| South America is a continent of extremes, and | | | | When it comes to breaking records, South |
| there is not just one, but thousands of | | | | America is the place to see. The massive |
| reasons to explore the human and natural | | | | north-south continent is spread through |
| wonders of this remarkable landmass. South | | | | nearly every climate zone imaginable, which |
| America's expansive human history is visible | | | | makes for very dynamic travel. The world's |
| through some of the best preserved ruins in | | | | highest water fall, Angels Falls, cascades |
| the world. The fusion of Spanish, Portuguese | | | | over 3,200 feet in Venezuela's Canaima |
| and native cultures is evident in the | | | | National Park. The Amazon River, which winds |
| distinctive art, food and music of the 12 | | | | across the north through Brazil, is the |
| independent countries. | | | | largest river in the world by volume while |
| | | | the Amazon Rainforest is the largest existing |
| Though it was the last continent to be | | | | rainforest. Travel along the Andes, the |
| inhabited, South America has a long and | | | | world's longest mountain range but make sure |
| delicate history of flourishing indigenous | | | | not to lose your way in Chile or you might |
| cultures before European arrival in the 16th | | | | end up in the driest place on earth, the |
| century. Archeological sites in Peru reveal | | | | Atacama Desert. Catch your breath at 3,600 |
| the practice of human sacrifice and other | | | | meters while visiting the highest capital |
| perplexing traditions by the Moche people who | | | | city of La Paz, Bolivia. Then, gather your |
| lived there 2000 years ago. South America's | | | | arctic gear and head south to Ushuaia in |
| most illustrious ancient people, the Inca, | | | | Argentina, which is you guessed it the |
| held their capital in modern day Cusco and | | | | world's southernmost city! Along the way, |
| sprinkled the Andes with remnants of their | | | | stop by the steppes of Patagonia, which |
| terraced farming and architecture. Machu | | | | happens to be the cleanest place on earth |
| Picchu, at 7,710 feet, is the best preserved | | | | aside from Antarctica. South America is also |
| and most breathtaking Inca town, well worth | | | | home to the stunning diversity of Darwin's |
| the 4 day hike along the Inca Trail (the less | | | | Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) and the most |
| eager can opt for the train ride). | | | | remote island on earth, Easter Island (Chile) |
| | | | with its mysterious stone head sculptures and |
| The Sky is the Limit | | | | an inexplicably large population of Pacific |
| | | | Islanders. |