The Best Bits of Latin America
Karen Eeuwens
In recent years, international adventure travel has become increasingly popular among career breakers and ‘gappers’ alike. Whether taking a year out before university, embarking on a career break, or just yearning for a holiday, there are more options available than ever before.
Latin America is one of the most popular destinations for independent travel, due to its vibrant culture, awe-inspiring scenery and low cost of living. For anyone who wants to volunteer abroad, learn a language or try their hand at teaching, Latin America is the perfect starting point, as the continent has so much to offer. These are just some of the must-see sights of Latin America but of course there is much more!
Extraordinary museums…
As well as knowing how to party, Latin America has a fascinating heritage, which is reflected in a number of first-rate museums. Anyone taking a gap year in Colombia should head to the fantastic Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) in Bogotá. This houses the finest collection of pre-Colombian gold on the continent, as well as offering an amazing insight into pre-Columbian cultures through a range of other exhibits. The biggest highlight by far is the magical Salon Dorado. Here you will be awe-struck by a breathtaking display featuring 8,000 pieces of pure shimmering gold!
For those who prefer the great outdoors, it is worth travelling to Buenos Aires to visit the Caminito ‘street museum’. The first open-air museum of its kind, Caminito spans 100 metres in the working class district of La Boca. The street is simply overflowing with sculptures, art, handicrafts and photographs, by a range of nationally and internationally renowned artists. At weekends the museum is brought to life with tango singers, professional dancers and local artists selling their wares. The best time to visit is during the Festival Internacional del Tango (late Feb – early March), when the entertainment is at its peak.
One of the most interesting ways to find out about a foreign culture is through its art. Anyone planning to travel to Peru should make a stop at Lima to visit the Larco Museum (Museo Larco) which houses the world’s largest collection of pre-Columbian art. This museum is located in a unique 18th century mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens, and houses an amazing gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru. The chronological galleries provide an excellent guide to the 3000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. One of the most-visited tourist attractions is the museum’s famous erotic exhibition, dedicated to some of the shockingly explicit ceramic products created by the Moche culture.
Natural wonders…
Latin America is a continent of undisputed natural beauty, with more than its fair share of wondrous sights. Many of these can be visited independently, while alternative travel companies offer a cost-effective way of visiting those hard-to-reach destinations. One sight that should not be missed is the Iguazu Falls, which lie on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Created as a result of an ancient volcanic eruption, these captivating falls are taller than Niagara and twice as wide, with 275 cascades arranged in a horseshoe formation over nearly two miles. Their thunderous roar can be heard from miles around and, for the particularly adventurous traveller, it’s even possible to swim in the spray of the cascades – watch out for rainbows!
Another fantastic must-see destination is the Moreno Glacier, located in the heart of Patagonia, on the border of Argentina and Chile. This majestic wonder is one of the few glaciers in the world that continues to grow at a steady pace, with ice up to 1km thick and 6km wide. While sailing around the glacier it is common to see slabs of ice detach themselves, crashing into the eerily calm waters before your very eyes. Experiencing this unfamiliar landscape at such close quarters is simply breathtaking. Some tour companies even give travellers the opportunity to walk on the glaciers, a truly unforgettable experience.
Heading north to Peru, travellers with an interest in the supernatural will find themselves fascinated by the mysterious Nazca lines. These enigmatic patterns etched in the desert floor are among the most remarkable geoglyphs in the world. Consisting of about 300 figures, geometric shapes and pictures of animals and birds, the patterns can only be seen clearly from the air, as they cover nearly 400 square miles of desert. The lines have inspired no end of fanciful explanations, ranging from the work of ancient gods or extraterrestrial beings to a celestial calendar built by the ancient Nazca civilisation. The truth is nobody knows where they came from or how. They are an intriguing sight to behold.
Of course, it is impossible to visit Peru without heading to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. Those with a thirst for adventure should aim to hike the Inca trail, which spans from the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River to Machu Picchu itself, taking in a number of significant Inca ruins en route. This fascinating insight into an ancient culture is situated alongside some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery imaginable. Machu Picchu can also be reached by train, which is of course a more relaxing alternative. The city itself is swathed in an air of mystery, and can certainly be classed as one of the archaeological wonders of the world.
Anyone interested in eco-tourism will be drawn to the Galapagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador. Home to giant tortoises, prehistoric marine iguanas, miniature penguins and flightless cormorants, this otherworldly destination is simply teeming with unusual wildlife. It was here, amongst the bizarre Galapagos creatures, that Charles Darwin came up with his first theories of evolution. The desolate volcanic islands provide a haven for mysterious creatures great and small and are accessible to tourists via a range of organised excursions. Although trips tend to be expensive, this remarkable sanctuary is well worth the visit.
Another haven for wildlife is the Amazon Rainforest, which still remains the largest tropical rainforest on the planet. One-tenth of all the world’s species are found here and visitors will find themselves surrounded by pleasantly unfamiliar sights and sounds. A range of activities are available to tourists, including nocturnal hikes, bird-watching and canoe explorations. Watch out for eye-catching parrots, evasive caimans and chattering monkeys swinging through the forest canopy. If you’re careful you might even discover a new species of insect!
