The Best South American Locations Every Nature Lover Should Add to their Bucket List in 2018
If there is one thing South America has no shortage of, it’s bucket list worthy natural attractions. But with such a large area to explore, how do you decide where to go for the best wilderness experience in 2018? Thankfully, Culture Trip has traveled far and wide to bring you the answers.
Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina
Scientists say large amounts of flowing water make us happy, supposedly due to the collision of water molecules creating negative ions in the air. And after just a few minutes basking in the glory of the epic Iguazu Falls, it’s normal to start feeling giddy as you soak up the raw energy of the most spectacular waterfall on earth.
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1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.The Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Blindingly bright and stunningly surreal, the vast white desert landscape of the world’s largest salt flats capture the imagination of travelers from around the globe. And due to the fact it features in what looks to be a rather epic battle scene in this year’s release of Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi, the Salar de Uyuni promises to be more relevant than ever in 2018.
The South West Circuit, Bolivia
Just outside the Salar lies Bolivia’s other natural wonder, a strange and barren land full of surreal deserts, brightly colored lagoons and bubbling geysers among impossibly tall volcanoes.
Patagonia, Argentina/Chile
From Mt Fitz Roy to Torres del Paine and everything in between, the rugged wilderness of Patagonia is considered among the most pristine land on earth. Creaking glaciers, glimmering lagoons, and snowcapped peaks are all par for the course in this outdoor lover’s wonderland which is set to receive an additional one million acres of unspoiled parkland come 2018.
Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
And of all Patagonia’s grand glaciers, none are as awe-inspiring as the incredible Perito Moreno. Visitors can witness huge chunks of ice calve off the mighty structure from platforms below – or, better yet – trek over the surface on a thrilling icy escapade.
The Atacama Desert, Chile
The driest non-polar region on earth might not sound that inviting, yet these hauntingly beautiful lands have plenty to offer the intrepid traveler in the year to come. Expect to find isolated high altitude lakes and towering ice-capped volcanoes in a bizarre and unearthly section aptly named the Valley of the Moon.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Nature lovers rejoice, for the Galapagos Islands host some of the most diverse wildlife on earth. As the inspiration behind Darwin’s theory of natural selection, it’s little wonder these far-flung islands have set the stage for so many captivating Nat Geo documentaries. Whether it be a luxury ocean cruise or budget independent travel, book ASAP to get the best Galapogas deal in 2018.
The Amazon Rainforest
Nowhere is as quintessentially South American as the great Amazon Rainforest. Covering an astonishing 5.5 million square kilometers and stretching over nine different countries, this mammoth eco-system is the largest and most bio-diverse in the world. But it’s being deforested at an alarming rate, so get in quick to appreciate such beauty while it still exists.
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