Take a break from the standard family vacation this year and get out of the country. Seeing the world is one of the most fun and educational things you can do with your family and the memories that come from such a trip won’t be quickly forgotten. However, you’ll need a passport, including a American passport for children.

South America is one of the most unique, interesting, and exotic locations on Earth, and is full of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites are specially designated as particularly important to our common human past. Seeing some of these World Heritage Sites ensures seeing some of the most culturally and naturally relevant places on Earth.

Traveling to South America requires a passport. While this generally make people groan, it’s amazing how easy it’s gotten. Online passport expediting services means you can get your passport as soon as you need it, in opposed to being at the mercy of the traditional wait time.

The city of Cuzco, sometimes spelled Cusco, was the center of the Incan civilization. Found in Peru, it is rich with Inca culture and ancient ruins give insight into one of the most mysterious cultures on our planet. The Church of La Compania is only one of the historic sights that can be seen here.

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most incredible locations on Earth. As the same place that Charles Darwin became inspired to write his Origin of Species, the Galapagos Islands is teeming with life, both on land and in the sea. Whether you go mountain hiking or scuba diving, you are sure to meet some of the island’s famous residents, like the giant Galapagos tortoise, the marine iguana, albatrosses, penguins, and sea lions.

South America is known for their tropical rainforests and this certainly did not escape the United Nations notice. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the Iguazu National Park is rare in beauty and rich in valuable rainforest life. Visitors can enjoy the Iguazu Falls as the rushing waters create a mist cloud that quenches the surrounding plant and animal life. While it is thought at the first human ventured into these forests over 10,000 years ago, today not only humans but also exotic animals like jaguars and tapirs can be seen making this park their home.

Many are surprised that glaciers can be found in South America and if you would like to experience this natural wonder, visit Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. Glaciers in this national park have been created by the Andes Mountains ice cap which is the third larges ice cap in the world. The number one and number two positions are held by Antarctica and Greenland. Over 1000 different species of birds and extensive wildlife are also found here like the gray fox and Guanaco. A visit to Los Glaciares National Park is truly an experience with nature at its best.

We have highlighted only a few of the spectacular and significant sites available to you and your family if you travel to South America but you will need a passport. Since every member of your family will need a passport, a American passport for children is only valid for five years so if you have a minor child in your family, an online passport site can provide United States passport expediting services for a child’s passport or any other passport need that you or your family may have. Get your passport and give your family that gift of a South American experience.