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I’m fascinated by South America. What are the Best sights to see and countries to visit?

Question by Jay C: I’m fascinated by South America. What are the Best sights to see and countries to visit?
I’ve only ever made it as far as Mexico and I’m very keen to check out South America, I’m just not sure where to go to see the best of it. Brazil has always seemed the place to go, but Machu Picchu in Peru seems amazing, Argentina beautiful and far further South of the equator than I’ve made it before, the list goes on… I can’t decide where to choose, and doubt I can cram more than one or two countries into a holiday. They all look so fascinating. –Some details: I love travelling, don’t mind roughing it a bit, don’t fancy somewhere with a lot of trouble, like Colombia, I’m from England, I love wildlife and nature but I’m arachnaphobic! Thanks, in advance
Some great answers so far, guys, and I fully appreciate that it is an amazing continent throughout. I’d really like to hear about people’s specific great sights and places, though. Here’s some more info to help with your suggestions:

- I’ve already visited Mexico, which many count as Latin America, so a variation from that might be good.

- I travel scruffy so as not to draw interest, though I am 6’2″ and of a large build.

- I would LOVE to see dolphins, crocs, snakes, monkies, parrots, etc. Would love to see the jungle, but CANNOT do spiders at all. Are all South American countries particularly spidery? I’ve visited Kenya and India with few problems.

- I also get vertigo, but push through it to experience amazing sights, though sheer drops may be impossible.

- I’m very into Mayan/Aztec et al. stuff, so ruins and scenery are big plusses for me.

- What is unmissable, quintessential South America for the first time visitor?

Thanks again!
Thanks again for all feedback so far: You’ve all opened my eyes about Colombia and I’m putting it back on my list… But there is no need to be rude as one person has: I meant no offence by my comment, it just has a reputation and a friend of mine witnessed some problems there. Hey, a lot of places have problems, I just meant, “give me a heads up to any places I should avoid.”

Thanks

Best answer:

Answer by Alejandro M
Ok Jay, I am half Colombian half English so you are going to get the best answer I think from me. I grew up for the first 19 years of my life in London. Now I live in Colombia. I moved out here with my gf who is Colombian at 19 not knowing the language, as we only spoke English at home.

Anyway about traveling in South America. You sound like you want to see a lot, the place where you can see the most is Colombia. As we have Caribbean sea and the pacific ocean, we have the amazon rain forest.

Colombia being dangerous is now a myth. Granted we had a big problem here during the 80′s and with the drugs, but now the country really is beautiful again.

What you need to understand is that going to South America (incl. Colombia) is not like going to europe. Here if you do go to the wrong places you will pay the prices for your ignorance. It is the same throughout. It is like you going to Peckham or Brixton wearing expensive jewelry do not expect to leave still wearing it.

My recommendation is choose your country wisely. In terms of trouble they are all equal. In terms of what they have to offer they are all unique. Personally I love my country and I would recommend anyone to come and visit, but if you want to go somewhere else, Argentina is really cool.

Add your own answer in the comments!