Oh, Mendoza, how I could express my love for you! In the middle of the mountains, Mendoza is South America’s top wine region, with fabulous hotels and world-class restaurants, and a vibrant local culture. While Mendoza is good for solo travelers, in my opinion, it’s better to come with your partner, your significant other, your love, your boo or bae, whatever you’d like to call the person, bring him/her to Mendoza please! A perfect place for honeymoon, anniversaries or just a relaxing and romantic vacation!

Santiago, the capital of Chile, is one of my most favorite cities in South America. The district I stayed and toured the most during my visit, has huge London planetrees (platanus acerifolia, 法国梧桐) planted along the streets. The scent of these trees, especially at night, reminded me of my hometown Shanghai and that first moment of smelling the familiar scent clicked me with Santiago!

In the north of Chile, a small adobe and peaceful village: is San Pedro de Atacama. If you are like me, never heard of this small town, put it on your bucket list of South America trip first. Then, continue to read my story of this lovely tourist town! It will probably completely blew your mind!

Salar de Uyuni, the world largest salt flat, is probably one of the top tourist locations in South America! You may consider it to be the nature’s art studio. Photographers flock here to capture the unique landscape, from the famous ‘mirror effect’ during the rain season or the stunning octagonal salt formations in the dry season, the colorful lagoons, the flocks of flamingos, geysers, unique rock formations, and deserts! You name it there you have them all!

Sucre is the white city of Bolivia and it is one of the best city to have some Spanish lessons not only for its budget friendly tuitions but also for the layback life-style in Sucre. However, I arrived at the wrong time. Several days after my arrival, Bolivia experienced the biggest protests in decades and basically turned the country to chaos…What an experience!

After 55 days in Peru, I am moving on to my second country in South America - Bolivia and reaching the highest capital in the world, La Paz, a city full of CABLE CARS!

After 45 days in Peru, finally here comes the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu!

Arequipa, known as the white city and the most beautiful city in Peru. It was true! One of my favorite cities in my South America trip, not only for its beautiful city but also for its surrounding nature. I highly recommend you put it on your travel itinerary! If you ever visit Arequipa, you have to check out Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve!

Lima take 2! This time it made me feel like coming back home. OK, I have to admit I travel for nature, local people, and native cultures but every time I stopped by a large city, it made me smile! You will soon see my deep love for Santiago and Buenos Aires, and not that deep love for La Paz…