Five places to visit in South America

When thinking about the next holiday destination, not many think about South America. This sub-continent offers a great variety of beautiful landscapes and amazing food. Even though there is so much to discover in the south, EUclaim will recommend you some nice places you should visit during your first trip to South America.

Luggage being packed preparing for an upcoming trip

Sailing through the port of Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is a port city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. This city will take you to the colonial time. You can find the walled Old Town located by the sea. Its streets carry the legacy of the Spanish Conquest, which are full of squares, cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings. The mixture of old and new makes this city special. Are you a fan of the Caribbean experience? Then Cartagena is the place for you! Cartagena offers you the most clear and beautiful beaches for you to relax after a night out in the town.

Cartagena has a cultural treasure every traveler should discover!

Avianca offers daily flights from London Heathrow to Colombia, however, there is no direct flight to Cartagena. The best combination is to go from London to Bogota, and then Cartagena.

Lighthouse at the port of Cartagena in Colombia

Hiking to the top of the Machu Picchu, Peru

Located at 2.430m in the Andes of Peru, this city is often referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas”. Machu Picchu, meaning old mountain in Quechua, is the most known symbol of the Incan Empire. It is one of the most spectacular sets of ruins in the world. The ruins were remarkably hidden and well protected, making the Spanish conquistadors miss the place. It was not until 1911 that Hiram Bingham discovered the place. In 1983, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. 

In order to make it to Machu Picchu, you will have to go to the city of Cusco, and from there you have two main options that will lead you to the old mountain.

The way that will provide you with the most incredible experience ever is to walk the Inca trail. By doing the Inca trail, you will have the chance to walk along the sacred way of the Incas and see the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Note: if you want to do this, make sure you book your spot in advance, the Peruvian government issues the permits at the beginning of January, and only around 200 people are allowed to walk the Inca trail every day. The passes are sold out within a few weeks. Hiking the Inca Trail is an incredible and exhilarating experience that allows you to some inaccessible sites.

If you are not a fan of walking, don’t worry! You can just take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and from there you can just take an early bus all the way to the entrance.

Flying from London to Cusco is possible, however, you will have some layovers. With British Airways you can go from London Gatwick to Lima and then continue with Avianca to your final destination.

Llama posing in Machu Picchu

Exploring the Europe of the south in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina is a cosmopolitan city and an important touristic destination. Its complete infrastructure makes this Argentinean city one of the most important metropolis in America, due to its influence in commerce, fashion, art, gastronomy and its strong culture. In this city, you can see the mixture of colonial Spanish style, with some Italian and a lot of French influences. Therefore, and due to its European influence in architecture, Buenos Aires is known as the “Paris of America”.

When visiting Buenos Aires, make sure you eat a nice steak accompanied by a good glass of Malbec.

From London Heathrow you can fly directly to Buenos Aires with British Airways.

Obelisk of Buenos Aires during night time under dark blue sky and city lights

Standing in the middle of the world in Quito, Ecuador

Constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, the Ecuadorean capital is the oldest capital of South America and the second highest capital in the world. At an elevation of 2,850 metres above sea level, Quito is also the closest capital to the Equator. Besides, Quito is the only capital in the world to be directly menaced by an active volcano, having the Pichincha volcano looming over the western side of the city.

The historic center of Quito has one of the largest and best-preserved historic centers in the Americas. The center has 16th – and 17th-century churches and other structures that blend the European, Moorish and indigenous styles. Quito is known as “La Mitad del Mundo” – the middle of the world – having its central square located around 25 km south of the equator and the city itself extends to within about 1 km of zero latitude. If you think about visiting Ecuador, you surely must think about visiting Quito!

You can take a flight from London to Quito with British Airways with a layover in Madrid and then take an Iberia flight directly to Quito.

Cathedral under blue sky in the city of Quito, in Ecuador

Partying in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Do you prefer the mix of beaches and mountains? Then Rio de Janeiro is the place to be! This city is a huge seaside city in Brazil and has some of the most beautiful and tropical beaches. Also surrounded by mountains and hills, Rio de Janeiro is one unique city. Its music and culture makes Rio a city full of life. Moreover, Rio is the place where the most famous and raucous carnival in the world takes place! The carnival of Rio features parade floats, flamboyant costumes and samba dancers, and it’s considered the world’s largest carnival.

If you are looking for a place to relax during the day and party during the night, then Rio is your perfect destination!

With British Airways you can flight directly from London to Rio!

Upper view of the coast of the city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil

Have you ever travel to South America? Leave us a comment below telling us about  your experience!

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