Machu Picchu is an aerial ruin surrounded by the Andes mountains.
Even in South America, where there are numerous World Heritage Sites, Machu Picchu has a particularly strong presence. Registered as a World Heritage Site in 1983 as the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, this ruin is an aerial city built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century. The ruins built in the Andes mountains continue to fascinate travelers from all over the world with their overwhelming scale and intricate beauty.
The charm of Machu Picchu is undoubtedly its unique environment. The ruins are spread out on the ridgeline at an altitude of about 2,430m that connects Mt. Machu Picchu and Mt. Huayna Picchu. The ruins, which cannot be seen from the foot of the mountain, are full of power worthy of the name "phantom city in the sky". About 200 ruins are scattered within the vast ruins, including the "Intihuatana" sundial carved out of stone, the "Temple of the Sun" that tells of the Inca Empire's sun worship, and the "Andenes (terraced fields)" carved into the mountain slope. The unique landscape woven by the Andes mountains and the stone ruins is so beautiful that it will take your breath away.
The Uyuni Salt Flats is a treasure trove of spectacular views that change with the seasons.
The pure white earth stretches on forever, the water reflecting the blue sky like a mirror, the stars shining in the sky... Even though the world is vast, there are few places as worthy of the name "breathtaking scenery" as the Uyuni Salt Flats. Located in central-western Bolivia, the Uyuni Salt Flats spreads out at an altitude of about 3,700m, and is one of South America's most spectacular spots.
The charm of this salt plain stretching for about 100km from north to south and 250km from east to west is that you can see a variety of spectacular views in each season. For example, during the rainy season from December to March, a unique landscape appears in which the rainwater accumulated on the ground reflects the sky like a mirror. On the other hand, during the dry season from June to October, you can see a pure white plain that spreads on an overwhelming scale. You can also see both of these views if you visit on the border between the rainy and dry seasons.
Furthermore, the unobstructed Uyuni Salt Flats allows you to enjoy the ever-changing scenery as the sun moves. From the morning when the soft light shines on the salt plains, to the daytime when the intense sunlight pours down, to the evening when shadows stretch out endlessly, to the night when thousands of stars sparkle... You will surely be moved by the dramatic and ever-changing scenery.
Iguazu Falls is one of the three largest waterfalls in the world.
Iguazu Falls, which straddles Brazil and Argentina, is one of the three great waterfalls in the world, along with Niagara Falls in North America and Victoria Falls in Africa. This place, registered as a World Heritage Site as Iguazu National Park, is a spectacular spot you should definitely visit if you're traveling in South America.
"Iguazu" means "great water" in the language of the indigenous Guarani people. As the name suggests, the charm of Iguazu Falls is the overwhelming amount of water. The scenery of 200 to 300 waterfalls of various sizes flowing down over a width of about 4 km is truly spectacular. In the vast park, there are thrilling boat tours that take you very close to the pool of the waterfall, and a promenade that leads to the huge waterfall "Devil's Throat" that boasts a drop of over 80 meters, so you can enjoy the huge waterfall from various angles. There is an anecdote that the wife of the US President Roosevelt, who once visited Iguazu Falls, lamented, "Oh, my poor Niagara," so please be sure to see the power of the great waterfall with your own eyes.
Lencois: a spectacular place where sand dunes and water intertwine
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (hereinafter Lençóis), located in northeastern Brazil, is an area of vast sand dunes that is said to be 2.5 times the size of Tokyo's 23 wards. As the name "Lençóis" means "sheets" in Portuguese, the endless landscape of pure white sand is well worth seeing.
However, if you want to truly enjoy the spectacular views of Lençóis, we recommend visiting between June and September. During this time, the rainy season from January to June causes rainwater and groundwater to accumulate in the depressions in the sand, creating over 1,000 beautiful lagoons of all sizes. You can enjoy the fantastic scenery created by the sand dunes and water. Of course, another big attraction of Lençóis is not only the spectacular views, but also the opportunity to swim in the beautiful lagoons. Experience with your whole body the spectacular views created by the giant sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see and the mysterious lagoons.
Patagonia: the windswept wilderness
Patagonia is located at the southernmost tip of the South American continent, south of the Colorado River at approximately 40 degrees south latitude. This vast expanse of land that stretches across both Chile and Argentina is known for its harsh natural environment, including low temperatures and strong winds. This area, which can be called one of the most remote in South America, is home to wilderness and beautiful scenery that remain because of its remote location.
One of these is Los Glaciares National Park, which was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1981. Known as the third largest ice field in the world after Antarctica and Greenland, this national park is dotted with breathtaking views, including the mysterious blue ice of the Perito Moreno Glacier. In Patagonia, we also recommend paying attention to the casual scenery you encounter during your trip. Trees that thrive despite bending in the strong winds, and delicate flowers blooming in the rugged wilderness... Each and every one of these views will give you a sense of the unique travel experience of a "land at the end of the world."
Comment
Places like Machu Picchu and the Uyuni Salt Flats are at high altitudes, so don't forget to take precautions against altitude sickness and cold weather! Also, at Lencois and Iguazu Falls, you'll need to take measures to protect yourself from the intense sunlight. The stunning views scattered across South America each have different natural environments and best viewing times, so we recommend that you plan your visit carefully!
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
