South America: 20 Adventurous Reasons to Visit

There is so much more to South America than just Machu Picchu. It is a vast and diverse region full of endless adventure activities, some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world and an enormous variety of food, art, music, language and culture.

After spending five months in South America and travelling slowly through Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru I have chosen 20 adventurous reasons to visit South America beyond Machu Picchu and the Amazon. All of these deserve to be on your bucket list for any grand adventure in Latin America.

1. Hike your heart out in Patagonia, Chile and Argentina

If you are already a reader of my blog, or have spoken to me at all about my time in South America then you know that Patagonia was the absolute jewel of my trip. It truly is such a stunning part of this world that I believe every single person needs to visit at least once during their lifetime. The landscapes were unlike anything I have ever seen. The mountain peaks were jagged and fierce, while the glaciers were a calming and mesmerising blue. The lakes were almost every colour of the rainbow and the physical terrain changed every few hundred metres. You really have to see it to believe it. If you want to delve a little deeper into my Patagonia obsession then check out these posts about some of my favourite hikes in the Patagonian region in Bariloche, Pumalin Park, Cerro Castillo and El Chatlén.

2. Get drenched at the Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil

This is quite a popular destination for people on the usual tourist route, but for good reason. If you thought Niagara Falls was mind-blowing then you really need to see the spectacle that is Iguazu Falls. It is the largest waterfall system in the world, with an insane number of litres pummelling over its many cascades daily. I was lucky enough to see it from the Argentinian side, but missed out on witnessing it in all its’ glory on the Brazilian side. From what I heard from fellow travellers, be sure to check out both if you have the time and the Brazilian visa!

3. White water raft like you never have before on the Futaleufu River, Chile

Even if you have tackled white water rafting before, you haven’t done it in Futaleufu. Ranked as the third best river in the world for white water rafting, it will far exceed your expectations. The sheer rock walls that surround the river are covered in lush greenery and plunge sharply into the ice blue water as it rushes along. If the rafting itself doesn’t win your heart over, then the stark beauty of the area will. This is definitely a must do for any adrenalin junkie on the journey of a lifetime in South America. Read my post here about Futaleufu. It has all the necessary details on how to get there, where to stay and what else to do in the surrounding region.

4. Conquer the sand dunes in a buggy and on a board in Huacacina, Peru

There are endless opportunities for sand boarding in South America. One of the most popular spots is in Huacacina in Peru. The sand dunes that surround the quaint little oasis town are rolling and seemingly endless. The sand boarding itself is not for the faint hearted, or anyone with an extreme fear of heights. The dunes get pretty steep and you have to ride the boards down on your stomach, face first! My favourite part of the boarding was actually the sand buggy trip out and back. It was like four wheel driving, but on a whole other level and with some pretty unreal views along the way.

5. Mountain bike Death Road near La Paz, Bolivia

This well known extreme activity in South America is entirely deserving of the hype that precedes it. If you are an adrenalin junkie and can ride a bicycle confidently then you should definitely consider down hill mountain biking on Death Road. It is a 63km decent, with 32km or unsealed road that starts at 4,300m altitude and ends at 1,100m altitude. This means the you start with gorgeous and chilly high-altitude views and finish in the humid, and aromatic jungle like terrain at the bottom. Be sensible, book with a reputable company and don’t try to show off and I’m sure you will make it down in one piece. Be warned though, this is a pretty extreme activity that can, and has resulted in injury and death.

6. Get lost exploring the street art in Valparaiso, Chile

This sea side town has some seriously captivating and enchanting history. After a short bus ride from the capital of Chile, Santiago, you will reach this very unique South American city. The buildings seem to be endless and sprawling as the city straddles the mountains on the edge of the ocean. The street art is world famous and covers any available wall or surface. With a strong jazz and street performance culture as well, this city has so much character. I really struggled to leave and I think you will too.

7. Be overwhelmed by the sprawling city views of La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz is such an interesting city. It is connected via gondolas and spirals down into a huge valley. If you can handle the high altitude, it is worth getting out and about and checking out some of the many viewpoints scattered around the city. We waited quite a while to get a photo at this spot, but thankfully not because of the crowds. A cute couple were just taking in the views and living the slow paced, South American lifestyle. Maybe they have the right idea?

