6 Unforgettable Experiences in South America

With the variety of experiences available in Latin America it is sometimes difficult to know just where to start in planning a trip there. Here are six ideas from Into Latin America:


1. Swim With Turtles and Sharks in the Galapagos

Wildlife in the Galapagos is not scared of people, allowing you to get unbelievably close to wild tortoises, birds, iguanas and a whole wealth of wildlife. Fly to the Galapagos from Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador and explore the island on board a small boat cruise, or on day trips from the main islands.


2. Kayak On Lake Titicaca

According to Andean mythology, stunning Lake Titicaca, high in the Andes of Peru is the birthplace of the world. At 3811 m (12500 ft), Titicaca is the highest lake in the world with a regular passenger boat service. On the lake are the fascinating Uros islands made entirely of reeds as well as the staunchly traditional communites of Amantani and Taquile Island. You can visit by fast boat, or slowly paddle to the islands by kayak among snow capped Andes, grazing vicunas and vast open skies.


3. Stand On a Sea of Salt in Bolivia

The Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia are the largest in the world. What was once an inland sea is now a 4, 000 square mile layer of salt. In the rainy season the salt flats are covered in a layer of water making it appear as a huge mirror. In any season this is a bizarre and fascinating landscape surrounded by volcanoes and flamingo filled lagoons. To complete the experience, you can even stay in a hotel made of salt.


4. See the Sun Set Over Machu Picchu

Seeing Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience in anyone's book and the best way to get there without the crowds is on the 5 day Inca Trail trek. Not an alternative, this is the one and only Inca Trail but at a different pace. The trek takes you over high passes, through orchid filled cloud forest and finishes with the breathtaking view from the Sun Gate just as the sun begins its descent over Machu Picchu.


5. Meet Paddington in Peru

Meet the real Paddington, some friendly peccaries and the happiest donkey in Peru at the Chaparri Reserve. Not only is this probably the best chance you can get of meeting the elusive spectacled bear in the wild, it is also a great project rescuing ex-circus bears and preserving the natural habitat of wild bears.


6. Track Jaguars in the Pantanal, Brazil

Forget the Amazon, the best place to spot wildlife is the Brazilian Pantanal. This vast wetlands has the highest concentration of wildlife in the Americas and, unlike the Amazon, it is not hidden by dense forest. The Pantanal is also home to the largest and healthiest jaguar population in the world.