Peru

Machu Picchu is the obvious highlight when visiting Peru but there are a number of fascinating sites in that area that most tourists miss. 

The typical journey starts in Cusco, then by bus to Ollantaytambo, then train to Aguas Calientes, then hike to Machu Picchu.

On a Rick Steves podcast, his guest, a veteran South American traveller notes the sites around Cusco that are definitely not to be missed. Most notable is Choquequirao (pronounced "CHALK'-y-keer-RAO") which is bigger than Machu Picchu. Alpaca Tours have a 6 day walking tour of Machu Picchu to Choquequirao. A (slightly) easier method is to take the 4.5 hour bus ride from Cusco to the town of Cachora. This is most common starting point for the trek to Choquequirao, but it still takes 4 days. Andean Wings have a thorough description of the journey. 

Look into other sites:

Tambomachay

Sacsayhuaman - 2 kilometers north of Cusco

Q'enqo

Ollantaytambo

Pisac

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Humantay Lake

Things To Do

After first tour there are still countries to visit: Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and possibly Venezuela.

This is a compilation of things to do in each country, especially near the capital or major city.

Claudia Tavani of My Adventures Across the World has a large selection of Things To Do in all of the countries she has visited; a great resource.

Argentina

Peru

Georgetown, Guyana

Central America

I still want to visit some of the countries in Central America that I have not been to: Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

BELIZE

Belize looks like a favourable destination for a short or long stay. Since English is the official language it has an advantage over other countries in the region for longer term stays.

In an issue of International Living I read of the Rancho Santana resort on the Emerald Coast, on Nicaragua's west coast — looks impressive. See the article here.

Paraguay

Paraguay was an interesting country to visit though poorer than I expected especially after Uruguay. Asunción was very different; I stayed at a 4-5 star hotel which was in excellent condition but was across the street from derelict buildings.

Chile

In Santiago, City Bike Tours offers tours starting at 33,000 and tour everyday. They have four different routes: Local Life & Markets, and Park and Politics Bicycle Tour, Mapocho Sunset Bike Tour, Full Day Bike Tour. All tours include bike, bilingual guide, mineral water and a map.

Location: Constitucion 153, Providencia, a 1o minute walk from the Baquedano metro stop. info@labicicletaverde.com. Reservations are required. According to their flyer they are recommended by Lonely Planet and Travel & Leisure.

Tour Expert Chile offer multiple tours (10 listed on their flyer), from cities to the mountains. Costs from 30,000-80,000. I had not read reviews but by they had a very polished website. reserva@tourexpertchile.cl

In Santiago I stayed at Hotel Plaza San Francisco which was one of the best hotels I've stayed in.

Hotel Plaza San Francisco

Brazil

One of the most popular destinations in Brazil is Rio de Janeiro. Sites there include the popular districts like Copacabana and Ipanema and their beaches. The massive statue of Christ the Redeemer that overlooks Rio is a very popular tourist destination.

I stayed at the Regency Park Hotel which is about a block from Copacabana Beach. It was a good 4 star hotel next door to the 5 star Hilton. The best hotel though is Copacabana Palace which is part of the prestigious Belmond group.

Many tours and excursions are available in the area. The Front desk at my hotel had an extensive list of activities which they could arrange.

• Angra dos Reis Islands
• AquaRio Aquarium
• Christ the Redeemer
• Favela Tour - Rocinha (ghetto neighbourhoods)
• Historic City Tour
• Imperial Petropolis
• Mambo Beach Tour
• Maracanã Stadium
• Pedra do Telegrafo
• Salgueiro Samba School
• Sugarloaf Mountain
• Tijuca Forest

There is also hang gliding, paragliding and helicopter tours available. 

Imperial Petropolis

Copacabana Palace Hotel

Uruguay

In Montevideo, at the Mercado del Puerto, had lunch at El Palenque restaurant - an asado. Enjoyed a large portion of rack of lamb and chips. Location: Perez Castellano 1579. It is the restaurant at the Don Boutique Hotel.

Don Boutique Hotel is a nice looking Art Deco hotel located in the Old City section of Montevideo. I stepped inside and it looks like a great place to stay. +598 2915 9999. On booking.com the cost is $161CDN per night. They also have a hotel in Punta del Este.

Don Boutique Hotel

Standard room

From their website:

All of the rooms have 100% Egyptian cotton linens and towels, pillow menu, free high-speed Wi-Fi, LED TV´s, air conditioning, mini-bar, phone, safe box with laptop size and more to provide memorable and very comfortable experiences to our amazing guests. All of the superior rooms count with a jacuzzi for 1, the suite with a jacuzzi for 2 and some superior rooms and the suite have a private terrace with views of the Bay and Port of Montevideo. 14 standard rooms, 6 superior rooms and 1 exclusive suite.

Add pictures of dish and cooking area from El Palenque

La Otra Parrilla restaurant, Tomás Diago 758 Pocitos, Montevideo

Had Suprema de pollo = 1/4 chicken (leg) and a mixed salad, both very good.