8. Hitch hike like a pro on the Carretera Austral, in Chile

Hitch hiking was never something I considered doing. In a million years. Ever. Then came along the elusive Carretera Austral and I suddenly found myself hitch hiking, not just once but several times over the span of two weeks. It really is a destination for a true adventure. With breath taking views and the wide-open road, it doesn’t get much better than this stunning remote highway in South America.

It is renowned as one of the best and safest places to dip your toes into the world of hitch-hiking. Most of the cars passing by are either local farmers or other adventure enthusiasts so it is really easy to find friendly and helpful people along the way. Hitch hiking is also the easiest, and sometimes only way of getting around in this area of Chile. It is also used regularly by the locals as a mode of transport. Do your own research, listen to your gut instincts and try to travel in pairs if possible. Always do what feels right for you, but I can honestly say I loved it.

9. Buy too many things at the incredible markets in La Paz, Bolivia and Cusco, Peru

Be careful wandering into any of the markets in La Paz and Cusco. You might find that you won’t be able to close your backpack anymore after all of the little trinkets and gifts that you bought. Luckily, I went crazy on the handmade purses and jewellery which didn’t take up too much room but there really are an endless number of stunning, hand made pieces to choose from. The colours, patterns and intensity of the markets are also very captivating and overwhelming all at once. Make sure the markets are on your list in either country.

10. Lose your breath hiking to Rainbow Mountain, Peru

Both the views and the altitude will take your breath away on this hike up to Rainbow Mountain. While I did find this trail to be extremely overcrowded and very tourist driven, it is still worth seeing. Not to my surprise, I actually fell in love more with the unusual terrain and colours in the surrounding mountains on the route back down. Perhaps it was the large numbers at the viewpoint at the top or just that I was getting more oxygen on the descent but I just couldn’t help but fall in love with the ruggedness of the surrounding mountains.

If I had my time over, I would try and find a group of people to all pitch in and hire transportation so that you visit Rainbow Mountain at a time when the tours are not all there. They all seem to arrive and leave at the same time causing massive congestion on the trail and masses of people at the top. Another alternative would be to spend more time in the mountains trekking independently or as part of a tour. That way you can easily go to the viewpoint when there is no one else there at all. Hindsight is a great thing, and luckily this post gives you the heads up to do it right when you make your way to South America.

11. Sand board on a snow board in Death Valley, Chile

The Death Valley in the Atacama Desert in Chile will give you the complete snow boarding experience, but minus the snow. Replace the cold with the blistering heat of the desert and the very loose and soft sand and you have yourself a new sport. The reward of the views and adrenalin is worth the hard work of walking up the dunes with your snow boarding boots on and board over your shoulder. You may only get a few runs in before you collapse from exhaustion, but it is definitely something that is worth doing. If not just for the bragging rights and the cool photos.

12. Rock climb like a pro in El Chaltén, Argentina

While I am not personally a rock climber, after meeting many travellers in Patagonia who were keen climbers I soon realised how famous El Chaltén was for it’s incredible rock climbing. The hiking options are vast and plentiful in this region, and the rock climbing is endless, challenging and world renowned. The food, wine and artisan ice cream and chocolate is surprisingly good in this quaint little mountain town as well. I highly recommend tacking this destination onto any trip to South America or Patagonia if any of the above appeals to you.

13. Bathe in the sun at Isla del Sol, Bolivia

While Lake Titicaca is pretty well known and the reed islands are usually the main attraction, I feel like Isla del Sol deserves a lot more praise than it gets. Rightly named “The Island of the Sun” everyday on this remote island begins and ends with the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets. While the high altitude and steep steps make the journey of exploring the island heart pumping, the cobblestone paths, roaming livestock, and traditionally dressed Bolivian children all make it worthwhile.

It was an excellent escape from the bustling La Paz life and almost half the price. My friend and I ended up with an entire chalet with our own private balcony and breakfast for the same price of one hostel bed in La Paz.

