The “Meeting of the Waters,” where the Rio Negro flows alongside the Rio Solimoes for 10 miles (6km) until joining to form the Amazon River.

Brazil: Anavilhanas Archipelago & Jaú National Park

Located about 70 km north of Manaus – the city which serves as the point of departure for most Brazil Amazon tours – Anavilhanas is the largest freshwater archipelago in the world and the site of a national reserve. During the rainy season, water levels rise and submerge most of archipelago, which is comprised of 100,000 hectares and over 400 islands, giving it the appearance of a floating forest interspersed with canals. The Anavilhanas archipelago is inhabited by multiple species of birds, butterflies, monkeys, snakes, as well as caimans, pink dolphins, and manatees that have adapted to the seasonal rise and fall of water levels.

The nearby Jau National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest forest reserve in South America and covers 23,000 square km. Access to the park is restricted, but travelers lucky enough to enter will have a chance to see unique plant and bird species that some scientists believe to be directly descended from the Pleistocene era (the last ice age).

Peru: Puerto Maldonado & Tambopata National Reserve

With over half of its territory comprised of Amazon rainforest, Peru is unsurprisingly a growing destination for Amazon travel in South America. The 3 main sites for ecotourism include Puerto Maldonado, Iquitos, and Manu, all of which are in close proximity to important national reserves. Among these, Puerto Maldonado stands out for its incredible biodiversity as well as its accessibility combined with increasing options for sustainable tourism.

Located downriver from Puerto Maldonado, the Tampopata-Candomo Reserve was created in the late 1970s specifically to preserve the zone for scientific study and sustainable tourism. This part of the Amazon is unique in that its hilly topography creates various microclimates such as cloud forests, humid forests, and subtropical rainforests, resulting in an astounding array of flora and fauna, including 165 species of trees, 1,000 species of butterflies, and 750 species of birds. A typical Puerto Maldonado Amazon tour will include canopy tours on walkways overlooking the rainforest and an excursion to Sandoval Lake, where travelers can observe macaws, caimans, turtles, giant otters, common kingfishers, and countless other species.

Tambopata Research Center, a remote Puerto Maldonado Amazon lodge with a focus on research and conservation.

Ecuador: Yasuni National Park

Ecuador boasts some of the most recently developed and exciting prospects for Amazon travel. Yasuní National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on 2.5 million acres in northeast Ecuador, has been identified by scientists as the area with the most biodiversity on the planet, holding world records for documented numbers of plant and animal species, including tree, amphibian, and bat species.

The Napo Wildlife Center, an Ecuador Amazon lodge, typifies the Amazon tour experience. Located with Yasuni National Park and managed by the Kichwa de Añangu community, travelers have an opportunity to explore rivers and the nearby Añangucocha lagoon, visit parrot clay licks, zipline through canopy towers, taste regional food specialties, and learn centuries-old medicinal techniques from the healers and shamans in the community.

Accommodation options for Amazon tours in Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador include Amazon cruises or jungle lodges. Either option provides opportunities for exploring the river and rainforest on daily excursions. To start planning your own unique South America vacation in the incredible Amazon, contact one of our expert travel advisers at Latin America For Less.

A mother and child on Uros, the floating islands that have become a top attraction for travel to Peru and Bolivia.

This weekend, Mother’s Day celebrations will happen all over the world and countries such as Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, and Peru – all top South America travel destinations – have organized unique ways to display their reverence for mothers and motherhood.

Here are some of the events planned to celebrate this special day in Latin America:

Peru – In Lima, the Spanish heartthrob singer Julio Iglesias will be performing on May 12. During the concert, special activities are planned for the mothers in the audience. Meanwhile, also on May 12, Cusco will host a festival featuring local musicians at the Jardin de la Cerveza, about 5 minutes walking from the historic center.

Brazil – Mother’s Day is considered an unofficial holiday. On May 10, Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism convened a forum of blogging moms in order to provide special Brazil travel tips for mothers traveling with children. Among the tips: A Brazil vacation with children should be slower paced than one without. For travel in Brazil, all children regardless of age should have a passport. Your packing list should also include snacks, vaccination records, and a basic first aid kit including adhesive bandages.

The white shawl of the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, a political movement formed during the period of dictatorship is a ubiquitous symbol in Argentina. This country celebrates its Día de la Madre on the 3rd Sunday of October.

Throughout South America, it is common for mothers to receive gifts such as chocolates, perfume, flowers, or a day at the spa. Families also honor this day by inviting mothers to lunch or dinner and it is common for restaurants to have Mother’s Day specials. So if your South America vacation happens to fall on these dates you can join in on the festivities as well!

