5 Unforgettable Ways to Experience South America

South America is a dream destination for many travelers. A continent diverse and rich with experiences offering an unforgettable combination of natural landscapes, distinctive cultures, and delicious food. While it’ll take a lifetime to appreciate its Incan ruins and unique eco-diversity and wildlife, these curated virtual tours will give you expert insight into this fascinating part of the world that’s become one of the world’s most popular destinations. 
 
Visit the isolated Easter Island
Located 3,700km west of the coast of continental Chile, Easter Island (also known as Rapa Nui) is a destination many may only experience virtually. The mystery surrounding its moai, 13 feet tall volcanic stone-carved monolithic statues built to honor their ancestors, and how they got there, continues to intrigue centuries on. Join journalist and expedition leader Alex Searle on a storytelling lecture as he shares insightful stories and little-known facts (why did their civilization collapse so quickly? Did rats bring about the devastation of Easter Island?) about Rapa Nui, and other areas of the Pacific. Find out more about the tour here.

Gawk at the splendor of Iguazu Falls
Straddling the Brazilian State of Paraná and Province of Misiones in Argentina along the Iguazu River, the majestic Iguazu Falls towering 269 feet high are a sight to behold. Made up of roughly 275 falls in a faint horseshoe shape, our guide will take you on a tour of the largest waterfall system in the world. Follow along as she gets wet on your behalf and shares about the formation and legends that surround this majestic site. And if you’re lucky enough, you may catch a glimpse of great dusky swifts plunging directly into the waterfalls to seek refuge from predators. November to March is the rainy season where the rate of water plunging over the falls can reach 450,000 cubic feet per second, so expect this to be quite the audio and visual experience. Book this tour here. 

Explore Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world
Argentina holds many distinct attractions - the rich culture, its fascinating history, the breathtaking landscape - and amongst them, the town of Ushuaia (pronounced “oo -swy-ah"), the gateway for cruises and tours to Antarctica. Located between the Andes mountain range and in front of the well-known Beagle Channel, its position as a natural crossing between the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean has seen this windswept town used as a base for many natives, missionaries, and explorers. Our local guide will show you around and take you to see spots like the Old Prison, the Malvinas War memorial, and the Old Mission area, all the while taking in the spectacular views Ushuaia is well known for. Book this tour here. 

Trip Out to Moon Valley
Bolivia’s main city La Pez may be known for its vibrant energy but 10 kilometers away lies a whole different world: Moon Valley, or Valle de la Luna. A work of art shaped by Mother Nature, this unusual natural attraction consists of tan-colored pinnacles that rise up from the eroded hillside, shaped and whittled by the weather to form tall, dramatic-looking spires. Our guide will take you on one of the two circular trails, stopping at viewpoints along the way to admire the landscape’s changing palette -- from pink and red, beige and neutral. See if you can spot the El Buen Abuelo (the Nice Grandfather) formation that looks almost like an old man naturally chiseled in the stone. Book this tour here. 
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Travel back in time to MomPox
Declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1995, MomPox is a Colombian town beautifully “stuck” in time, specifically the era of early Spanish colonial rule. Once a bustling hub for merchants transporting goods between the Andes and the Caribbean coast, today, the charming town continues to attract visitors with its unique allure of colorful colonial churches, laidback village atmosphere, and a rich history memorialized by artists and revolutionaries. Set on the arm of the Magdalena River, our guide will stroll through its quaint main streets and show you around the magnificent colonial churches, stopping by local businesses and point out some of the best places to eat and drink at the Plaza Santa Domingo. Find out more about this tour here.