South American Adventure Holidays
- South America consists of 15 countries, including Brazil and Peru.south america image by Christopher Meder from Fotolia.com
Sometimes a relaxing and sun-soaked holiday is just not enough and you might consider working your muscles--and your minds--on an adventure holiday. South America is a fantastic place for action and offers a wide array of adventures: for example, trek Inca territory in Peru, white-water raft on the Iguassu Falls or even hop the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. Whatever your preference, there is sure to be a South American holiday for you. - Visit the Incan ruins after an adventurous trek.Ruines inca image by vigorin from Fotolia.com
The Incas were a South American tribe that populated the western coast of the continent from the 1200s. The Incas ooze tradition and culture and have been the subject of much historical study due to their fascinating artwork, architecture and social practice. They are also now the subject of many adventure holidays. This particular adventure trek allows you to do two things at once: explore the natural Peruvian wilderness while still immersing yourself in Incan history and tradition. The trek begins in Cusco and the Sacred Valley to acclimatize walkers to the altitude of the Andes; after that the trekkers are taken up through Peruvian jungles and cloud forests before arriving at the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu. The trek scales tens of thousands of feet and holidaymakers can stop in between hikes to admire the local Spanish taverns, Incan crafts and Peruvian markets. - The Iguassu Falls were discovered by Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca in 1542 and are today one of the most popular natural landmarks in South America. Famous celebrities such as Bill Gates and Bill Clinton have visited the site along with British royals Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana. Interestingly, the Falls have both Argentinean and Brazilian sides and offer the perfect opportunity for holidaymakers to attend speedboat tours, rafting trips and jungle treks or go abseiling, kayaking and sailing. For those who want a more toned-down adventure holiday there is the Macuco Safari, a jeep and foot trail through the natural wilderness of this beautiful location where you are able to see the wild fauna, flora and animals up close. See the Resources section for links to various Iguassu Falls adventure trips.
- The Iguana is one of the Galapagos Islands' local inhabitants.iguana image by Jose Hernaiz from Fotolia.com
A trip offered by Dragoman, this adventure holiday takes you Galapagos Islands hopping off the coast of Ecuador. The trip lasts for eight days and lets you get up close and personal with the local cacti, iguanas, hawks, turtles, flamingos and coral sharks. In terms of adventure, the trip offers several heart-racing activities such as cliff top hikes, reef dives, lava tunnel tours and mountain climbs. In between adventures you are also given the opportunity to relax on the Galapagos beaches and admire the incredible wildlife and bird species that populate the islands. The package is available through Dragoman.
