Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Exploring South America: A Traveler’s Ranking of Top Destinations
South America, a continent of unparalleled diversity, beckons travelers with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures. From the depths of the Amazon rainforest to the soaring peaks of the Andes Mountains, and bustling cities teeming with history, South America presents an irresistible allure for adventure, historical exploration, and profound cultural immersion. Yet, navigating this vast continent and selecting destinations can be daunting. Travel blogger Nicolai, known for his ‘Road to 197’ project documenting his ambitious goal to visit every country in the world, offers valued insights. Having explored South America extensively, he has now shared his personal ranking of its nations, from least to most preferred, providing guidance for fellow adventurers seeking the best experiences South America offers.
Venezuela: A Surprising Gem
Venezuela, a northern nation, claimed the third spot in Nicolai’s ranking. He depicted it as a “hidden gem,” emphasizing its stunning natural beauty and the exceptional warmth of its inhabitants.
Nicolai admitted approaching Venezuela with modest expectations but was “completely flabbergasted” by his experience. He elaborated, “What a gorgeous country with friendly locals and a surprisingly robust tourism infrastructure, especially considering the significant decline in international tourist numbers in recent years.”
Addressing Venezuela’s reputation for insecurity, Nicolai stated he encountered “nothing of this nature” during his travels, expressing profound admiration that nearly propelled it to second place in his evaluation.
Colombia: Overcoming Perceptions
Securing the second position was Colombia, a nation graced by the Caribbean Sea to its north. Nicolai recounted his positive experiences across four distinct Colombian locations, including the capital city of Bogota, which often receives mixed reviews from travelers.
“What captivated me most about Colombia,” Nicolai explained, “was the unwavering dedication of its people to elevate their nation’s image beyond its past reputation,” highlighting the proactive efforts to enhance visitor experiences and showcase the country’s positive attributes.
Argentina: South America’s Apex Destination
Argentina claimed Nicolai’s coveted top spot, distinguished as a country seemingly without drawbacks. Nicolai’s visit coincided with Argentina’s reopening to international tourism following pandemic-related border closures, allowing him to dedicate three weeks to in-depth exploration.
“In my assessment, Argentina truly offers everything: a diverse array of spectacular landscapes, a captivating capital city, exceptional culinary experiences, a commendable infrastructure, and, of course, a passionate football culture!” Nicolai declared. “For me, Argentina is not only the premier country in South America but also ranks among the top three countries globally, without question.”
Guyana: A Disappointing Experience
However, not all South American nations resonated positively with Nicolai. Guyana, a small northern country bordering the Atlantic Ocean, occupied the lowest position in his ranking.
“Guyana is not only my least favored country in South America but also registers within my ten least favorite countries worldwide,” Nicolai stated candidly. He cited concerns about safety in the capital, expensive accommodations and transportation, and a perceived scarcity of compelling attractions.
Despite appreciating Kaieteur Falls, he characterized the experience as “perilous” and “costly,” and used strong negative language to describe Georgetown, the capital city.
Paraguay: A Search for Attractions
Paraguay, a landlocked nation, fared only marginally better. “Frankly, I struggled to identify noteworthy activities in Paraguay,” Nicolai admitted, “and this in a country four times the size of Germany. Consider that perspective.” His remarks underscore the challenge he faced in finding engaging experiences within the country.