Where should I go in South America?

Question

My partner and I are planning a 3 month holiday travelling around South America... obviously we want to do the big tourist attractions like Machu Picchu and so on.. but does anyone have any ideas that aren't so well known? We are planning on going from Jan - April, are quite adventurous, but not so athletic shall we say!

Answer 1

Bolivia is a spectacular country and a lot of it still seems foreign.  Most of Latin America it very good at imitating the shabbier aspects of North America.   Bolivia is still a colonial Spanish and or indigenous looking country.   Plus January to April  is in the warm season without much rain.  

Because it has great relief, top of the Andes to the Amazon Basin you can get the full climate range.  

Some of the most specular and peculiar spots in the world are there.   The Salar de Uyunni by itself is a worth a trip.

Most of the people speak Spanish, at least as a second language.  Internal transport is usually fairly good although you may wish to avoid the Transporte Aereo Militar, abbreviated to TAM, and referred to as the Transporte a la Muerte (Transport to Death).  Bus and trains cover most cities if a bit slow.  Remember though, you are trying to see and live something different.

Answer 2

Only ever been to Rio de Janeiro, and was actually really dissapointed. Not that it helps much, sorry!

Answer 3

if you get the chance go to mirafloris and barranco both just outside of lima

lima its self is ok but a bit on the dirty side

hope you enjoy your trip i did when i done the same thing as you

Answer 4

I spent 3 months in S America when i was backpacking, here are my recommendations:

Galapagos, Ecuador

Cuenca, Ecuador

Banos, Ecuador (see the volcano that is erupting)

Macchu Piccu, Peru (do the 2 day 1 night trek)

Sacsayhuaman, Cusco, Peru

Arequipa, Peru

Lima, Peru (it's got a bad rep but I actually loved it)

Nazca Lines, Peru

Lake Titicaca, Peru/Bolivia

Salt Flats and Geyser Basin  of Uyuni, Boliva

Chaclataya, Boliva

Rio, Brazil

Also make sure you learn spanish!

Answer 5

Chile is the safest and most european. Eat some fresh salmon at one of the restaurants up the mountains with some local red wine. Tour the desert north of Santiago. Argentina has tango and terrific steaks as well as red wine. Some museus and historical buildings. Brazil is great, beaches, Chris Redeemer statue, sugar loaf mountain, excellent food, samba, Carataras falls, etc. Uruguay Punta del Leste is nice too. Peru is the machu-michu thing plus great japonese food, friendly people. Have you considered going as far south as Patagonia? I'd look into it.