4 Essential Places to See on a South America Trekking Holiday

South America has long been a continent associatedstunning series of waterfalls, located on the triple
with exploration and adventure. Geographically diverseborder between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, is one
and with a fascinating ancient culture, it has attractedof South America's natural wonders. Surrounded by
dedicated explorers and casual travellers alike forlush jungle, there are numerous walking routes around
decades. From scenes of outstanding natural beautythe waterfalls, as well as the opportunity to take a
to ancient Inca cities, there is plenty to see on a Southshort boat trip right beneath the most impressive
America trekking holiday.section of the falls. It's an ideal destination for a spot of
The continent as a whole is huge, and it would takeSouth America trekking.
months to see just the one or two major sights ofGalapagos Islands, Ecuador
each country. But if you are planning on visiting SouthThis cluster of islands, located off the coast of
America, consider making at least one of the followingEcuador, is home to one of the world's most unique
places the centrepiece of your holiday...and fascinating ecosystems. Isolated from the
Machu Picchu, Perumainland for centuries, the island is home to many
One of the most famous architectural sites in theunique species of plants and animals. It is a botanists'
world, 'The Lost City of the Incas' has long been oneparadise (providing Charles Darwin with much of the
of the major attractions for South America trekkingresearch for The Origin of Species) that is also ideal
holidays, and it certainly lives up to the hype. Perchedfor walkers to wander around. Entry to the region is
on top of an isolated mountainside, this excellentlytightly controlled, but most visits combine a mixture of
preserved set of ruins lay undiscovered until thecruising and walking around the islands. If you are
beginning of the 20th century, and is perhaps the finestfascinated by animals, the Galapagos Islands are
set of ancient Inca site on the continent.simply a must see!
Whether you walk the famous Inca Trail, stay in theTorres del Paine National Park, Chile
nearby town of Aguas Calientes, or just visit for dayThere are many places to go trekking in South
on the train from Cusco, there are numerous ways toAmerica, but few can match the Torres del Paine
see Machu Picchu. While you are there, make sure toNational park. Centred around the stunning Torres del
climb up the nearby mountain of Huayna Picchu forPaine mountains and with surrounding countryside that
some spectacular views of the ruins from above.includes glaciers, lakes and thick forests, the park is a
Igauzu Falls, Argentina/Brazildelightful place to explore on foot. Single day and multi
When medieval sailors imagined the edge of the earthday treks are available for all skill levels, and if you
as a series of endless waterfalls, perhaps they thoughtwant to experience some of the finest South America
of something that looked like the Iguazu Falls. Thistrekking, don't miss out on Torres del Paine.