In past times, the term \u201cadventure\u201d may have brought images of Indiana Jones-style travel to mind, exploring and discovering relatively unchartered territory full of picturesque views and notable pursuits. But with a rising number of tourists flocking to such places to take part in the selfie-revolution, it\u2019s become harder to find destinations that maintain the thrill and provide the true adventure that \u201cadventure travel\u201d was meant to provide.<\/p>\n
The reality can be disheartening, but if you\u2019re willing to go slightly \u201coff the grid,\u201d there are still plenty of under-the-radar experiences waiting to be found. Whether your ultimate vacation includes navigating cliff-side dirt roads by bike or hiking through lush, untouched terrain, discovering the origin of your go-to comfort food or maneuvering waters unexplored by most tourists, Central and South America offer a variety of \u201cInsta-worthy\u201d adventures without the \u201cInsta-fame.\u201d<\/p>\n
Salta, known as the birthplace of Argentinian empanadas, is often overlooked by the fame of Buenos Aires, Patagonia and Argentina\u2019s wine region. Although not exactly \u201coff the grid,\u201d Salta is lesser-known among most tourists and offers a wide array of indigenous experiences. However, the true Argentina pilgrimage for any food connoisseur is discovering the flavors of\u00a0empanadas salte\u00f1as<\/em>\u00a0which are baked in a clay oven and served with a spicy tomato and pepper dipping sauce. Choose from carne, chicken, or cheese and onion (or try one of each).<\/p>\n Simply google Belize, and you\u2019ll find gorgeous beach views awaiting your beach-bum body. But if lying in the sun for hours on end isn\u2019t your ideal retreat, consider exploring Belize\u2019s waters beyond the beach instead. The Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve offers a semi-secluded retreat in the Maya Mountains where you can kayak the Barton Creek Caves, shower under Big Rock Falls and soak in the Rio On Pools.<\/p>\n Death Road (also known as Yungas Road) was once considered the most dangerous road in the world, and it\u2019s not recommended for the faint of heart. However, adrenaline-seeking bikers wishing to navigate winding, cliff-side dirt roads sans guardrails set out to conquer Death Road year after year. You won\u2019t be joined by many, but if you can look past (literally) the many thousand feet drops beside you, you\u2019ll be rewarded with scenic vistas and an accomplished quest only few can write home about. But if you proceed, do so with extreme caution and book with a tour guide.<\/p>\n Chapada Diamantina National Park is nicknamed the \u201cTaj Mahal of adventure tourism.\u201d It\u2019s too large to see its entirety in one trip, but that also means there\u2019s an exhilarating activity for any type of thrill-seeker in your group. The Enchanted Pool and Blue Pool Cave offer stunning, postcard-worthy reflections and isolated swims, and the Cachoeira do Soss\u00eago waterfall offers a rewarding refresh at the end of a challenging five-mile hike. Keep in mind, it\u2019s highly recommended to hire a guide.<\/p>\n Chilo\u00e9, a 40-island archipelago off the Patagonian coast, is home to lush landscapes, emerald waters, 16 UNESCO-protected churches, and colorful\u00a0palafitos<\/em>\u00a0(homes on stilts). But due to rough coastal waters, visiting the islands has been relatively impossible for travelers. However, locals are now preparing for an increase in visitors after the government announced its 2020 opening of the Chacao Bridge, connecting Isla Grande de Chilo\u00e9 with the mainland. Chilo\u00e9 is the perfect under-the-radar destination as it\u2019s nearly untouched by tourists (for now).<\/p>\n Who said relaxation can\u2019t be adventurous? Churin, a small mountain town nestled in a valley of the central Peruvian Andes, is home to a multitude of hot springs. Located near the southern tip of the Huayhuash Circuit, Churin\u2019s the perfect finale for hikers who\u2019ve endured the high altitude to catch glimpse of the spectacular turquoise lakes. The catch? Most travelers don\u2019t know about Churin, leaving the post-hike reprieve for only the well-informed to enjoy. Don\u2019t expect 5-star lodging, but do expect an escape from the crowds and a much-needed, post-hike soak.<\/p>\n That\u2019s right; simply take a trip. One Google search of Uruguay, and you\u2019ll discover how little the country is covered in the travel sphere, despite being stable and safe in comparison to some of its neighbors. The country is progressive and culturally sophisticated but doesn\u2019t host a \u201cmega attraction,\u201d meaning it\u2019s easily overlooked, free of touristy crowds, and full of authentic South American experiences.<\/p>\n Craving an adventure that actually feels like one? Contact your Ensemble travel agent to start planning.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In past times, the term \u201cadventure\u201d may have brought images of Indiana Jones-style travel to mind, exploring and discovering relatively unchartered territory full of picturesque views and notable pursuits. But […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":10471,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[278],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10470","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-americas"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nGo Beyond the Beaches in Belize<\/h4>\n
Dare to Bike Bolivia\u2019s Death Road<\/h4>\n
Explore a Brazilian National Park Bigger than Some European Countries<\/h4>\n
Discover Chile in Chilo\u00e9<\/h4>\n
Enjoy a Post-Hike Soak in Peru<\/h4>\n
Take a Trip to Uruguay<\/h4>\n