Nov 10, 2011
|Last updated on November 29th, 2020 at 10:47 pm
1. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Captivating Buenos Aires is regarded as the Paris of South America. The Argentine capital is a bustling metropolis featuring grandeur government buildings, opulent hotels and theatres, world-class restaurants, and lively cultural events. Known worldwide as Tango’s birthplace, many visit the city to experience the sexy and melancholic dance. Witness live tango shows on quaint street corners in La Boca, or during a candle-lit dinner at one of the many lounges in the city. Whether your interests include wine, food, history, architecture, parks, or classical/contemporary art, Buenos Aires has everything and more to offer visitors. We typically recommend at least three nights for a good overview of the city, and most of our Argentina tours will include some time in the capital. A perfect combination of Buenos Aires would be our Tango, Samba & Waterfalls tour.
2. Patagonia Cruise
Patagonia is a vast region of South America, shared with Chile and Argentina. Nicknamed the “End of the World,” the area is a breath-taking array of diverse landscapes, pristine lakes, and unique rock formations. While the area is popular with hiking, another sought-after method of exploring Patagonia is by cruise. On a cruise expedition of Patagonia, travelers will get to experience all the remarkable qualities of Patagonia, from its untouched wildlife to its stunning fjords, all from the comfort of a cruise. From Punta Arenas to Ushuaia, the journey will cover the highlights of Patagonia, and even sites less visited, accessible only by cruise. Cruises operate from September to April. It would be best to combine one with other highlights of Patagonia, such as Torres del Paine, the Glacier Region (El Calafate), and Ushuaia. The Patagonia Deluxe Tour is an excellent option that combines all. And if you are up for more time exploring this beautiful region, check out our Classic Patagonia Tour.
3. The Peruvian Amazon
Take a Peru Amazon Rainforest Tour to encounter an abundance of plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world. The Peruvian Amazon is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and has better opportunities for bird-watching and wildlife viewing than the Brazilian or Colombian Amazon. There are three primary rainforests of Peru: Iquitos in the north, Manu in the central region, and Puerto Maldonado in the south.
Puerto Maldonado is the most comfortable and most convenient region to reach, with flights arriving from Cusco and Lima. In this area, you will find several all-inclusive jungle lodges, perfect for exploring the Amazon. Enjoy luxury amenities and excursions, while surrounded by the wild nature of the Amazon.
Our preferred accommodation for seniors is the gorgeous Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge, which you can visit for 2, 3, or 4 nights in our different packaged tours. This lodge, in particular, is located 45 minutes away from the Airport of Puerto Maldonado. For those who prefer to be further isolated, deep into the jungle, there is the Refugio Amazonas (located 2 hours away from the Airport) and Tambopata Research Center (located 3.5 hours from the Airport) – an ideal lodge for birdwatchers.
The Peruvian Amazon can easily be combined with a short trip to the wondrous Cusco & Machu Picchu, Peru’s most famous highlights. You can check out more info here: Amazon & Machu Picchu Tour.
4. Wine Country
South America has one of the best “New World” wine regions on the planet, shared by Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. Particularly in Chile and Argentina, travelers have an incredible section of wine regions and wineries. Differentiating in size, climate, and views, there is something unique and exciting about each wine region and its specialty wines. From Santiago de Chile, Chile’s capital city, or Mendoza, Argentina, hundreds of wineries are open for tours and tastings.
Near Santiago, there are two central regions: Colchagua, 2.5 hours from the city, and Casablanca. Colchagua is most famous for its full-bodied red wines, featuring excellent Carmenere, Syrah and Malbec wines. Traveling west towards the Pacific Coast, we find Casablanca, the second most crucial wine valley, famous for its white wines such as Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays.
Across the Andes, over to Argentina, we find Mendoza, a beautiful city surrounded by two wine valleys: Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley, both of which are famous for their red wines, particularly Malbec. You can visit both countries in our Chile and Argentina Wine Tour. Our most popular wine tour combines both countries and Uruguay and a Buenos Aires city tour: The South America Wine Tour.
5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Known worldwide as the “marvelous city” or cidade maravilhosa, Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s number one destination and one of the liveliest and most beautiful cities on the planet. Experience one of the world wonders, Christ the Redeemer, from Ipanema’s scenic shopping district and at the statue’s feet atop Corcovado Mountain. Catch the sunset while on a scenic funicular over SugarLoaf mountain. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a hike through Tijuca Forest, the most significant urban park in the world. Relax alongside rare flora and fauna in the gorgeous Botanical Gardens. And last but not least, enjoy a dip in the ocean at any of the city’s famous beaches: Copacabana, Ipanema and many more.
Most of our Brazil Tours will include a few days exploring this unique city. Additionally, combine Rio de Janeiro with some nearby tropical beaches outside the metropolis. We recommend our Rio & the Tropical Islands tours.
Mentioned in this article
