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5 reasons to go backpacking in South America
Aside from its impressive natural attractions and variety of cultures, here are five more reasons you should try backpacking in South America.
A photogenic journey through Argentina’s Calchaqui Valley
Rugged, dramatic landscapes and rainbow canyons in the Calchaqui Valley are a photographer’s dream, along with La Yesera and the Cafayate wine region.
La Boca: The most photogenic stop on Buenos Aires tours
As the most colourful district in Buenos Aires, La Boca has a bohemian, artsy feel and is popular with visitors for good reason.
PATAGONIA
Patagonia itinerary: How to spend one week exploring southern Argentina
With its snow-capped mountain peaks and glacier-fed lakes, Patagonia hiking trips and trekking adventures top many bucket lists for good reason. Here’s the perfect itinerary for those who have one week to spend exploring this incredible region of Argentina.
Ice-trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia, Argentina
Nature rarely fails to impress, but it really outdoes itself when it comes to the Perito Moreno Glacier. Here’s why it needs to be on your bucket list.
The complete hiking packing list for trekking in Patagonia, Argentina
Rugged outerwear, hiking boots and headlamps some of the trekking essentials for backpacking in Patagonia, Argentina. Here’s everything else you’ll want to add to your hiking packing list.
15 quirky, fun things to do in Bolivia
From touring UNESCO sites to walking the path of the dinosaurs, here are 15 quirky, unforgettable things to do in Bolivia.
7 quirky, fun things to do in La Paz, Bolivia
From touring the Witch’s Market to zany wrestling matches to cycling down the world’s most dangerous road, here are the top things to do in La Paz, Bolivia.
Why I didn’t like Copacabana, Bolivia (and what to do instead)
Copacabana is the gateway to Bolivia’s Isla del Sol, and while the town doesn’t have much to offer it’s still worth a visit if you’re heading to the islands.
UYUNI
Uyuni Salt Flats tour: A guide to Bolivia’s stunning landscape
Salar de Uyuni is one of the driest places on earth, with a mesmerizing landscape. Here’s everything you need to know about booking a Bolivia salt flats tour.
How to get to Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia (and the worst flight ever)
The journey to the Uyuni Salt Flats isn’t easy, but the payoff is worth it. From La Paz to Uyuni flights to buses and trains, here are the transport options.
What it’s like to stay in a salt hotel in Bolivia
If you’re planning to tour the Uyuni Salt Flats, be sure to spend a night at one of the unique salt hotels in Bolivia.
10 best things to do in São Paulo, Brazil (that are mostly free!)
With its vibrant arts scene, urban parks and creative culinary offerings, there are lots of unique things to do in São Paulo, Brazil and most don’t cost a cent.
Discovering the wild wonders of Brazil’s Vale do Ribeira (Ribeira Valley)
The Ribeira Valley (Vale do Ribeira) is the ultimate off-grid escape, and home to the Atlantic Rainforest, a 6,000 metre long cave system, rivers and beaches.
Beco do Batman (Batman Alley), São Paulo’s urban art gallery
Beco do Batman (‘Batman Alley’) is like an artist’s canvas come to life, making a trip to this lively area one of the best things to do in São Paulo.
Fun things to do in Bogota, Colombia
From incredible viewpoints to street art to the coolest districts, here are the best things to do in Bogota, Colombia.
The best things to do in Cartagena, Colombia
Blonde beaches, island getaways, fortresses and a charming colonial centre are just some of the great things to see in Cartagena, Colombia.
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá: Colombia’s underground church
There’s a rather quirky attraction in Colombia that’s worth the day trip: an entire underground church dug out of salt, called the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira.
Jaime Duque Park: A day trip to Colombia’s Taj Mahal
Just outside Bogota, Colombia there’s a quirky spot called Jaime Duque Park, and it just so happens to have a life-sized replica of the Taj Mahal!
Fun things to do in Quito, Ecuador that you won’t want to miss
A complete guide to the top things to do in Quito Ecuador, including where to find the best viewpoints, big thrills and spectacular day trips.
Exploring the Pululahua volcano and a hotel perched on a crater
This geobotanical reserve near Quito, Ecuador is home to the world’s only inhabited crater, and also holds the dormant Pululahua volcano.
