Adventure Hot Spots in South America

From dazzling Angel Falls in Venezuela to the tip of legendary Cape Horn, South America has a superb collection of natural wonders, ideal locations for adventure. Add some fun to your South American vacation with these exhilarating options.

• Hang gliding from Corcovado - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  World renowned for its natural beauty, Rio is the perfect place for scenic hang gliding. The Pedra Bonita take off ramp is situated at an altitude of 520 meters in the Tijuca National Park on Corcovado. This mountain is also home to the statue of Christ which overlooks the city. You'll have a briefing before leaping into the blue sky with your pilot. The adventure will be recorded by a wing tip camera so you'll have a great memento of the event. The views of the mountains, city and coastline are breathtaking, as is the landing on Pepino Beach.
• Helicopter flight - Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil
  Get a fabulous view of the top attraction in South America by taking a helicopter flight over the region. You'll be captivated by this amazing natural sight as you hover above the National Park, rainforest, river and falls. Watch for a rainbow as the sun reflects off the tumbling waters.
• Horseback riding - Buenos Aires, Argentina
  Be in touch with nature as your ride through Parque Provincial Pereyra Iraola, just 30 minutes outside of Buenos Aires. Expert riders who know the terrain will guide you through this natural forest and biosphere reserve. No horseback riding experience is necessary.

• Surfing - Brazil and Chile
  The waves are just right for an exciting surfing vacation in South America. Florianopolis, Brazil and Pichilemu, Chile are the leading destinations offering some spectacular, scenic locations for this sport. Serious surfers can learn and improve their skills at surf camps and schools while the rest of us can enjoy a day at the beach to watch the world-class surfing action.
• Trekking the Inca Trail - Machu Picchu, Peru
  Hike the trail the Inca's used to reach Machu Picchu, high in the Peruvian Andes. Now this incredible trail has become so popular, there is a permit process in place to prevent crowding. (The climb is restricted to only 400 people per day.) Organized treks take you on the four-day adventure arranging porters, meals and tented accommodation. Everything runs like clockwork so you are free to thoroughly enjoy the experience. This is the most thrilling way to reach the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu.
• Backpacking - Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile
  This is an epic journey as you backpack through stunning valleys, kayak crystal waters and walk on ice fields while surrounded by inspiring scenery. Torres del Paine is a leading hiking destination at the tip of South America. Remote and untouched, a multi-day trek here is an adventure of a lifetime.
• Mountain biking - Death Road, La Paz, Bolivia
  Ride from the high Andes near La Paz to Coroico on this 61 km road part of which is cut from the side of the mountain. No wonder it has gained a worldwide reputation for its spectacular but dangerous route. Recommended for experienced mountain bikers only and certainly not for the faint of heart.
• River rafting, hiking and more - Ecuador
  There's rafting for all levels in Ecuador where the rivers feature exciting rapids, calm pools, and amazing jungle scenery. Hiking the high Andes is another adventure not to be missed in this remarkable country. Combine these experiences with a Jungle Adventure by travelling on to explore the upper Amazon basin on foot, horseback, raft and motor canoe.
• Diving and snorkeling - the Galapagos Islands
  One of the greatest adventures you can have anywhere is diving and snorkeling in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. This is one of the world's top underwater environments where you'll see penguins, iguanas, four-eyed fish and many other unique sights. The Galapagos Islands are ideal for many other adventure activities, like sailing, birding, kayaking, surfing and hiking.
• Wildlife Viewing - the Amazon, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru
  Whether you stay at a jungle lodge or take river cruise, you're sure to see some amazing animals and marine life in Amazonia. Monkeys, sloths, parrots, river turtles, caiman crocodiles and the unique pink river dolphins are just some of the thousands of exotic species you'll encounter on wildlife viewing excursions.