So youre planning to visit South America. How do you start? Where do you go? With so many countries side by side on the map, it can be confusing as to where you should start and end your trip, not to mention which tourist spots youll visit per country.
But while all of them can confuse you, this article is meant to help you know which countries should be on the top of your list if youre traveling for a limited time and budget in South America.
Peru is home to a lot of villages both near rivers and mountains. Its famous for colonial sights and no other than the Machu Picchu.
If youre on a budget, you can consider going to Lima where there are a lot of food stalls lined along the streets. You can enjoy a fresh ceviche here without hurting your wallet. But if you want to spend a little more, you can visit the city of Cusco which was once the most important city for the Incas and the Spaniards. The city is rich in ancient history and culture, and offers a unique travel experience. You can also enjoy its booming nightlife.
Another country to visit that wont break the bank in Bolivia. Bolivia is home to a rich Incan culture. You can explore Lake Titicaca and catch sight of indigenous people wearing their dresses and living their daily life. Lake Titicaca is also a wonderful place if you want to see Incan architecture. You can also start your Amazon trip at Rurrenabaque, Bolivia. Unlike other people who pay a lot for lodging and tours to the Amazon, here at Rurrenabaque, you can enjoy a much cheaper trip to see the Amazon River. If youre feeling more adventurous, you can try the three-day pampas tour that will make sure you get immersed in the wildlife of the Amazon.
Although Brazil is famous for its parties and street dances, there is more to the country than music and dance. Brazil is rich in beaches and islands where you can go island hopping. You can also find yourself relaxing by the shore and soaking up the sun. While youre here, take a trip to the Christ the Redeemer statue which is visited by millions of tourists yearly. Nobody goes to Brazil without visiting this art deco once.
Compared to Brazil, Ecuador is much cheaper because they have lower cost of living. Even if Brazil is also famous for its beaches, Ecuador comes close to scenic views of the sunset and the ocean. You can go to Montanita to experience a Bohemian vibe without spending too much. On the other hand, you can visit Quito with much the same budget because it doesnt cost a lot. The countrys capital is accessible to a lot of tourist destinations which is a plus because you can just take the bus to all of them from here.
There are so many more places to go to in South America, but if youre traveling for a limited time, its okay to just pick a few countries and tourist spots.