¡Hola! Experience some of the most vibrant cities in the world as you explore the continent of South America. Scale the great Andean peaks, participate in the lively Brazilian fiestas, explore the ruins of ancient civilisations or traverse the luscious tropical Amazon rainforest – an incredible adventure-of-a-lifetime awaits in South America.
South America teems with an abundance of exciting curiosities. The region’s ancient civilizations are known for their large empires and intricate architectural feats. However, some aspects of their history remain unanswered. Why was the great citadel Machu Picchu abandoned by the ancient Incans? Why were the stone-carved moais built on Easter Island? How did the Incans of Puma Punku carve extraordinarily precise blocks of stone and drill uncannily perfect holes into them without the aid of modern technology? Who drew the gigantic Nazca Lines in the Nazca Desert and why? Put on your thinking caps and formulate your own theories as you visit these mystifying sites. Who knows… you might be able to discover their well-kept secrets.
In Bolivia, gently step across the reflective surface of the world’s largest salt flat, Salar De Uyuni. Spend the night here in a private camper where a gourmet chef will prepare scrumptious local delights as you dine and enjoy a mesmerising sunset. Drift quietly across Lake Titicaca in a traditional animal-headed reed boat and appreciate its idyllic tranquility. As night falls, stay at a private eco-lodge by the edge of a peninsula and gaze at the glittering tapestry of constellations overhead. Then, behold the thundering waters of the Iguazu Falls, either from the comforts of your luxury boat or panoramic helicopter ride. Find yourself enraptured by Patagonia: from the mountainous landscape of Tierra del Fuego National Park to the sapphire glaze of the Garibaldi glacier, take in the breathtaking natural beauty of “the tip of the world”.
The South American continent is blessed with a rich diversity of wildlife — from the gigantic Galapagos Tortoise lumbering about the Galapagos Islands to the surfacing humpback whales off the coast of the Argentinian Peninsula Valdes. Explore the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetlands, while keeping an eye out for adorable capybaras and the elusive Pantanal Jaguar. South America is also home to the largest river in the world: the Amazon River. Remember to get your cameras ready as you look out for the colourful plumage of the native Scarlet Macaws and the sun-orange beak of the fruit-eating Toco Toucans while unwinding on a river cruise.
Join the wondrous Brazilian Carnaval as the streets of Rio de Janeiro erupt into a burst of colour and samba. This annual festival has earned its reputation as “The Greatest Show on Earth” with its fantastic music and intricate costumes. Be sure to purchase some unique handwoven Andean textiles that are symbolic of Peru’s longstanding history. For many centuries, these multi-coloured textiles are used to express identity and are often considered as the region’s first art form. In Colombia, re-discover the legend of El Dorado, the Lost City of Gold, as well as the rich archaeological history of South America when you enter Bogota’s famous Gold Museum. Take your time to wander around the world’s largest gold collection and admire its prized exhibit – the Muisca golden raft.
A visit to South America wouldn’t be complete without tasting some of its quintessential delights. Sample some Argentinian specialities: bite into the crispy pastry of the empanadas, relish the tender yet flavourful Dry Aged Beef and savour the juiciness of the meaty parrilla. Fantastic fusions, such as the mouth-tingling ceviche and the eccentric yet exquisite mesh of influences and ingredients in criollo, have catapulted Peru’s meteoric rise in the gourmet world. Moreover, restaurants in Lima have been leading the world in culinary innovations, combining a powerful mix of influences from a variety of cultures. Consistently ranked as one of the world’s best restaurants, Central Restaurante introduces little-known indigenous ingredients into every dish as it strives to present a contemporary interpretation of Peruvian flavours.
With so much to see and do, it’s hard to decide where to go! Let Uniq Luxe personalise the South American holiday of your dreams for you!
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