South America on your mind?

Published in the Sunday Navbharat Times on 7 July, 2024

The lungs of the world! Yes, this is an apt description for the Amazon! I was discussing South America with Neil for our weekly podcast, "Travel, Explore, Celebrate Life." This topic was in high demand from our listeners, and we didn’t want to disappoint. We had both done our research and faced a difficult decision: What should we include, and what should we exclude? The continent is massive, with so many beautiful countries worthy of mention. When it comes to South America, I always face this challenge. Even when the Veena World product team was crafting an itinerary for this magnificent continent, we encountered the same dilemma. Add to that the tour managers and all of us in the team who had visited South America—we all wanted our favorite places included in the itineraries.
A visit to South America must be meticulously planned. It takes over 24 hours to reach there, so it can’t be a short tour. But not everyone has all the time in the world! And then there are so many other places to visit in the world. So, how do you plan the perfect trip? That’s when Veena World’s product team decided to create tours for different mindsets. We put together a beautiful tour covering most of the sights in South America for a good 22 days. After flying halfway around the world and with the exact opposite time zone, you want to do justice to the wonderful sites of South America. If someone doesn’t have the time or wants to take their time visiting fewer countries on one trip, that option is available too. Visiting South America is an invitation to explore a continent rich in natural beauty, cultural depth, and endless adventure. Whether you are drawn by the allure of ancient ruins, the call of the wild, or the vibrant cities, South America promises an unforgettable journey that will leave you yearning for more.In cities like Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, you'll find a vibrant blend of cultures. Tango in Argentina, samba in Brazil, and the rich culinary traditions across the continent highlight the unique cultural mosaic that defines South America. Festivals like Carnival in Brazil showcase the continent's love for music, dance, and celebration.
When I had a chance to visit this continent many moons back, I found a lot of similarity between Latin people and Indians. We are all warm and welcoming, hospitable people with a strong emphasis on our culture and family values. But lets talk of what to see in South America. And what better place to start than Iguazú Falls? Located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, this stunning waterfall system consists of 275 individual falls and is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on the continent. Iguazú Falls is situated on the Iguazú River, which runs along the border of Argentina’s Misiones Province and Brazil’s Paraná State. The falls divide the river into the upper and lower Iguazú and stretch for about 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles). The falls were formed as a result of a volcanic eruption that left a large crack in the earth. One of the most famous features of Iguazú Falls is the Garganta del Diablo, or the “Devil’s Throat.” This U-shaped chasm is the most powerful and dramatic section of the falls, with water plunging 80 meters (262 feet) into a frothy, thunderous abyss. Since the Devil’s Throat and Iguazú Falls themselves are best viewed from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides, each offering unique perspectives and stunning views, we decided to include both sides in our South America tours.
Brazil, a land of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and diverse ecosystems, offers an unforgettable holiday experience. Among its many attractions, Rio de Janeiro and the Amazon Forest stand out as must-see destinations. Here’s a glimpse into what makes these two places so special.Rio de Janeiro, often referred to as "Cidade Maravilhosa" (Marvelous City), is a dazzling blend of natural beauty, lively culture, and iconic landmarks. One of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, Christ the Redeemer, stands atop Mount Corcovado, arms outstretched in a welcoming embrace. A visit to this towering statue offers not only a close-up view of this marvel but also panoramic vistas of the city below.
Another place that offers you amazing views is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sugarloaf Mountain. A cable car ride to the summit offers breathtaking views of Rio’s coastline, the Atlantic Ocean, and the bustling cityscape.
One of my favorite memories in Brazil is walking on Rio’s famous beaches. No trip to Rio is complete without soaking up the sun on its famous beaches. Copacabana and Ipanema are world-renowned for their golden sands, clear waters, and vibrant beach culture. Whether you're sunbathing, playing beach volleyball, or sipping a caipirinha at a beachfront kiosk, these beaches embody the spirit of Rio. I was walking along the beach early one morning and realized that along with the beachfront kiosks that sold coconut water, they also offered caipirinha, a cocktail made from cachaça, which is made from fermented sugarcane juice. I saw fitness enthusiasts performing yoga, some others jogging, and others playing volleyball. And then there were the party revelers who were still sipping on the caipirinha. This, for me, was the image of Brazil that I will always carry with me.
Venturing into the Amazon Forest offers a stark contrast to the urban vibrancy of Rio, immersing you in one of the planet’s most biodiverse and awe-inspiring environments. We start our visit to Amazon with Manaus, the gateway to the Amazon. One of the best ways to experience the Amazon is by taking a river cruise.where you can spot exotic wildlife like jaguars, pink river dolphins, and countless bird species. A remarkable natural phenomenon here is the dark waters of the Rio Negro and the sandy-colored waters of the Rio Solimões flowing side by side without mixing for several kilometers. Staying in a jungle lodge provides a deeper immersion and interaction with indigenous communities. The resorts in the Amazon are eco-friendly and often lack modern amenities but are rich in nature and satisfy our quest for the purest air and the beautiful flora and fauna. After all, there’s nothing quite like the pure, invigorating air of the world’s lungs to rejuvenate the spirit!
Just like our podcast, this article only scratches the surface of South America's treasures. I’ve barely touched on Brazil! But don’t worry—you’ll get to uncover the glaciers of El Calafate, the Atacama Desert, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu on our tours. Até breve (See you soon) Brazil awaits your return with open arms and endless adventures!