Picking The Best South America Travel Destinations

By Donna Beley


For those who are seeking to go on an enjoyable trip, the possibilities are endless. But for those who are serious about this, consideration should be given to choosing the best South America travel destinations on offer. Among such choices are the following.

To begin with, think about visiting Peru. Split in three by the mountains of the Andes, this state possess huge diversity within its three areas. Clearly the mountain range dominates the central region of the nation, since this is why three regions exist to begin with.

East of the mountainous region is the forested area that stretches to the Amazonian plains. West of the mountains is the arid coast of the country. However, there is more to Peru than diverse geography. While Machu Picchu is one of the better known tourist traps, Peru is a Mecca for Incan enthusiasts.

Indeed, the ancient Incan capital of Cuzco is distinctive also for being the oldest continually inhabited city in all of South America. It was in Peru that the Inca Empire was founded and spread, governing northern Chile and Colombia at its height. So there is much history to uncover in Peru.

The Ballestas Islands are yet another aspect of Peru deserving of exploration. They boast a wide range of plant life and animal life that provides this archipelago with stunning natural beauty. As a matter of fact, the Ballestas have been called Peru's Galapagos, since both island groups are overflowing with animals and plants.

However, the Galapagos Islands are within range of visit if you are on this continent. The islands lie to the west of Ecuador's coast, so you need to go there to get to them. The theory of evolution that England's famous naturalist Charles Darwin devised was impacted by his visit to this part of the world.

Even if you choose to eschew a visit to the Galapagos, there is still much to appreciate in Ecuador. Like Peru, Ecuador is split in three, and this too is due to mountainous terrain. These divisions are, from west to east, the Costa, the Sierra and the Oriente.

The Costa (coastal region) is notable for having a ton of lovely beaches. Usually, such beaches were utilized for the export of coffee that is produced here. Presently, they provide a haven for holiday makers wanting to soak up some sunshine. The mountains of the Sierra are the location of Quito, the national capitol.

The Oriente is an area that is rich in vegetation and wildlife, as you would expect considering that it does encompass the Amazonian rainforest. While development and tourism has caused this area to recede, there is still an abundance here to appreciate. So ecologically, Peru and Ecuador are both delightful tourist spots.

In summary, while there are many choices for the best South America travel destinations, the choices of Peru and Ecuador are salient for the reasons outlined above. Both have similar geography, both have archipelagos, and both are rich in nature and history. These reasons are as good as any to recommend them to any prospective tourist.




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