The new Europe? South America is fast becoming more than a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ adventure for Australians

Colourful cities, amazing food and wine and some of the world’s most impressive landmarks, South America is a continent rich in bucket list destinations Australians are increasingly embracing – and returning to - claims Latin America Specialist Chimu Adventures.

Interest in the continent has been skyrocketing recently with South America’s big bucket list icons – the Amazon, Iguazu Falls, Galapagos, Rio de Janeiro and Machu Picchu - enjoying particular popularity.

And whilst travellers seem to favour these iconic ‘Big 5’ bucket list destinations, they seem to drift away from the perception of South America being a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip. 32% of total Aussie overseas holiday-goers visited multiple destinations on their last trip according to recent Roy Morgan research findings and Chimu Adventures can definitely confirm this trend.

“Whilst South America remains an undisputable bucket list continent, it is no longer a destination travellers only visit ‘once’ in their lifetime,” said Greg Carter, co-founder of Chimu Adventures.

“It is no longer unusual to see travellers pack their bags twice, three – or even four times - to return and tick off those bucket list items they didn’t have the chance to visit the first time around. In this regard, we’re finding that travellers increasingly take on the ‘come back for more’ mentality they typically show towards Europe or Asia” he added.

Chimu attributes the popularity of South America to a number of factors including the continent’s natural, historic and cultural drawcards, increased accessibility and affordability as well as economic growth and every-increasing stability the continent has been enjoying over recent years.

“People used to perceive South America as the ultimate bucket list destination they could only afford and get to once in their lives but, nowadays, this couldn’t be any further away from the truth” he adds.

“Thanks to more flight options and increased competition, airfares are being as affordable as never before and, if you look at the country’s drawcards, you can see what makes its appeal such a special one. From its European heritage reflected in its architecture, history, theatres and culture – especially in the big cities Lima and Buenos Aires – to its amazing landmarks of physical beauty, such as the Inca sites of Machu Picchu, the one of a kind wildlife of the Galapagos and world-class treks of Patagonia, South America is the continent that has it all and more.”

To respond to growing demand, Chimu Adventures is currently promoting a range of attractive South America itineraries in these ‘Big 5’ bucket list destinations, on sale until 1 December 2017. To view them click here.