50 days in South America Itinerary

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.

One of the smallest countries in South America, tourist-friendly Uruguay is often called the "Switzerland of South America" because of its consistent economic development and progressive society. Open-minded Montevideo serves as the starting point of most Uruguay vacations, offering visitors an eclectic cultural scene and a chance to discover some of South America's major architectural treasures. Away from the cosmopolitan capital city, vacations in Uruguay involve exploring wildlife-rich areas along the Atlantic and touring the rustic interior on horseback, gaucho style. In this sports-loving country, the highlight of your Uruguay trip might just be a soccer match between Penarol and Nacional, the country's two major clubs.

Colonized by many countries during their history, Falkland Islands have been claimed and fought for by Argentina for centuries and remain a subject of controversy. Although they are closer to Argentina, the islands retain their traditional British culture, language, and customs. A trip to Falkland Islands provides an opportunity to discover their staggering wildlife variety, especially birds. The islands, dotted with tiny rural settlements and hamlets, attract five types of penguins, as well whales and seabirds.

Divided in half by its eponymous river, Paraguay is a land of contrasts, especially between its lush eastern region where most of the population lives and the arid west, filled with rustic villages and old Jesuit colonies. Although under Spanish rule for three centuries and with a recent history of dictatorships and wars, Paraguay retained its native Guarani culture, with more than 80 percent of population of indigenous heritage. You'll find plenty of things to do in Paraguay, from touring cosmopolitan cities and quaint Jesuit colonies, to browsing affordable arts and crafts stores and sailing on rivers that crisscross the diverse natural landscape that makes up this landlocked nation.

The only part of South America still governed by an overseas country, the tropical, rainforest-covered French Guiana is the second largest region of France. The department was used by France as a penal colony in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with several islands that you can visit today used as prisons where inmates were forced to catch butterflies. On a trip to French Guiana, you can witness different ecosystems, diverse plant and animal life, as well a mix of cultures influenced by French colonization and a large immigrant population.

A land of thick rainforest, expansive savannas, and lively Caribbean culture, Guyana is becoming more and more notable for its adventure and eco-tourism opportunities. Sightseeing in Guyana ranges from touring the colonial-era architectural gems of the historic capital, to hiking the verdant forest trails. Scenic waterfalls and mountaintops, laidback ranches, an array of tropical wildlife, and delicious Creole fusion cuisine await you on your Guyana holiday.

The smallest country in South America, Suriname features thick jungles, rushing rivers, and lively, culturally diverse places to visit. Independent since 1975, Suriname retained the Dutch language and influences, as well as the Caribbean and the culture of its indigenous tribes. A third of the country's landscape is made up of natural reserves, providing tourists the opportunity to explore lush tropical rainforests, pristine beaches, scenic rivers and waterfalls, as well as a staggering variety of animals and birds. On a trip to Suriname you shouldn't pass up a visit to its capital and only city, World Heritage-listed Paramaribo, noted for its colonial-era architecture.