Where in South America should I visit in my Gap Year?

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Mr Nick

I live in Argentina, am English and have travelled the whole continent extensively. Argentina is a must as you have the amazing Iguazu falls in the north and the Perito Moreno glacier in the south as well as beautiful cities in between, Mendoza, Cordoba, Salta - all wonderful. As has previously been mentioned Peru you should do, the Nazca lines and of course Macchu Picchu. You could cross from Salta (Arg) to San Pedro de Atacamas (Chile) then an easy trip to Salar de Uyuni (really worth doing) and from there it is 2 days by bus via La Paz to the border with Peru. Rio - I agree is the best city in the world. Angel falls if you can do it - do it! although a long way off from the rest. Really you neeed 12 months but for 6 weeks I would do the mentioned above (leaving out Angel falls) but you will need to fly, these are big distances.

northmiamibeach1975

Well, the west. where? Colombia,ecuador,Peru???

go to Peru and bolivia for a typical Latin experience.

then go to Chile, south to santiago, cross the andes to Mendoza (Argentina) south to Bariloche )Amazing, incredible lakes and mountains), the go to Puerto Madryn (whales,penguins,seals,etc), Buenos Aires (Amazing, beautiful,cosmopolitan, many things to do), and then go to Brazil, Porto alegre,Florianopolis,Sao Paulo and Rio.

illstealyourthunder

I definitely recommend visiting and climbing Machu Pichu as there have been talks of closing it to tourists.

uptheresomewhere7

Machu Pichu definitely. I'd also recommend a land trip of some sort through part of the Andes rather than flying. Flying is easy and quick but you miss the incredible scenery and the experience. Also, ask around about getting a flight into the jungle to see a primitive tribal group. Take home an authentic bow and arrow set or something.

Luisho

Well....it is great to hear you want to do such a trip. I'm originally from South America....Peru. And yes, I agree with several people that you should visit Machu Picchu, for a breathtaking experience. (It is not cliche, Ive been there, and it really DOES take your breath away). Of course, there is a lot more to see in Peru, and the rest of S.A., but it all depends on your likings....are you the adventurous type?? Then why not trying the Amazon (part in Peru, part in Brazil, part in Colombia....) lots of thrilling things to do there. Or else, you can climb some mountains in the Andes (Peru, Chile, Argentina).
If you love the see, there are BEAUTIFUL places to go to...Galapagos islands (Ecuador), Ballestas Islands (Peru) Easter Island (Chile)...Isla Margarita (Venezuela) and of course, lots of wonderful beaches...along the coasts of any of the countries here. (Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela.....). If you want to check on history....well, I can tell you, Peru is the cradle of the Inca empire....and all along the Andes, you will find LOTS of archaeological sites, wonderful ruins, etc. Also, the cities in most of the countries here have great displays of colonial architecture.
For great party, try Brazil....Rio...and you wont stop having fun. Why not trying the modern, lovely Argentina.....or the more traditional, picturesque towns in Bolivia. South America has definitely LOTS to offer. It is just a matter of deciding what sort of things you like, and then......researching bit. The Lonely Planet is of great help. Hope you have a better outlook now. Bon Voyage!! I'm sure you'll have a great time there.

allseasons

Venezuala - Angel Falls

savs

Wow, there are o many things to do in S.A that you'll have your hands full.
If you go to Iguacu, I'd suggest doing it from the Argentinian side, rather than the Brazilian side.

While in Brazil, don't miss Rio. I know it sounds silly, but it really is the best city in the world.

What else? Chew coca leaves in Peru while climbing up to Machu Pichu, a long boat trip along the Amazon, a night out in Bogota, and a quick plane ride out to Easter Island. Scuba diving off the N.E Brazilian coast, camping in Patagonia.

Your question is so vast, I don't know what else to say !

P.S please ignore the idiot that posted before me, he really sounds like a retard

cecilia d

For visiting Argentina, follow the advice of the British guy who lives in Argentina. From Buenos Aires you can go to Uruguay. You can take a tour from a company called "Buquebus" which organizes packages that include a return ticket by Boat, hotels, sightseeing tours, etc. Don't miss Colonia del Sacramento, Montevideo, and Punta del Este.
Then in Brazil, don't miss Rio, San Salvador de BahÃa (It's a one-of-a-kind place, and it's magical), it was the hometown and inspiration of Jorge Amado, the most internationally famous Brazilian writer. I think that is the only place in the world where every Catholic churche is also "consecrated" to an african deity ("santeria" deity). In Brazil also go to Belo Horizonte city and take a tour to Ouro Preto, a very important historical city, former capital of the Empire, and it is very important because of gem and gold mining; it's amazing.
These places (Salvador and Ouro Preto) are so wonderful that I've been there several times.

STEVE S

u should actually get a job instead of freeloading.blaming your education for needing a break i suppose!get to work with the education i have paid for.

maybe u should ask DADDY where to go

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