Tripadvisor Monterey - Backpacking in South America - Four Places You Don't Want to Miss

It's easy to see why adventure seekers enjoy traveling to South America, from steep snow covered mountains to dense tropical rainforests. South America is one of the most highly traveled continents on Earth with its vastly varied terrain and incredible natural wonders.

Below you will find a few of the most popular destinations for backpacking in South America: Deciding where to take your backpacking trip can be a challenge, with so many different regions. And culture of the country, sounds, backpacking in South America is one of the best ways to experience all the sights.

It has been a highly traveled tourist destination ever since. It was largely unknown to the rest of the world until being discovered in 1911. Built around 1450 AD this iconic Incan estate was left abandoned less than 100 years later upon the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors to the region. Machu Picchu is one of the most traveled tourist destinations on Earth, machu Picchu - Peru
Located on a mountainside overlooking the Urubamba Valley of Peru.

Machu Picchu is one place you don't want to miss, no matter which path you plan to take. You may consider following the Lares Trek which doesn't require permits and offers equally impressive sights along the way, however. Because of the sites popularity permits are limited to 500 per day for visits via the Inca trail. Most importantly a permit if you plan to follow the Inca trail, backpacking to Machu Picchu will require a few different things.

Igauzu Falls is found in a perfectly preserved ecosystem protected by both the Argentine and Brazilian governments, considered a wonder of the natural world. Igauzu Falls - Argentina & Brazil
Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil lies one of the most spectacular sights you will ever get the opportunity lay eyes on: IgauzuFalls.

Bring your camera anyway as you'll be sure to capture an array of spectacular photos, although pictures don't do this place justice. It's the perfect place to explore the unique landscape and wildlife of the region, because the area around the falls is protected. Backpacking through the surrounding jungle will allow you to catch many different viewpoints of the falls.

These intimidating granite spires stand out overlooking the region and dominating the landscape of Torres del Paine. One central feature will stand out: the Paine Massif, everywhere you go in the park. And ancient glaciers, bright green forests, beautiful lakes, torres del Paine contains steep mountains, torres Del Paine - Chile
Offering some of the most varied terrain in the world.

This is one of the most popular areas for backpacking in South America and it's easy to see why. Choosing one just comes down to how long you'd like to stay in Torres del Paine. All of these routes will allow you to experience this awe-inspiring Chilean landscape. There are several different traditional routes for trekking and backpacking in the park with over 10 campsites located along the way.

And glaciers the region is very similar to the Torres del Paine, mountains, including forests, with its amazing scenery. And of course backpacking, kayaking, fishing, the park is a paradise for outdoor sports like climbing. Tierra del Fuego National Park is Argentina's only national park on the coast, tierra Del Fuego - Argentina
Located at the southwestern tip of South America.

You definitely don't want to miss this place while backpacking in South America. And a trip into the caves will leave you with a story to tell for years to come, this is no doubt one of the most unique experiences you will ever find. The Ice Caves were carved by water flowing underneath the glacier, a popular destination for people trekking in Argentina. The park is loaded with many unique adventures to choose from including the frightening ice caves of Alvear Glacier.

You'll be left with a lasting memory and a story to tell for years to come, no matter which one you choose, however. It will be hard to see all of these places in just one trip. These are just a few of the exciting places to visit while backpacking in South America.