South America, a vast continent, provides distinct natural wonders to explore. In this post, we chose ten that has caught our attention. These ten must-do tours in Latin America that are worth seeing at least once in a lifetime.
1. Iguazu Falls, border of Brazil and Argentina
The Iguazu Falls are not very tall, with only 87m, but is very impressive. Enlisted continuously among the top falls, the Iguazu Falls has 276 cascades that form a horseshoe and stretch for 2700m. When compared to Niagra Falls, this one is taller and broader. National parks surround Iguazu Falls in both countries. The beautiful falls are fed by Iguazu River and are volcanic origin.
2. Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia
Stretches for 4,086 square miles, the Salar De Uyuni is the biggest salt flat in the world. Salar used to be covered with water. Several prehistoric lakes were lying here. However, after a long time, the lakes have disappeared, which uncovered this beautiful spot. The area covered with a few meters of the salt crust is extraordinarily flat. Due to low humidity and clear air, Salar De Uyuni is perfect for satellite calibration.
3. Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile
Thanks to the park’s stunning and unspoiled nature, the Torres del Paine National Park attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year worldwide. The landscape here varies from lakes to rivers, from mountains to glaciers, whose peaks create a dramatic skyline. The park is a famous hiking destination, which provides many routes. There are mountain huts that accommodate hikers, who have committed for the longer trails.
Aside from hiking, there are also other activities you can do here like mountaineering, kayaking, horseback riding, sailing, and fly fishing. All in all, the park has all the facilities you need for a pleasant visit to the park.
4. Kaieteur Falls, Kaieteur National Park, Guyana
The park never fails to preserve the beautiful and unspoiled nature. The most precious gem, the Kaieteur, is the heart of the park, where its plunge drops for 226m down the cliff. Its average flow rate is one of the most powerful in the world. The entire experience is unique and unforgettable: the travellers who are keen to see the single-drop waterfall have to go through the ancient misty rainforest.
5. Casa Del Arbol, Baños, Ecuador
Who said swings are for kids only? Think again. The swings in Casa Del Arbol above the abyss are made of metal beam attached to a rope. This attracts many brave adventurers. The treehouse is a seismic monitoring station. From here, you can see the Tungurahua and the incredible sight of the Cordillera Real. Definitely, this is worth trying at least once in your lifetime.
6. Nazca Lines, Nazca, Peru
Nazca is settled on the southern coast of the country with its fascinating valleys and Nazca lines. The ancient Nazca culture existed between 100 BC and AD 800. The developed underground and ruins of the ceremonial city of Cahuachi is also a testament of this progressive culture.
This unique creation was thought to serve for astronomical and religious reasons. Currently, the travel agencies offer flights over the Nazca lines.
7. Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina
Carved by the Rio Grande, a 155 km long mountain valley is indeed a spectacular place. This site turns into a complicated trade route after it later served for the Inca Empire. Today, it is protected by UNESCO and enlisted as a World Heritage site. Even if the cultural prominence is more valued, the natural beauty of colourful mountains is also worth citing.
It takes one to three days llama trekking to explore the area. El Pucara provides a beautiful panoramic view, while the Garganta del Diablo is a fantastic canyon with a waterfall. Both places are reachable from Tilcara.
8. Tunupa Volacano, the Potosí Department, Bolivia
The 1601m Tunupa Volcano and its surroundings are very appealing. On the other side, there are many greenery and pastures, where lamas graze, on the northern side of it, sprawls the Salar de Uyuni. Travellers can climb the mountains and approach the Salar from above.
Aside from the impressive Tunupa volcano, there are hiking opportunities here as well as sightings for the lamas, and flamingos.
9. Lake Titicaca, Peru, Bolivia
Lake Titicaca is South America’s largest lake, which is found in the Andes neighbouring two countries. It is home for the water birds and 530 aquatic species. The lake is not only surrounded by small villages but also the 44 artificial floating islands inhabited by Uros (people there).
Because the islands are part of the Titicaca National Reserve, tourism and fishing become the main tourist.
10. The Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, the Bahamas
The Pink Sands Beach is found on one of the smaller islands of Bahamas. This is an excellent place to sunbathe and swim in the crystal clear water. Its 5km long stretch of soft pink sand, which makes it one of the most unusual beaches in the world, is the most impressive thing here. The light rose colour is a result of the marine animal, foraminifera, and its red shell, which crushes and blends with the white sand.
