Do you love traveling around the world? How would you like to discover the wonders of South America? South America is a continent full of vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes. It is a dream destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural enlightenment. In this article I will share 4 breathtaking tourist destinations in South America.
1: Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city in Peru’s Andes Mountains, it is a special landmark because of its remarkable preservation as a lost city. Machu Picchu was occupied from around 1420 to 1530 AD, but was rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Machu Picchu has two mountains you can climb and was made earthquake resistant. Tickets to go to Machu Picchu cost $41.91, it takes a 3.5 hour hike to get to Machu Picchu. The entire circuit duration can take up to 7 hours. Machu Picchu is the trip of the lifetime, and I hope that you choose to go. In the rainy seasons (November to April) in Machu Picchu temperatures range from 20-25°C(68-77°F) and nighttime temperatures go 8-11°C (46-52°C). The rainy season is the wettest and cloudiest time of the year, with 75% of the annual rainfall happens in this period. High humidity is common during this season, often going over 91%. During the dry season (May to October) day temperatures are warm averaging around 20°-25°C(68°-77°F) and nighttime temperatures can be cold sometimes dropping below 10°C (50°F) and rainfall and humidity is lower so you can enjoy more bright days.
2: Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands is a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. The islands are at a point where the currents of three currents collide which creates a unique area where warm and cold water meet. It is a province of Ecuador, and it lies about 1,000 km from the coast. It is a group of 127 total islands and 18 major islands. The capital city is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Multi-day cruises are a popular way to explore the islands, and the cruises can range from $2,500 to $12,000. Did you know over 80% of land birds and 97% of reptiles and land mammals are found only in the Galápagos. Some activities include snorkeling and diving, hiking, and going to Charles Darwin Research Station and Tortuga Bay. It is one of the world’s most foremost destinations to view wildlife. The warm season in Galápagos features warm temperatures, sunny days, occasional rain showers, and warmer water. Temperatures typically range from 70-84°F (21-29°C). The cold season brings cooler temperatures, more overcast skies, and occasional drizzle. Temperatures are generally in the mid-70s Fahrenheit.
3: Iguazu Falls, Brazil & Argentina
The Iguazu Falls is the largest waterfall system in the world, and it is between the border of Argentina and Brazil. It has roughly about 275 separate cascades. The name Iguazu is derived from the Guaraní word meaning great water. The falls are in the Parana rainforest which is home to Jaguars, Sloths, Howler Monkey, Capybaras, Kinkajous, Six Wild Cat Species, and many more amazing animals. Boat rides are available to get closer to the falls, which includes a tour to San MartinThe closest major city to Iguazu Falls is Puerto Iguazú. Summer temperatures (December-February)are warm and humid, with temperatures regularly exceeding 10°-30°C(50°-86°F). Autumn (March-May) temperatures gradually cool down, and average highs 12.4°-23.7°C (54.3-74.7°F). Winter weather has low temperatures dropping to 10°C(50°F). In spring the weather transitions from cooler to much warmer, with average highs going up to 27°C (81°F). It is a destination that offers diverse perspectives and natural beauty.
4: Atacama Desert, Antofagasta, Chile
The Atacama Desert is known for being the driest non-polar desert on Earth. The desert is a destination to stargaze because of its clear night skies that make stargazing easier. Did you know that some areas of the Atacama Desert are used by NASA for testing to practice searching life forms on Mars. Despite being a desert, the Actama has relatively mild temperatures, but pay attention to the weather when you plan, especially if you choose to camp out. During winters (June- August) daytime temperatures average around 22°C(72°F), and nighttime temperatures drop to 4°C(39°F). Fear not winters in the Atacama Desert are milder than other desert regions with comfortable day temperatures and slightly cold nights. If you visit during summers, (December-February) temperatures go as high as 25-30°C (77-86°F) and as low as 1°C (33°F). Summers are warm and pleasant during the day and cool during nighttime. Autumn and spring weather(Spring -September- November, Autumn- March to May)
usually peaks averaging at 18-25°C (64-77°F) and drops down at night to -2-5°C (28-41°F). The Atacama Desert truly is a phenomenal and beautiful natural wonder.
