Top 10 Bucket List Destinations in South America

Welcome to Mojo Travels and today we'll be counting down our picks for the top 10 bucket list destinations in South America. Are you a fan of our videos? Be sure to subscribe to Mojo Travels and ring the bell to be notified about our latest videos. For this list we're looking at South America's must-see attractions and beautiful destinations. Number 10. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil. Towering over Rio de Janeiro is this famous statue of Jesus Christ, easily both the city's and Brazil's most well-known human-made landmark. The statue sits at the top of Corcovado Mountain and took nine years to build. It's been overlooking Rio since 1931. If you're in Rio, you'll definitely see the statue from anywhere in the city, but getting closer is pretty easy as and from there take a train. Alternatively, you can undertake a memorable hike. What's important is that whether you're able to walk long distances or not, you'll be able to stand at the feet of Christ. Number 9. La Paz, Bolivia. The highest altitude capital city in the entire world, La Paz sits quite comfortably about 12,000 feet above sea level. That's almost as high as the Titanic's wreck is deep. The city is up in the Andes Mountains, flanked by peaks on all sides. It's truly an astonishing place to see, with the nearby natural attractions literally and figuratively elevating it apart from many other urban hubs. Using La Paz as a base, you can head out to Lake Titicaca, the world's highest lake, which occupies parts of Bolivia and Peru. But of course, if nightlife is what you want, partying at 12,000 feet is an experience nobody will forget. Number 8. Colca Canyon, Peru. South America might be famous for its mountains, with the Andes actually being the world's longest mountain range on land, but it's also got some stunning canyons. Among these is the Peruvian Colca Canyon, which is double the depth of the Grand Canyon in the U.S. It's an absolutely beautiful place, with green hills and mountainous stepped terraces stretching for over 40 miles through Peru. Vacation packages are available that will take you through the entire canyon over a few days, which is ideal for anybody who wants to truly experience the vistas of this valley. And make sure you keep an eye out for the famous and protected Andean Condor. Number 7. Tairona National Park, Colombia. Along Colombia's northern coast, you'll find Tairona National Natural Park, which borders the Caribbean Sea and boasts amazing tropical scenery. This means it's home to some of the best beaches anywhere in the world. You'll be taken aback by the crystal clear blue water, golden sands, and palm fronds along the shore. The route to the since there's no way to get there other than hiking through the humid jungle, but it's well worth it. And who knows what local fauna you'll encounter on your journey. Among the wildlife are dozens of bat species, including vampire bats, howler monkeys, tamarins, and macaw parrots. Number 6. Punta del Este, Uruguay. An idyllic resort city on the coast of Uruguay, Punta del Este is a luxurious locale brimming with things to do. It's often compared to some of the most glamorous vacation spots like Miami and Monaco, and with good reason. It's got blue oceans and golden sands for miles, and plenty of hotels to choose from. It's a city break like no other, with world-leading restaurants and bars. You can eat at a different place for every meal and always find something delicious. It also boasts plenty of museums to teach you about Uruguay's culture, not to mention the famous giant's hand sculpture, Le Mano, that you won't want to miss a photo op with. Number 5. Moon Valley, Chile. The Atacama Desert as a whole is something you need to see in your lifetime, but one of its best beauty spots is easily Moon Valley. It's so named for one simple reason, the bizarre, dry landscape is said to look exactly like the surface of the moon. Well, if the moon were a whole lot more orange and had breathable air. The entire desert is famous for being the driest place on earth, where it only rains approximately once a century. So if you don't like the humidity of tropical climes, Moon Valley is a great place to go. You can take in the sights of the distant mountains and the dry lake in one of our planet's most alien locations. Number 4. Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil. There are 275 waterfalls making up this beautiful spot on the Iguazu River, and they are some of the most impressive falls anywhere in the world, and certainly in South America. The waterfalls can be dangerous, there are plenty of safe ways to enjoy a trip to Iguazu, with lots of designated hiking trails and walkways that will take you right up to the water. Just don't wear anything you're not happy to get soaked, especially if you take the plunge and sign up for a boat ride. Beyond the waterfalls themselves, there are nature reserves and zoos, so you can be sure to meet the region's endemic wildlife. Number 3. Patagonia, Argentina and Chile. This is an incredibly varied natural region stretching across huge parts of Chile and Argentina at South America's southernmost point. Here you can enjoy hiking up snow-covered mountains, and even going snowboarding and skiing during the southern hemisphere's winter. As well as those sporting pursuits, there are huge flat plains where wild horses run free. You can even go on a retreat to a ranch and learn how to ride, becoming a real cowboy for your stay. Some of the animals you may also see include pumas, and even penguins. The distinct Magellanic penguin lives along Patagonia's coasts. Number 2. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. One of the most biologically diverse parts of the planet, the wildlife on the Galapagos Islands is so unique that it ultimately led Charles Darwin to develop his theory of evolution. Today, many of the species of animals Darwin famously saw remain, and the vast majority of them aren't found anywhere else on Earth. While there, you can see distinct creatures like bright red sally lightfoot crabs, huge marine iguanas, tiny penguins, and of course the various species of giant tortoise. A trip to the Galapagos will prioritize conservation and taking care of the volcanic archipelago, so that the endemic wildlife doesn't suffer due to tourism. If you share those values, a Galapagos vacation is like no other. Number 1. Machu Picchu, Peru. This Incan city is located thousands of feet above sea level at the top of a mountain. This used to mean that visiting wasn't for the faint of heart, since it was an exhaustive and difficult hike. But today, you can actually take a mountain train straight to the top. Once there, you'll see a stunning example of an advanced civilization dating back to when the Inca left after Peru was invaded by the conquistadors. It's such a culturally and historically significant site that the number of daily visitors is highly limited, so you'll definitely need to plan your trip ahead of time. Machu Picchu is one of the wonders of the modern world for good reason. Do you agree with our picks? Check out this other recent clip from Mojo Travels, and be sure to subscribe and ring the bell to be notified about our latest videos.