By Ayngelina Brogan
South America Travel Expert, about.com
From the high peaks of the Andes to the stunning Caribbean coastline,
South America has some beautiful areas that are a real invite to anyone
who enjoys exploring the great outdoors. Whether you prefer speed and
danger or enjoy the slower and more patient forms of adventure, there
are plenty of options on the continent, and here are 25 adventures that
should really fire your adventurous spirit.
1. Hiking to Colombia's Lost City [post_ads_2]
Often
compared to Machu Picchu, La Ciudad Perdida as it is known is a three
to four day trek through the jungle to reach the site in the Sierra
Nevada mountains. Dating from around six centuries earlier than Machu
Picchu, there are several platforms that have been cleared around the
hilltop, and the final 1,200 stone steps you have to climb to reach the
site are a real challenge.
2. Paragliding in Lima, Peru
The
Miraflores cliffs are a key part of the seafront in Lima, and they
provide a launching spot for tens of paragliders every day.
Taking a tandem flight with one of the local
instructors offers an amazing adrenaline rush, as well as providing an
unforgettable perspective of the largest city in the country.
3. Mountain Biking Down Death Road, Bolivia
A
thirty five mile stretch of road perched on the edge of a cliff with no
fences, this once was the main route between La Paz and Chulumani.
While a new road has been built to take most of the traffic, mountain
biking this stretch is a thrilling adventure that is safer as there is
now much less traffic on the road, and it is definitely an adventure
where you will want to test your brakes before starting.
4. Learn to Dance the Tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina's
capital is one of the hotbeds of Tango dancing, and both in nightclubs
and in public squares you will see people practicing and performing this
passionate dance. Take lessons with an expert, and dare to try out your
steps in a local dancing club.
5. Kitesurfing in San Andres, Colombia[post_ads_2]
This
part of Colombia has some great beaches, and San Andres especially has
some good winds blowing in from the ocean, which has made it a hotbed
for windsurfing and particularly kitesurfing, making this a great chance
to try the thrills of this modern sport.[post_ads_2]
6. Take a Boat Ride into Brazil's Amazon
The
sheer number of animal species, especially those like crocodiles and
piranhas that can be dangerous make this a real adventure, and the
chance to see the spectacular rainforest is one that has to be
experienced.
7. Go Sandboarding in the Atacama Desert, Chile
A
short distance outside the town of San Pedro de Atacama is a large sand
slope where you can try this variant of surfing, and see how you cut
the slopes up with your moves.
8. Sport Fishing In the Rupununi Area of Guyana
This
river that flows out into the ocean is teeming with marine life, and
here you can catch large and small species of fish that can be a real
challenge to pull in, and you can even spot river snakes in some areas
too.
9. See the Torres Del Paine by Hiking the W Trail, Chile
A
remote area of the country, the Torres Del Paine mountains are
spectacular with their steep slopes and jagged peaks, while the W Trail
allows you to spend plenty of time seeing the mountains from many
different angles.
10. Go White Water Rafting In Banos, Ecuador [post_ads_2]
Banos
is one of the adventure sports hubs in South America, and for white
water rafting there are a couple of great rivers where you can
experience class III and IV rapids in some wonderful natural
surroundings.
11. Ride Some Great Waves In Mancora, Peru
This
beautiful coastal town is one of the most popular surfing destinations
in the country, and with great beaches and fantastic waves, you can surf
all day before heading into town to party all night.
12. Sea Kayaking Around The Costa Verde, Brazil
Just
over a 100 miles south of Rio, this lush green coastline reveals some
remote but beautiful beaches, while you can also see some wonderful
wildlife and even enjoy some multi day trips into the Saco do Mamangua,
the only tropical fjord in the country.
13. Go Scuba Diving in Los Roques National Park, Venezuela
The
clear blue waters around this archipelago make it a great place to
enjoy the natural wildlife, with beautiful coral reefs and stunning
marine life, including plenty of sea turtles, to be spotted in the
country.
14. Hike The Inca Trail To Machu Picchu, Peru
This
is probably the most iconic hike in the world, providing an unique
entrance into Machu Picchu that only those walking the Inca Trail get to
enjoy, while the experience of four days on the trail takes you through
some spectacular Andean scenery.
15. Take a Trip into the Atlantic Forest of Alto Parana, Paraguay [post_ads_2]
These
beautiful forests cover the area around the Iguazu Falls, with some
areas in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, and taking a trip through the
forest from Ciudad del Este reveals some amazing canopy walks, and some
fantastic wildlife if your eyes are quick enough.
16. Enjoy a Gaucho Experience in Patagonia, Argentina
The
tradition of ranch work and looking after cattle is strong in
Argentina, and there are many ranches in the Patagonia region where you
can learn the work of the gaucho, along with enjoying meals and
entertainment with these unique characters.
17. Fishing for Piranhas on the Kaw River, French Guiana
The
piranha is famous for the teeth that can shred through flesh as
effectively as any other animal, but on these fishing trips do not try
to take in the scenery while handling the piranha, while there are
plenty of other fish to catch in this lovely place too!
18. Go Canyoning Near Merida, Venezuela
From
abseiling down into the canyon to climbing over rocks and wading
through rushing waterfalls, this thrilling experience is a great
adventure and is a great day out.
19. Rock Climbing in the El Cajas National Park, Ecuador
A
short drive from the city of Cuenca, this area is known for the steep
rugged slopes of its mountains, and here there are some great cliff
faces for rock climbing that have routes for novices and experienced
climbers alike.
20. Go Kayaking Around the Chiloe Archipelago, Chile [post_ads_2]
There
are some beautiful islands in the Chiloe archipelago, and while the
main island has the busiest waters, visit some of the less inhabited
areas and the kayaking is fantastic, revealing scenes that can only be
seen and appreciated from the water.
21. Take a Dog Sled Ride in Moquehue, Argentina
During
the winter in this part of Patagonia, you may be lucky enough to join a
group of dogs running through the snow with great joy and abandon, as
it is in Moquehue where the traditionally Scandinavian activity of dog
sledding is being preserved, and the Samoyed dogs provide a great
experience as you are pulled through the snow.
22. Learn the Lambada During the Rio Carnival, Brazil
The
Rio Carnival is the largest in the world, drawing over two million
people every year, but to get more of a taste for the event, arrive
early and take a few classes so that you can strut your moves with
everyone partying and dancing on the streets.
23. Whale and Dolphin Spotting in Punta Arenas, Chile
In
Southern Chile the water of the Pacific may be cold, but they are also
home to some fantastic wildlife, and a boat trip out into the ocean
around the area will often reveal some of the stunning whales and
dolphins that live around this part of the coast.
24. Go Snowboarding in Bariloche, Argentina
This
city in the winter is almost like a Swiss Christmas card, and you can
enjoy traditionally prepared chocolate, while snowboarding on the slopes
offers a great way to get a real adrenaline rush.
25. Snorkel in the Clear Water of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
This
beautiful archipelago has some lovely beaches, and the clear water is
ideal for snorkeling, and you will often be able to spot all kinds of
natural marine life in the shallow waters around the islands here.
