Top Reasons You Need To Explore South America

When it comes to adventurous travel, there's no denying the fact that South America has enough notable spots and hidden gems to last any traveler a lifetime.

In fact, some travelers spend their whole lives exploring the incredible continent and some take the time to learn more about a particular country or region. It's clear that South America is a huge continent, with diverse geography, culture and plenty of adventure—but we'll attempt to name some of the best reasons you need to explore for yourself.[slideshow:65241]

From specific regions and adventures to facts that apply to the majority of the continent, avid travelers and those passionate about South America helped weigh in on the main reasons to visit. Some highlighted the history, geography and the fact that most countries are affordable for travelers, while others suggested seeing the Galapagos Islands, the Atacama Desert and Rio during Carnival.

Of all the amazing reasons to visit and explore the continent of South America, here are 11 of the very best.