It’s an old saying that travellers are familiar with: If you want to be seen, go to Europe. But if you want to disappear, go to the Americas. Throughout South America, you’ll find locales that are both rustic and urbane, with sights and sounds to rival the most popular tourist destinations around the world. Find an escape for the summer from our list below, and who knows? You’ll likely return with a place to rave about, that other people weren’t even aware of.
1. Quito, Ecuador
For years, people only came to Ecuador for the turtle-rich Galapagos Islands. But its capital city, Quito, is worth experiencing too. This Bavarian mountain town is perched 9,000 feet high in the dramatic Andean foothills, and although it’s a city of 1.6 million people, it retains a charming, quaint village vibe. Quito is home to one of the best preserved historic districts in South America, and is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Heritage Site.
2. Paraty, Brazil
Between Rio and Sau Paulo is an enchanting bayside town that checks all the boxes for tourists who prefer beach holidays. The Brazilian town features pristine golden beaches, a snorkel-ready sea, sunshine for most of the year, and a cuisine that thrives on its catch of the day. Step away from the beach and you’ll experience a storybook town, with colonial houses that have latticed windows and old, wooden doors, all painted in shades so bright and colourful, you’ll never need an Instagram filter. Go further away from the cobbled streets, where street parades are common, and you can head out on day trips to Mata Atlantica (the Atlantic Rainforest), or the pools of Pedra Branca. There’s no doubt, there’s plenty to do and see!
3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
It’s not been given the moniker of the ‘Paris of South America’ for no reason. This port city has European influences in everything, from its food to its architecture, and it’s buzzing with international diversity so you feel at home no matter where you’re from. The city streets are lined with sidewalk cafes, while the Avenida 9 de Julio, which is the widest avenue in the world, makes you feel you’re among the boulevards of Paris. The city has over a hundred parks and public green spaced, designed by the renowned French-Argentine landscape architect Charles Thays. The Portenos (meaning ‘port people’, a term for the locals) even enjoy afternoon tea, which they call merienda, like the English – replete with small sandwiches and pastries.
Source: gulfnews
