Category: South America

So where do you go to find a prehistoric landscape that looks untouched by modern humanity? That is the question many viewers pondered after watching the Hollywood blockbuster “The Lost World”. The answer? Mount Roraima…

British explorers Everard Im Thurn and Harry Perkins were the first Europeans to ascend the Roraima in 1884 from the Guyana side. Upon returning, their scientific conference in London inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to write the science fiction classic, “The Lost World.“ Mount Roraima is one of the most attractive and impressive natural sights in South America.

About Mount Roraima

Mount Roraima is one of the biggest flat mountains that you could find. The tepuys – the flat protrusions of the mountain – are regarded by scientists as ‘islands in time,’ since species have developed in complete isolation on top of these geological formations over millennia. The largest tepuy is Auyan, which is located to the northwest of the park. From its vertical flanks chute the amazing Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall.

Although Angel Falls might be the most impressive, especially after the rains, all of the tepuys in the region are threaded with waterfalls – a beautiful sight for any visitor.

Many of the tepuys are studded with enormous sink-holes that can be up to 1000 feet wide and 1000 feet deep. These sinkholes are unique to the region, and like the tepuys themselves, each of these sink-holes are “islands” that sport evolved species of amphibians and insects that can not be found elsewhere.

Climbing Mount Roraima

This lightly populated region is where the three major languages of the Americas intersect with the magnificent table top mountain of Mount Roraima at their center. Here, you can interact with the Spanish of Venezuela, the Portuguese of Brazil and the English of Guyana.

To climb Mount Roraima you must hire a guide. Independent hiking is not allowed. Expect to get wet during the dry season. It is very cold at the top of Mount Roraima, so don’t forget to bring a warm and well-insulated sleeping bag. Crossing Rio Kukenan is also not for everyone. Good shoes are absolutely essential.

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Accomodation

Weather Conditions at Mount Roraima

On top of the tepuys, thunderstorms are frequent and torrential downpours are a way of life. The dry season between December and April is preferred, but the weather is changeable at any time, and rain and mist are a constant. With rain, the rivers swell and crossings may be difficult.

Because of its elevation, the weather in the Gran Sabana is more temperate than the surrounding lowlands. It clocks in at a minimum of 10°C (46°F) and a maximum of 32°C (90°F). The village of Santa Elena de Uairen can be found at an altitude of 900 – 1000m (3000f – 3250f), with a nearly perfect climate (16°C / 45°F – 28°C / 79°F all year round). It has lots of water and gorgeous waterfalls since the rainy season extend from February to November.

Other Villages

Other villages in the region include San Francisco de Yuruani (close to the turn-off to Roraima Tepuy), Kavanayen, El Paují, and Icabarú. There are small airstrips at Santa Elena, El Paují, Ikabarú, Wonken, Kavanayen, Kamarata and Canaima. These are served by small six-seater planes. These flights cost less than you might expect, at about $50-60 per leg, and offer an incredible way to see the Sabana. There are also small airstrips at Santa Elena, El Paují, Ikabarú, Wonken, Kavanayen, Kamarata and Canaima.

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Two roads split from the main north-south highway, allowing you to penetrate other parts of the region. One of these roads heads to the mission of Kavanayen, via the lovely waterfalls of Chinak Meru. Other road heads west from Santa Elena to the small and interesting village of El Paují and on to the mining town of Icabarú.

El Pauljí is a unique border town where the Gran Sabana ends and the Amazonian jungle begins. The mining (low-tech subsistence mining for gold and diamonds) and tourist community features attractions like the Cathedral falls, Pozo Esmeralda (Esmerald Pool), Pozo El Paují (Paují Pool), the Abismo overlook, and the community offers many places to stay. This special place is surrounded by an evergreen and gallery forest, bush and savannah and an endless number of rivers, ravines and waterfalls. Many artists have settled here, forming a strong community in harmony with nature.

Getting There

You can best get to the region via a 20 minute flight on Rutaca from Santa Elenas airport. The road can be terrible, but continues as far as Icabarú. This journey is only for 4-wheel-drive vehicles.