Contact one of our expert travel advisors at Latin America For Less to start planning your fully customizable South America travel package. 

A trip to Machu Picchu is sure to amaze. With its immense history and beautiful landscapes, it is no wonder that nearly half a million people visit the site every year. Travelers from all over the world set out on Machu Picchu tours and capture the citadel on film and video, ensuring that their memories will last a lifetime. Make your Machu Picchu memories unique by checking out some of these unique ways our clients and staff have documented their time at Machu Picchu.

These clients ate their Wheaties before their Machu Picchu tour – they are holding it up with one hand!

Aleks, our Destinations Manager, enjoys Peru’s famous Inca Kola from above the ruins.

How high can you jump for your Machu Picchu picture?

Flashback! Our expert travel advisor Bianca first visited Machu Picchu in 1989! She has since been back an astounding 18 times and has taken some amazing photos on each of her visits.

Though they didn’t have any crazy photo poses, the clouds in this Machu Picchu picture make it absolutely beautiful and unique!

Planning ahead, this family made shirts to create this one-of-a-kind Machu Picchu picture!

Though it is hard to top the natural beauty of Machu Picchu, you can complement it by creating a one-of-a-kind photo, a great reminder of your amazing Peru vacation. Start planning your trip to Machu Picchu today by contacting one of our expert travel advisors.

Which Machu Picchu pose is your favorite? Let us know by leaving a comment!

Having been to many cities throughout the world, Aleks has seen it all, but there will always be a special place in his heart for the beautiful Buenos Aires, Argentina. Aleks’s love for the city can be seen as he shares his Buenos Aires travel experience, which takes us through the city’s many neighborhoods, parks, and hotspots. He also threw in plenty of insider tips for the perfect Buenos Aires trip from must see sights to food recommendations, for a Buenos Aires travel tale that has it all!

Make a stop in the center of Buenos Aires to get view of the famous Obelisk.

During his Argentina vacation, Aleks spent most of his time in Buenos Aires experiencing the city’s culture in the many diverse neighborhoods of the city. A Buenos Aires city tour will take you through the areas, which Aleks explored, and provides you with the history behind each district.

Aleks explored San Telmo, where cobblestone streets are filled with artists and street performers and the plaza hosts a unique market. He recommends visiting this area on a Sunday because it is especially lively! Aleks also suggests spending some time in Palermo Soho, as “this awesome neighborhood has plenty of excellent shops, restaurants, bars, and designer hotels.” Palermo is also the perfect place to escape the bustling city feel, as it has over 350 acres of lakes, wooded areas and parks.

Aleks visited the Botanical Gardens, a great place to find some peace and quiet in Buenos Aires.

Another one of the reasons Aleks loves Buenos Aires is because of its excellent food, wine, and nightlife, which he describes as second to none in all of South America.  Describing the city as a “food and wine lover’s paradise,” he recommends trying the Argentinean asado(barbecue) paired with a Malbec wine from the nearby Mendoza region, and for desert eating a delicious Alfajor. By just walking the streets and popping into cafes, Aleks found some great snacks, including many varieties of empanadas and some excellent pizza slices.

Experience the art of the Tango during your Buenos Aires travel.

Buenos Aires is also famous for the Tango and Aleks was able to enjoy a few small scale Tango shows during his time in the city.  Though this dance isn’t something Aleks sees himself mastering anytime soon, he appreciates the talent of the dancers. He describes the dance as “amazing” explaining that, “The dancers carried it out to perfection! It seemed effortless for them as they moved around with ease.” A Tango show or catching one of the many Tango festivals throughout the year is the perfect way to get a feel for the culture of Buenos Aires, a “must-do” suggestion from Aleks.

From conversing and getting to know the locals to exploring the sights and streets of the city, Aleks enjoyed his time in the city. He explains, “Buenos Aires has something for everyone,” making it the perfect destination for your Argentina vacation.

Puerto Madryn is a top Argentina travel destination for spotting southern right whales.

Puerto Madryn

A Patagonia trip to Puerto Madryn is perfect at any time of year. In the summer months of December through February, this small town located on the Atlantic coast midway between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, becomes a popular, but still quiet beach resort. Tucked into the Golfo Nuevo, the waters around Puerto Madryn are calm and crystal clear, making them perfect for swimming, scuba diving, sea kayaking, and myriad other water sports. From August to October, the bay waters become the breeding and birthing grounds for migrating southern right whales, which can be spotted from land or on a Puerto Madryn tour that includes a whale watching cruise. Meanwhile, the nearby Peninsula Valdes hosts a beautiful natural reserve that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its abundant wildlife, including Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, and countless sea birds.