Must see towns and cities…
Any period of adventure travel, however intrepid, is most satisfying when combined with regular stopovers in towns and cities. These provide a much-needed chance to wash clothes and email home, as well being a valuable cultural experience. One of the best Latin American cities is Buenos Aires, the bustling capital of Argentina. Known as ‘the Paris of the South’, the city has a distinctly European vibe. Among its wide avenues, intimate cafes and stylish restaurants you can wander through tempting markets, while Tango pulsates from the nearby barrios. As if that wasn’t enough, the nightlife in Buenos Aires is second to none – you will find yourself dancing the night away!
For those who want to experience some authentic Latin American culture, it’s essential to travel to Bolivia’s capital, La Paz. Set atop the Bolivian plateau at an altitude of 3,739 metres, this destination will literally take your breath away. La
Paz is often referred to as the ‘Tibet of the Americas’ and, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it is easy to see why. The city is famed for its witches’ markets, where superstitious travellers can purchase good-luck talismans or ingredients for spells – dried llama foetus, anyone? If not, you can just head straight to the salt palace, a spectacular hotel made of…yep, you guessed it – salt! In La Paz, traditional clothing is worn regularly so expect to see women walking the streets in brightly coloured petticoats and bowler hats. Nowhere else in South America is tradition so central to everyday life.
Another alluring city is Puerto Madryn, one of the main gateways to Argentinean Patagonia. Here eco-tourists can get a rare glimpse of the local whale and penguin populations. Alternatively, you might find yourself more intrigued by Gaiman, the Welsh town, which is populated by descendents of the original Welsh settlers. Here the Welsh language and traditions have been fiercely preserved and you can even try out some famous Welsh Tea. Another highlight is the Valdes Peninsula, one of the few places in the world where tour companies offer the chance to go whale watching.
Parties you won’t want to miss…
Everyone knows that Latin America is famous for its parties. Perhaps the most notorious is the Rio Carnival, which is thought to originate from a pagan festival in ancient Rome or Greece. For four days every year the dynamic city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, explodes into a frenzy of street parades, music and outrageous costumes, as samba dancers take to the streets, accompanied by enthusiastic travellers from all over the world.
Fewer people are aware that Carnival is a much-valued tradition, which is celebrated every February, all over Latin America. Anyone who wants to avoid the tourist traps and experience a more authentic version should travel to Bogotá, Colombia for the Barranquilla Carnival. A proclamation is read out before the festivities stating that everyone must have fun, join in the dancing and party wildly. It would be hard not to with the dazzling parades, infectious music and African-influenced dancing, all of which make this one of the most exciting festivals in the world.
Or, for those who want a different experience altogether, why not head to the Day of the Dead festival in the highland village of Todos Santos, Guatemala. The aim of this festival, which takes place in November, is to remember the deceased through traditional music and dancing. The locals dress in traditional Guatemalan costumes and children receive sweets in the shape of coffins and skeletons. But watch out, the spirits are thought to come down and join in with the celebrations! If this all sounds too morbid, worry not. One of the highlights is a drunken horse race in which riders have to down a drink every time they cross the finish line – definitely a festival for the more adventurous traveller!
Stunning beaches…
Perhaps you’re less keen on action and adventure and more interested in lying on the beach? Latin America boasts some of the best beaches in the world! One of the top coastal destinations is Costa Rica, with its stunning array of palm-fringed Caribbean and Pacific beaches. On the Pacific coast try Flamingo Beach – its fine white sands and sparkling turquoise waters have to be seen to be believed. On the Caribbean side, Bonita Beach is fantastic for surfing, while Tortuguero Beach offers the possibility of seeing turtles in the wild. Many coastal areas in Costa Rica remain untouched by mass tourism, making it and ideal choice for the discerning traveller.
Another country that’s famous for its beaches is Mexico. Tulum, on the Caribbean coast is possibly one of the prettiest beaches in the world. This tiny cove is overlooked by a cluster of charming Mayan ruins. The only minus point is that the area can be quite touristy so, for more tranquillity and relaxation, head to the Puerto Angel area. Here, you will find Zipolite Beach, a favourite with alternative travellers and backpackers. The area is renowned for its open and carefree environment and one of its main attractions is the nudist beach, where nature lovers can worship the sun in all their glory.
Finally, no ‘best beaches’ list would be complete without Brazil, arguably the beach capital of the world. Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro is a fantastic destination for the young, fun crowd. The white sands and calm seas are lined with vibrant nightclubs and are also home to Rio’s world-famous New Year celebrations. Anyone who wants to explore further a field should head to the Costa Verde (Green Coast), where golden sands meet lush tropical forests. Angra dos Reis (King’s Cove) is the best beach along this coastline, as well as being one of the most unaffected beauty spots in the country.
Latin America has so much to offer the inquisitive traveller that it is almost criminal not to visit. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a cultural extravaganza, a lazy beach break or a breathtaking ecological adventure; this is definitely the place to be!