14. Drink too much wine in Mendoza, Argentina

If wine is your thing, then you need to head to Mendoza in Argentina. With a large number of wineries to choose from and a variety of ways to get to each of them you will be spoilt for choice. There are even cycling tours of the wineries for the brave hearted. Just don’t have too many samples or you won’t be able to cycle home…

15. Party until the sun comes up in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is famous for it’s bustling night life, infectious music and intriguing history. There are endless tourist attractions to visit during the day, but after dark is when the city really comes alive. When they party in Argentina, they really party. There is a huge range of nightclubs and bars, and also a lot of live performances throughout Summer. La Bomba de Tiempo was one of my favourite shows I have ever been to. It was an energetic and lively drum performance that left us pumped up and ready to party on until 7.00am! You can sleep when you’re dead, apparently.

16. Float in the Salt Lagoons in the stunning Atacama Desert, Chile

After several busy days cycling or touring through the endless number of valleys in the Atacama Desert, it is an incredible feeling to reach the salt lagoons and relax. With an extremely high salt density, it is basically impossible to sink. It is such an unusual feeling floating in such a dense body of water, with the beautiful pink hues of the sunset in the background creeping over the volcanoes. The water leaves you caked in a thick layer of crackling salt, which was also a very strange and unearthly feeling. The whole thing was such a unique experience that you really shouldn’t miss.

17. Take a selfie with a flamingo on the salt flats tour to Uyuni in Bolivia

The salt flats tour is a pretty well known tourist spot these days, but it should still be on your list. You can do a day trip from Uyuni in Bolivia to the salt flats themselves, but the real adventure lies in the full three day tour between Chile and Bolivia. It takes you across vast open spaces, to high altitude lakes and geysers, through ancient rock formations and alongside smoking volcanoes. You may even get lucky and snag a selfie with a flamingo, or a llama. Don’t miss the beautiful hot thermal springs either, located near the Chilean side of the border. I am still so surprised by the number of hot thermal springs I encountered during my time in South America.

18. Drink too much beer at the breweries in Bariloche, Argentina

Bariloche is home to an endless number of crystal clear lakes spanning as far as the eye can see. What better way to compliment said lakes than with a large number of breweries. That is exactly what Bariloche is full of. It is famous for it’s beer, chocolate, lakes and never-ending number of hiking trails. The whole town also has such a unique Swiss-inspired feel to it. There is even a Swiss colony in one area. Even if you aren’t heading to the Southern parts of Patagonia, this is definitely one area of South America you shouldn’t miss and can easily be visited while you make your way across to Chile or further up to Mendoza or Buenos Aires.

19. Study Spanish in Sucre, Bolivia

Where better to learn Spanish than in a Spanish speaking country? Sucre is a city full of culture, history and language schools. It is just the place to take a breather from your travels through South America and to fine tune your Spanish skills. There is also plenty of other things to see and do in this gorgeous little city that will make it hard for you to leave. On the odd occasion, crazy protests may make it really hard to leave also; like it did for me. But that’s just expected for certain parts of South America and is all part of the experience.

20. Try a Pisco Sour in Peru, and any of the other countries in South America

Any Peruvian person will tell you that they invented the Pisco Sour and that it is their countries’ drink. If you speak to the Chileans or Argentinians, they may also claim it as their design. I found that each country did the popular cocktail, Pisco Sour a little differently. Peru offered lengthy numbers of variants to the standard cocktail favourite, with the Chilean version having a bit more of a kick to it. My first Pisco Sour was actually while I was in El Chaltén in Argentina. After so many months of two for one happy hours in South America, it is difficult to pin point which one was my favourite. It is probably best if you give them all a try for yourself!

Visit South America Now!

The one thing that these 20 reasons all have in common is variety and adventure. Travelling in South America is nothing short of an absolute rollercoaster and you will find with every new city, town, region and country that the options become more and more vast and plentiful. If you are after a true adventure where anything can happen and where real travel dreams can come true then South America needs to be on the top of your list.

My goal is not only to convince you to travel to South America, but to expand your aspirations beyond visiting just the hot spots. There is so much more to a country, culture and natural environment than it’s ‘most instagrammable’ spots. If you let yourself venture out of your comfort zone a little further then you will find out what it really means to travel. I promise that you won’t regret diving a little deeper into this stunning region of the world. Adventure awaits.

Check out these pages for extra information on the countries I visited during my time in South America:

• Argentina
• Chile
• Bolivia
• Peru

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--Girl Seeking Purpose