Bariloche characterizes the pristine forest & lake landscape of Patagonia.

Bariloche

Located directly to the east of Puerto Madryn, but at the foot of the Andes Mountain Range, Bariloche has become a top Patagonia tour destination as well as a national capital of outdoor recreation. In the spring and summer months of October through March, travelers can enjoy activities such as kayaking, fly fishing, sailing, cycling, and trekking through the endless miles of trails that extend deep into the pristine mountain landscape. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders of all levels can enjoy the nearby Cerro Catedral, which hosts a first class ski resort, one of the largest in South America. First time visitors should not miss the Circuito Chico (Small Circuit), a tour which visits Bariloche’s historic sites as well as nearby peaks for panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Bariloche itself boasts a complete infrastructure with many fine restaurants and accommodations for travelers to choose from.

The Perito Moreno Glacier can be viewed from observation decks or on a boat ride that approaches the glacier’s face.

El Calafate

Perito Moreno Glacier, a top attraction in Patagonia, is unique in that its location on the shores of Lago Argentino and near the town of El Calafate makes it easily accessible for travelers. This land glacier descends into a branch of the largest lake in Argentina and its face rises up to 230 feet (70 meters). Building pressure causes the glacier to frequently fracture and rupture, causing chunks of ice to break off and fall into the lake. Travelers can use walkways and observation decks to obtain fantastic views of this dramatic process. As part of a Patagonia tour to El Calafate, it is also possible to sail up to the face of the glacier on a boat. The best time to visit is from late October to early April, but January and February should be avoided as they can be incredibly busy.

El Calafate is also a great jumping off point for trekking in El Chalten, or for Patagonia tours to Chile, the Beagle Channel, and Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world.

For more Argentina travel ideas, visit our Argentina For Less website or contact one of our travel advisors at Argentina For Less.

The festival will bring together 700 young musicians, including choirs, orchestras, and soloists from countries across 5 continents. The musicians, selected after an exhaustive screening process, will be performing free concerts at various venues in and around Puerto Iguazu. Gustavo Santaolalla, a reputed composer who has scored movies such as Babel and Brokeback Mountain, is a key sponsor and one of the festival’s directors.

The Setting

Iguazu Falls is formed by 275 waterfalls fed by the Iguazu River. Iguazu National Park straddles the border between Brazil and Argentina.  For its astounding natural beauty, Iguazu Falls was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

The spectacular Iguazu Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world.

If planning an Argentina vacation, the best way to see this world wonder is by taking an Iguazu Falls tour that visits both sides of the falls. On the Brazil side travelers can hike along walkways that border the Iguazu River and offers great panoramic views. The Argentina side is best for hiking along trails within the lushly forested park, getting up close views of the waterfalls, or taking boat rides under the falls and experiencing the full power of the rushing cascades.

Venues

Performances will take place in top Puerto Iguazu hotels, including Iguazu Grand Resort, Loi Suites Iguazu, and Panoramic Hotel.  The grand finale will be at the Sheraton Hotel, the only Iguazu accommodation situated within the boundaries of Iguazu National Park. This hotel is the perfect place for scenic views of the waterfalls, be it from the rooms’ balconies, luxurious lobby bar, or from the extensive gardens where the concert will be held.

La Aripuca in Puerto Iguazu, one of the venues for the youth concert. This cultural center was constructed thousand-year-old endangered tree species that were found and recovered after being illegally logged.

Iguazu Travel Tips

Two full days is enough to visit both the Argentina and Brazil sides of Iguazu, and both sides are definitely worth it. The park itself has numerous trails, some of them offer panoramic views and others take you into the heart of the falls for an intimate experience with this majestic landscape.

Devil’s Throat is one of the most spectacular sights that you can see on an Iguazu tour – this is a horseshoe-shaped series of cataracts stretching 150 m across and falling 80 m, forming an ever-present, thick cloud of mist. The best view is from the Brazil side, while the Ecological Jungle Train on the Argentina side takes travelers straight up to the falls.

Contact one of our expert travel advisors at Argentina For Less to start planning your tour to Iguazu and other Argentina travel destinations.

The beautiful handcrafted Uros of Lake Titicaca.

Today the lake is visited not only for its legend but also for its beautiful and unique scenery. The vast deep turquoise waters with a mountain backdrop are stunning, but the lake’s out of the ordinary decoration, Uros, are the true sight. Uros are floating islands made of woven totora reeds which are home to the Pre-Incan people, and are scattered across the waters of Lake Titicaca. The perfect way to explore the waters and reed islands is with a Lake Titicaca tour.

