10 Unique Tourism Places to Travel the South America

Only here and nowhere else! We have selected the main highlight of the whole of South America. Casting a backpack - and forward to the trip to South America

Planning mega put ashes vie in the genre "with a backpack and a camera?"  Do not miss our selection of the absolute best places that must be visited in South America.

Beaches, deserts, ancient settlements, islands, archaeological sites, nature reserves, incredible people and seals .. You can not put the final check on its list of the discoverer of the Americas.

Where, in addition to the big cities, to go to this blessed tropical continent, if your goal - to give himself for nothing like a vacation, the memories of which will be the heart beat faster? Lay out your route on the shelves - with the help of our list of the top 12 places you need to get to South America.

1. Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia

In southern Colombia, near the border with Ecuador, is one amazing sanctuary; earlier there flocked only pilgrims, but now it has become a place of worship is also one of the unique tourism magnets of the whole region. To understand how it happened for a long time do not have to guess: the Sanctuary of Las Lajas - unearthly beauty building: its amazing architectural merit can only compete with the stunning natural lands Af Tami that surround it.

The sanctuary is located on the bottom of the canyon, the river punched Guattari, in the village of Las Lajas in the municipality of Ipiales. This beautiful, surrounded by a ring of waterfalls, the church in the Gothic style reaches 50 meters in height and affects the wealth of architectural delights - from the arches, mosaics and turrets - and ending with the image of Our Lady of the Rosary, carved into one wall is entirely made of stone.

So advice: every September 16, tens of thousands of pilgrims flock to Las Texas to pay homage to the Virgin Mary. So if you're not going for her here, it is better not to plan your trip for mid-September.

2. Urubamba, Peru

Brad, of course: to develop the route to South America and did not include a visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in the Peruvian Andes. It is located nearby and from Cusco, and from Machu Picchu - together these three great points add up to a long and wonderful journey through the mysterious Peru.

Valley, due to its geographical and climatic features, playing an important role of life of the Incas - that there was one of the main sources of wealth in their territory. The valley consists of archaeological sites is one more important than another, and indigenous villages that are cut by numerous rivers that flow into small cavities; the whole landscape extravaganza produces absolutely phenomenal experience.

3. Pucon, Chile

Hiking trails around the volcano Villarrica in Pucon Chile - unique tourism places in the whole of South America

From the capital city of Santiago has not dipped - 780 km to the south, that there is something there, but I still take the train and travel to the charming town of Pucon - and then you can begin to research one of the best regions of Chile: Araucanía. From the city close to the volcano Villarrica - it is not enough that in itself absolutely fantastic attraction, so there is also a slot lovers of different kinds of extreme sports; not to miss in any case!

Although the volcano is not considered extinct, walk around it - the most common. During the summer travel agencies offer services of guides and rent climbing (or "Andi sits Koe" from "Andi Nismo" - so call it entertainment in the Andean region) equipment, but we strongly recommend you to join the official tour of the Villarrica - and the escort of a connoisseur of the locals.

Ecotourism enthusiasts will be delighted when they find in Pucon whole bunch of sports facilities and options for enjoying the outdoors - from water skiing to hiking and rafting. But on the slopes of the volcano Villarrica is also the stunning ski resort is open from July to September. Excellent infrastructure includes six lifts, 20 equipped for skiing and snowboarding slopes, a restaurant and a children's play center.

4. Tayrona National Park, Colombia

Imagine a landscape of 12 000 hectares of lush greenery, hundreds of species of living creatures (many terribly rare, in danger of extinction), one of the cleanest beaches in the entire Caribbean coast of Colombia, plus the grandiose mountains of the Sierra Nevada in the backdrop scenery.

Here is the Tayrona National Park - undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Colombia. In 1969 it was transformed into a nature reserve, and once lived here indigenous people Tayrona - until the middle of the XV century. Even now you can see related to their culture, the most interesting archaeological sites - such as Pueblito-Chairama: locals consider it a sacred place, and many still live here in huts.

There are several routes - walking or riding (you need to rent a horse at the entrance to the park), which can move inside the park - all very picturesque, passing through the magnificent landscapes. Be prepared for the fact that at some point you jaw fall off - when you get to one of the fantastic beaches - such as the Cape of San Juan, La Pisin and Playa Brava (the latter is reserved for nudists).

5. Isla del Sol, Bolivia

Most travelers dream seriously explore South America, most likely, will prefer to choose the route of Bolivia-Peru-Chile. Lake Titicaca - one of the most exciting stages of this long journey - the length of navigable lake in the world, with as many as 41 of the island. However, a number of options wedge raises the question: what - what! - choose?

Well, the island Isla del Sol, one hundred percent should get in the compulsory program. It is easily accessible from the city of Copacabana. With an area of 14.3 square kilometers is one of the most beautiful islands on the Titicaca. It is assumed that the Incas considered it sacred - because there were located the sanctuary "sun virgins", dedicated to the Sun God. Now the island is still inhabited by the native tribes of the Quechua and Aymara, who live production of all sorts of crafts and animal husbandry.

