The Three Best Cities
The Best Hot Spots of South America
The greatest cities of South America have one thing in common - they each reflect unique cultural histories and rich traditions. Every city has its own character, with Tango-obsessed Buenos Aires, the vibrant beach culture of Rio and the mysteriously enchanting Inca Empire of Cusco.
Buenos Aires is Argentina's vivacious and seductive capital. It boasts one of the greatest scenes in the world for entertainment and nightlife, with theaters, tango shows, bars and clubs, all brimming with South American panache.
The book readers sitting in the outdoor cafés, the dancers in the smoky tango bars and the passionate citizens discussing politics and soccer on the street-corners all add to the city’s charm. Its European-influenced architecture is reminiscent of Barcelona, Paris and Rome, and Europeans will find familiar wide, tree-lined avenues.
The shopping also compares to any other world-class city but you’re likely to find what you’re looking for at a fraction of the normal cost. It’s helpful to know that leather and antiques are some of the city’s best buys.
Other highlights for the backpacker in Buenos Aires include football matches and Argentine Tango Tours. You can also get a feel for how much diversity there is within this metropolis by taking a walk through the various barrios (neighborhoods).
Buenos Aires is definitely a very pleasant city to visit all year round. Savor the warm temperatures from September to April and enjoy the mild winter months from June to August.
Rio de Janeiro is where sparkling waters, beautiful people, historic neighborhoods and museums come together to the rich sounds of Samba and a thriving nightlife. Combined these give the Rio a reputation as one of the most remarkable cities in the world.
Brazilians are obsessed with beaches, quality restaurants and hotels. Better still you can fly in for the apex of Rio’s party scene, the 4-day carnival which attracts thousands of people each year.
Brazillians affectionately refer to Rio de Janeiro as cidade maravihosa (marvelous city), because it displays such a unique blend of contrasts. It’s a bustling metropolis amidst beautiful mountain ranges, rainforests and wetlands. Its boundaries include tremendous wealth amidst crushing poverty and old traditions are juxtaposed with a consuming desire for modernity.
The thriving life and diversity of Rio de Janeiro are showcased by the outstretched arms of Cristo Redentor, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, overlooking the city from the top of Corcovado Mountain.
Cusco is Peru's most popular city and after spending a few hours in this heart of the Inca Empire, it’s easy to see why. Snow-capped mountains and the towering fortress of the ancient Sacsayhuaman surround this beautiful colonial city. At over 11,000 feet above sea level, Cusco is guaranteed to take your breath away.
Nestled in the Andes this is the continent's oldest continually inhabited city. It’s also a great hub for exploring the magnificent archaeological sites nearby.
Cusco is filled with a diverse range of people and travelers rub shoulders with the progeny of the Incas. Peruvian Spanish is mixed up with the language of tourists and then complemented by the Quechua, spoken by the locals. If you want to try out your language skills take a trip to the stalls lined up along the stepped streets.
Cusco is also the gateway to the greatest and most accessible archaeological discovery on the continent, Machu Picchu. As the former center of Inca life, the Cusco region also has many smaller ruins which offer a glimpse of life during the time of the Inca warriors.
Each of these cities deserves a good chunk of time for exploration. Pace yourself and sample all the local flavours, culture and traditions. Getting a true sense of who really lives here will give you an idea of just how unique these cities really are. In short they are the true gems of South America.
For more information on travel destinations in South America check out www.allaboutsouthamericatravel.com/south-america-highlights-cities.htm
Michael Zurakhinsky
