3 Must-See Destinations in South America

Without further delay, here is part 2 of 3 brought to you courtesy of John Gower at Nerdwallet. Enjoy the read:

2. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

As the largest salt flat in the world, Salar de Uyuni is a magnificent location for travelers to see. Not only is Salar de Uyuni of Bolivia a must on every tourist’s itinerary, but it’s also the top spot for photographers as well. Thanks to the incredibly wide and large salt flat, Salar de Uyuni presents a marvelous photographic background that creates optical illusions due to its extremely flat surface. Another beautiful phenomenon is when Salar de Uyuni is covered in water, the largest and perfect mirror is formed, which is also a lovely background for incredible pictures, even for amateur photographers. Even though Salar de Uyuni is known for its salty surface, animals, such as flamingos, inhabit the area, which can give visitors a view of nature during their visit.

Although Salar de Uyuni is a popular tourist location due to its scenery and reputation as the largest salt flat in the world, it also is a valuable resource. Salar de Uyuni not only has salt as a mineral, but other minerals as well are found here, such as lithium, which is crucial to creating batteries. From its scenery to its natural phenomenon, Salar de Uyuni is a top spot for any South American adventure.

3 Must-See Destinations in South America

This week, I am happy to share part one of three articles provided by John Gower. Enjoy the read!

With its exotic culture, priceless historic treasures, and tropical rainforests, South America has captured travelers from all around the world with its wide variety of attractions. Although there is much to see and experience in South America, not many travelers can handle more than a few weeks of South American adventure. By narrowing down the list of places to see, here are the top three must-see destinations in South America:

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

Filled with mystery, adventure, and timeless architecture and history, Machu Picchu is a must-see destination for everyone who visits South America. Known as the Lost City of the Inca Empire, the ruins of Machu Picchu display the highly advanced building technique and breathtaking design of the Inca Empire. Even through earthquakes, Machu Picchu’s ruins stand tall and continue to stand through time with its incredibly precise structure.

Not only did the Inca Empire take refuge from the Spanish invaders in these ruins during their time, but Machu Picchu was also known for its important agricultural and ceremonial functions.

Surrounded by the Amazon Forest, Machu Picchu is hidden behind the evergreen forest and in the mountains. To enter the site, visitors need to go through the Inca Trail, where travelers trek for three days to reach Machu Picchu. However, tourists can also take trains or bus trips to the site for a fee.

Visit the hidden gem known as Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón where you can learn about Machu Picchu’s history in depth. Located at the base of Machu Picchu at the end of a dirt road, which is about 30 minutes away from Aguas Calientes by foot, the museum provides information about why and how Machu Picchu was built along with other valuable facts about the ruins.

John Gower is a writer for NerdWallet, a site that helps you save money by “doing the homework for you.”