South America is a continent with a colourful colonial past which has shaped the rich culture you can find across its 14 diverse countries today.
With its fascinating cities and abundance of natural beauty, it’s also one of the most up-and-coming travel destinations in recent years, especially for backpackers looking for authentic cultural experiences and outdoor adventures.
Brazil is the largest and probably the most famous country in the region, with the exciting seaside city of Rio de Janeiro and its annual carnival – the biggest of its type in the world.
But there’s plenty more to do in South America than celebrating carnival in Brazil.
Colombia is somewhere I was fortunate enough to explore slowly over two fantastic months. There are so many amazing places to visit in Colombia, from the colourful Spanish Colonial City of Cartagena to the hipster vibe of Medellin.
Want adventure? What about a trip to Venezuela to see Angel Falls in Canaima National Park.
In Argentina, you’ve got the vibrant city of Buenos Aires with its unique attractions such as the unusual Tierra Santa, the world’s first Religious Theme Park and the dramatic and picturesque scenery of Patagonia which it shares with neighbouring Chile.
Plus don’t forget about the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia or trekking the famous Inca Trail in Peru.
It’s a rare thing to be able to stand with one foot in each hemisphere on a line that straddles the north and south of the globe. Yet, that’s exactly what you can do at Mitad del Mundo. Located near Quito in Ecuador, Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World in Spanish) is a wildly … Read more
If you are looking for a travel experience to a hidden world of wonder and adventure, the Canaima National Park is sure to fit the bill. The Canaima National Park is in Venezuela, known for its beautiful landscapes and exotic wildlife. It is the second largest park in Venezuela and the sixth largest in the … Read more
After spending two months of (slow) travel in Colombia, here’s my list of the best places to visit in Colombia and what to see and do when you’re there. Note: these places listed below are in broad geographic sequence from north to south – they are not ordered by preference! Cartagena A beautiful Spanish Colonial walled city … Read more
As usual, I didn’t do much research about Colombia before landing in the country, but I did know that I was in desperate need of some more Spanish classes. My first stop in Colombia was Cartagena and a quick search on Google images did a fine job of helping me fall for the city even before … Read more
Cycling from Alaska to Patagonia and climbing the highest points of each country in between? Given I’m very wobbly on two feet, let alone on wheels, I can’t proudly claim that achievement, but Thomas Laussermair can. Taking a staggering 14 months and who knows how much energy expended, Thomas has kindly agreed to share a synopsis … Read more
Back when I was a lawyer, before I became a travel, food and drink writer, hosting cocktail nights was one of my favourite ways to pass the weekend. The more elaborate the cocktail, the better. Then I took a round the world trip, which included months in South America, where I met Brazil’s national cocktail … Read more
Leaving behind the cold British Winter, I landed back in Buenos Aires with its 33 degree heat. I was staying with friends who had rented an apartment in the city and at risk of falling from one bottle of wine to another, we decided to search for an activity to distract us from the Malbec. … Read more
After my Intrepid tour ended I holed up in Loki (hostel in La Paz) for a few days to recharge and catch up with myself. The potential problem was that Loki was so inviting I was at risk of never leaving. The rooms were less than a fiver a night, perfectly clean and safe. The … Read more