You may or may not know that I used to be a competitive swimmer {/I still am, considering I’m getting back into it?}. Anyway, that being said, a few destinations have stumbled onto my bucket list for this very reason. I was thinking to myself how I’ve never been to any country located in South America, and immediately I knew if I have the option to choose, Chile is going to be the first South American country I visit.
Okay, so when I normally think of South America, there are two countries that pop into my head immediately. The first one is Peru. This one is a no-brainer as to why it’s the first country to come to mind. One of the most visited landmarks in South America is Machu Picchu, which is of course located in Peru. Situated in Cuzco, Peru high up in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is a force to be reckoned with, I hear. I know people who have visited this historic site, and they stress this destination is not for the faint of heart, or the physically unfit, in order to achieve the maximum experience of climbing up to the top.
Now, if you’ve read some of my previous posts, you’ll know by now that I am not a hiker. At all. I will hike mountains, trails, or hills if I know I will be rewarded with a view, but it’s not a fun time for me working my way up, or down. From what I’ve heard about this climb, I’m going to need to hit the gym for a few weeks {or months}, run a few miles a day during those months, and prepare myself for something I’ve never experienced before. I’m just not ready to commit to that kind of dedication just yet.
Of course, I’d love to visit Machu Picchu one day, especially since it was voted as one of the Seven Wonders of the world; but, maybe not for my first time in South America.
The next country that comes to mind is Brazil! I think Brazil is at the forefront of my mind because the last Olympics were held in Rio, and who doesn’t love watching the summer Olympics? With all the coverage being shown by the media, it definitely crossed my mind to pay a visit to the the country.
Brazil also houses the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, that overlooks the city. As another one of the Seven Wonders of the world, this statue is also a very popular tourist destination, putting Brazil on the map. Again, I’d love to visit Brazil sometime during my lifetime, but another country has caught my eye.
Chile, located at the western edge of South America, stretches along the Pacific Ocean. This country is known for a plethora of reasons, such as; Easter Island, The Atacama Desert, and large, still active volcanoes. The reason that this country caught my eye though is because it is also home to the world’s largest swimming pool.
As a competitive swimmer, you can see how that would entice me to visit this country. I would love to be able to swim across the pool, and the ocean is literally within sight’s view! This pool is so big that people actually paddleboard, kayak, and use boats in it. The water is also said to be very clear, so people practice their snorkeling techniques and skills here as well!
Have you been to South America before? Which countries have you visited? If you haven’t been, which country would you want to visit first, and why? Let me know in the comments!
I have not been to South America. I think Brazil is probably where I would want to go. I’ve always wanted to see the Christ the Redeemer.
I’d love to see that in person one day as well. The pictures and videos I’ve seen, are truly breathtaking!
I haven’t been to Chile or Peru as much as I’d like to. I was lucky enough to attend the opening ceremony of Rio 2016 and traveled around the country with friends. It was incredible and I am still using the photos in my blog posts xD
I also crossed the border one day for some great steak and wine in a restaurant in Argentina and then headed back to Brazil again. Pretty surreal.
That’s crazy! Being there for the opening ceremony must have been an amazing experience. Man, I wish I could have travelled with you! It sounds like you had an awesome time 🙂
It was! I wish I was back…
I went to Peru a few years ago and it still stands as my all time favorite vacation. Machu Picchu does require some walking but now a days you can take a bus instead of doing the hike – so don’t let that deter you from visiting.
With that said, Chile is also on my list of destinations. That pool does look pretty enticing!
That’s good to know there’s a bus! I think I’d like to see if I’d be able to walk the way up, just to gain the whole experience. If worst comes to worst, I could grab the bus! Thanks for sharing that with me 🙂
I’ve never been to South America but here in the UK I am an alpaca trekker. I take groups of people for walks with alpacas. I love it and would love to visit their home countries!
Enjoy the journey!
Woah, what?! I’ve never heard of alpaca trekking! Maybe one day I’ll pay you a visit!
Oh you definitely want to be in Peru! And if we return there, not just Machu Picchu. Because there are so many places in that country to explore. We love our trip there and it was a pity it was just too short!
That’s good to know! I’ll have to do a lot of research before I go. I’ve only heard great things of Peru, so I know I’ll visit one day!
That shot of the ocean looks absolutely divine! I can understand how you as a swimmer would be drawn to that. Brazil and Peru sound great, too. I also don’t think I could stomach Machu Pichu but I still lust after it. Thanks for sharing! – Jen, thejenproject.com
I just learned that there’s a bus that can take you up Machu Picchu. Just in case you didn’t know {like me}, I’d like to share that knowledge in case that changes your mind 🙂
I’ve been wanting to go to Peru and Brazil! Such beautiful countries and I hope I make it to at least one someday. Beautiful pictures!
Well hopefully one day we’ll both be able to go to both countries!
Those pictures are gorgeous! I haven’t been to South America yet but would love to go 🙂
Beauty & Colour | Vegan Lifestyle Blog
I’m right there with you 🙂 Hopefully we’ll both make it there one day!
The full trek to Machu Picchu takes four days which was too tough for us so we did the two days one which involve trekking for one day only. Not many people do that so we had the guide to ourselves. It’s definitely doable and so rewarding, I don’t think I’ll get that sense of achievement and satisfaction if I took the bus.
Well that’s really good to know! I’m learning so much about Machu Picchu that I didn’t know before. Thanks for sharing your experience! I think I’d want to hike it as well, even though I know it’s going to be hard!
I’ve never been to South America, but I definitely was thinking about Rio during the Summer Olympics like you mentioned. Machu Picchu and Carnival in Brazil would be my top two choices. I never saw Chile as anything more than another nice beach I’d like to visit one day until this post, I never knew Easter Island was there. Thanks for sharing!
I completely forgot about Carnival! I would love to experience that one day. And I actually learned more about Easter Island back around Easter time. It’s so interesting! Thanks for reading 🙂
Both Peru and Brazil are on my list of places to visit! My in-laws all live in Peru, so I’m hoping to make a trip there this year. I will let you know how it goes! =) When are you thinking of heading to South America? The world’s largest swimming pool sounds so interesting!
I hope you’re able to make it to Peru this year as well! That’d be a lot of fun, and reuniting with family is a great time. Unfortunately, I don’t have concrete plans yet, but maybe next year?!
I would love to visit either place! I’ve never been able to travel very far from home, but I would love to!
I hope you’re able to go one day! That would be a lot of fun to experience 🙂