Kavak: can only be reached by air or guided tour through the jungle. It is near spectacular falls and rivers.

Las Caritas: a mining town with spacious green areas extending into a great forest. Located very near the Gran Sabana, it’s a good departure spot for excursions with visitor infrastructure, places to stay, and the Aponwao waterfall.

El Callao: the best place to explore the mining treasures of the region. Gold trading and goldsmiths are concentrated here. This is also the home of Venezuela’s most famous Carnival, which is over a century old and based on the Caribbean Carnival traditions brought by early gold miners from Trinidad and Martinique.

My Travel Experience at Mount Roraima

Once we reached the summit there was barely a pause for breath or photos as we made the painful 40 minute walk to the camp site.

Contrary to our expectations, the top was far from flat, with strange shapes eroded by both wind and water forming peaks and troughs, the latter occasionally filled to become streams. The single narrow path over the soft rock was clearly marked by lines of sand worn away by years of weary hikers. After much unwanted walking and climbing, we reached the camp-site, which was located in a cave system on the side of a smaller peak.

Once tents and beds were sorted, we heard the porters call us for dinner. Our celebration of climbing a mountain was somewhat tempered by receiving a thin soup of pasta and onions. Assuming this was a starter, I limited myself to one small bowl only to discover that that was the entire meal. Time to break out the emergency snack supplies: a pack of Oreos between the six of us and the three porters added up to only a couple each, but this was still enough to bring us back to the land of the living. Revitalized, we walked to the edge of the mountain to dangle our legs over the 2km sheer face and watch the sunset over Venezuela.

Finding our way back across the uneven ground was somewhat trickier in the dark and with little else to do, most people turned in at 7 pm. This left me alone with the porters who talked me through the spectacularly clear view of the stars.

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The following morning, an early start saw us split into two groups. Those who wanted to walk 9 hours to the tri-point, the meeting place of Brazil, Venezuela and Guyana, and those of us, myself included, who wanted to see everything else the mountain had to offer.

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Over the next nine hours we saw a number of spectacles:

The Crystal Valley – pretty, but not the expected 6ft shards of crystal we’d seen in films like “The Lost World” or “Journey To The Centre Of The Earth.”

The Rivers and Lakes – being way above the clouds, the water reflected the beautiful clear blue sky.

The Jacuzzis – bath-shaped holes in the river bed, filled with crystals. We stopped here to wash in near freezing water and dry off in the sun.

Carnivorous Pitcher Plants – these trap insects in their wells and slowly digest them for food.

Tiny black frogs – in such isolation, these have evolved away from frogs and now run about, rather than hop, on all four legs.

The Window – more of a ledge than a window, this spectacular spot made the whole climb worthwhile. From here it was possible to lie on the edge and look down a 2000m drop to the jungle below. Ledges on both sides of the outcrop make you feel like you are hovering over the jungles of either Brazil or Guyana, all the while providing views above the clouds of the next three tepuys.

The vastness of South America and the beauty of its cities and landscapes have been attracting tourists for years on end. Many travelers find themselves wondering about the best way to see South America, not only because they want to save big but also because they want to avoid any inconveniences and waste time on unnecessary hassles.

As with any hot destinations, it all depends on what you want to see and how long are you planning on staying. The destinations in your desired itinerary will pretty much dictate how you will travel around this wonderful continent.

The Best Way to Travel South America

First and foremost, you have to take a close look at your South America bucket list and see if the pieces fit. Unless you have several months or even a whole year set aside for traveling between the countries, then it’s best to pinpoint two neighboring ones and start planning the itinerary. Traveling from country to country takes a great deal of patience, planning, and stamina so if you only have several weeks to do so, don’t even bother visiting more than two as you will end up exhausted.

Instead, pick some of the best countries in South America worth visiting, see if you can travel between them easily and stress-free, find the most cost-effective accommodation and transport options and start mapping your journey.

