Thrilling Adventures In South America

South America is home to the world's highest waterfall, the largest river by volume, the longest mountain range, the driest place on earth, the largest rainforest, the highest capital city, and the highest commercially navigable lake in the world. If this doesn't intrigue the adventurous side of you, few other places will.

The subject of many stunning photographs and some of the best hikes through ever-changing landscapes of steep peaks, the Torres del Paine National Park attracts roughly 150,000 visitors to its remote wilderness each year. It may be a tough trip, but this park offers some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world. Patagonia is also a great destination for standup paddle boarding with its turquoise lakes and rivers.

Nevado Ojos del Salado at 22,615 feet is in the Andes on the Argentina–Chile border. The hike to the top can be strenuous at certain parts, and you may need a rope, but the views will be worth it. You'll see a crater lake that is one of the highest on the planet. Ojos del Salado is still active which makes the hiking experience even more exhilarating, and has fumarolic activity, but there are no confirmed historical eruptions.

Home to one of the largest and most complex ecosystems in the world, the Amazon Rainforest is a marvel that has captivated scientists and travelers for decades. The forest, still full of mystery and stunning scenery is far from easy to navigate. Outfitters offer a variety of trip options, but most tours include hikes, wildlife viewing and camping. Try to catch one of Amazonia's fearsome piranhas, swim on a beach in the rich red/brown waters of the Rio Negro, take jungle walks, explore the river's edge at night with spotlights, visit an indigenous village, and navigate in canoes through Anavilhanas National Park.

Whitewater rafting expeditions down the Mendoza River are every kayaker's dream. For the best Class IV and V rapids in South America, certainly in Argentina, this is where you go. The best time is in the summer when the snow has melted and has filled up the banks. Go in the winter for calmer waters.

This will be one of the craziest adventures in your life. Widely called the most dangerous road in the world, and informally named "El Camino de la Muerte" by locals, Bolivia's North Yungus Road has been attracting fearless mountain bikers for years. The 40-mile stretch descends more than 11,000 feet over unpaved, tight roads, which overlook sheer drops, often without guardrails. The route has taken many lives, if you plan to go, make sure to find a quality outfitter with a solid track record. 

Take a day trip to this giant but mysterious glacier in Argentina. The Perito Moreno is known for its blunt drop and interesting shape and process of fractures. It has a front of 3 miles long and a height of over 200 feet above the level of the water. You can watch the detachment of ice blocks of different sizes from a short distance, hear the roaring they produce, and then watch them turn into wonderful floating icebergs.

Horseback riding through the remote Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a mountain range separated from the Andes chain that runs through Colombia, is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. These mountains are best explored in a cowboy style. See gorgeous beaches in the wilderness, coffee plantations and many exotic birds and animals. Head to the ruins of the Lost City of the Tairona, which was found in the 1970s, even though it dates back to 300AD.   

On the Argentina-Brazil border, you'll find one of the most breathtaking waterfalls . Iguazu Falls, which translates to "big water," is among the widest in the world and the best way to experience the grandeur is up close. Take a boat ride to the base or walk over the many wooden footbridges for magnificent panoramas, and possibly a rainbow. Angel Falls in Venezuela is the highest waterfall on Earth – 3,230 feet. Since it's located in a jungle, it is only accessible by river from June to December, when the river is deep enough for boats. The falls is one of the most insane BASE jumping destinations.

Plaza Sur is among the best snorkeling destinations in the world. South Plaza is one of the smallest yet richest islands in the archipelago, according to Galapagos Travels, known for its rich marine life. The abundant and friendly sea lions – the largest animals on the islands, with adult males weighing up to 550 pounds – is why snorkelers go there. Covering the seabed you'll also find damselfish, triggerfish, hogfish, sea stars and urchins.

Salar de Uyuni is one of the most mysterious places in the world. It was formed as a result of transformations between many prehistoric lakes. Because of the large, flat area and clear skies, it is often used for calibrating altimeters of Earth observation satellites. It also creates a dream-like reflection off of the crust. Stay at Palacio de Sal, a hotel made of ice. Even the furniture in the hotel is made of salt. The rooms look like igloos built with salt blocks.