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…
The vast, variable expanses of this continent’s geography are a big factor in what you might find in your glass on holiday here – Malbec and Merlot for instance grow really well in some regions of Argentina, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon do best in Chile, Tannat is a specialty of Uruguay, and Chardonnay and Moscato Branco do really well in the south of Brazil. So where, then, are the best regions to head to for finding a quality Latin drop? Argentina Argentina’s northern provinces, including Salta, Catamarca, Jujuy, and Tucumán shelter valleys with superb views. This region has some of the highest vineyards in Argentina, with some over 3000 meters above sea level. You’ll find Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Tannat as common grape varieties in this region. The southern Cuyo region includes three main provinces: Mendoza, La Rioja, and San Juan. This area makes up the foothills of the Andes Mountains and is the country’s largest wine-producing region,…
In a continent filled with a variety of magnificent man-made structures spanning the centuries, we’ve put together our five favourite examples to give them the spotlight they deserve! Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia Our Lady of Las Lajas is a Roman Catholic Basilica church in Colombia built in the state of Nariño, on the border with Ecuador. Its stunning Gothic Revival construct sits over a 160-foot-tall bridge over the Guáitara River which connects the church to the other side of the canyon. Bahá’íTemple of South America, Chile The Bahá’í Temple of South America is located just outside of Santiago, in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. This unique project represents the last of eight continental temples commissioned by the religious Bahá’í Community – each meant to embody “technological innovation and architectural excellence”. Teatro Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil Located in Largo de São Sebastião in downtown Manaus, this theatre was born from the riches of…
Latin America has no shortage of exceptional beaches. From secluded tropical paradises with sweeping golden sand to some of the most world’s most iconic beaches such as the Copacabana. Here we list five of our must-visit beaches, although with coastlines stretching across the Atlantic & Pacific oceans plus the Caribbean Sea, there are so many fantastic beach holiday destinations across this diverse continent… Jericoacoara, Brazil Getting here isn’t easy, but a journey where part of the route needs to be navigated by dune buggies must surely prick up the ears of the more adventurous traveller. Those who do make it to this beach in the northeast of Brazil are well rewarded with some of the continents most spectacular natural diversity. ‘Jeri’, as it is affectionally known as by the friendly locals, is much more than just a picturesque beach town, it is a national park, a mangrove swamp, a vast…
This post could also be called ‘the five must-see places in Latin America’ as they should be on every traveller’s wishlist not least because they offer up some of the most tremendous vistas in the region. Which of these stunning destinations will you be adding to your bucket list? The Atacama Desert – Chile The sheer size of the Atacama Desert, meteorologically the driest (hot) desert on earth, is astonishing. With miles and miles of salt flats extending in front of you, it’s not hard to believe that some areas of the Atacama have had no recorded instances of rainfall ever. If nothing else, this view will make you appreciate how vast the earth as a whole is – for some, it can be a life-changing experience. Christ the Redeemer – Brazil Arguably one of the most recognisable pieces of architecture in the world, the huge statue of Christ the…
Valparaiso is a beautiful, colourful city that will capture your heart. The best description for this bohemian port city came from the poet Pablo Neruda, who had a particularly beautiful view – “Valparaiso, how absurd you are… you haven’t combed your hair, you’ve never had time to get dressed, life has always surprised you.” There is indeed a certain chaotic beauty to Valparaiso, one that you will quickly discover on this journey through a few of the best things to see when in Valparaiso. La Sebastiana La Sebastiana was Pablo Neruda’s former residence and is now a house-museum that you can stop by when visiting Valparaiso. Getting there involves a lot of climbing but it is completely worth it, as you explore each floor of the house you’ll see why. – the most heart-stopping views of the harbour. Here you will also be able to see Neruda’s collection of ships…
In the Atacama Desert, it’s not hard to imagine that you’re on another planet. With the flat, crystal whiteness of the salt flats stretching into the distance, and bizarre, rocky outcrops towering overhead, this is Planet Earth like you’ve never seen it before. But what is there to do in this other-worldly landscape? Here are our top 5 activities in the Atacama Desert… Stargazing Few of us have seen a night sky untouched by light pollution, and yet in the Atacama Desert in Chile, it’s as simple as stepping outside and looking up. A deep, velvety blackness stretches and rolls around you, heavy on the horizon but lifting into miles of brilliant, bright shards. The stars here aren’t just dim lights, but stud out shapes and constellations for you to admire. We recommend taking a night-time walk when the moon is full, to enjoy ghostly views of the incredible landscape…
The isolated Rapa Nui – or Easter Island, as it is perhaps better known – is an island located deep in the South Pacific, and one that is simply teeming with outstanding nature, surprising secrets and a remarkable history that make it oh so worth a visit. Here are 5 interesting facts about this mystifying corner of the world. It was the first Pacific island to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.. The enormous stone statues that call Easter Island home remain – to this day – as one of the world’s greatest mysteries. Estimated to have been built somewhere between the 10th and 16th centuries, no-one knows exactly why, when or how these incredible statues were built, nor the details behind the mysterious rise and fall of a clearly advanced and prosperous civilization. The entire island was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995. It is home to…
Although we are unable to travel at the moment, you can still discover the joys of Latin America from the comfort of your home. Each week we’ll be posting inspiration from a different destination in Latin America, sharing movies, music, books and recipes to pique your interest, and, this weeks destination is the vast, varied and utterly stunning – Chile. Stretching almost half the length of South America, Chile is home to both the driest desert in the world and to endless, spectacular glacier fields. A land of diverse landscapes, its a country framed by the epic Andes mountain range and the dramatic Pacific coastline, and it has something to offer every taste and budget. Delve deeper into Chile’s wonders with our favourite inspiring read, film and recipe below. Watch:#IDreamOfChile video from Chile Tourist Board Now is a time to pause, but those landscapes you’ve been longing to visit will still be here, more beautiful than ever, waiting…
