I went to South America for 13 weeks, traveling through Brazil, Perú, Ecuador,
Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, with brief stops in Uruguay and Paraquay just so I
could say I had been there.
In Ecuador, I spent some time in the capital of Quito, then went into the jungle for five days. I also spent a week in the Galápagos Islands, which I highly recommend for animal lovers.
In Perú, I stayed in Miraflores (a district of Lima), did a side trip to see the Nazca lines, then went on to Cuzco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca (including the Floating Islands).
After a brief stay in La Paz, Bolivia, it was on to Chile, where I spent several days driving around the Lake District. I then went to Punta Arenas on the Straits of Magellan, the jumping off point for Torres del Paine National Park, a fabulous place in Chilean Patagonia.
My next country was Argentina. While still in Patagonia, I visited the Perito Moreno Glacier, which was a spectacular sight. Drove across into the Argentina Patgonia. Then I went to Buenos Aires for a few days. From Buenos Aires I did a weekend excursion to Iguazú Falls.
People have often asked which was the best place I visited. I have not been able to decide on only one, but I have narrowed it down. The following places are the "greatest hits" of my trip. For animals, the Galápagos Islands easily win the prize. For history, as well as spectacular scenery, nothing compared to Machu Picchu in Perú. For sheer scenic beauty, the nod goes to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. And for cities, Buenos Aires was the clear winner (though this web site doesn't have the pictures to prove it).
All in all, it was a wonderful trip. The people were warm and friendly and I exploded a number of South America stereotypes: I didn't get robbed or kidnapped, I didn't get sick (though I was careful about the water) and I didn't have to pay any bribes. I look forward to going again soon. I hope these web pages manage to convey the enthusiasm I felt for the continent and its people. Click on the links above or on any of the countries below.
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Skiing in many of the countries in South America