Tips for choosing the best tour operator
15/08/2023Where to travel in 2024? The best destinations in South America
Traveling, walking the trails of the world, trying new flavors and living alongside other cultures are, without a doubt, unforgettable memories. South America is home to all these experiences, which is why it is on the bucket list of people who love adventure, history and beauty. Get to know the best travel destinations in South America and plan your trip this 2024.
And although there are places that we have heard about, that our eyes long to see in person due to the number of photos and stories we see on the web, such as: The Sleeping Lion in the Galapagos Islands or Machu Picchu in Peru, I also want to tell you about some destinations in South America, which, being not so well known, provide a totally different travel experience, as it maintains its natural charm intact.
The best secret destinations to travel to Ecuador
Inhabited by enormous biodiversity, Ecuador has great stories to tell and unforgettable experiences to live. From East to West, this country has amazing landscapes to see and photograph, in addition to the exciting experiences that you will live in various places in this country ranked among the best destinations in South America.
1. Espanola Island – Galapagos Islands
Imagine arriving on an uninhabited island, swimming alongside sharks and reef fish, walking on volcanic cones and relaxing on a red sand beach as dusk falls.
One of the still uninhabited paradises that the world preserves is the island of Hispaniola, an island accessible to people only through a cruise, that is why we classify it as one of the best secret destinations to travel and certainly that is the best virtue of the island, because several endemic species that you will only see in this part of the Galapagos Islands live here in total calm.
The seabirds that nest at this point found the perfect place on Española Island to rest after flying for so long in the middle of the sea, such as the Nazca boobies or the Galapagos albatross, a species of albatross that lives on this island and on the small Isla de la Plata very close to mainland Ecuador.
The Galapagos Islands are a wonder to visit and Española Island should definitely be the biggest hotspot for bird photography in the Galapagos.
2. Quilotoa Lagoon – Ecuador
Another of the treasures that Ecuador houses is the Quilotoa Lagoon, this impressive volcanic crater invades you with emotion with each step with which you approach the edge, since several meters below the contour of the lagoon you find an incredible turquoise landscape that It occupies the site of the Quilotoa volcanic crater.
This place located in the Andes mountain range is one of the best secret destinations to travel to, as it is not only a geographical jewel, due to the minerals dissolved in the water, but the lagoon retains a bright turquoise color that contrasts with its rocky edge; In addition, the area is full of culture thanks to several indigenous communities that live in the surroundings and cover the sector with colors, music and life.
Among the nearby communities is Zumbahua. Those who live there are dedicated to creating Naive Art, reflecting the stories of their people, the sacredness of their land and the joy of their customs.
Each community around Quilotoa Lagoon are cultural representations that you can experience through the festivals they organize and the indigenous markets that fuse typical gastronomy and artisanal work.
The best secret destinations to travel in Peru
3. The Stone Forest of the Huayllay National Sanctuary
Continuing with the exploration of the best destinations in South America, we arrive at Peru, specifically the department of Pasco, in this place time has left a great mark on the relief of the Huayllay National Sanctuary, since the volcanic activity and the melting of ice large glaciers formed a huge forest of rocks.
Yes, as you read; Almost 480 rocks of various shapes and sizes are scattered over 6,815 hectares of this sanctuary and create a unique setting, composed of viewpoints, hills and rocks that you will truly qualify as one of the best destinations in South America.
The wildlife in the area consists of grasslands, wild guinea pigs, llamas, alpacas and Andean foxes, which adapt to the conditions of this ecosystem.
Furthermore, this place represents one of the lost places of ancient civilizations; Well, the stone walls are covered with cave paintings throughout the forest. It is without a doubt one of the secret travel destinations that you cannot miss.
4. The ruins of Tambo Colorado
Peru is globally known for having places that tell stories of ancient civilizations. Throughout the country there are remnants of the Inca empire, which remains alive thanks to the conservation and preservation of these magical places.
The ruins of Tambo Colorado are located on the central coast of Peru; It is believed that this place has been there since approximately the year 1450. When you visit it you will find ruined roads and buildings with the same characteristics that the Incas used to offer travelers a safe place to eat and rest.
It was one of the commercial centers of the Inca civilization and is now one of the best preserved archaeological jewels of Peru over time.
The best secret destinations to travel in Colombia
5. Capurganá, Chocó, Colombia
Located in the north of Colombia, there is a Caribbean paradise; Capurganá. This small town merges the tropical jungles of South America and the tropical coast made up of white sand and crystal clear water.
This unmissable place is one of the best destinations in South America, for those who discover it it means a moment of exclusive tranquility, because just as they can lie down on a lounge chair to enjoy the sun and the sound of the waves, they can also enjoy activities in the sea such as snorkeling and diving. Not to mention the rainforest waiting to be explored.
6. Caño Cristales
If you travel to Colombia during the months of July to November you will surely want to go through the Serranía de La Macarena National Park.
Without a doubt this is one of the best destinations in South America to visit; As you explore the area you will reach a small clearing where a rainbow is found under the water of the Caño Cristales River; The colors scattered on the rocks and the depth of the river, which is not very wide or powerful, fill the scene with red, blue, green, black and yellow due to all the waterfalls that the river has.
The person responsible for this rainbow in the water is a fantastic freshwater plant: the Macarenia Clavigera is typical of tropical ecosystems and adheres to the rocks of the river to feed on its minerals, while resisting the flow of water.
It is important to see 2024 as a year to enrich ourselves, think about ourselves and meet the goals we have set for our lives. Planning a trip to one of the best destinations in South America is the first step.
To receive a 10% discount on our tours (*Applies only for tours in Ecuador) or on any of our products, subscribe to our newsletter, you will receive information about discounts, travel plans and more details about our amazing tours.
