Page 19 - helloworld - Explore Magazine - Web - LR
P. 19
17
SOUTH 5 Top Spots In South America
AMERICA
THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
TODAY For extraordinary wildlife that remains totally unfazed by
your presence, a powerful connection with the writings
with World Journeys of Charles Darwin, and expedition-style cruises that see
you waking up to a different landscape and ecosystem
South America has never been more accessible, with daily flights from every morning, the Galapagos are truly unique. What’s
Auckland and regular connections all over the continent – and as lucky Kiwis, more, they’re part of Ecuador, which itself offers incredible
colonial cities, vibrant Indian cultures in the highlands, and
we don’t need any visas in advance! Furthermore, travelling through superb Amazonian jungles.
South America is a far cry from just a few years ago: transport has vastly
THE AMAZON
improved and you can choose from boutique family-run hotels to Fantastic Amazon experiences can be had in Ecuador, Peru
major international hotel chains. and of course, Brazil. Stay at an ecolodge in amongst it all
and take a birds-eye walk on a rainforest canopy walk, or
Broadly speaking, the continent is best visited from April to October. This cruise the waterways witnessing life on the river, fishing for
generally means excellent clear weather and little rain in Ecuador, Peru and piranha and spotting the glowing eyes of the caiman
Bolivia, and pleasant, less humid weather in Argentina and especially Brazil. at night!
If you plan to visit the southern region of Patagonia, October to March is best.
One of the biggest challenges when visiting South America is where to go! MACHU PICCHU AND THE SACRED VALLEY
It’s a tough call when there are so many iconic highlights on offer. With this in History abounds everywhere in South America, but Peru
is a veritable treasure-trove of amazing early Spanish
mind, World Journeys has put together a list of five top spots – Colonial architecture and of course the incredible Inca
a great place to start your planning. 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.
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
Taquile Island, famous for its home-made textiles including
the knitting which is done exclusively by the men of the
village. The skies are invariably as clear as can be, and the
waters an entrancing deep blue.
BUENOS AIRES
We had to include at least one city, but even that is difficult
when the competition includes Rio de Janeiro! Buenos
Aires is the most elegant and atmospheric of cities, with
great food, wonderful wines and fantastic shopping.
Add to that visits to Eva Peron’s mausoleum, the antique
markets, the tango shows and the colourful architecture
of La Boca. A bonus right now is that it is highly affordable
due to Argentina’s weakening currency.
HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : WINTER EDITION
