Page 19 - Explore Magazine Winter 2016

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5 Top Spots In South America

THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
For extraordinary wildlife that remains totally unfazed by
your presence, a powerful connection with the writings
of Charles Darwin, and expedition-style cruises that see
you waking up to a different landscape and ecosystem
every morning, the Galapagos are truly unique. What’s
more, they’re part of Ecuador, which itself offers incredible
colonial cities, vibrant Indian cultures in the highlands, and
superb Amazonian jungles.

THE AMAZON
SOUTH Fantastic Amazon experiences can be had in Ecuador, Peru
and of course, Brazil. Stay at an ecolodge in amongst it all
and take a birds-eye walk on a rainforest canopy walk, or
cruise the waterways witnessing life on the river, fishing for
piranha and spotting the glowing eyes of the caiman
AMERICA MACHU PICCHU AND THE SACRED VALLEY
at night!

History abounds everywhere in South America, but Peru
is a veritable treasure-trove of amazing early Spanish
TODAY Colonial architecture and of course the incredible Inca
story found at Machu Picchu, the former “Lost City of the
Incas”. In Cusco you’ll find colonial architecture built on
top of Incan walls. Colourful local culture is everywhere,
along with beautiful scenery in the Sacred Valley.
with World Journeys
LAKE TITICACA
This vast alpine lake lies between Peru and Bolivia and
you can cruise between the two visiting the floating reed
islands of Uros, whose history pre-dates the Incas, and
South America has never been more accessible, with daily flights from Taquile Island, famous for its home-made textiles including
Auckland and regular connections all over the continent – and as lucky Kiwis, the knitting which is done exclusively by the men of the
we don’t need any visas in advance! Furthermore, travelling through village. The skies are invariably as clear as can be, and the
South America is a far cry from just a few years ago: transport has vastly waters an entrancing deep blue.
improved and you can choose from boutique family-run hotels to
major international hotel chains.
BUENOS AIRES
Broadly speaking, the continent is best visited from April to October. This
generally means excellent clear weather and little rain in Ecuador, Peru and We had to include at least one city, but even that is difficult
Bolivia, and pleasant, less humid weather in Argentina and especially Brazil. when the competition includes Rio de Janeiro! Buenos
If you plan to visit the southern region of Patagonia, October to March is best. Aires is the most elegant and atmospheric of cities, with
great food, wonderful wines and fantastic shopping.
One of the biggest challenges when visiting South America is where to go! Add to that visits to Eva Peron’s mausoleum, the antique
It’s a tough call when there are so many iconic highlights on offer. With this in markets, the tango shows and the colourful architecture
mind, World Journeys has put together a list of five top spots – of La Boca. A bonus right now is that it is highly affordable
a great place to start your planning. due to Argentina’s weakening currency.

HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : WINTER EDITION