From safaris through Amazonas to boat rides down the Rio Bio Bio in Chile, Australian travellers are more intrepid than ever, trading traditional holiday destinations for adventures in the far reaches of South America.

According to figures released by online travel agency Real South America, the top south america holiday spots for 2010 are Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Machu Pichu in Peru. The figures are based on the website’s bookings in 2009 and inquiries for 2010 and reveal a gravitation to destinations off the beaten track.

Tours a Machu Picchu Peru

There has been increased interest in Argentina (25 per cent) and Brazil (18 per cent), Peru (15 per cent) and a 15 per cent increase in interest in Chile.

In 2008/09, 63,000 people had visited Mexico and Central and Travel South America, up from 32,000 in 2000/01.