Vast and diverse, South America offers travelers everything from sandy beaches to snowcapped mountain peaks with jungles, deserts, low plains, high plateaus, tiny villages and bustling cities in between. Three wonderful places to visit in South America are the cities of Santiago, Chile; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Montevideo, Uruguay.Chile occupies a long, narrow ribbon of land between the waves of the Pacific Ocean and the jagged peaks of the Andes. Santiago is nestled between the Andes and Chilean coastal range. The surrounding mountains provide a gorgeous setting for this modern capital city, not only filled with modern skyscrapers but also neoclassical monuments, Moorish mansions and other architectural treasures. There are also beautiful parks, museums and sports venues, as well as ski areas and wineries within an hour’s drive.If you didn’t know better, you might think you were in Europe when in Buenos Aires. This breathtaking port city was built mainly by European colonists, and their influence lingers. The upscale neighborhood of Recoleto was settled in the 1700s by the Franciscan Recoleto friars, and the district retains European style. The San Telmo neighborhood has a Bohemian feel, with antique stores to browse by day and tango halls abuzz with activity at night. The La Boca neighborhood was settled by Italian immigrants, and you can still enjoy authentic Italian fare along Avenida Patricios.The coastal city of Montevideo, Uruguay, has a beautiful waterfront promenade that winds past beaches, restaurants and parks. Don’t miss the old port market, where mouth-watering beef is cooked to perfection over open fires. Try a bottle of medio y medio – champagne mixed with white wine – with lunch. Afterward, stroll through El Prado, an exclusive neighborhood of lavish mansions set amid grand parks. At night, Montevideo’s bars and music clubs come alive – but not until midnight or later, so be ready to enjoy yourself until the sun comes up.To plan your exploration of South America – or just one special corner of it – talk with your travel expert today.
