Degree (noun). 1) The amount, level or extent to which something happens or is present. 2), a unit of measurement of angles, one three-hundred-and-sixtieth of the circumference of a circle.
Interesting, you say, but what has it to do with South America?
Because in South America they both apply. Because in South America all you could imagine is present and something is always happening. To a very high degree. And a continent that stretches from above the Equator in the Northern Hemisphere all the way down to almost touch Antarctica includes an awful lot of degrees of latitude. Let’s look at a few places:
Ecuador
Latitude: 0° (yep, really)
Average Temp. 76° Summer
The land of Incas and where Darwin was inspired to come up with his Theory. A small country with more biodiversity than most of North America. Where you can snorkel in the Galapagos, surf the coast, trek amongst volcanoes or paddle in the rainforest. Wherever you turn, adventure and culture abound!
Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Latitude: 25° 35′ 34” S
Average Temp. 78° Summer
Literally meaning “big water,” Iguazu Falls is the largest waterfall system in the world. Stay in a beautiful spa hotel or a quaint boutique. Either way, spend the days getting up close and wet from this spectacular natural wonder. Easy to get to from Buenos Aires, a visit here can be paired well with a romantic getaway to the Tango capital or even a trip to Argentine wine country.
Wine Country of Chile & Argentina
Latitude: 32° 59′ 43 S
Average Temp. 79° Summer
Ever wonder what Napa or Sonoma Valleys were like in the early days of winemaking? Ever want to experience stomping on the grapes with your bare feet? What about hearing first hand from a winemaker about what goes into a bottle of great wine? You can do all these things in the wine country of Chile and Argentina. Along with great food and climate, this area of perfect for a couples getaway or a group celebration.
Patagonia, Chile & Argentina
Latitude: Roaring Fourties!
Average Temp. All the degrees!
Patagonia is more than a place. It’s a state of being. The region, roughly the bottom 1/3rd of South America, includes the arid plains in Argentina as well as the rocky peaks and glaciers of Southern Chile and Argentina. This is some of the most pristine lands on the planet. In many places you can drink directly from the glacier fed streams and rivers. Search for the majestic Andean Condor or the elusive puma, fly fish for sea-run brown and rainbow trout (Steelhead) or simply gaze at the grand peaks of Torres del Paine or Mount Fitzroy to name but a few.
In South America both adventure and culture await. From cityscapes, like Buenos Aires, Santiago or Quito; to landscapes, like the Andes, the Amazon Jungle, Patagonia, Easter Island and the Galapagos Islands; to seascapes, like the Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Chilean Fjords; South America has opportunities for everyone.