Traveling from Brazil to Argentina

Brazil is a gigantic country, abundant in beaches, rich culture, and amazing sceneries. As such, it requires that you stay there for months in order to see everything. Very few people are lucky to have this period of time for exploration so it’s best to simply base yourself in Rio de Janeiro, explore it thoroughly, make a few trips to some extraordinary attractions around Rio before you head off to Argentina.

Getting around by bus is one of the easiest ways to see the county or else travel to another one, such as Argentina. There are numerous operators in Brazil and the price of tickets vary to a great extent, depending on the class. There are four bus classes in Brazil: Convencional, Executivo, Semi-Leito or Semi-Cama, Leito or Cama. The level of comfort and amenities vary and so does the price. Leito (Cama) class is the most comfortable as it has reclining seats with lots of space between the rows. Still, it is only Convencional and Executivo class that actually operate within Brazil, unlike the previous two that take passengers internationally.

Another option to visit Argentina from Brazil is to combine air travel with the bus. That way you won’t miss out on fantastic landscapes as you drive by. For example, many travelers decide to fly from Rio to Iguazu where they can visit Iguazu Falls, one of the biggest attractions in Brazil. It is from Iguazu that you can reach Argentina easily.

Take a good look at all the available flight options from Rio to Puerto Iguazu as you can find cheap flights at some of the leading airline companies, such as Aerolineas Argentinas or Latam Airlines. The trip takes around 3 hours from Rio to Iguazu. As far as buses are concerned, you should buy the ticket directly at Foz de Iguazu as you will get the best price rather than by booking online. The ticket will cost you around $180 and the trip will probably be overnight, lasting around 18 hours.

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Traveling from Argentina to Chile

The best way to mark your first checkpoint is to fly to Mendoza because this beautiful city is just 365 kilometers away from Santiago – Chile’s capital. This makes Mendoza an awesome starting point. Although it seems only logical that you should make Buenos Aires your base while staying in Argentina, keep in mind that the distance between Buenos Aires and Santiago is 1407 kilometers, almost five times bigger than Mendoza – Santiago. On top of that, you will have the chance to enjoy the stunning scenery as you take the winding highway along the Andes.

As Chile lies nestled between the Andes at east, Atacama desert to the north, and the Pacific to the west, there is only one border crossing between it and Argentina. For this reason, crossing the border often proves to be notoriously slow at times. The beautiful surrounding makes up for it, though.

As far as your means of transport is concerned, you have to be careful not to bite more than you can chew. If you’re traveling light, it makes no difference whether you’ll go by bus, car or plane. Still, there are significant differences cost-wise between these three, air travel being the costliest of all.

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Argentinians travel by air much less than their neighbors which has lead to fewer airline companies operating above its territory. When we add other factors such as slow aviation growth to the mix, it only adds up that airfare is rather pricey in Argentina, especially if you travel to another country from it. Air passengers in Argentina actually pay three times as much for every 100 kilometers than their neighboring Chileans or Brazilians. While the only perk of air travel is speed and convenience, the disadvantages include fewer booking options, missing out on the breath-taking scenery along the way, and of course, money.

As there are no trains connecting these two cities, the best ways to travel are by bus or by car. The drive between the cities takes about five hours if you’re lucky enough not to get jammed at the border. Another thing to keep in mind when renting a car in Argentina is that some rental companies may not allow the cars to be driven out of state. Similarly, those that do usually charge additional fees.

Buses are by far the best option. Mendoza bus operating companies to choose from are aplenty – CATA, Nevada International, El Rapido, and Radiomovil being the most notable ones. The tickets are ridiculously cheap and they start at around $25.

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Traveling from Brazil to Colombia or Venezuela

International flights from Brazil to Colombia may cost an arm and a leg ($800). In case you want to travel from Brazil to Colombia by bus, it’s better to skip Rio unless you have a lot of spare time, too. Why, you may wonder? Simply because it may take days to get to the Colombian border.

