With all the wonderful places and sights that South America has to offer, it is hard to decide which ones you should go to first. One of the places you just have to see is of course the Galapagos Islands. This archipelago is one of the strangest and interesting places on Earth, located 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. There are 13 major islands, and five of these are inhabited by humans. The rest of them are home to some of the most diverse species of wildlife ever together in one location. From tortoises, sharks, seals and other land and marine animals, as well as a multitude of plant and birds species. There are an abundance of different ways to see this remarkable area, from cruises, to Eco-tours, you will have no problem finding ways to visit here.

Another must see place to go if you are in South America is the Amazon Rain Forest. This is one of the largest rainforests in the world, and mainly accessed only by boat, because of how dense the forest is. There are many different river boat tours to choose from, and for a truly unique experience, try the Ariau Amazon Towers, the largest and only tree house hotel in the world. This is truly a one of a kind adventure, and the whole hotel and resort is completely at tree top level, above the jungle floor. You can experience a wide variety of Eco-tourist activities here, from swimming with rare pink dolphins, hiking through the rugged rainforest, adventuring up the Amazon river, or simply relaxing in one of them most luxurious hotels in the world the choice is yours. This is one of Discovery Channel's thousand places to visit before you die.

High above the sea and an altitude of over 12,500 feet is another place that you have to visit when in South America is of course Lake Titicaca. This lake is the biggest freshwater lake in all of the continent, and is on the border of Bolivia and Peru. It has some of the bluest dark water that is unlike anywhere else on Earth. High in the Andes mountains, the Inca people believe that their god Virococha was born on the Island of the Sun, one of lake islands. Los Uros, otherwise known as the Floating Islands is actually a man made island, created some 500 years ago by Indians who fled to the lake, and created it out of reeds, which are constantly being rebuilt.

While in this area, another great sight to behold is the ruins of Machupichu, Lima, and the Inca Trail. Be sure to bring warm clothes, and realize that this area is higher in altitude that most places, so you want to take your time and not over work yourself. There are many other places to explore like Patagonia, which stands for "Land of the Big Feet." and was first discovered by Ferdinand Magellan.

With so many places to choose from, the best thing you can do is go online and explore some of the South America travel websites. You can easily find cruises and Eco-tourism adventures, the official Ariau Amazon Towers website, as well as many others. Whether you want tours of Macu Picchu, or go kayaking on Lake Titicaca, or anything in between, you can find something to fit your plans and budget.

gps rental fishing knife

Traveling is something that most people enjoy, especially if you are going on vacation. There are many places where you can go to explore and contemplate wonders that you have never experience before. A wide variety of traveling destinations are available to be enjoyed. Europe is one of the favorite destinations for Americans while Europeans probably are more interested in vacationing over the new world. One area that is generally overlooked but can offer the vacation of a lifetime is South America. The continent offer many natural marvels and sightseeing that you cannot find anywhere else.

There are a couple of things that you must know before heading to South America. Many of the countries in the continent are actually quite modern and civilized unlike what some people might think. One detail to remember is that most people in South America speak Spanish except for in a few nations: Brazil, Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana. There is also a population of natives on each country that speak only their native language. Learning a little Spanish might be very helpful in order for you to communicate effectively. Knowing how to ask directions can make your trip way more fun and less troublesome.

Traveling with the appropriate paperwork is a must. Your passport and other identification are necessary in order to travel to these countries. If you are going with the family remember to bring the documentation of every family member otherwise your vacation can take a bad turn. The use of common sense regarding your safety applies too. Night traveling should be avoided and going to solitary places is not suggested at all. South America has many amazing places to see, one of them is the Angel Falls in Venezuela. You can get to the area by taking a tour in the nearby city of Ciudad Bolivar. Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the whole world and is a sacred place for the natives of the area.

Another place to visit is the ancient city of Machu Picchu. This is most popular city of the old Incas Empire. The ruins of this mysterious place are astonishing and the fact that is in the top of a mountain makes it more perplexing. Lake Titicaca is the biggest fresh water lake in South America. One of the most amazing things about this lake is that is located at an altitude of 3820 meters. The unparalleled beauty of this lake makes it one of the most mesmerizing places on Earth.

fishing knife

boat share

The Wonderful Creatures of The Galapagos Islands

A wonder of creation, the Galapagos Islands have captured the imagination of poets and biologists alike. Separated from the mainland in the waters of Ecuador, evolution created stunning endemic creatures such as the giant tortoise and the sea iguana, animals found only on the Galapagos. The most groundbreaking work ever to be published concerning evolution, "The Origin of Species", was based on observations made on the Galapagos Islands by Charles Darwin.

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca evokes a spiritual tranquility and is the most beautiful lake I've ever seen. It touches the clouds at an altitude of 12.532 ft. (3.820 m.) with amazing dark blue waters never seen before. Titicaca, the biggest freshwater lake of South America, lies on the borders of Bolivia and Peru and hosts some wonderful islands such as "The Floating Islands" and "The Island of the Sun".

Patagonia

Patagonia is without doubt one of the most mesmerizing places of the world. It encompasses the South of both Argentina and Chile. The name Patagonia stands for 'Land of the Big Feet'. Legends say that discoverer Ferdinand Magellan and his crew saw a tribe of nine foot tall giants with big feet. He named the tribe the Patagons or big feet. It's paradise for the adventurous traveler with landscapes impossible to imagine. Highlights are whale watching in Puerto Madryn, visiting Ushuaia (the southernmost city of the world) and hiking in Torres del Paine national park.

Machu Picchu - The Lost City of The Incas

Machu Picchu, the Lost city of the Incas, is a mystical, sacred place. The ruins are one of the most enigmatic and beautiful ancient ruins in the world. Rediscovered on July 24, 1911 by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu (meaning 'Old Peak' in Quechua, the language spoken by the Incas) was thought to be a sanctuary for the preparation of priestesses and brides for the Inca nobility. The dramatic setting in a remote area of the Peruvian Andes enhances the shroud of mystery even more.

Salar de Uyuni

The big secret of South America is without doubt the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. It's the largest salt flat in the world, a staggering 4.025 square miles (10.500 square km.). The beautiful Fish Island (Isla Pescada) gives a wonderful contrast with the salt lake. The "salar" continues in the atacama desert, near the border of Chile, with geysers, the red and green lake, hot baths and a never ceasing tranquility.

the inca