Here and there throughout the island are scattered archaeological sites - such as Chalyapampa Museum, which exhibits the surviving antiquities from the island. Hiking trails cross the island from north to south, the landscape such that your breath, fathomless blue water, green mountains and, of course, on what did not like the Andes with their snow-capped peaks.

6. Los Roques, Venezuela

Welcome to the largest marine reserve in the whole of Latin America: the archipelago of Los Roques, you can find one of the most beautiful landscapes on the continent. The archipelago formed by 42 islands and 250 coral reefs, covers an area of about 22 000 hectares, and research every corner you can devote many, many days. Relax and enjoy the amazing scenery, and do not forget about kayaking and sailing, and a few hours of windsurfing and diving will force your body to work out additional portions of adrenaline.

Few landscapes in the world, where the combination of coral reefs that protect the archipelago from the strong currents, deserted beaches with hot white sand, crystal clear waters and an incredible variety of marine species of living creatures (they say there are present 98% of all existing in the world Coral inhabitants!).

The islands are called "Cayos". In the main, Gran Roque, are hotels, a small airport, the port, and some shops. Residents wake up twice a year, during the holidays: for the first time in September ( "Virgin of the Valley") and the second in November (Lobster Festival).

7. Road 7 lakes Argentina

 Argentina On each of the next stage of the "7 Lakes Road" opened more beautiful scenery © a magical world.In no other place is a regular move from one point to another is not would be so beautiful, like this: 108 kilometers between the cities of San Martin de Los Andes and Villa La Angostura in Argentina are called "road seven lakes" - it was there that are perhaps the most beautiful landscapes of Patagonia.

In spite of the number "7" appear in the title, in fact, the route passes through 9-10 lakes, although the most famous - is, of course, Sorrento's, Escondido, Espejo, Falkner, Machoniko, Villarino and Lamar - all the indescribable beauty in each its color of water - from emerald-green to bluish-black.

Good advice for travelers - it is not necessary to be doing this on a bus route because the stops are not too often, and the journey itself out somewhat expensive. The best option - to rent a car chipped with friends or fellow travelers - so come and cheaper, and more fun!

8. Cabo Polonio, Uruguay

Visitors reserve of Cabo Polonio acquainted with the famous "native inhabitants" of the region: there the sea lions

And what if the next destination on your journey will be a small village, in which there is no electricity, no Internet, not even zamoschёnnyh streets? It is hard to even imagine? Well, in such a fabulous place like Cabo Polonio in Uruguay, you are unlikely to greatly miss the achievements of civilization.

The peninsula is located 260 km from Montevideo, the capital, and those who manage to get here, come to the conclusion that it is a magical place. You can count on almost deserted beaches, huge sand dunes around the city, sea lions, almost always lying on the coastal islands, and the sky is always dotted players star after one of the most beautiful sunsets you've ever seen.

Access to this paradise is not something that absolutely free - the nearest road is 7 km away, so will have to either get there on horseback or on the SUV. A small population consists mainly of fishermen, artisans and local lighthouse employees. For those who are less brave, there's something any consolation: many farms here have their own power generators, so you do not have to sit in the dark all the time.

9. Encarnacion, Paraguay

Look at the stunning ruins of the Jesuit phalanx near Encarnacion Paraguay, one of the most interesting places in South America

Encarnacion, whose reputation place with wonderful beaches and chic carnivals is consolidated from year to year - the third most important city in Paraguay, which thence inhabitants even nicknamed "the new Rio de Janeiro." How accurate is this a compliment, hard to say, but the train the city is literally breaking from all sorts of natural and cultural attractions - and for which it is worth a visit.

An important commercial and industrial center, Encarnacion is directly linked with the Argentine city of Posadas - by the bridge San Roque González de Santa Cruz, under the spans of which flows the river Paraná. The town boasts an excellent tourist infrastructure - it was full of cozy hotels and restaurants to suit all tastes. His reputation as "the Capital of Carnival" is confirmed every February - when the streets are splashed boiling energy of the crowd celebrating the "Carnival Enkarnaseno".

Oh, and do not miss the opportunity to explore the nearby ruins of the Jesuit phalanx of the Holy Trinity of Paraná, Jesus de Tavarange (a single object from the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Paraguay), and the chapel of the Holy Virgin

10. Paramaribo, Suriname

Beautiful Mosque Keizerstraat in Paramaribo, capital of Suriname  davidstanleytravel

Here is the country and the capital, which almost never fall into the list of places that must be visited in South America - and yet, they really deserve more attention. Suriname capital Paramaribo is located at the north-eastern edge of the continent; it is somewhat isolated, despite the unique cosmopolitan atmosphere, the place boasts a rich colonial architecture and impressive ethnic diversity.

The city's population - a little more than 250 000 people, and someone there just is not: the natives, Indians, Javanese, Africans, descendants of Dutch colonists (who left behind the official language). And traces of all these cultures scattered throughout the capital.

Among the main local attractions are the old Inner City, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, the largest wooden building in the Western Hemisphere, Central Market, Fort Zealand, synagogue Neve Shalom .