Those travelers who have been through thick and thin while visiting South America will likely tell you to take the boat from Manaus in Brazil to Leticia, a small city in Southern Colombia. Although you can take the slow boat, there are great chances that it departs only once a week and the trip takes around 7 days. The speed boat, however, can have you in Leticia in 3 days. Since the boats tend to fill up rather quickly, especially during the high season (between July and August), it’s always good to book the tickets a couple of days in advance.

Although Venezuela has had a bumpy political past, it has done no damage to its natural splendors. The land of the Mount Roraima and Angel Falls is definitely worth visiting. Similarly to traveling to Colombia, it’s best to cross the Venezuelan border by flying only this time you can also take a bus from Manaus. In any case, you will be headed to Boa Vista, the capital of Venezuelan state of Roraima.

Azul Lineas and LETAM Airlines offer cheap flights from Manaus to Boa Vista. The trip takes about 2 hours while the prices may fluctuate depending on the season (usually around $200). Of course, the cheaper alternative is the bus that connects these two places. The trip will take significantly longer, sometimes even as much as 11 hours. However, it’s much more cost-effective as the fares are usually around $100 and you will also have the chance to savor the amazing landscapes on your way to Boa Vista.

Once in Venezuela, there are plenty of options for getting around, taxis and private transfers being the best. Venezuela has suffered greatly in economic terms and the inflation has induced shockingly affordable prices. Since there are many unlicensed taxis in Venezuela, a great majority of them don’t even have meters so you can easily negotiate a fixed price.

Although it sounds like a great idea to take the train, rail doesn’t operate outside Caracas and its suburban areas. Still, there are great car rental options in all major cities and the roads are predominantly in a good state. Not only is this a great money-saving solution but it will also let you explore the country at your own pace.

Tempting though it may seem, opting for bus passes around South America is really not the best of solutions. While some agencies may offer them at seemingly lower prices than buying individual tickets with different operators, don’t fall for the trick. The notorious three you will come across are Samba, Southpass, and Green Toad, but users’ reviews testify against their actual feasibility and cost-effectiveness. The usual complaints include frequent disconnections between the passes and very poor customer service.

Important Things to Consider Before Traveling to South America

Crossing the borders between the countries of Latin America will pretty much depend on the country itself. Luckily, the majority of borders on the continent is nowhere near the blacklist of the world’s most difficult border crossings. Still, you have to bear in mind that Panama-Colombia border is notorious for drug-smuggling and hence has increased security regulations. It’s best to avoid it altogether.

On a similar note, visa requirements for South America also differ depending on the country you are traveling from i.e. on your citizenship. US citizens do not need a visa for Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Equador, Uruguay, and Guayana. On the other hand, they will need to provide one for Venezuela, Bolivia, Suriname, and Brazil. Some of them might also need you to pay additional taxes, such as departure tax so make sure to count that in when planning the budget.

Other than that, this lovely continent is likely to be your next dream oasis of breath-taking destinations, with stunning landscapes and friendly locals in every step of the way.

South America is a continent of natural diversities and geographical variety. It’s rather hard to make the ultimate list of the best South American countries to visit because they all hide unparalleled beauty and rich cultural heritage.

The Most Beautiful Countries to Visit in South America

One thing is certain, wherever you choose to go, you will miss at least some of the beauty unless you’re planning on staying there forever. In either case, these beautiful countries should be on everyone’s bucket list and visited at least once in a lifetime. Skipping the usual highlights of this continent, such as Rio de Janeiro or Machu Picchu, you will be surprised to discover other magical places this remarkable land holds so dear.

Argentina

Yes, it’s true. Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires is a city to remember. Bustling nightlife, exclusive shopping malls, exquisite cuisine in fine restaurants, unique architecture, and many other attractions make it unmistakenly appealing. But what if you’re not just an average tourist whose goal is to roam the streets of metropolitan cities and instead, just wants to get off the beaten track and explore the most instagrammable places in South America? In that case, there is a good reason why Argentina is this high on our list. This country is home to some of the most breath-taking landscapes and untarnished natural reserves in the world. Talampaya (La Rioja) is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and it covers the area 830 square miles. Located right in the center of La Rioja Province, this outstanding reserve was once the land of dinosaurs whose fossils and footprints are still visible to visitors. The rich paleontological resources, archeological sites, and unique geological formations document the evolution of many extinct species and give them a new lease of life.

