Hidden gems you'll love in the Americas

When planning a great American adventure, the sheer size of both continents can be overwhelming. To help, we suggest the next places you’ll love, based on better known places you might have already enjoyed!

1. Chicago, Illinois , USA

- If you like New York

Air New Zealand flies direct to Chicago from Auckland. The birth - place of both legendary pizza (try the late Anthony Bourdain’s favourite pizzeria, Bonci) and the world’s first skyscraper, located on LaSalle and Adams Street. Chicago’s theatre scene rivals Broadway and Magnificent Mile delivers the ultimate shopping spree. For gang - ster vibes, Green Mill bar is where Al Capone socialised. 

2. Santa Barbara, California

- If you like Santa Monica

Where wide palm-lined roads meet mellow beaches, snazzy boutiques hide in the Montecito foothills and sun-soaked cafés serve stylish brunch. Santa Barbara’s most happening neighbourhood, The Funk Zone, is an arts community of sorts, while the Santa Ynez Mountains provide idyllic day hikes and gorgeous wineries. The climate allows for year-round surfing and a fruitful harvest, with farmers markets popping up daily.

3.  Yellowstone National Park

- If you like Yosemite National Park

The world’s first national park, Yellowstone is an American icon. Bursting at its 2,219,789-acre seams with stunning wildlife and over 10,000 thermal wonderments, restless volcanic activity is everywhere. In fact, so large is its volcanic bowl, the first geologists couldn’t even find it. They eventually realised they were standing in it. At 56km wide and 80km long, it’s easy to see their mistake. 

4.  Memphis & Nashville

- If you like New Orleans

Sip on a glass of Jack Daniels and write a song — it’s the Nashville way. Come for the music and venture to Lower Broadway for honky tonks (loud old bars full of guaranteed good times) and live performances. Then it’s onto Memphis for musical kings and crooners. Visit Sun Studio, where Elvis recorded his first song, and his Colonial-style mansion, Graceland. Come nightfall, nurse a Bourbon at B.B King’s ‘Blues Club.’ 

5. Buenos Aires, Argentina 

If you like Paris, France

Some cities have a pulse, and Buenos Aires, like Paris, is one of them. Street side dining overflows into balmy streets, markets erupt with chatter and passionate Tango dancers prove that romance is never dead. Like Paris, the coffee’s strong and the pastries are to die for.

6. Lake Titicaca, Peru

-If you like Halong Bay, Vietnam

Man-made islands float atop Lake Titicaca, the world’s largest navigable lake. The residents here build their homes, furniture, and even the ‘land’ itself from totora reed. Get off the beaten track and join them for an overnight homestay. It’s basic, but pleasantly different.

7. Quito, Ecuador

If you like Valencia, Spain

As one of the world’s highest capital cities, the air might be thinner at 2850 metres, but the experiences are rich. Soak up the artworks of famed sculpture, Fundación Guayasamín, or get lost in the city’s crinkled Old Town Calle La Ronda is a narrow, cobbled street which comes alive at night.

8. Iguazu Falls 

- If you like Niagara Falls

Iguazu Falls literally blows Niagara out of the water with sheer velocity. The Argentina side is arguably more impressive than Brazil’s, but it’s The Devil’s Throat which really dumbfounds. With multiple waterfalls pounding from heights of 82 metres, it’s an almighty sight. Allow two full days to explore Iguazu thoroughly.

9. Atacama Desert, Chile

If you like Cappadocia, Turkey

Both look like Mars, but Atacama feels like you’ve actually left Earth. From San Pedro de Atacama you can explore an otherworldly terrain. We love the enormous sand dunes of Death Valley and the mirror-like salt flats with spectacular reflections, while the night’s cloudless sky is a star-gazer’s fantasy.

10.  Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

If you like Gold Coast

It’s a different kind of hedonism, but Rio, much like the GC, is partying, dancing, sunshine and endless beach. ‘Jandal-culture’ reigns supreme, but you’ll still see plenty of well-dressed cariocas; the shopping is superb. Meet Christ the Redeemer, experience Copacabana beach and sip on caipirinhas.

Inspired to explore the diverse wonders of the Americas? From the vibrant cities of the USA to the lush landscapes of South America, there's an adventure waiting for everyone. Connect with our USA specialists today to start planning your dream journey!