There’s something special about South America.
It speaks mostly Spanish and seems more accessible (if not less overblown) to North Americans than “overseas.” About the same size as North America with a third fewer people, twelve countries hail from the continent. Well-traveled heavyweights include Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru.
But you’re already familiar with those. Before setting foot on the landmass, here are five neighboring states to consider.
Colombia
Once considered the miscreant of the continent for its drug trade, Colombia’s reputation has since skyrocketed. Now one of the safest countries in South America, this tropical and mountainous place is known for its coffee, emeralds, Shakira, lost cities and cocaine. From a sightseeing perspective, you’ll appreciate Bogotá’s old world charm, Santuario de las Lajas’s fairytale looks, and Cartagena’s significance as the first Spanish colony of the New World and viable alternative to Cuba.
Best time to visit: January to March (dry season)
Venezuela
There’s a reason many of you have never visited this country. Its strong-arm dictators and active travel warnings are off-putting to say the least. But “thousands” of Americans safely travel to Venezuela each year, according to the State Department. They do so primarily for the table-top mountains of Gran Sabana, the world’s tallest waterfall (Angel Falls at 3,200 feet) and Venezuela’s overall independence when compared to other countries on the continent (i.e. baseball, not soccer, is the national pastime). What’s more, Venezuela has produced more winning beauty queens than any other nation on earth.
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)
Uruguay
If you appreciate the style and sensibility of southern Brazil and Argentina but prefer fewer crowds and less corruption, feast your eyes on tiny Uruguay. Here you’ll find calming beaches, hefty steaks, cold maté on lazy afternoons and sub-tropical temperatures. Sometimes called the “Switzerland of South America” for its peaceful ways, Uruguay and its inviting capital of Montevideo are totally fine living in the shadows. With vida this buena, who needs la vida loca?
