When my family and I decided that our next adventure would be South America we mapped out a plan to visit 4 countries in 14 days. It was a tough decision to figure out which 4 countries we would visit since nobody in my family had been to South America yet. Eventually, we decided to visit Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay.
We decided we would travel to Argentina first and when we got to the airport we had to pay a 160 dollar fee for each person in order to get on the plane rather than paying on the other side. When we arrived it was late afternoon so we decided to go to a restaurant nearby the apartment we had rented in the center of Buenos Aires. The next morning we made our way to the Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Peron, the former first lady of Argentina is buried. The illegitimate granddaughter of Napoleon Bonaparte, Isabel Walewski Coloona, who died at age six, is also buried there. After we went to Recoleta we traveled to El Obelisco, which was built in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Buenos Aires.
The next couple days were jammed pack with sight seeing. We went to see the Caminito, which translates into “little streets” where hundreds of people go to see local artists each day. Along with the Caminito we saw Carlos Thays Botonical Gardens and went to the Plaza de Mayo, which is where many of the city’s major landmarks are located. In the center is the Piramide de Mayo Pyramid, the oldest monument in Buenes Aires. The statue was created by Primera Junta to celebrate the first anniversary of the May Revolution, which resulted in the establishment of the local government. One night during our stay we decided to go to Café Tortoni, which is Argentina’s oldest and most famous café. It is modeled after a Parisian cafe and is a great place to have some coffee and snacks. Also, downstairs there is a stage where you can watch a spectacular tango performance. Seating downstairs is limited so make sure to book your tickets early.
During our visit in Argentina we decided that we would hop on a boat and go to Colonia, Uruguay for the day and unfortunately, Colonia was not my cup of tea. The people were not very friendly and the only place we found where people were actually friendly was in a little café spot off the beaten track. During our visit we went and saw Faro de Colonia del Sacramento, which is a historic lighthouse. We also went and saw Barrio Historico, and La Calle de los Suspiros before we did some local shopping and headed back to Buenes Aires.
The next day we got on a plane and headed for Santiago, Chile. During our plane ride we went over the Andes and got some unbelievable photos of the stunning mountain range. During or visit we stayed at the Las Condes Ritz- Carlton. The first couple of days we decided to stay within the city and focus on Santiago’s attractions before heading off to the countryside. During that time we went and saw the Plaza de Armes, which is the main square of Santiago. Many historical buildings are located here, like the Cathedral of Santiago and Palacio de la Real Audiencia de Santiago, which was served as the home for the royal courts of justice. Along with the Plaza de Armes we bought food and crafts at the Mercado Central, which is the central market that has been open since 1872. An attraction I highly recommend is the Cerro San Cristobal Hill, where you can get a great view of the city. A cable car is provided at the bottom of the hill.
After our couple of days in Santiago we decided to explore the countryside and its many wonderful vineyards. The one I most highly recommend is Vina Casa del Bosque. It’s a couple hours drive from Santiago but is definitely worth it. I recommend you call ahead and make a reservation if you want to eat a meal there. The views from the Casas del Bosque are so unbelievable, my sister and I went exploring for thirty minutes and got some stunning photos. No words can give the beauty justice when you go to that place.
After our stay in Chile we went to Rio de Janeiro and stayed in the Hotel Intercontinental. We arrived in the afternoon and decided to take a bike ride around the Copacabana Beach. The next day we went to Sugar Loaf Mountain. It is named Sugar Loaf because of its resemblance to the traditional refined sugar. During the ride on a cable car the scenery gives some great panoramic views of the city.
After having such a jam packed schedule at the beginning of our trip, we decided to relax on the Copacabana Beach in the mornings and set out to see Rio’s many attractions in the early afternoons. We went and saw places like the Arcos de Lapa, The Gloria Church and of course Rio’s most famous attraction, Christ the Redeemer, which sits on Mount Corcovado. When you get up Mount Corcovado it is a bit tight, so be prepared to be pushed and endure long waits to get your awkwardly angled picture with the statue. There are no words to describe Christ the Redeemer and it’s no wonder that it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
If you do decide to go to South America be prepared for a lot of meat and French fries because they aren’t into their veggies. Also, take care of your belongings in Rio because my family got a couple things stolen during our visit there. Other then that the people were really nice and friendly.
Enjoy!
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