25 days in South America Itinerary

The largest country in South America and the biggest Portuguese-speaking nation in the world, Brazil remains best known for its soccer tradition and annual Carnaval. Most visitors on holiday in Brazil come for the country's outstanding beaches, music, wildlife, and diverse neighborhoods, each one boasting its own distinct character, atmosphere, and way of life. A tour of Brazil reveals a vast land of great natural and human diversity, from its sprawling rainforest wildernesses, to its busy urban centers. There are plenty of things to do in Brazil, from basking on its coastline to chasing the samba scene or catching a picturesque sunset from one of the country's lush mountaintops.

If you're an adventurous tourist, consider adding a Bolivia vacation to your travel itinerary. A land of rainforests, Andean glaciers, high altitude cities, and rushing rivers, Bolivia remains one of the most remote countries in the Western Hemisphere. With 60 percent of the population made up of indigenous peoples, native cultures permeate thecountry's music, architecture, and arts, as well as local folklore and traditions. Traveling in Bolivia you can experience diverse wildlife and ecosystems, learn about the country's rich history, try out its distinctive cuisine, and practice your Spanish with the locals, known for their clean and easy-to-understand accent.

In a country renowned for its pre-Columbian archeological sites, no Peru vacation would be complete without an adrenaline-inducing hike to Machu Picchu, World Heritage-listed symbol of the once-mighty Incan Empire. Aside from visiting these spectacular ruins set against the backdrop of photogenic mountain peaks, most holidays in Peru also include an exploration of the country's pretty cities, boasting well-preserved colonial architecture and a slew of modern buildings housing fine museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants. Ideal for active vacationers, Peru trips are also tailor-made for gourmands, as the country's eclectic cuisine blends tasty influences from Africa, Asia, and Europe.

With abundant opportunities to discover fascinating World Heritage Sites, a holiday in Ecuador remains among the most culturally enriching travel experiences. Home to the world's highest active volcano, this little country packs a big punch when it comes to tourist activities. Some of the most popular things to do in Ecuador include visits to its astonishingly biodiverse wilderness areas, home to some 1,500 bird species, 840 species of amphibians and reptiles, and nearly 20,000 plant species. Of course, the highlight of many Ecuador vacations is bound to be the Galapagos Islands, made famous by naturalist Charles Darwin. Aside from the stunning nature, Ecuador also boasts many historic cities filled with photogenic colonial-era churches, mansions, and plazas.