60 days in South America & Africa Itinerary

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.

Diverse in terms of landscapes, climates, and cultures, Colombia remains one of South America's least explored tourist destinations, overshadowed by its more popular southern neighbors. Combining the best of what the continent has to offer, a vacation in Colombia allows you to blend outdoor adventures with tours of picture-perfect cobblestoned towns dating back to the colonial era. Tourists on a Colombia holiday can easily hop from sun-kissed coastal spots to the hilly coffee-growing region, where thriving plantations quickly give way to a landscape of snow-covered volcanic peaks and the paramo--alpine ecosystems sheltering some of the rarest plants growing above the continuous forest line.

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.

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.

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.

Home to the highest and lowest points in South America, diverse Argentina enthralls visitors with its contrasting landscapes and rich cultural heritage. A tour of Argentina reveals a sprawling land of fiercely proud and hardworking gauchos, the legendary cowboys of South America's pampas. A vacation in Argentina also leads you to giant urban centers, filled with modern tourist attractions that include fine restaurants, award-winning museums, and renowned public parks, gardens, and zoos. Away from big cities, Argentina sightseeing combines visits to mighty waterfalls situated inside World Heritage-listed national parks in the north of the country, with excursions to icy glaciers in the south.

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.

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.

Madagascar deserves its reputation as a nature lover's paradise--around 5 percent of the world's plant and animal species are endemic to this island. Lemurs and rainforests, karst landscapes and rich red soil steal the headlines and remain among tops reasons to take a trip to Madagascar. The cultural diversity of the population also provides plenty of intrigue and interest, with distinctive ceremonies, unusual sports, and a varied cuisine all highlights of active, enriching Madagascan itineraries.

Luxury to please visitors with deep pockets and scenery to astound the eye and warm the soul--that's Seychelles in a nutshell. The coastal areas boast a number of upscale beach resorts, with the fine sands and bright blue sea drawing visitors from distant corners of the world. The matriarchal culture that predominates in most households around the archipelago represents a fascinating cultural quirk to learn about during holidays in Seychelles, while the tropical rhythms of the local Creole folk music set the pace of everyday life.