South America is in the western hemisphere it is bordered by two Oceans, the Atlantic to the north and east and the Pacific to the west, the Caribbean Sea lies to the northwest. The 13 sovereign states that make up South America are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela and French Guiana which is technically part of France. South America is the fourth biggest continent in the world, with an ethnical mix of indigenous, European and African people. Majority of the continent speak Spanish apart from Brazil where they speak Portuguese. The people of South America are also referred to as Latin Americans. My first solo journey began on the continent of South America and was completely accidental. I had originally planned to travel for four months with a close friend to visit family who live in Brazil and then go on to Peru Bolivia and Argentina. However, eight months later I found myself travelling the whole continent of South America by bus completely solo and there began my love affair with solo travel and my great love of South America. This is a continent with spectacular natural wonders, starting with the countless beaches to the Andes mountains the Amazon and the melting glaciers, South America has it all. I hope you find my guide and advise on the countries I have visited helpful, in helping you plan your trip.
My top 10 Highlights of South America
- Easter Island (Chile)
- Machu Picchu (Peru)
- Trekking in Patagonia (Argentina/Chile
- Hiking the Perito Moreno Glacier (Argentina)
- Iguazu Falls (Brazil /Argentina)
- Uyuni Salt Flats (Bolivia)
- San Pedro de Atacama (Chile)
- Rio’s Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)
- El Totumo mud volcano (Colombia)
- The Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
Ruth’s Lonely Planet 