The awesome Amazon River is one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders. It weaves through the heart of South America and supports an ecosystem that is unmatched in its diversity. While the river’s journey starts in Brazil, it meanders through several other countries, ultimately connecting distant lands and cultures before its waters reach the Atlantic Ocean. This incredible river spans nine countries, each contributing to the Amazon’s unique and awe-inspiring character. The Source: Brazil’s Highlands The Amazon River begins its journey high in the Andes, specifically in the Nevado Mismi region of southern Peru. Here, the river starts as small glacial streams that trickle down the mountains, gradually combining to form larger tributaries. These early waters join together to become the Ucayali and Marañón rivers, which are considered the main headwaters of the Amazon. Brazil is most often associated with the Amazon River, as its largest stretch and its…
All four seasons (sometimes in one day!) can play their part in shaping your experience throughout Latin America, so let’s delve deeper into the rolling peak and shoulder seasons that dominate the sky, land, and sea on your next trip to this stunning big outdoors continent. Argentina High Season: November – February & July The Patagonia region in southern Argentina hits a peak from December to February with the best weather for pursuing outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a Christmas / mid-winter getaway, the beaches from late December through January are popular times along the Argentine coastline as well. For skiers, July is the best time to hit the big resorts of Mendoza and picturesque areas like Bariloche. Shoulder Seasons: September – November & March – May Buenos Aires enjoys ideal temperatures in shoulder seasons, and it’s also a good shout for seeing Patagonia with the beautiful Lake District…
People from Asia arrived in the Americas at least 15,000 years ago, but by the European arrival in the 15th century, many South American civilisations had either disappeared or would later fall to new empires. There were still many, however, which were vast and thriving, constructing incredible monuments that we are lucky enough to be able to enjoy today. Read on to find out more about these societies’ fascinating histories below. The Caral-Supe Civilisation The Caral Supe are the oldest known advanced civilisation in the American continents discovered to date, dating back to 3000-2500 BC. Nearly twenty separate villages have been identified in north Peru, with a centre in the urban community at Caral. The city of Caral included enormous earthy platform mounds, which for centuries were considered just to be low lying hills, until more modern archeological techniques uncovered their true origins. Nazca Civilisation The people of the Nazca…
At 4,500 miles long spanning the west coast of South America and bisecting seven countries – Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina – the Andes is the longest chain of mountains in the world and includes many of the highest peaks in the Western and Southern Hemispheres. Formations Formed around 45-50 million years ago, the process that created them had already begun 140 million years ago when the largest dinosaurs that ever lived were roaming these lands. This process has continued to this date and causes earthquakes and volcanic activity in the region, and as a result of the subduction of the Nazca and Antarctic Plates beneath the South America Plate, many active volcanoes are located in the Andes Mountain Range. The highest volcano in the world, the Ojos del Salado, is located in the Andes on the Chile-Argentina border. Mount Aconcagua in Argentina is the highest peak at 22,481ft, with…
Neighbours Peru and Bolivia share similar history and geography and are home to some of the best off-the-beaten-track experiences in South America. So if you fancy immersing yourself in their incredible landscapes away from the hustle and bustle of the main thoroughfares, then off-road activities are one of the best ways to do so whilst having maximum fun as you go! Peru Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu The Sacred Valley is a magical place for both Inca ancestry and today’s adventurer on four (or two) wheels. Quad biking tours – known locally as ATVs – offer great views of the majestic Andes with stop-offs at local attractions such as the salt mines in Ollantaytambo. Archaeological Incan gems await via the multi-day trek options to Machu Picchu, all of which take you through breathtakingly scenic jungle terrain where you can witness alpacas and condors, indigenous people, plus glacial lakes and ice-capped mountain…
Lake Titicaca is the highest and biggest navigable lake in the world, lying at 12,500 feet above sea level and 50 miles across at its widest point. In the distance, some of the highest peaks in the Andes rise up to add a stunning backdrop to this Inca Holyland. Water Ways The lake is split into two national sides, Peru and Bolivia. Taquile Island and Amantani Island in Peru offer tourists the chance to live like a local by the piercing blue waters of Lake Titicaca, but the lake is best known as the home of the Uros Floating Islands and Isla del Sol. Visitors can take a day trip from Puno to any of these islands, or stay the night on Amantani and Taquile with a local family homestay. Taquile Island Isla de Taquile textiles are renowned for their quality and colours, so much so that UNESCO has recognised their artfully…
With increasing awareness and consciousness of the impact we have as a society on the natural environment, it is more important than ever that we consider the way that we see the world and the effect we have as travellers. Whilst the myriad of natural wonders and the diverse biodiversity of Latin America continues to amaze visitors, its protection is paramount for the future generations to come. Below we look at some of the key destinations that are setting the benchmark for sustainability. The Sacred Valley, Peru With 50% of the country covered in rainforest and the creditable protective efforts made in the Machu Picchu region to reduce the impact of tourism, there are multiple destinations in Peru worthy of a mention for sustainability. However, it is the Sacred Valley that makes the cut for its ecotourism. As well as being an unparalleled hub to experience the ancient traditions of…
Stretching over 2 million square miles, entering nine different countries and holding over half of the world’s rainforest, the Amazon is the largest and most biodiverse rainforest on the planet. Stretching from its mouth at the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Peruvian, Colombian and Bolivian borders, the area is best explored via a cruise along the length of the Amazon River. This is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience, and will surely be the highlight of your holiday to Brazil. The Area The main gateway to the Amazon is the bustling city of Manaus. This is an ideal base for your exploration of the surrounding area, and a great place to start your trip and/or cruise. While this city is an experience in itself, the real treat lies deeper into the rainforest – either join one of the many Amazon River Cruises available or stay in a fantastic Eco Lodge…
