Inspired by Star Wars (sort of…) we’ve chosen our favourite ‘forced awakenings’, or sights worth getting up for in South America. So, if you’re a morning person these activities are sure to entice you, and if you prefer a lie in, we’ll try our best to tempt you with this selection of treks, wildlife experiences and sunrises on our favourite continent!

 

Dawn Canoe Ride in the Pantanal

Pantanal, RealWorld, Sights worth getting up for in South America

Sunrise in the beautiful state of Mato Grosso…

The Pantanal is our top destination in Brazil for wildlife lovers, and dawn is a great time to spot some of the more elusive species, as well as watching a wide variety of animals feeding on the river banks. From capybaras to jaguars, crocodiles to parrots, you’re sure to see a great selection at sunrise. So despite having to be up before dawn to board a dugout canoe, this experience is well worth the effort and always turns into a holiday highlight!

 

Sunrise over Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, RealWorld, Sights worth getting up for in South America

Discover Peru’s lost Incan civilisation…

The Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, was once the main entrance to the ancient site, and is one of the most sacred spots in Machu Picchu. The fairly strenuous trek from the main site takes about an hour and follows part of an original Inca trail, so you need to set off early to ensure you get there in time. You are rewarded with, arguably, the best view of Machu Picchu, and a fantastic sunrise. Plus, you will have a couple of hours to explore before the crowds arrive.

 

Camping in Antarctica

Antarctic, RealWorld, Sights worth getting up for in South America

Say ‘good morning’ to a penguin!

Ok, so this forced awakening probably isn’t to everyone’s taste… But waking up on an Antarctic sheet of ice is a once in a lifetime experience and definitely one of the best sights worth getting up for in South America. Camping is easily done as an overnight excursion, when cruising the area from Ushuaia in Argentina. After a cold night’s sleep, you will be disturbed bright and early by the colonies of penguins and seals loudly hunting for their breakfasts!

 

Lakeside Birdwatching in the Amazon

Parrots, RealWorld, Sights worth getting up for in South America

The colourful delights of the Amazon

Just like in the Pantanal, dawn is one of the best times of the day in the Amazon. Heading out before breakfast with your local guide may seem like an unnecessary activity, but the vast amount of wildlife at sunrise is a sight to behold. Many of the nocturnal species will still be active, as other animals are just awakening. Trekking through the rainforest to the river or a nearby lake is usually on the agenda, so you can find a comfortable spot to birdwatch and enjoy the cacophony of hungry creatures.

 

Hiking Cotopaxi Volcano

Cotopaxi, RealWorld, Sights worth getting up for in South America

Ecuador’s wild and wonderful Cotopaxi…

This forced awakening will see you hike to altitudes of over 5,000 meters above sea level in Ecuador. The variety of terrains and inclines make the trek challenging enough, without the added difficulty of lower oxygen levels, which is why we advise an early start so you can take your time and enjoy the surroundings. Cotopaxi is one of the highest volcanos in the world and is also home to one of the world’s highest glaciers, so this is definitely one trip to tick off the bucket list!

 

More Sights Worth Getting up for in South America…

Beat the crowds and start your sightseeing day early! Watch the sunrise over an exciting new land, or enjoy a morning coffee with the locals, human and animal alike! A tailormade trip to South America is the only way to experience the best of the continent, and see those sight worth getting up for before everyone else…

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One thought on “The Forced Awakenings of South America

  1. Morning Dubai Desert Safari 8 years ago

    wow. these images are really amazing. really what to visit these places in future. will try my best to go there.