Both Puno and Copacabana are great spots to depart for your Lake Titicaca adventure, but also both provide a chance to indulge in the culture and history of their region. A trip to Lake Titicaca can include both Bolivia and Peru, allowing you to discover multiple destinations during your South America vacation. From La Paz to the Copacabana through Lake Titicaca on to Puno and Cusco, you can explore the beautiful landscapes of both Peru and Bolivia while visiting the magnificent lake.

Copacabana:

The shores of Copacabana, Bolivia

The quaint town of Copacabana is easily accessed by bus from La Paz. Take the short four hour ride from Bolivia’s busy capital to the relaxing shores of the Copacabana on your Bolivia vacation. The city is situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca and is typically used as a jump off point to explore the lake. The charm of Copacabana has been retained over its years of rapid growth, due to the lake’s growing popularity, making it a relaxing place to stay during your Lake Titicaca tour. Copacabana is more than just a connecting point for the lake; you can also explore the culture and history of the city. Make a visit to the city’s cathedral home to the Virgen de Candelaria or the Dark Virgin of the Lake. The city also is home to some of the best festivals, especially the Fiesta de la Candelaria in early February which is the third largest festival in all of South America.

Puno:

A beautiful sunset over Lake Titicaca

Located in Peru’s altiplano off the shores of Lake Titicaca, the city of Puno is the ideal place to start your visit to the magical Lake Titicaca. With close proximity to the Cusco region it is also a great complement to your Cusco and Machu Picchu travel. Though the main draw for Puno is to visit the lake, the city itself is also a great place to indulge in Peruvian folklore. Over 300 ethnic dances can be seen in Puno and a variety of handmade goods and crafts make exploring the streets, markets, and shops of Puno a perfect way to get a feel for the city and its people.

During your travel to Lake Titicaca explore the beauty of both Peru and Bolivia, sure to be an unforgettable South America vacation. Start planning your adventure today by contacting one of our expert travel advisors who will help you to see the wonders of Lake Titicaca and many other great South America destinations.

Though she loved all her adventures, Staci has a special place in her heart for Chile, where she traveled throughout the country and had one of the greatest experiences of her life. Follow Staci from bustling Santiago through the salt lagoons of San Pedro de Atacama and on to the glaciers at Torres del Paine with this one-of-a-kind Chile travel tale.

Full of crazy and unforeseen adventures, this Chile travel tale takes you all over the country. Let us start in Santiago, Chile’s capital, where Staci and her friends explored this cultural hub. Staci was in Santiago for almost a week and suggests that anyone visiting the city take a walk around the main center. She highly recommends going up Santa Lucia hill, which provides great views of the city set against a stunning mountain backdrop. She also took a trip to the laid back areas of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. Overall, her time in Santiago was mostly spent mingling with the locals and truly getting a feel for the culture of this great city.

Onward to Torres del Paine in Chile’s Patagonia, where Staci and her friends journeyed on a 5-day trek to explore the beauty of the glaciers and valleys, which Staci described as absolutely amazing.. As she recounts the days of the trek her face lights up explaining how her hike allowed her to truly get a feel for the beauty of Chile’s diverse landscapes. Torres del Paine sits near the border of the Argentina and Chile making it easily accessible from Argentina and  can be complemented by a trip to El Calafate, Argentina.

Staci and friends on a 5-day trek through Torres del Paine

Staci continued on to the magnificent Atacama Desert region, where she spent her time making friends with the locals, something that is hard to do with only a few days in a city. They gave her some great tips about Chile travel, one of which led her to a local hot spot for swimming which was fully equipped with a slide! With some extra time in the itinerary  Staci and her friends rented bikes and rode to the salt lagoons where they enjoyed the entire afternoon floating in the lagoon and taking in the amazing views of the surrounding mountains and desert.

Atacama another beautiful Chile landscape.

Staci loved her time in Chile and wanted to give a couple of tips for exploring Chile, starting with a recommendation to visit the salt lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama and exploring the glaciers and towers in Torres del Paine, as they were the highlights of her trip. Another suggestion from our expert travel advisor is to set aside at least ten days for your Chile travel adventure, especially if you want to see what Staci describes as “the three most important zones of Chile”: Santiago and the surrounding area, the Lake District, and Patagonia.

Take a trip to Chile and explore the streets of Santiago, mingle with the locals, and get lost in the beauty of the country’s diverse landscapes. Start planning your Chile vacation by contacting one of our expert travel advisors today!