The best things to do in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Seeing the colourful homes, walking along the Malecon and visiting an iguana park are some of the fun things to do in Guayaquil, the gateway to the Galapagos.
Luxury Galapagos cruise: A week onboard a Ecoventura yacht
Sunning with sea lions and exploring uninhabited islands are what guests of Ecoventura can expect on a luxury Galapagos cruise through the incredible islands.
Exploring the Galapagos: Floreana island and famous Post Office Bay
Floreana is home to turtles, flamingos and famous Post Office Bay, and is also one of the few Galapagos Islands inhabited by people.
Why Espanola island is the jewel of the Galapagos Islands
Espanola is one of the most incredible destinations in the Galapagos Islands, thanks to its spectacular scenery and fun wildlife encounters.
A guide to Bartolome island and Sombrero Chino in the Galapagos
With its spectacular views of arguably the most famous spot in the entire Galapagos Islands, Bartolome island is one of the most popular places to visit.
Highlights of San Cristobal island and Kicker Rock in the Galapagos
San Cristobal is the starting point for many visitors to the Galapagos Islands, and serves as the gateway to Punta Pitt and iconic Kicker Rock.
Tracking tortoises on Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands
A highlight of any Galapagos Island trip is seeing the massive Galapagos tortoises, and the best island to spot them is Santa Cruz.
The crazy adventure of delivering a Galapagos Islands postcard
Getting in on the Post Office Bay tradition of hand-delivering a postcard from the Galapagos Islands is fun…unless you’re trying to bring it to Colombia.
Finding Frigatebirds on North Seymour Island in the Galapagos
Magnificent Frigatebirds are found on North Seymour island in the Galapagos, and are famous for puffing out their bright red chests during mating season.
Wonderful wildlife: Animals in the Galapagos Islands
From lumbering tortoises to blue-footed boobies to speedy sharks, here’s a list of the most incredible Galapagos Islands animals.
A complete packing list for Galapagos Islands
From reef-safe sunscreen to the best shoes, here are some tips for what you’ll want to include when packing for Galapagos.
Best places to visit in Peru: The ultimate itinerary
From the iconic Inca Trail trek to sailing along the mighty Amazon River, the best places to visit in Peru are perfect for off-the-beaten path adventures.
Popular Peruvian food: 4 things you must try
A guide to the most popular food and drink in Peru like ceviche, leche de tigre and pisco sour, and recipes for how to make them.
LIMA
What to do in Lima, Peru
From historic buildings to celebrity hangouts and fantastic surfing spots, Lima has something for everyone and is a great place to start your South American adventure.
Watch out for this big problem at the airport in Lima, Peru
If you’re flying out of Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport, watch out for this issue at the departure gates that frustrates many travellers.
Transportation tips: Getting around Lima, Peru
The Lima transportation options include taxis, buses and Uber, but they aren’t always easy—or safe. Here are some tips for navigating Peru’s capital city.
SACRED VALLEY
Machu Picchu: Tours, hikes and how to see the incredible wonder
Ranked as one of the 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu does not disappoint those who make the long trip to reach the former home of the Incas.
How to get to Machu Picchu
Once you’ve decided to make the trek to Peru, the biggest question is how you’ll actually get to the famed peak.
Why Cusco, Peru is worth more than a stopover
The Peruvian city of Cusco (or Cuzco) is perhaps most famous for being the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Touring through Peru’s mystical Sacred Valley
While Machu Picchu may be Peru’s crown jewel, the actual journey to get there is nearly just as jaw-dropping. The Sacred Valley holds an incredible array of Inca ruins, which can all be found along the route leading up to the famed peak.
AROUND PERU
Sun and fun in the desert: The Huacachina oasis in Peru
From sandboarding and dune buggies to vineyard visits and penguins, here are the best things to do in the Huacachina desert oasis.
A village made of reeds: Visiting the Uros floating islands in Peru
Head to Peru’s Uros reed islands to explore the Lake Titicaca floating islands, and learn more about the unique way of life for those who call it home.
5 things travellers love about Montevideo, Uruguay
From exploring historic Ciudad Vieja to enjoying the vibrant street art and fantastic culinary scene, here are the best things to do in Montevideo, Uruguay.
A day-tripper’s guide to colourful Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Colonia rewards those who make the trip with colourful facades, vine-draped shops and palm-fringed boardwalks set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
