My ranking of helicopter tours across South America
I love flying, and whenever there's a chance to see something beautiful from the air, I take it. Here's my ranking of the experiences:
🤮 Chile, the Nazca Lines — 4/10
Textbooks tell you the desert geoglyphs are only visible from a bird's-eye view. Lies! There are metal towers right by the highway that give you a perfectly good look. Meanwhile, the plane they fly tourists over the desert in is a rattling little crop-duster, the scenery is repetitive, and it makes you seasick. Not recommended.
😎 Brazil, Rio de Janeiro — 10/10
The most beautiful helicopter tour on the continent! Ocean, beaches, a stunning city draped over the hills, the statue of Christ towering above it all. And at the same time — the most carefree airport security on the continent. Nobody checks your bags, nobody even asks for ID. I guess the local saint's aura keeps everyone safe.
😁 Brazil, Iguazu Falls — 8/10
The most powerful waterfall system in the world. The most famous part is the "Devil's Throat," a 270-degree horseshoe surrounded by falls. Powerful and gorgeous — the helicopter flies right up to the Throat itself! I docked two points because you can actually sail a boat straight into the waterfall from below, and that experience is even more intense!
😎 Argentina, Isla Martín García — 9/10
An island once used to exile a former president, right on the border with Uruguay. The perfect date spot: a beautiful flight over the Río de la Plata delta, interesting island architecture, lunch at an authentic little restaurant, and crocodiles along the waterfront.
😁 Argentina, Buenos Aires — 8/10
It's just really nice to fly over your own city and spot your favorite places.
🥲 Peru, Machu Picchu — 0/10
A place with no helipad — even though there really should be one! The ancient Inca temple is guarded by the Andes, and the only way in is by train. But a flight in would have been so much more beautiful!