West Coast America tours give you the opportunity to see as much of it as you can. If you are thinking of visiting South America, you may be interested in knowing what some of the most beautiful places are to visit. These places combine amazing natural beauty with wonderful cultural opportunities as well. Here are some of the most beautiful:

Machu Picchu (Peru)

Built in the 15th century, Machu Picchu is an Inca citadel set on the Andes Mountains, and it is famous for its large stone walls and stunning views. Some consider it the greatest archeological wonder in the entire continent even if its use is still unknown today. To get there, you first must fly to Cusco, which is a beautiful place in itself to visit.

Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

Rio, as it is often simply known as, offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is also a city that offers some of the most stunning views in South America. This is especially true of Mount Corcovado, on top of which stands the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, and Sugarloaf Mountain, to which you can take a cable car all the way to the top.

Iguazú Falls (Argentina and Brazil)

You have never really seen waterfalls until you have seen Iguazú Falls. The name means “big water” in the indigenous language and they were not exaggerating. This is the largest waterfall on the entire planet and is considered one of 7 wonders of the world. You can visit it either from Argentina or Brazil, and there are plenty of breathtaking trails to explore as well.

Atacama Desert (Chile)

If you are looking for stunning natural views, then a visit to Atacama Desert is a must. Located in the world’s driest desert, this site offers geysers, water springs, salt flats and volcanoes. It also offers the Hand of the Desert, which is a big giant statue of a hand that protrudes 36 feet into the air, and Piedra del Coyote, which is a canyon precipice from which you can view the desert in all its glory.

Santuario de las Lajas (Colombia)

The Santuario de las Lajas is unlike any church you have ever seen. Built entirely inside a steep canyon on the Guáitara River, the church was constructed over the course of more than 30 years. It rises 330 feet into the air from the bottom of the canyon, and it is connected to the canyon through a 160-foot bridge.

Finally, while you can visit all these places on your own, keep in mind that there are also terrific South America tours, which can take out all the hassle of traveling from one place to another.

Clare Louise