South America
Introduction
South America is a vast continent - two and a half times the size of Australia -
that is home to both primitive tribes and cosmopolitan cities. It is a myriad of
natural wonders, ancient ruins and assorted cultures. The extensive Amazon River
and the rugged Andes Mountains are South America's two most prominent landmarks,
but active volcanoes, verdant jungles and sapphire seas also serve as eye candy
for naturalists.
A terrain as diverse as South America's is bound to serve as a habitat for
unique creatures, and indeed, South America doesn't disappoint. Andean llamas,
marine dolphins and exotic iguanas are almost commonplace, and endangered
species like spectacled bears and mountain tapir call South America home as
well.
Whether you are discovering the mystique of Machu Picchu, watching a traditional
tango show or canoeing past pink dolphins, South America's enticing landscape
and sundry culture will impress.
Getting Around
Because of South America's size, unearthing the history of even a single one of
its countries can be a daunting task. Much like Alaska, South America is
renowned for its natural attractions, and the right shoes and tour guide come in
handy when you're wondering what lies on the other side of that mountain or in
the heart of that rain forest. |
Cruise Tip
Most ships that have formal events offer tuxedo
rental onboard, eliminating the hassle of packing one.
...More Tips |
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If
you aren't concerned with following the crowd, hit the streets alone or with a
few other cruisers and a good map. Museums, shops and preserved buildings dot
virtually every South American city, and a little navigational wizardry can
enable you to see it all.
Examples of shore excursion opportunities in South
America include:
Adventure Expeditions
- Raft down the thunderous rapids of the Petrohue
River, one of Chile's most exciting glacial rivers.
- Hike across ancient peat bogs en route to the
Alvear Mountain Range in Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina.
- Take an off-road excursion in Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil and ride through the Tijuca Forest, part of a forest reserve known for
its colorful vegetation and exotic wildlife.
Shopping Districts
- Shop for rugs, sweaters, coats and leather,
wool, wood and stone goods at the Indian and Artisan markets in Lima, Peru.
- Visit San Telmo, Buenos Aires and hunt for
antiques in Plaza Dorrego.
- Browse the La Recova in Coquimbo, a Chilean
market that sells distinctive handicrafts, such as items made of pottery,
ceramic, wool and stone.
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Nature Trips
- Journey to Buenos Aires' Iguaza Falls, a natural
wonder comprising 250 giant cascades that are twice the height of Niagara Falls.
- Visit the Torres del Paine National Park in
Chile and explore glaciers, lakes, rivers, the Salto Grande Waterfall and the
Laguna Amarga, the habitat of a flamingo colony.
- Drive throughout the Chilean countryside and
view Petrohue Falls, a gleaming succession of blue rapids, and Osorno, a
snow-capped mountainous peak.
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Cultural Attractions
- Stroll through the San Miguel Museum in Azapa,
Chile and view the oldest mummies in the world - dating back to 5,000 B.C.
- Taste test carmenere, cabernet sauvignon,
merlot, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay wine at the Veramonte Winery in
Valparaiso, Chile.
- Tour the world-famous Gold Museum in Lima, Peru,
a privately-owned museum hosting exquisite gold objects, precious stones and
ancient swords and guns.
Historical Tours
- Tour Colonia Del Sacramento, oldest city in
Uruguay, and see the Matriz church, the Bastion del Carmen, the famous Street of
Sighs and the Real de San Carlos Bullring.
- Trek through Cuzco, Peru, and visit the
Cathedral, famous for its gold and silver styling; the Sacsayhuaman, an
archaeological park; the shrines of Kenko; and the ancient Tambo of Puca Pucara.
- Admire the mausoleums, pantheons and vaults of
La Recoleta, an 1800's Christian cemetery in Buenos Aires that holds celebrated
politicians, explorers, priests, leaders, writers and poets.
Wildlife Interaction
- Spot pink dolphins, toucans, parrots and eagles
while motor canoeing down the Cuyabeno River in the Amazon.
- Observe a Magellan penguin colony on Hammer
Island off the coast of Argentina.
- Walk through the Park of the Land Iguanas in
Guayaquil, Ecuador, where large, mysterious lizards roam freely.
Flightseeing Charters
- Fly over the little town of Nasca in Peru and
observe geoglyphs, strange desert drawings created between 300 B.C. and 800 A.D.
- Soar past the Chilean lakes and mountain regions
in one of the most scenic natural regions in the world, and view the Osorno,
Calbuco and Puntiagudo volcanoes and the Llanquihue, Todos los Santos and Chapo
lakes.
- Flightsee Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a
Unesco World Heritage Site, and view its Spanish, Flemish, Moorish and
pre-Columbian architecture.
| Enhance
your travel to South America by reading about its culture, people and history in
these novels: |
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The Cloud Forest - Peter Matthiessen
Floreana, A Woman's Pilgrimage to the Galapagos - Margaret Wittmer
One River - Wade Davis
The General in His Labyrinth - Garcia Marques, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and
Edith Grossman
My Old Man and the Sea: A Father and Son Sail Around Cape Horn - Daniel
and David Hays
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