The best way to explore Argentina is to take the legendary Route 40 trip and visit some of the most fascinating attractions along the way. La Payunia Provincial Reserve with its 800 volcanoes and lava flows, Neuquén and Río Negro also known as “the seven lakes road”, The Perito Moreno glacier with its turquoise glacial water, and many other attractions along Ruta 40 are definitely worth visiting.

Peru

Peru probably owes its worldwide fame to Machu Picchu, an Incan citadel perched high in the Peruvian Andes. As otherworldly as this these ancient ruins are, Peru has a lot more secrets up its sleeve that are no less jaw-dropping. Peru’s multicultural background endowed this country with such plentitude of historic monuments, many of which are unjustifiably left out of the spotlight. The first of those unrightfully neglected sites is Chan Chan, a huge pre-Colombian mud-brick city, said to have been built in the early 15th century. This one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece is splendidly decorated, telling a story of the oldest civilizations to have ever lived on the continent.

Peru still wouldn’t be complete if there wasn’t for its capital – Lima. You can start exploring this metropolis right from its center where you will be amazed to uncover the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by the Cathedral of Lima and Government Palace. There are other equally iconic palaces around the center and beyond, all of which share the style of the colonial architecture, characteristic of Latin America.

One of the best examples of colonial architecture is The Palacio de Torre Tagle which is now home to the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and it bears all the traits of Spanish baroque – carved columns and dark wooden balconies, massive stone doorway and plaster facades. This charming city is also a great place to start exploring the ancient ruins dating back to 200 AD and earlier. Huaca Huallamarca is a beautifully preserved archeological complex which stands in stark contrast against the highrise building of San Isidro district.

Read more: The Sacred Valley in Peru – 5 Amazing Experiences to Have

Chile

There are no adequate words to describe the splendor of this South American colorful country. Narrowly stretched along the 2,672 miles of coastline, “the longest country” in the world hides an abundance of awe-inspiring mountain ranges, deserts, lakes, and even glaciers. So, among the first stops to take in Chile is Torres del Paine National Park – the southernmost part of the Patagonia region. Glacial ice once cleft these uniquely spiked mountains and left behind the most beautiful turquoise mountain lakes – Pehoé, Del Toro, and Sarmiento. Other equally beautiful Chilean natural parks include Lauca, Conguillío, Pan de Azúcar, Queulat, just to name a few. Still, Chile’s trademark has to be the magical Easter Island, famous for its gigantic stone statues cloaked under the veil of mystery.

Although scientists have finally unraveled the enigma surrounding these peculiar monuments, it makes them not less magnificent. Along with these Moai statues, Rapa Nui National park offers other picturesque attractions, such as Rano Kau crater lake, soft-sand beaches, and intricate cave systems.

Lastly, the story of Chile wouldn’t be complete without a few words on the Atacama desert, with the little village of San Pedro de Atacama right in its heart. You can spend days on end exploring this sensational piece of our planet embellished by miles of rugged valleys, cone-shaped volcanoes, and sparkling salt lakes.

Ecuador

Ecuador is the holy trinity of travel boasting mountains, beaches, and cities of unparalleled beauty. Urban areas of this diverse country take pride in some of the most outstanding pieces of colonial architecture. The biggest city in the Azuay Province – Cuenca is the most charming of all, making you fall in love with it instantly. Cobbled streets, remnants of the Old World, colonial parks and rivers are what makes this city so unique and this is why UNESCO put this city on the list of World Heritage Sites.

Discovered in the 16th century, the Galapagos islands are located more than 900 kilometers away from the coast of Ecuador and this remote position enabled the islands to keep their unique ecosystems perfectly intact. The oldest volcanic islands of this archipelago are said to have emerged millions of years ago and they still remain one of the most active volcanic areas in the world. Due to the large portion of their untamed wilderness, very few parts of the Galapagos islands can be visited without the guides. Underwater reefs make these islands a perfect diving location too, attracting over thousands of divers on a yearly basis.

