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A Tale of Five Countries: A Traveler's Guide to South America & the Galapagos Islands

To the rest of the world, the idea of traveling to South America and the Galapagoså may seem tantalizing, but tricky. And it definitely can be difficult choosing a destination from the seeming maze of South America tours out there, but a smart traveler knows the answer is always as close as a good guide.

For aspiring tourists unsure of the differences between the South American countries, and which would be the best tour sight for them, below is a panoramic guide of some of South America's most travel-worthy countries. By taking you on a verbal tour of the politics, personalities, and picturesque locales, you'll already feel like a native by the time you've selected your country of choice.
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Costa Rica

Our first stop is Costa Rica. Unmatched for comely charm and safe travel, Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination for many deserved reasons. Nice people, delicious coffee, a decent conversion rate, to name a few. Throw in this country's stable political landscape, economic well-being, and low history of bloodshed despite a record of civil unrest, and you will see why travelers flock to this pinnacle of peace, harmony and hummingbirds. The best quality about Costa Rica though, is the combined charm of a country that welcomes travelers without becoming a tourist trap. The Costa Ricans welcome tourists, but have not succumbed to the cookie cutter hotels, tacky memorabilia, and crowded beach atmosphere that can make for an unpleasant travel experience. Here, you actually feel like you are getting away, instead of being stuck in the middle of everything.

But that doesn't mean you will be bored. The rich landscape offers hugely diverse touring adventures, from horseback riding, to snorkeling, to sportfishing, to rafting. Visit a butterfly farm, take a monkey tour, or sleep in an authentic no-electricity jungle villa and you will feel like you are really getting your glimpse of an exotic other-world.

Best of all, with 6 percent of the world's species and 9,000 different forms of plant life, it goes without saying that Costa Rica prides itself on a strong attention to ecotourism. Careful travel guidelines and painstaking preservation allow for a more authentic traveling experience, plentiful sightseeing and activities, as well as guilt-free touring. Enjoy the spoils of ecotourism-a virtually virgin landscape- at any of Costa Rica's famous national parks, which account for about twenty seven percent of the landscape.

By the time you leave this gracious country, the locals' infectious motto "Pura Vida", roughly translated "don't worry, be happy" may just rub off on you! And let's not forget its convenience: Costa Rica is only a two and a half hour flight from Miami! Click here for Costa Rica Tours.

Peru

Next stop on our verbal tour is Peru. Peru is a premiere travel destination as well. Slightly smaller than Alaska, this South American vast land has it all: deserts, mountains, and coast. Host of the Andes, Machu Picchu and the Amazon Basin, the third largest country in South America has no shortage of landmarks for one-of-a-kind sightseeing. It's capital Lima, has some of the friendliest people in the world, and the surfing conditions can't be beat. The country has weather for any traveler, from the arid coastal region, to the dry Andes, to the tropical lands on the cusp of Columbia and Brazil. Peru is plentiful in every way, from its rich minerals to its prime fishing. It is a haven of biological diversity, especially in the Amazon Basin, where rare creatures such as the jaguar, Andean Spectacled bear, otter, and tapir reside, not to mention 1,700 species of birds. Peru is an especially good spot for young travelers, as the median age here is about twenty-five!

One area where Peru has other parts of South America beat is its intriguing history. Colonial cities have been preserved since the Spanish conquistadors, and this former Incan capital is still a fiercely powerful place. Visit the Andes, considered by many the most beautiful mountains on the continent, to hear highland Indians speak the authentic ancient tongue of Quechua, while living by the customs of old Peru.

If you are looking for a diverse climate, spectacular scenery, endless activity, and a less commercialized tourist experience, travel to Peru for a pristine view of authentic South American living. For Peru Tours, click here.

Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

When traveling, don't let the larger South American countries cause you to overlook our next tour stop, the littlest country of Ecuador. Ecuador has other countries beat in advanced culture and accessible nature. About the size of Nevada, this petite treasure still boasts various indigenous cultures, maintained colonial architecture, and enticing volcanoes and rainforests. Despite current political unrest, if you avoid certain hotbeds, such as the Amazon Orellana and Sucumbios, you will still be able to have a pleasant trip.

Of course, Ecuador is home to the famous Galapagos Islands, renowned for their incredible wildlife and evolutionary significance, as well as Quito, which is considered by some to be the most pleasant and beautiful South American city, with its spring-like climate and scenic vistas. Check out the cool Ecuadorian culture too, from amazing churches to plentiful museums and cafes. Galapagos Island cruises make a perfect centerpiece to an Ecuador vacation.

For your nature fix, this is the place. Ecuador has the most national parks, the most accessible rainforest route via the Oriente, and the world's second highest active volcano Mount Cotopaxi. Visit the Refugio de Vida Silvestre and Parque Nacional Cotopaxi for flora and fauna abundant enough to content any tourist. Indeed, the little Eden of Ecuador has much to offer, and should not be overlooked by any South American tour. Click here for more information.

Bolivia

Feisty Bolivia too, has its share of South American beauty, with a rich natural heritage and cultural appeal. Visit the city of Cochabamba, a festive drinking city reported to have the world's most perfect climate. The national sport is football, known to Americans as soccer, which is played on every corner. Bolivia is a fun and primarily undiscovered travel sight, so you can enjoy your tour without having to navigate crowds of tourists. Its unique heritage of both Spanish and Incan influence give it a distinct cultural flavor, so you really feel like you are traveling somewhere unique, not westernized for tourist appeal. Bolivia boasts beautiful lagoons, breathtaking sunsets, and charismatic natives. Complete with its share of the Andes and the Amazon, as well as Lake Titicaca, the highest lake in the world, and a whole bunch of flamingos, Bolivia has all the signature charm of a South American country, shot through with some truly original culture and history.

Chile & Patagonia

Last but not least on our South American tour is the lovely Chile, the world's longest country. If this novelty on its own doesn't attract you, its length is only the beginning of its complexities. Chile is a remarkable place where you could conceivably surf the Pacific in the morning and ski down an Andean mountain in the afternoon. Stay to the central valley and the charms of Chile will be sure to envelop you. Farms, vineyards, forests, gorgeous lakes and majestic peaks all abound in this reed-thin region. Travel to Easter Islands, the least traveled inhabited islands in the world, for a unique adventure, or visit the world-famous Torres del Paine to see mountain ranges up to 9,000 feet and waterfalls, rivers, glaciers, and forests.

Further pleasing perplexities include a land that encompasses both Atacama- a dry desert of saltpans, hot water geysers, and rock formations, as well as the Lake District, a lush landscape of hills, forests and lakes. A country seemingly created for paradoxical pleasure, dichotomies continue with the delight of good, cheap wine and the sensual, morbid verse of the famous poet of the region, Pablo Neruda. This paradox is personified by the Patagonia, partially located in Chile, a region known for its diverse and unsurpassed natural beauty, plethora of plants and animals, and proud natives. To see Chile tours, click here.

We hope this verbal tour of South America has helped unlock the mysteries of the continent by giving you a rich look into each country's unique charm and appeal. Now all that's left is to book a tour in the country best suited for you!