.travel | 

After thirty-one years of traveling to and through South America – and now living between Brazil and Argentina, with my many European friends asking me, “Hey, where should I go in South America?” – I decided to write the definitive “Best Places to Visit in South America” entry. It might help many others decide as well.

Admittedly, there are not really “best to visit” countries; rather it is in my opinion places where you must go in South America. Therefore, let me start with my favorite South American places, which from the bottom of my heart, I can recommend seeing.

1. Brazil

I am a bit biased, I must say. I spend most of my time in Brazil. I love its people and the peace-loving history of the country reflected in their spirit. Top of the list is the colorful, culturally diverse heartland of landlocked Minas Gerais state. Tiradentes, Congonhas do Campo, Ouro Preto and not to forget: the breathtaking open-air sensation of Inhotim.

Inhotim

The contrasts could not be bigger: Inhotim, combining a Museum of Modern Art, modern architecture, and modern landscaping – all in one enormous space – contrasting with the colonial gems of the historic towns surrounding it. On top of that, it must be mentioned that the area has the best food in Brazil!

Rio de Janeiro

You’ll likely be flying in- and/or out of Rio de Janeiro, so it’s best to reserve a minimum of 3 nights for “the Marvelous City”. Rio has so much to offer, make sure to see more than just the Corcovado and the Sugar Loaf: the historical city center with lunch in the Palacio Imperial, the “Museum of Tomorrow” in the revitalized port area, Santa Tereza’s Parque das Ruinas and the Botanical Gardens are all not to be missed.

Discovering how this country – bigger than the continental US, and half of the South American continent – got away from the colonial power of Portugal without any war or force, then you’ll understand why Brazilians are such a warm and welcoming people.

Certainly, like any city of Rio’s size petty crime does exist. With minimal precautions however this won’t tarnish your experience as a visitor. Only people looking for trouble – trying to purchase drugs in the favelas, for example – will land you in trouble. I always tell my friends that we would not have lived there so many years if it were a dangerous place.

The Pantanal

The National Park alone is worth a visit, and staying in a Jungle Lodge is no problem either. Do not wait for the Jaguars: these cats are very shy and can perfectly hide in the forest. Animals hiding in the forest? Not in the Brazilian Pantanal! Jaguar watching? Yes! A wet savannah-like flat the size of Texas, surrounded by rainforest, cut by rivers full of fish and occasionally all flooded (Don’t worry, everybody is prepared for when that happens around February!). The perfect hunting ground for all types of animals and birds. The Brazilian caiman, a type of alligator, finds so much food in the rivers that they won’t even bother to look at you. Even horses graze right next to them, not even three feet away.

Then there are the Capivaras, the biggest rodents of the planet, and giant storks… There are perfect Explorer Lodges in the Pantanal, mostly run by ecologically-careful people. Guides are mostly from the area and know all the animals and the right places to see them. Make sure you book an English-speaking guide, for they are locals that learned the language, whereas a German- or French-speaking guide is generally not from the area, with more knowledge of the language than the wildlife. There can be a bit of a trade-off!

2. The Amazon Rainforest

Brazil Amazon Cruise

Recently, for the first time ever, I took advantage of some friends’ request to take an Amazon Cruise, and discovered a new passion. Four days, five nights up the river on a modified Motor Yacht, with only 11 cabins. Being a business owner, the best part was: No internet, no WhatsApp, no news…just nature and animals. The total disconnect. Perfect. Whether on land excursions or just hanging out in my hammock and waiting for dinner, a 100% Zen-Moment!

Peru Amazon

As a bird lover, I also loved the Amazon Rainforest in Peru! The Peruvian Amazon sits at a slightly higher altitude than in Brazil and therefore is less dense, which makes it the perfect spot for birding. Talking about Zen: this being a tropical rainforest, there is always a thunderstorm around midday, lunchtime. After that storm, the jungle is awkwardly quiet: no wind, no animals to hear. That is the moment to climb up the canopy tower of your lodge and watch how the forest reawakens from the storm. All the sudden parrots flying by, in pairs, groups of six or more, green, yellow, then red, flying over this broccoli-like canopy of the green rainforest. Pivot around and you’ll see – in Peru – the white snow-capped mountains of the Andes in the background. And all this just 35 minutes flight from Cusco.

3. Peru

Peru, anyway, is maybe the best place for the first visit to South America, even for the not-so-adventurous. Peruvians working in tourism are all very well educated and professional, the infrastructure, hotels, and services are of the highest level and best of all: not much flying necessary. Aside from the 35-minute flight to the rainforest, an overwhelming amount of sights can be seen around Cusco. Best known of them all: Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and another of my favorites: Arequipa, the “White City”, and nearby Colca Canyon, with giant Condors circling over your head.

Lima

And then there is the food in Peru! All those ingredients from the mountains infusion with the seafood from the coast. You have never seen bigger and more colorful corn. Or have you seen blue potatoes? Or quinoa: the white, black, and red versions of it? Gotta try it! Food leads me to wine, of course. Peruvian wines have tremendously improved over just the last ten years. But then there is South America’s other gourmet powerhouse: Argentina.

4. Argentina

Buenos Aires

Arguably the best wines of South America or perhaps even of the world! Pair it with a famous Argentine steak, while watching a Tango show in Buenos Aires, the “Paris of the South”. You’ll need to stop there any way on your way to most destinations in Argentina, so take advantage of it, with 3 nights being a minimum!

