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!

Get Inspired to Travel from Expert Jon Hillstead’s

Brazil Travel Video!

Click play on this Brazil travel video and transport to Brazil through the eyes of our Travel Consultant Jon Hillstead! Feel the rhythm of Brazil’s African soul in Salvador da Bahia and discover the beauty that is Chapada Diamantina National Park.

After living in Brazil for 6 months, Jon went on the Diamonds & Hiking in Chapada Diamantina Tour, which features two of Brazil’s most popular destinations, Salvador da Bahia and Chapada Diamantina National Park. Tag along on his tour to Salvador, as he takes us through the colorful and lively streets.

Then, dive underwater and snorkel underneath the cave-encompassed lagoons; the crystal clear water provides an excellent look at the marine life below. Finally, follow his footsteps as he hikes the steep mountains of Chapada Diamantina National Park.

Brazil Travel Video Highlights

Chapada Diamantina & Lençóis – Jon’s favorite part of the trip was seeing how diverse Chapada Diamantina National Park was. His favorite activities in the park include hiking, swimming, and snorkeling inside the caves. At night, he experienced the lively streets of Lençóis, where there was nothing but good vibes and delicious restaurants.

Read more about Jon’s experience in Chapada Diamantina  – he was captivated by the African influence in Salvador both with the livelihood of the city and the incredible food.  A highlight for Jon was relaxing on the shores of Morro de Sao Paulo; this was the perfect ending to his trip. From the beautiful blue waters and white sandy beaches, and the laid-back atmosphere, this part of the trip suddenly became the cherry on top.

Cinematography Tips

• Filmed with the GoPro Hero 4 Silver
• Accessories: Helmet strap and Tripod 3-Way Arm.
• Edited with iMovie

Are you ready to venture to Brazil? Contact us or visit us online at www.SouthAmerica.travel and check out some of our favorite Brazil Tours.

Get Inspired to Travel with our New South America Travel Video

Travel Consultant, Jon Hillstead, recently went on a trip of a lifetime to Argentina & Chile. With a background in film and a sense of adventure, Jon made his dreams of traveling through the rugged region of Patagonia a reality. Click play and follow his fantastic journey through Buenos Aires, El Calafate, El Chalten, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park, Santiago de Chile, Valparaiso, Casablanca Valley, and San Pedro de Atacama! You won’t want to miss this South America Travel Video! Sit back, relax, and start dreaming!

Cinematography Tips – South America Travel Video

• Filmed with GoPro Hero 4 Silver
• Accessories: Helmet strap, tripod 3-way arm.
• Edited with FinalCut Pro software

South America Travel Video Highlights

• El Chalten, Argentina –  The fall colors in El Chalten were unlike anything Jon had seen before. The yellows and oranges left him speechless. Jon and Jake spent 1 day in El Chalten to do the Laguna Torre hike. Next time they will allow for at least 3 full days in El Chalten so that they can complete the Mount Fitz Roy hike.
• The W Trek & Eco Camp in Torres del Paine, Chile  – Jon and Jake spent 3 nights at Eco Camp in Torres del Paine. The Patagonia Eco Camp is a great option for travelers that do not have time to plan a trip to TDP and want to relax and enjoy nature. Eco Camp takes care of all the transfers, activities, food, and accommodations during your stay in the park. One of Jon’s highlights in Torres del Paine was practicing yoga in the yoga dome during the moon rise.
• The Argentine Experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina – The Argentine Experience is a fun and entertaining way to get a feel for the Argentine culture. Jon recommends doing this at the beginning of your trip so that you can understand and appreciate the country’s food and culture throughout your vacation. Jon and Jake loved meeting other like-minded travelers from around the world and sharing travel tales.
• Big Ice Trek in El Calafate, Argentina – The Big Ice Trek was a full day excursion but well worth it. Hiking on a glacier is simply incredible, “you feel like you are on another planet,” said Jon.
• San Pedro de Atacama, Chile – By combining Patagonia and San Pedro de Atacama you can see the drastic change in geography from the northern to southern regions of Chile. Chile is 4,270 km (2,653 mi) long. Jon recommends visiting the region after Patagonia and finishing your vacation in a warm environment.
• Singular Patagonia Hotel, Chile – Jon and Jake enjoyed some of their favorite meals in South America at Singular Patagonia. The service was top notch and the hotel grounds were simply beautiful.

