Another day, another collaborative wanderlust post for y’all! I haven’t made my way to too many South American destinations, but they’re high on my list. Today I’ll be sharing a few tips for some of the more popular destinations!
When it comes to visiting South America, there are many places to consider. In particular, the countries of Ecuador and Brazil are both popular. Of course, not everyone has the time and money to visit both places when traveling in South America. Something that begs the question, if it came down to it, which should be my next travel destination? Read on to find out!
Ecuador
If you intend to discover the highlights of South America, a place that you must not miss is the vibrant country of Ecuador. In fact, the reasons to prioritize this country above any other are many. The most obvious being that it is one of the most geographically diverse locations on the planet, complete with highlands, rainforests, and even the scientific marvel that is the Galapagos Islands.
A place that is packed with rare and exotic wildlife such as giant tortoises, land and sea iguanas, and even seals and sea lions. Additionally, these beautiful islands are also famed for supporting Charles Darwin’s theory of Evolution, making this location an unmissable stop during your visit.
Of course, that is not the only lure of Ecuador. In fact, if colonial architecture is your thing, why not visit Cuenca? A location where you will find many churches of that era scattered through the hills.
Then there are the hot spring of Banos or the volcanoes of Otavalo. A place that is also famed for its traditional South American textiles and make a great stop to purchase a souvenir to remember your Ecuadorian adventure by.
Brazil
Of course, as you would expect from the largest country in South America, there is much to do and see if you choose to visit Brazil. An excellent location to start is the vibrant capital city of Rio Janeiro. A place where you can find a 38m statue of Christ The Redeemer overlooking the bay. Then there are some of the best beaches in the world. Namely the Copacabana and Ipanema.
Of course, Brazil is a place of vast contracts, and this is evident even within the city of Rio itself. With many residents are living on the outskirts in favelas rather than formal settlements.
Further, into the country, you can find places like Foz do Iguaçu which surrounded by rainforest is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.
Lastly, if you choose Brazil, do make time to visit the wonderfully modern city of Sao Paulo. There you will find some of the best modern architecture along with some cultural treats such as their Museum of Modern art. A place that you can find more about by clicking this link.
Should you choose to visit Ecuador or Brazil? Well, both locations have a mix of urban and rural area to experience. However, if you are looking for a break filled mostly with the natural world, Ecuador is your best bet. While, if you are looking for the hustle and bustle of city life, then Brazil is the destination you should choose for your next trip. The decision is really down to you!
This post was a collaborative effort – please check out my disclosure policy page for more details.