Off the Beaten Path – Experience the Road Less Traveled
While traveling now, in today’s atmosphere of social distancing, visiting places with fewer people is a great way to avoid crossing paths with too many people. Whether you decide to visit new, lesser-known sites, or challenge yourself on a trek that most people won’t undertake, getting off the beaten path is definitely worth the effort.
Off The Beaten Path in South America
From challenging hikes to remote locations, such as Choquequirao in Peru or the Lost City in Colombia, or enjoying a visit to a place that is not as well known, such as wine country in Salta, Argentina, South America is full of these hidden gems, waiting to be explored. Read on for ideas of how you can get off the beaten path!
Peru
- Visit the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain rather than the more well-known Vinicunca
- Take the 5 day hike to Choquequirao, Machu Picchu’s Little Sister
- Explore the Marcahuasi site, just outside of Lima
Ecuador
- Become a chocolate farmer at the Mashpi Chocolate Farm
- Visit and hike in the Cotopaxi Volcano National Park
- Learn about musical instruments in a Ñanda Mañachi workshop
Colombia
- Hike to the remote Lost City
- Explore the vast Tayrona National Park
- Take a walk through nature and history on the Camino Real in Barichara and Guane
Chile
- Visit the Chiloé Archipelago
- Explore the pristine Lauca National Park
- Marvel at the Marble Caves, which are difficult to get to, but worth the effort
Bolivia
- Take a step back to prehistoric times with millions-years-old dinosaur footprints
- Explore the Valle de las Animas, and listen for the wailing spirits there
- Spend a few days in the tropical wetlands of the Rurrenabaque Pampas
Argentina
- Go on a two day bike tour visiting wineries in Salta
- Try a sled dog ride in with a delicious lunch un Ushuaia
- Go penguin watching in Cabo Virgenes