Travel Tip – If you’re going to hike in Torres del Paine, plan ahead and allow 4 full days in the park. The weather really is as volatile as people say.

Start planning your own South America Adventure. Visit us online at www.SouthAmerica.travel and check out some of our recommended Patagonia Tours.

Peru Amazon Lodge Spotlight

Tambopata Research Center

Have you thought of visiting the Amazon Rainforest? Did you know that the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest offers an incredible amount of authentic rainforest activities and wildlife watching opportunities? Are you looking for an in-depth Amazon experience geared towards wildlife watching enthusiasts? Are you the kind of person who will wake up at the crack of dawn to spot a scarlet macaw? If you answered “Yes” to one or more of the questions above, we invite you to learn more about the Tambopata Research Center located in Peru’s pristine Amazonian forests.

About the Tambopata Research Center

The Tambopata Research Center itself is a comfortable Peru Amazon Lodge right on the bank of the Tambopata River.  It is located in the middle of the uninhabited portion of the Tambopata-Candamo National Reserve, and it’s one of the most remote Peru Amazon Lodges available to the public. This eco-friendly lodge offers 18 rustic, comfortable rooms. Every detail maximizes the experience of living in the remote beauty of nature. Guest rooms have one open-air wall that faces the jungle. There are shared bathrooms and drapes instead of doors. There are also lightweight cane wood walls, and occasional electricity powered by a generator. Hot showers are always available, and all the beds have mosquito netting.

How to get to the Tambopata Research Center

To get there, you need to fly from Lima or Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, then be transported by truck to the Infierno River Port. There you board boats supplied by the Tambopata Research Center for a 2 hour, 30-minute trip upriver to Refugio Amazonas, followed by a 4-hour trip upriver to the lodge. Because the lodge is so remote, we recommend booking a 4-night program. The Tambopata Research Center is so deep in the Amazon Rainforest, that the first and last night is generally spent at the Refugio Amazonas.

Activities at the Tambopata Research Center

Activities offered at the Research Center include visits to the clay lick and the Macaws Project. Visitors are able to interact with researchers who are studying the behavior of the macaws in this region. Researchers are even using satellite tracking to trace the flying patterns of macaws. A National Geographic article in 1994 made the Tambopata Research Center famous. Visitors are eager to see where macaws, parrots, and parakeets descend on a “clay lick”. According to researchers, the macaws and other parrots eat the clay to also help neutralize the toxins that can be found in other foods they eat.

Wildlife

Two of the most famous clay licks are at Manu and Tambopata in Peru! Although the Tambopata Research Center is renowned for its research on macaws, it has much more to offer to its visitors. Additional activities include kayaking, standup paddleboarding, canopy climbing, and visits to the uninhabited heart of the rainforest. There is also a small jungle tower that offers a fantastic view of the palm grove. Wildlife watching might include sightings of peccaries, capuchin and squirrel monkeys, river otters, capybara, caiman, and of course, several species of birds such as parrots and macaws. Some lucky guests might even catch a glimpse of more difficult to spot animals like jaguars or tapirs.

Contact us for More Details

Visiting the Tambopata Research Center is simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Live in the midst of nature, where the sounds of monkeys chittering and the scent of the dense jungle are part of everyday life. Plus, it’s easy to combine a trip to a Peru Amazon Lodge with another Peru tour. Combine a 4-night stay at the Tambopata Research Center with a trip to Machu Picchu & Cusco, only a short flight away!

Watch our new video about taking a tour of the Amazon Rainforest:

Note: Photos of the Tambopata Research Center are courtesy of Rainforest Expeditions.