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5 places to visit if you love the mountains
All over the world there are endless places to visit to get your mountain fix. But to be honest, there are a few spots that stand out from the rest. Not just for their mountains, but for the simple fact that they offer an awesome holiday with the added bonus of being home to some of the most beautiful peaks in the world.
In this blog we’ll tell you the top 5 countries to travel to in the world if you love the mountains as much as we do!
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Switzerland
Few places in the world are as iconic as Switzerland. It’s famous for its stunning landscape that features beautiful valleys, lush greenery, and of course, its mountains. A visit to Switzerland means you’ll be surrounded by the towering mountains that you love, but besides that, Switzerland offers visitors a wide variety of things to do and foods to eat.
Not only is Switzerland known as the best place in the world for chocolates and cheese, but you can also wander old towns filled with unique European architecture and cobble stone streets. If you happen to be visiting in winter then, of course, its famous ski resorts are a great choice. For someone who loves the mountains, Switzerland is an easy choice!
Click here to discover Switzerland for yourself on our 23 Day European Alps Walking & Food Tour
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Canada
Canada is all about the outdoors. From the turquoise lakes to the breathtaking Rocky Mountains it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise and one of the best places in the world to visit if you want to enjoy the mountains. With thousands of hiking trails all over the country and hundreds of ski resorts there are endless opportunities to explore Canada’s untouched and well-preserved landscapes.
Canada is also filled with wildlife! The wildlife that call the mountains home is sure to impress you. From deer to giant grizzly bears, there’s plenty to see and explore in Canada! Keep a look out for our new USA and Canada tour in 2021.
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Peru
Peru is home to one of the most diverse regions of the Andes mountain range and also some of the tallest peaks on the continent of South America. But it’s the ancient civilisation that called these mountains home some 600 years ago that draws people to its peaks.
Machu Picchu is at the centre of it all and was built high above the valley floors near Cusco in a somewhat impossible place. On a visit to Peru, you’ll be blown away by the Inca’s and their most sacred city.
However in Peru, even just visiting the city of Cusco you’ll be high in the mountains. In fact, Cusco sits at a whopping 3,399m above sea level and is filled with ruins from the Inca Empire. It’s a history lesson in the mountains that’s truly unique!
You can book our 16 day “Purely Peru” tour here and explore all there is to see in the Peruvian Andes and the Inca Empire.
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Patagonia
Chile, along with its neighbour Argentina, share one of the most breathtaking regions in the word – Patagonia. Patagonia is home to the very bottom of the Andes. It’s also one of the most untouched and uninhabited mountain regions in the world.
One of the most famous hikes in Patagonia is the Torres del Paine. This 1 to 8-day hike is stunning at every turn and overall a must-see for anyone who loves the mountains. Another amazing place to visit in the region is the Perito Moreno Glacier. Although located in Argentina just over the border, this glacier is part of the Patagonia ice field – the third largest freshwater reserve in the world! Regardless where you look, Chile (and Patagonia in general) are breathtaking!
But Chile’s so much more than just mountains and while you’re there you can try some of the best wine in the world as well as some true Chilean cuisine!
Check out our Patagonia Highlights tour here and join the trip of a lifetime through Chile and Argentina!
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Italy
Last, but certainly not least on our list, is Italy. It’s the perfect place to visit if you love the mountains. One thing about Italy that’s made it so famous is the diverse landscapes. On one hand, you have stunning beaches and fiery volcanoes, and the other, the true magic of the Dolomites!
In the winter, the ski season is in full swing and is one of the busiest times of the year. Offering hundreds of kilometres of ski trails. While during the summer those same mountains become a paradise for hikers and rock climbers from around the world. The paths are well marked, the meadows lush and full of wildflowers and the mountain restaurants dotted along the trails offer hearty hiking food. No need for packed lunches here!
If your next holiday depends on visiting stunning mountain peaks and untouched landscapes then you simply can’t go wrong with the five beautiful places mentioned above. Not only will they satisfy your mountain cravings, but they’ll have you in awe with their history, culture, food and people.
At Southern Exposure Tours we believe that the perfect holiday offers a combination of culture, food, history, and the great outdoors! Check out all of the unique combinations we offer.