South America – Two Months of Rhythm, Ruins & Raw Wonder
If South Africa was where our wanderlove took root, South America was where it exploded into color, contrast, and unforgettable intensity. Two months. Multiple borders. Endless bus rides, border crossings, and landscapes that often felt unreal.
This chapter carried us across jungles, salt flats, ancient civilizations, and vibrant cities—each country revealing its own rhythm, energy, and way of life.
Brazil – Beaches, Waterfalls & the Pulse of Rio
South America welcomed us with Brazil’s irresistible energy. Life slowed to an island pace on Ilha Grande, where jungle-fringed beaches and crystal-clear waters shaped barefoot days and glowing sunsets.
Nature soon turned dramatic at Iguaçu Falls. Standing before the thunderous cascades, mist rising and rainbows forming mid-air, we were reminded just how small humans are in the presence of such raw power.
Rio de Janeiro unfolded in layers. Copacabana buzzed with life, Christ the Redeemer watched serenely from above, and Sugarloaf Mountain delivered cinematic views that stayed with us long after we descended. Wandering the colorful steps of Escadaria Selarón added artistic flair, while a guided visit to Favela da Rocinha offered insight into local resilience and community—an experience both humbling and eye-opening.
Argentina – Culture, Color & Café-lined Streets
Crossing into Argentina by road, the atmosphere shifted once again. Puerto Iguazú offered a quieter counterpoint to the falls, while Salta charmed us with its colonial architecture and Andean backdrop.
Buenos Aires pulsed with passion and history. In La Boca, brightly painted houses danced with tango energy. Recoleta Cemetery revealed stories of the past etched in marble and stone, while Plaza de Mayo stood as a powerful reminder of the country’s political and cultural heartbeat. Long walks, late dinners, and countless café stops became our daily rhythm.
Bolivia – Surreal Landscapes & High-Altitude Magic
Bolivia felt otherworldly from the moment we arrived. The vast, blinding white expanse of the Salar de Uyuni salt flats stretched endlessly, erasing any sense of scale. Nearby, the haunting Train Cemetery stood frozen in time—a stark reminder of forgotten ambitions.
In Copacabana, perched beside the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca, life slowed once again. Visiting Isla del Sol blended natural beauty with ancient legend, offering moments of reflection high above sea level.
La Paz challenged everything we expected. From the lunar-like formations of Valle de la Luna to the fascinating chaos of the Witches Market, tradition, spirituality, and daily life intertwined in unforgettable ways.
Peru – Ancient Paths & Amazonian Depths
Peru marked one of the most emotional highlights of our journey. Trekking the Inca Trail was physically demanding and deeply moving—each step tracing the paths of an ancient civilization. Reaching Machu Picchu at sunrise felt surreal, a quiet reward after days of effort and anticipation.
Cusco revealed layers of history at every corner, where Incan stonework met colonial architecture and the past felt vividly alive.
From the mountains, we descended into the Amazon Rainforest via Puerto Maldonado. Staying at Cortes Maltes Lodge, luxury met wilderness. Wildlife sightings, river journeys, and the constant soundtrack of the jungle immersed us completely, reminding us of nature’s boundless complexity.
From Canyons to Chilean Streets
Our journey continued south to Arequipa, where the immense Colca Canyon delivered yet another dramatic shift in landscape. Watching condors soar overhead felt like a perfect symbol of freedom.
We concluded our South American chapter in Santiago, Chile. Views from San Cristobal Hill offered perspective on just how far we had traveled, while evenings in the lively Bellavista neighborhood—filled with art, music, and conversation—felt like a celebration of everything the continent had given us.
South America demanded openness, flexibility, and stamina—but rewarded us with stories that will last a lifetime.
