Let's face it, the continent of South America boasts so many amazing places for tourists and travellers to visit and has so many breathtaking man-made wonders that it is hard to pick just 5. But we've had a go at a guide to the top 5 man-made wonders in South America - if you don't agree why not submit your own review.
Ancient ruins, perched dramatically on top a mountain side above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, still convey the majesty and grace of this once powerful city. Mach Picchu was built around 1450 but abandoned around 1550 and forgotten about until 1911 when it was rediscovered and instantly became an important heritage site and major tourist attraction. Machu Picchu’s main buildings of interest include the Temple of the Sun, the Room of the Three Windows and the Intihuatana. There are two main choices to reach the ancient ruins – travel via train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes or the world famous 20 mile Inca trail to the Sun Gate; more demanding but much more satisfying. The trek itself is also quite an attraction – with views of snow-capped mountain peaks, cloud forests filled with delicate orchids and local, rural hamlets populated with ethnic minority tribes.
Tips:
Easter Island’s mysterious and insightful monumental statues, called moai were created by the Rapanui people, Pacific Islanders who somehow lived on this remote Chilean Island. How they got there is still a mystery. It is thought a tribe of Polynesian origin settled there in 300AD and established an original tradition of monumental sculpture and architecture, with no external influence. As well as trying to figure out the reasons behind the enigmatic stone heads, the Island itself is beautiful – volcanic craters and remote stark landscapes to trek around.
Tip: Try the Mount Terevaka circuit walk. Start from Anakena beach and trek around the base of Mount Terevaka. It takes about 5-6 hours but takes in many ahus and moai. It’s not a popular or well known route so you may have the experience all to yourself.
Arequipa lies in the Andes Mountains. Other than the draw of the mountains, the colonial-era Spanish buildings draw in the crowds. The buildings are made of sillar, a pearly white volcanic rock – hence the name ‘The White City.’ Arequipa is now a World Heritage City because of its architectural significance.
Avoid travelling in the favelas (shanty towns of Brazil) without a reputable guide.
Learn some basic phrases – you’ll be surprised how far you can get with them.
Always check the political security of an area before you plan to visit.
Time is often not watched as much as it is in the UK. When someone says 6pm, things may not often happen till later on!
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