Out of the fantasy-filled realms of "what-if" and "wouldn't it be great" come the great adventures. Sometimes it takes just a little push a gentle nudge to help us make that first step.
Consider this that gentle nudge. Sit back get comfortable and let me take you on a virtual tour of South America. We won't stay long, just barely enough to be tempted so stay with us. You don't want to miss anything!
We'll take in some of the most popular tourist destinations spots and maybe a few that only SAV-vy travelers know. We'll start in Venezuela, at the northern tip of South America, then make our way south, in a clockwise manner, down to the tip of the continent, then north again.
Ready? Start the tour in Angel Falls, Venezuela. From there you'll go to the Amazon river, stop over in Rio de Janeiro where you can bask in the sun on one of Rio's famed praias before heading on to fabulous Iguazú Falls.
After a stop in sophisticated Buenos Aires for lively nightlife and a tango lesson, put your woolies on because next step is the Argentine Patagonia. Glaciers and cool weather plus wonderful natural sights await you in Bariloche and Nahuel Huapi National Park. From there we'll take a cruise through the Straits of Magellan to get to Southern Chile and a trek through Torres del Paine National Park. We'll cruise through fjords to Chile's Lake District and enjoy the spectacular lakes and volcanos.
Take off your rain gear for a trek through one of the driest deserts on earth. The Atacama in northern Chile extends from the central valleys to the Peruvian border and is divided into Norte Chico and Norte Grande. Don't forget your sunglasses!
Getting used to the altitude in Chile will prepare you for our next stop. The Inca Empire at one time extended from Ecuador into northern Chile and Bolivia, but now we'll concentrate on Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Cuzco the Inca capital and Machu Picchu the fabled "Lost City."
Next, board ship for a cruise to the Galapagos Islands, named for the huge Galapagos turtle. You'll see nature as Charles Darwin saw it. Though he rode a huge turtle you'll be asked to refrain from touching the wildlife flora and fauna. Some species are tame enough to come up to you and perhaps even touch you but you must not touch them. Be sure to bring lots of film and walking shoes because the island terrain is rough.
You can follow the tour from page to page or choose from any destinations listed belowe. Please be aware that some photos are large and may take a moment to load.
Let's go!
Wasn't that fun? Now you can plan your real trip!
Buen viaje!
