South America is home to many hidden gems that are often overlooked by tourists. Here are some of the best hidden or lesser-known places to visit in South America:
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: The world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, is a stunning and otherworldly destination that is often overlooked by tourists. The flat spans over 10,000 square kilometers and is home to unique geological formations, pink flamingos, and even a hotel made entirely of salt.
Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, Argentina: This stunning national park in Argentina is home to some of the world’s most impressive glaciers, including the Perito Moreno Glacier. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.
Canaima National Park, Venezuela: This breathtaking national park is home to the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls. The park also features unique geological formations, including table-top mountains known as tepuis.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile: This national park in Patagonia is a nature lover’s paradise, with stunning mountain ranges, glaciers, and turquoise lakes. The park offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and photography.
Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil: This beautiful national park in Bahia, Brazil, features stunning landscapes, including waterfalls, caves, and canyons. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and swimming in natural pools.
Punta del Este, Uruguay: This charming beach town in Uruguay is often overlooked by tourists in favor of more popular destinations like Rio de Janeiro. Punta del Este offers beautiful beaches, elegant architecture, and delicious cuisine.
The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador: Although the Galapagos Islands are well-known, many visitors don’t realize the full extent of their beauty and biodiversity. The islands are home to unique and endemic wildlife species, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies.
Travel information about Salar de Uyuni
Salar de Uyuni is one of the most incredible natural wonders in the world, located in southwestern Bolivia. It’s the world’s largest salt flat, stretching over 10,000 square kilometers, and is a popular destination for travelers seeking otherworldly landscapes, unique geological formations, and fascinating cultural experiences. Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Salar de Uyuni.
When to Go:
The best time to visit Salar de Uyuni is from May to November when the weather is dry, and the salt flat is at its most spectacular. During this period, the skies are clear, and the sun shines brightly, making it ideal for photography and sightseeing. From December to April, the rainy season brings floods, and access to some parts of the salt flat may be restricted.
Getting There:
The nearest town to Salar de Uyuni is Uyuni, which is accessible by bus or plane from La Paz or Santa Cruz de la Sierra. From Uyuni, you can join a guided tour to explore the salt flats, which usually lasts for three to four days. Alternatively, you can fly to the town of Colchani, located near the salt flat, and arrange a tour from there.
What to Expect:
Salar de Uyuni is a unique destination with otherworldly landscapes that you won’t find anywhere else on earth. The salt flat is an incredible sight to behold, with a seemingly endless expanse of white salt that stretches as far as the eye can see. In the dry season, the salt flat cracks and creates intricate geometric patterns that are perfect for photography.
Aside from the salt flat, there are other fascinating geological formations and natural wonders to see in Salar de Uyuni, such as the Incahuasi Island, which is covered in giant cacti, and the Laguna Colorada, a red-hued lake that’s home to thousands of flamingos. You can also visit local communities, where you’ll get to learn about the traditional lifestyles and cultures of the indigenous people who call the region home.
Tips for Travelers:
Bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop drastically at night, especially during the dry season.
Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the strong sun rays.
Bring enough cash as ATMs and credit card facilities are limited in the area.
Respect the local customs and traditions, and ask for permission before taking photos of people or their homes.
Follow the guidelines of your tour operator and avoid damaging the fragile ecosystem of the salt flat.
In conclusion, Salar de Uyuni is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Bolivia or South America. With its otherworldly landscapes, unique geological formations, and fascinating cultural experiences, it’s a trip you’ll never forget. Just be sure to plan ahead and follow the tips for travelers to ensure a safe and memorable journey.
More information about Bolivia Places to visit, when to go, history, climate and more.
Travel information about Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, Argentina
Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, located in Argentina’s Patagonia region, is a stunning national park that draws visitors from all over the world. The park is home to some of the most impressive glaciers on the planet, including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.
When to Go:
The best time to visit Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is from November to March when the weather is milder and more pleasant. During this time, the glaciers are at their most active, and visitors can witness ice calving and hear the thundering sounds of the glaciers breaking apart. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Getting There:
The town of El Calafate is the gateway to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and is accessible by plane or bus from Buenos Aires or other major cities in Argentina. From El Calafate, you can join a guided tour or rent a car to explore the park.
What to Expect:
Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is a natural wonderland, with awe-inspiring glaciers, majestic mountain ranges, and crystal-clear lakes. The park is home to over 40 glaciers, including the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is one of the park’s most famous attractions. Visitors can take a boat tour or hike on the glacier to get up close and personal with this natural wonder.
Aside from the glaciers, the park also offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing. There are many well-marked trails in the park that cater to different skill levels, from easy walks to challenging treks. You can also visit the nearby town of El Chalten, which is a popular base for outdoor activities such as rock climbing and mountaineering.
Tips for Travelers:
Dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable, and temperatures can drop suddenly.
Wear sturdy shoes for hiking and bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Bring enough cash as ATMs and credit card facilities may be limited in the park.
Follow the guidelines of your tour operator and park rangers to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Respect the fragile ecosystem of the park and avoid littering or disturbing the wildlife.
In conclusion, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its stunning glaciers, majestic mountain ranges, and endless opportunities for adventure, it’s a trip you’ll never forget. Just be sure to plan ahead and follow the tips for travelers to ensure a safe and memorable journey.
Great Tours to Patagonia Argentina with this Travel Agency.
Go to read the Second Part of the article about hidden places to visit in South America.
