* S O U T H A M E R I C A *

Breathtakingly beautiful, South America is the planet's 4th largest continent covering almost 12% of the world’s total land mass and has twelve interesting and exotic countries within its borders. Though only the 4th largest continent, South America is no stranger to some of the world’s records: it is home to the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls in Venezuela, the largest river (by volume) the Amazon River, the longest mountain range the toothy-edged Andes, whose highest mountain – in the western hemisphere – is Aconcagua at 6,962m (22,841 ft); then there is the Atacama Desert, the driest place on earth with “out of this world” landscapes; the world’s largest tropical rainforest in the Amazonas – home to some of the most exotic wildlife and plants found anywhere; the highest capital city La Paz in Bolivia; the highest commercially navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca; and, excluding the research stations in Antarctica, the world's southernmost permanently inhabited community, Puerto Toro in Chile. This triangular shaped continent is positioned between the Pacific Ocean on its west and the Atlantic Ocean on its east. On its northern border is the Caribbean Sea and its bottom trails into the chills of the Antarctica. Framed by the ancient Brazilian Highlands in the East and the Andean Mountains in the West, South America's heartland is shared between the Amazon basin and expanses of the pampas.

South America not only offers nature at its best, but it is also an interesting fusion of cultures created by somewhat of a turbulent and uneasy history. The continent is home to a number of many interesting native peoples, most notably the ancient Incas. Beginning in the 1500s, the continent was gradually colonized by Spanish and Portuguese explorers. As a result, today's South American countries offer a fascinating blend of South American and European cultures. Brazil and Argentina, the two largest nations in the continent, occupy a major portion of the continent. The rest of the continent is made up of Colombia, Uruguay, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Chile, Surinam, Paraguay, Bolivia, French Guiana, and Guyana. The prominent islands are the Falklands or the Malvinas Islands (claimed by Britain) and the exotic Galapagos group of islands (part of Ecuador). However, the Caribbean group of islands, (located off the northern coast of South America), is geographically considered as a part of North America. Mention must also be made here of the Easter Islands in the far off Pacific Ocean which is part of Chile. Each and every country on the continent has something unique, exotic and enticing to offer and the continent as a whole offers a plethora of endless choices for any type of traveller and adventure seekers. The possibilities are endless: a cruise up the jungle-lined Amazon River as caimans splash into the water in front of you; the age-old nature show of Patagonia's Peninsula Valdes, teeming with sea lions, elephant seals, whales and penguins by the millions; perhaps a voyage along Magellan's route around the southern tip of the continent for a glimpse of the wilds at the end of the world; or change your tune as you take in the lights, color and the addictive samba beat of Carnival on the beaches in Rio de Janeiro; travel an epic lake and mountain route across the Andes, through spectacular scenes of glaciers, waterfalls and snow-clad peaks where the featured drama is the landscape itself – and all of these aboard a luxurious train !

A travel on the continent offers you an endless choice of so many destinations and so much adventure and so much fun and then some more when you extend your trip all the way to the Antarctica and the South Pole. For the less adventurous go aboard a Nature Cruise around the Galapagos Archipelago to see some of the most wonderful creatures of nature. You will see up-close views of giant tortoises, penguins, sea lions, lizards, and many different species of birds, truly a traveller’s dream travel as you assimilate the scenery and wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin. How about flying into the middle of the Pacific Ocean to view the mysterious giant statues of Easter Islands. Hike the ancient Inca Trail from Cuzco to Machu Picchu (a must on any visit to the continent) or go on a Fjords cruise at the southern ends of Chile near the Antarctic Circle. Travel Interlink arranges very specialized tours for individuals, couples and families throughout the continent. It is very heartening to learn that travel programs into South America have become a trend and popular among our travellers.

