If you’ve reached the end of your working life, and you’re determined to do a little bit of globetrotting, then South America is difficult to beat. It’s a continent rich in wonderful culture, incredible cuisine, and stunning natural beauty, whose like can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Wherever on the continent you’re travelling, there’s a rewarding experience just around the corner.
A trip to South America can be quite affordable. A quick look at an equity release calculator might reveal that it is actually within reach! Planning a budget in advance is essential when crossing a continent.
Top 5 destinations in South America for adventure travel
If you’re planning an adventure holiday, then several South American destinations qualify for the Bucket List. Let’s take a look.
Machu Picchu
This Peruvian location is shrouded in mystique and dense cloud forests. You’ll need to trek up to it, but the experience is deeply rewarding. There are many other great reasons to visit Peru beyond this one historic location. There’s a vibrant nightlife here, and a relaxed dining culture that makes the country especially appealing.
Galápagos Islands
You’ll find this archipelago a few hundred miles off the west coast of South America – but it should still qualify if you’re planning a trip to this part of the world. A proper plan for your visit is essential; you’ll need the right footwear to navigate some of the world’s most untamed landscapes and get up close to the wonderful animals.
Rio de Janeiro
This magnificent city is famous for its favelas, and for the statue of Christ the Redeemer looking on from above. You might make a point of seeing the latter, and you can even tour the former if you’re that way inclined. There are also boat trips, football stadia, and hang-gliding experiences to consider.
Buenos Aires
The Argentine Capital, Buenos Aires, represents a treasure trove of history and culture, with beautiful monuments and public buildings around every corner. Of particular interest might be the Teatro Colon, a seven-story theatre whose footprint encompasses an entire block.
Cusco
Let’s bring our South American tour full circle, to Peru. The city of Cusco was built upon the ruins of Inca temples and is a hotbed of Andean culture and Inca architecture. It’s the gateway through which you’ll reach Machu Picchu, so, if you’re visiting, it only makes sense to visit both destinations.
To get the best from your experience in South America, there are a few points to bear in mind. You’ll want to plan your trip as far in advance as possible and book early to avoid being turned away from the best hotels and attractions. Learning Spanish will almost certainly be helpful since not everyone speaks English. Finally, think about the time of year – the climate varies tremendously across the continent, and the wet season can dampen the experience, if you aren’t sufficiently prepared for it.
