Travel Articles: South America

Tips for coping with high altitude on your Adventure Life tour.

Traditional Galapagos travel is changing. While taking a cruise is still the most popular way to explore the islands, new tours are offering unique and unusual ways to explore the beauty and the wonder of the Galapagos.

A history of the textiles and Andean weavings that you'll find throughout Latin America, discover what you'll find while traveling thru indigenous markets like Ecuador's Otavalo market and the Pisac market of Peru.

A traveler's description of Andean music, instruments used in Ecuadorian music, and the role that music and dance play in Andean culture.

Visit Peru and Ecuador during independence days, celebrated as Las Fiestas Patrias. Their holidays, both observed near the end of July, commemorate the birthday of military leader Simon Bolivar. A look at the history of Peru and Ecuador's quest for indepe

Packing advice, including a list of recommended essentials for trips to South America. ATM/ Debit card. In every major and most minor cities in South America, I've found ATM machines that accept my debit card. Arrange for a fee waiver before leaving and save receipts in case there are errors. I was double charged or incorrectly charged more than three times totaling a staggering $970. I got it back, but it was a fight. Teva Sandals, durable and comfortable boots, and hiking socks. Hiking boots are versatile enough to wear to a show and tough enough for slogging through mud during an Andean shower. Your feet will thank you for the breather when you wear the sandals.

The Andes Mountain Range includes so much more than an unforgettable trekking circuit. The rural countryside of the Andes and its inhabitant offer travelers true contact with the beauty, culture and mystery of the Andes.

Brazil boasts a diverse landscape as the largest country in South America. Iguassu Falls, the Amazon rainforest, and Lencois Maranhenses National Park are just a few of the amazing places travelers can visit during a trip. The coastline provides relaxing beaches while cities, such as Rio de Janeiro, provide urban escapes. This vast country truly has something for everyone!

Ecuador is an incredibly beautiful country, with nearly every type of dramatic landscape packed into its small area. Andes, cloudforest, Amazon, Galapagos Islands - come discover Ecuador!

Adventure Life travelers, Dave and Val LaHart, share a travel tale about their experiences during our Wildlife Odyssey trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon and Galapagos Islands.

Read an account of how Peru's famous ruins of Machu Picchu were discovered and theories about Inca city's former function. Check out some tips and information on hiking around Machu Picchu.

Get a better idea of the adventure ahead with this day-by-day description of the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. The history, ancient sites, wildlife, and culture experienced along the Inca Trail make it popular among travelers. With so much to see along the way, this active method of exploring Peru provides a travel experience of a lifetime!

Rainforests are precious resources to wildlife inhabitants and our world! There are simple changes we can personally make that could potentially have a big impact, such as reducing paper usage & being mindful of what we eat. Reducing our consumption helps support the rainforests.

The vastness of Patagonia leaves travelers with a variety of possible experiences from which to choose! Take a look at the distinct regions and their highlights before your travels. Learn more about the history, characteristics, attractions, and activities this incredible region of Chile and Argentina has to offer.

Adventure Life Alumni Stephanie and Craig Smith have been busy traveling with us everywhere from Peru to Belize to Guatemala and down to Chile. On their first trip with us in Peru, they offered a group of school kids in the campo a ride home from school.

Colca Canyon, the world's deepest canyon, is home to the Collagua people and is one of the best places to visit to spot the Andean condor.

One traveler describes his adventure to the Amazon and the cloudforest of Ecuador with his son.

Preparing for a trip to the Amazon should include considering how to stay healthy during it. This article gives you some advice for your time in the Amazon, including tips on how to avoid traveler's diarrhea and malaria, as well as recommended vaccinations and boosters.

Betty Ann Morgan takes another trip to San Vincente de Paul Orphanage in Quito, and revisits the people and the places that continue to make such an impact on her life.

The Amazon is definitely a destination you want to be prepared for as best as possible! There are probably things that even well-seasoned travelers would not think to bring along with them. These tips will guide travelers on how to pack for a trip to the Amazon Rainforest. Packing light and packing smart are key!

Travel to the "End of the World" on a trip to Tierra del Fuego, a truly unique place located in Argentina. Home to interesting people groups throughout its history, this destination has been shaped by past influences and events. Experience what Tierra del Fuego has become during your Argentina trip.

El Calafate is located at the base of Calafate Hill on the shore of the Argentinian Lake. Discover the history of settlers and several facts about the area including the geography, climate, winds, and annual rainfall.

Rich with history and culture, Bolivia is a South American destination that is not to be missed! It is a country that is often not on the "bucket list" of the masses, but it is a place that should seriously be considered by any curious traveler. Learn more about the country before planning your travels.

Whether you’re coming from Argentina or Chile, here’s a little direction on what routes we’ll take, and what to expect from your drive to those legendary spines.