In Brazil (a country larger than the continental USA) discover the wildest jungles of the Amazonas to shores sprawled by rocks and beautiful beaches. The country is synonymous with soccer, samba and spectacular sights with friendly people. From cosmopolitan Rio de Janeiro to dynamic Sao Paulo to the romantic Iguazzu Falls or the historic Salvador Bahia, the country offers an unique and exciting experience set in a warm and casual environments with good food, good drink, good music, good dance and good fun ! Cross over into Argentina’s bustling and exciting capital city Buenos Aires... its majestic Andes and its super-scenic Lake District or its fabulous wine centres of Mendoza with its first class boutique hotels. Or explore the Patagonia of Argentina and Chile stretching south to glacier lakes and fjords before meeting Tierra del Fuego – just around where the Pacific Ocean meets the Atlantic. As legend goes, they say that when God created the world, He saved a little piece of every continent to form the beautiful southern country of Chile. Here you can enjoy splendid ski slopes, astound in the mysteries of Easter Island, Patagonia, impressive glaciers, mountains, beaches, rivers, lakes, forest and the world’s most arid desert. Countless natural wonders form this narrow band of country. Then there is Ecuador, one of the most magnificent countries in Latin America with history, culture, archaeological sites, nature, beautiful people and something very unique: The Galapagos Islands. The Sunday market at the town of Otavalo is considered the most colourful on the continent !

Then contemplate Colombia – a nation that contrasts with natural environments of the tropics. From the perennial snows on the peaks of the Andes to the warm beaches of the Caribbean coasts... from the lush rain forests of the Amazon to the dry deserts of la Guajira. While everyone has heard of the brash and audacious leader of Venezuela, it seems that few of heard about the natural wealth and the overwhelming variety of sights and sounds of this country. The country has a staggering selections of sights: from the Andean peaks to the longest stretch of the Caribbean coast... tranquil offshore islands set amidst turquoise waters... wetlands teeming with wildlife... the steamy Amazon and the rolling savanna... flat mountain tops and the world’s highest waterfalls.
Then there are the two best secrets of South America: Paraguay and Uruguay. Paraguay, a landlocked republic on the fringe of the South America’s teeming jungle – a paradise only discovered by a handful. It is the land of the indigenous Guarani Indians. Intriguing and enticing, its unspoiled terrain ranging from Savanna and marshlands to subtropical farms, ranches and rain forests are a paradise for bird-watchers, anglers and nature lovers. Paraguay is rich in local customs, folklore and colonial architecture. Its small towns, which are very close to its capital Asuncion, are a veritable repository of superb arts and crafts. The second country that is still a best kept secret in South America is Uruguay. Long popular among other South American tourists, the country is finally (fortunately slowly) getting recognition in the US and the west. With its pristine beaches, atmospheric cities and beautiful colonial medieval towns, the country is slowly, but surely, gaining popularity among discerning travellers. A small country located just across the Rio Plata from Argentina, Uruguay is famous for its vast cattle ranches, beautiful coastline and a slow lifestyle. Traditional tango and Candombe (a mix of Afro -Uruguayan cultures) are presented in evening folkloric shows in its charming capital town of Montevideo. Whereas the long scenic stretch of the Atlantic coastline harbours the beach resorts of Punta del Este, a special attraction in Uruguay that Travel Interlink has been arranging are with its vast array of estancias. Here you can visit these wonderful ranch homes, each of them offering different activities and touring options from horseback riding to golf or wildlife viewing to bird watching. The country makes for a fabulous extension to any visit to Argentina. If you do not want to meet other tourists, plan a trip with us to Uruguay or Paraguay.

Last and the best of all, the continent is home to Peru: one of the most fascinating countries in the world and home to one of the Seven Wonders of the New World – Machu Picchu. Rich in history, cultural traditions, archaeological sites, the country is blessed with an incredible topography from desert fringed coast dotted with ancient cities (including the mysterious Nazca Lines), to the towering Andes running north to south in the central region, to the Amazon basin's rain forests covering more than half the Peruvian land mass and cruising ground for nature lovers and adventurers. In almost any corner of the country, Peru will offer you wondrous once in a lifetime experiences. This is a country which is a must for any avid traveller.

Whatever your interests are, you will be amazed at the variety, diversity and variance of the continent and Travel Interlink will create just that bit of a difference to make your special sojourn into South America one of a kind and a memorable one. So call us pronto !