Mendoza & Patagonia

Then head to the wine-growing region of Mendoza and on to Patagonia. Flying into the airport of El Calafate, where you’ll first visit the glaciers, can connect you easily to the Chilean Patagonia with it’s Torres del Paine National Park. Bariloche in Northern Argentine Patagonia is a heaven for skiers and snow-borders.

Iguazu Falls

For those of you interested more in the warmth of the subtropics, head to the North of Argentina, to the Iguazú Falls (“Iguassu” in Portuguese) You can spend a full day in the National Park, exploring several smaller falls and all the vegetation – and birds – with it. Take a boat ride right under the main thundering falls – you will never forget the experience! The falls and the National Park are shared with Brazil and are therefore the ideal waypoint between the two countries.

Best South America Tours

How to get to all these places? How much time do you have?

Let me outline the best itinerary as a base: Start with Peru! Lima the former Vice Capital of the Spanish Empire, to Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, followed by the day train over to Cusco/Sacred Valley Machu Picchu…11 nights in Peru.

Fly on to Iguassu Falls – Yes, the Brazilian side of the falls has an international airport – on to Rio de Janeiro, to Minas Gerais with Tiradentes, Congonhas, Ouro Preto, and Inhotim fly to Manaus for the Amazon River a number of nights, say to and fly out from Manaus to Miami and onward to the rest of the world. 23 to 25 days for this conveniently circular route with no backtracking.

If you want to add Argentina with Patagonia between Peru and Iguazú, add a week or so. The above mentioned circular route only minimizes flying. Take into account that these are big countries. It is worthwhile coming again and visiting each individual country for two weeks at a time. Driving, for the most part, shows you landscapes anywhere from great, to awesome, to overwhelming! And driving in South America is no longer a big hassle. Just bring your phone’s navigation app and you are set to rent a car if you wish to do so. I still prefer to have a driver: not too expensive, and more than compensating by knowing where the next radar sits – which is often behind some subtropical vegetation!

The Amazon, known for its vast and tropical landscape, is where people often go to see wildlife. Little do they know, that the best place for viewing the great biodiversity of the world is in the Pantanal. Declared by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve and a Natural Patrimony of Mankind, the Pantanal is a can’t-miss destination for exotic species and nature. Read on for why you should choose the Rio Mutum Pantanal Lodge if you plan on visiting the Pantanal.

Rio Mutum Pantanal Packages

The Rio Mutum Pantanal Lodge offers 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day tour packages. Depending on how many days you have during your stay, each tour carefully chooses excursions that make for the most optimal experience. Some of the activities include canoeing the Mutum River, a jungle night-time safari, horseback riding, and ecological walks through the wetlands. Read more >> The Rio Mutum Pantanal Lodge

Accommodation

There aren’t many lodges in the Pantanal more perfectly placed than the Rio Mutum Lodge. The lodge rests in the municipality of Barão de Melgaço, one of the most breathtaking regions in the Mato Grosso. The Inn, where you will be staying, is close to the Sia Mariana and Chacororé Bays. During free time, be sure to visit Chacororé Bay as it is full of local myths, legends and of course wildlife. The lodge has 22 rooms, all equipped with air conditioning and private balconies. Additional amenities include a pool, which is great for cooling off in the afternoon. The Rio Mutum Pantanal Lodge is the perfect combination of pure comfort and ecological paradise. Watch the sun rise and set from your window, chat with locals at the restaurant, and relax as the songs of the jungle animals sing to you throughout your stay. Read more >> The Rio Mutum Pantanal Lodge 

Excursions from and around the Mutum River

Whether you choose the 3-day, 4-day, or 5-day package, you are sure to experience the Pantanal through guided tours and activities. All tours allow you to experience the Pantanal and fully immerse yourself in its nature and wildlife. No matter which tour you choose, you will return home with some unforgettable moments, leaving you wanting more.

3-Day Package

The 3-day package is a good introductory tour of the Pantanal. Some of the activities you’ll enjoy include horseback riding through the winding trails of the lush forest, a boat trip down the Mutum River, fishing for piranha, and canoeing in the early morning.  This is the ideal package for travelers with limited days.

4-Day Package

On the 4-day package, you will have 2-full days to explore the Pantanal. You will have some of the same excursions as the 3-day package, but additional opportunities to go on guided hikes to look for flora and fauna.  Remember that the longer you spend in the Pantanal, the more likely you are to see wildlife.

5-Day Package

After spending 5-days in the Pantanal you will feel like an expert. The 5-day package offers you the most excursions and provides ample opportunities to look for wildlife. Some of the added activities include an ecological walk to spot birds wildlife; photography encouraged boat safari, canoeing, horseback riding, and a jeep ride for more wildlife spotting. Read more >> Itinerary 

The Seasons of the Pantanal

While it is possible to visit the Pantanal year-round, we encourage you to visit during the dry season (May – September). The most optimal time to watch birds is from July – September when the waters recede and bright-green grass emerges. During the driest months, from June – August, there are multiple jaguar sightings, so plan accordingly if you’re in search of the elusive jaguar. The wet season from November – April is flooded with non-stop rain. While you may not be looking to get wet, this is the best time to see cattle and wildlife group together on the cordilheiras. Although you cannot hunt in the Pantanal, if you have a permit, fishing is allowed between February and October. Take note that it is prohibited to fish during breeding season from November – March. Read more >> Fishing Permits 

Are you ready to visit the Pantanal? Contact our experienced Travel Consultants about arranging a trip.

We are happy to help customize your Pantanal tour at the perfect Pantanal Lodge.