Highlights of Gringo Trail

Below are some of the major travel highlights for Gringo Trail. For more in-depth attractions of each country on this route, click on the country names below or select a route to see the highlights on this section of the journey. Click on the icons below to focus on specific types of features (click again to return to all).

In-depth highlights: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru


Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Adrenaline activities of Quito - Rio (southern route)

San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama The oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama is a base for exploring the dramatic natural features of the Atacama Desert in the north of Chile. San Pedro itself is a charming little town of white-washed buildings, dusty streets, some great restaurants and bars and countless travel companies offering tours of the surrounding region. The Valley of the Moon is a bizarre, lunar-like landscape with strange rock formations. Even amongst the crowds, watching the sunset here is a magical experience. Elsewhere the Salar de Atacama is the world's largest salt lake, its rich mineral deposits attracting many flamingos and other birds. The Geysers of El Tatio, located at 4,500 metres and surrounded by volcanoes, are best visited in the morning to see the water and steam hurling up from the geysers, thermal wells and fumaroles, with the morning light producing a magical effect. Other options in the area include scaling up and sand boarding down the sand dunes of Death Valley, visiting the Puritama hot springs and hiking some of the nearby volcanoes.

San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama

The oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama is a base for exploring the dramatic natural features of the Atacama Desert in the north of Chile. San Pedro itself is a charming little town of white-washed buildings, dusty streets, some great restaurants and bars and countless travel companies offering tours of the surrounding region. The Valley of the Moon is a bizarre, lunar-like landscape with strange rock formations. Even amongst the crowds, watching the sunset here is a magical experience. Elsewhere the Salar de Atacama is the world's largest salt lake, its rich mineral deposits attracting many flamingos and other birds. The Geysers of El Tatio, located at 4,500 metres and surrounded by volcanoes, are best visited in the morning to see the water and steam hurling up from the geysers, thermal wells and fumaroles, with the morning light producing a magical effect. Other options in the area include scaling up and sand boarding down the sand dunes of Death Valley, visiting the Puritama hot springs and hiking some of the nearby volcanoes.

Salta
Salta Salta is Argentina's colonial gem, a 16th century city with some magnificent historical buildings and set in a beautiful region that offers the chance to indulge in many activities. Salta's highlights include the 18th century Cabildo Historico (old town hall) and the 19th century cathedral, both on the main plaza, as well as the 16th century San Bernardo Convent and the gaudy facade of the Iglesia San Francisco with its huge spire. The cable car up to San Bernardo Hill affords superb views over the city and its surrounds. Salta also has a vibrant restaurant and bar scene, particularly in the Balcarce quarter. From Salta, many activities can be arranged in the surrounding area, including white-water rafting, abseiling, bungee jumping, paragliding and horse riding.

Salta

Salta

Salta is Argentina's colonial gem, a 16th century city with some magnificent historical buildings and set in a beautiful region that offers the chance to indulge in many activities. Salta's highlights include the 18th century Cabildo Historico (old town hall) and the 19th century cathedral, both on the main plaza, as well as the 16th century San Bernardo Convent and the gaudy facade of the Iglesia San Francisco with its huge spire. The cable car up to San Bernardo Hill affords superb views over the city and its surrounds. Salta also has a vibrant restaurant and bar scene, particularly in the Balcarce quarter. From Salta, many activities can be arranged in the surrounding area, including white-water rafting, abseiling, bungee jumping, paragliding and horse riding.