Do you love traveling around the world? How would you like to discover the wonders of South America? South America is a continent full of vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes. It is a dream destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural enlightenment. In this article I will share 4 breathtaking tourist destinations in South America.
1: Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city in Peru’s Andes Mountains, it is a special landmark because of its remarkable preservation as a lost city. Machu Picchu was occupied from around 1420 to 1530 AD, but was rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Machu Picchu has two mountains you can climb and was made earthquake resistant. Tickets to go to Machu Picchu cost $41.91, it takes a 3.5 hour hike to get to Machu Picchu. The entire circuit duration can take up to 7 hours. Machu Picchu is the trip of the lifetime, and I hope that you choose to go. In the rainy seasons (November to April) in Machu Picchu temperatures range from 20-25°C(68-77°F) and nighttime temperatures go 8-11°C (46-52°C). The rainy season is the wettest and cloudiest time of the year, with 75% of the annual rainfall happens in this period. High humidity is common during this season, often going over 91%. During the dry season (May to October) day temperatures are warm averaging around 20°-25°C(68°-77°F) and nighttime temperatures can be cold sometimes dropping below 10°C (50°F) and rainfall and humidity is lower so you can enjoy more bright days.
2: Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands is a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. The islands are at a point where the currents of three currents collide which creates a unique area where warm and cold water meet. It is a province of Ecuador, and it lies about 1,000 km from the coast. It is a group of 127 total islands and 18 major islands. The capital city is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Multi-day cruises are a popular way to explore the islands, and the cruises can range from $2,500 to $12,000. Did you know over 80% of land birds and 97% of reptiles and land mammals are found only in the Galápagos. Some activities include snorkeling and diving, hiking, and going to Charles Darwin Research Station and Tortuga Bay. It is one of the world’s most foremost destinations to view wildlife. The warm season in Galápagos features warm temperatures, sunny days, occasional rain showers, and warmer water. Temperatures typically range from 70-84°F (21-29°C). The cold season brings cooler temperatures, more overcast skies, and occasional drizzle. Temperatures are generally in the mid-70s Fahrenheit.
3: Iguazu Falls, Brazil & Argentina
The Iguazu Falls is the largest waterfall system in the world, and it is between the border of Argentina and Brazil. It has roughly about 275 separate cascades. The name Iguazu is derived from the Guaraní word meaning great water. The falls are in the Parana rainforest which is home to Jaguars, Sloths, Howler Monkey, Capybaras, Kinkajous, Six Wild Cat Species, and many more amazing animals. Boat rides are available to get closer to the falls, which includes a tour to San MartinThe closest major city to Iguazu Falls is Puerto Iguazú. Summer temperatures (December-February)are warm and humid, with temperatures regularly exceeding 10°-30°C(50°-86°F). Autumn (March-May) temperatures gradually cool down, and average highs 12.4°-23.7°C (54.3-74.7°F). Winter weather has low temperatures dropping to 10°C(50°F). In spring the weather transitions from cooler to much warmer, with average highs going up to 27°C (81°F). It is a destination that offers diverse perspectives and natural beauty.
4: Atacama Desert, Antofagasta, Chile
The Atacama Desert is known for being the driest non-polar desert on Earth. The desert is a destination to stargaze because of its clear night skies that make stargazing easier. Did you know that some areas of the Atacama Desert are used by NASA for testing to practice searching life forms on Mars. Despite being a desert, the Actama has relatively mild temperatures, but pay attention to the weather when you plan, especially if you choose to camp out. During winters (June- August) daytime temperatures average around 22°C(72°F), and nighttime temperatures drop to 4°C(39°F). Fear not winters in the Atacama Desert are milder than other desert regions with comfortable day temperatures and slightly cold nights. If you visit during summers, (December-February) temperatures go as high as 25-30°C (77-86°F) and as low as 1°C (33°F). Summers are warm and pleasant during the day and cool during nighttime. Autumn and spring weather(Spring -September- November, Autumn- March to May) usually peaks averaging at 18-25°C (64-77°F) and drops down at night to -2-5°C (28-41°F). The Atacama Desert truly is a phenomenal and beautiful natural wonder.
These four places are wonders of South America! I hope you choose to go to these magical places over summer break. Have an amazing summer!