To kick off the new year we are just as excited as you are with the many prospects of travel, adventure and experiences that lie ahead of us for the rest of this year! Despite uncertainties and restrictions in the world of travel in 2021, many of you still managed to get out there and enjoy some time abroad so we can definitely remain optimistic for the opportunities of travel that will again present themselves in this following year.
In line with the start of the new year, I am also happy to introduce myself as a new Intern that will be working within the Marketing department here at Ravel! During my interview I was asked the challenging question of ‘if you could go anywhere in the world where would you choose?’. As a fellow traveller I am sure you are also debating how to answer this difficult question without listing each and every continent but one answer that did come straight to my mind was Peru. Located in South America, the home to the stunning Machu Picchu, the fascinating Nazca Lines and of course the culturally rich capital Lima have always been at the top of my travel list. Moreover, not only Peru but the whole of South America has so much rich culture, stunning sights and exciting experiences to offer that planning trips to this wonderful continent should be everyone’s priority this year.
Just to recommend a few, this blog compiles 5 different destinations that are a must-see in South America!
Have you ever been curious to know what it feels like to walk on clouds? Well visiting the Salt Flats of Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia will allow you to feel just that! Located in the Andes of Southwestern Bolivia, this wonderful mirage of heaven holds the legacy that a prehistoric lake dried up here. What is left is this ginormous landscape of untouched white salt rock face. Covering almost 12,000 sq km this is actually the largest salt flat in the world and it would equate to covering an area larger than some 150 countries, such as Qatar and the Bahamas!
As it is one of South America’s most remarkable vistas it is even more important to visit at certain times of the year to witness it in its full beauty. For example during the rainier season of December to April it is especially magical since the overflowing waters from lakes nearby leave a very thin layer of water on the surface of this vista creating the unusual mirrored effect which reflects the beautiful blue skies. Plus giving the illusion of a never ending horizon, almost as if you were in heaven…
On the other hand visiting during the drier months is also ideal since due to cooler temperatures the ground hardens, making it easier to drive across to different places that potentially wouldn’t be reachable during the wet season.
Second along the list is the iconic Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Home of the mighty Christ the Redeemer overlooking the whole city from Mount Corcovado or to the famous Copacabana beach, this bustling city should be on every traveler's bucket list. The city is synonymous with various things including a wonderful array of colours, music and samba during carnival season or the passion filled football fans, but most importantly the beautiful scenery that this city holds, which can be considered something very different to other places in the world.
To be able to visit this city, which boasts the biggest carnival in the world, is a dream for many. With the Carnival being held each year before Lent, it attracts two million people per day to the streets of Rio whereby everyone is curious to see the street parades, blocos and bandanas that celebrate through the streets. What is more, the top Samba schools get the honour of performing in front of the crowds creating stunning displays. Make sure to pay close attention to the different costumes and colours used as these are prepared and decided months in advance. Why not bring your own costume or mask and get fully involved with the exciting spirit?
