South America is the ultimate place for nature lovers, with its
countless breathtaking mountains, canyons, waterfalls, forests, and
exotic wildlife, but there is something to be said for its cities too.
City enthusiasts will find on this continent some of the most dynamic
urban centers available in the world, often places where colonial
history and modern, contemporary style mix harmoniously to the delight
of emerging generations. And often, these exciting cities are the
capitals of their countries. Let’s explore three of South America’s top
western capital cities.
Quito, Ecuador – The modest-sized country is known for its sunny
Pacific beaches, but the capital of Quito deserves accolades as well.
The northern districts are where most visitors will find the most
interesting with the most tourism resources, and the Plaza Grande is a
most elegant city center to enjoy both in the daytime and nighttime. The
plaza is also offset by views of the Andes in the background, which
makes it a great place for enjoying a hearty lunch while people watching
and enjoying the landscape around you. The rest of the Old Town is a
truly charming place to explore, so try to chat with some locals as you
meander around the colorful buildings. The Spanish spoken in Ecuador is
quite clear, so it is an ideal place for beginners to learn the basics.
Lima, Peru – Many visitors spend only one day or even just a few
hours in this metropolis of over 8 million people during their bus or
plane transfers before continuing on with their Machu Picchu vacation
packages or otherwise. However, the loud and proud Peruvian capital has a
lot to offer in and of itself. In the historic city center, visit the
San Francisco Church and the catacombs beneath it that date back to the
times of the Spanish conquistadors of the mid-16th century. The Plaza de
Armas is a spacious and full of sunflower-orange colonial style
architecture, while the nearby Plaza San Martin is a dreamlike place to
behold with all of its saintly white buildings. If seeking more modern
fare, visit the district of Miraflores which as all the restaurants and
shops of the modern world. Finally, take a short trip to the Barranco
neighborhood to experience some bohemian atmosphere and lively nightlife
scene.
Santiago, Chile – As with all the other South American cities no
matter how big or small, Santiago has an impressive Plaza de Armas full
of local character and heritage, although it has a strong Peruvian
cultural influence as well. The nearby Central Market is also a good
place to get in touch with locals and see how the typically Chileno
lives. As a center of culture and entertainment, catch a theater show or
two such as in the Teatro Municipal or any of the other fantastic and
professional revenues in Santiago. When you get tired and need a
peaceful place to relax, visit the friendly Parque Bicentenario where
families and friends gather in the afternoons. A trip to Santiago can be
easily arranged as part of any Chile vacation packages and is a highly
recommended stop for any traveler to Chile.
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