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Bolivia

Encompassing just enough space to steal its portion of the Andes, the Atacama Desert, and the Amazon river, Bolivia has only recently made its claim to fame and rose to become one of the most popular tourist countries in South America. Once you see what this extraordinary country has to offer, it will all start to make sense. Assuming your first checkpoint will be La Paz, the highest city in the world, it makes no difference which way you will head from there.

At just an hour’s drive from La Paz, you can visit Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) whose name is pretty much self-explanatory once you realize that these extraordinary rock formations resemble the very surface of the Moon. Paying a visit to this unusual attraction is a perfect opportunity to kickstart your exploration of the stunning national parks in Bolivia.

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park is located on the border with Brazil and it is one of the world’s most remote and unspoiled national parks. It is here that the Amazon rainforests provided a home for lush vegetation, impressive waterfalls, and numerous animal species. Surreal Eduardo Avaroa National Park is no less impressive. High in the Andes, this large area of peculiar rock formations, geysers, and thermal springs leaves visitors breathless.

Interspersed with almost all the colors you can think of, this national park is home to some of the most outstanding lagoons in the world, the most notable being Laguna Banca, Laguna Colorada, and Laguna Capina. Of course, you will have to top the journey to Bolivia with a visit to the world’s biggest salt flat Salar de Uyuni. This infinite salt desert is an impressive sight to behold and it’s also the one that will stick around your thoughts long after you come back home.

Venezuela

Although small compared to Argentina or Brazil, this western South American country has no suitable match when it comes to its unbelievably diverse landscapes. It stretches over the Andes, Amazon rainforest, Carribean coastline, and green valleys, hiding an abundance awe-inspiring sceneries and wildlife. For the most intrepid and adventurous globetrotters, traveling to Venezuela and not exploring the Lost World of Roraima mountain is almost impossible. The plateau topping this mystical mountain is often called “the island in the sky” because it stands in complete isolation from the ground level and has its own ecosystem. The locals call this table-topped mountain “the house of Gods” and you will often see the pictures of thick white clouds and mist encircling it as if hiding the heavenly world.

Another must-see destination in Venezuela is Angel Falls. It is one of the rare attractions in Latin America that sees very tourists and has remained pretty much intact, making it all the more appealing. You do have to bear one thing in mind, though. Angel Falls are not accessible by car or bus. Instead, you will have to take a flight to the town of Canaima and get on the boat to take a ride to the Falls.

The Falls are more likely to show their grandeur during the late summer and autumn months when water is abundant due to heavy torrential rains so make sure you book your guide to Angel Falls anytime between late June to November. Equally captivating and not to be missed is the ride down the Orinoco delta. During this journey, you can visit Warao Indian communities hidden deep in palm forests and mangrove and get to know their centuries-long tradition. You will need at least three days to fully appreciate the Orinoco adventure and its stunning flora and fauna.

Colombia

There is certainly more to Colombia than meets the eye which is exactly why thousands of visitors are enticed to visit it every month. Its secret is hidden deep in the Amazonian forests, Caribbean beaches, lively cities, and rich cultural heritage. The hustle and bustle of Bogota and Cartagena both treasure unique palaces, museums and churches, colorful facades, botanical gardens, and a vibrant nightlife.

Of all the fascinating attractions in Bogota, make sure not to miss a visit to the Museum of Gold, climb to the top of Monserrate, or go for a stroll around Bogota’s most important district – La Candelaria. Equally delightful are Cartagena’s attractions: Ciudad Amurallada, also called “the walled city” – a sturdy fortification once used as a shield against pirate attacks and storms and the unmissable Playa Blanca, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

For those of you who want to get off the beaten track, Colombia’s Serranía de la Macarena National Park hugs the surface of over 6 000 square kilometers and shelters some outstandingly captivating landscapes and locations.

One of the exceptional features of this park is “the river of five colors” Caño Cristales – a river no different than any other river in the world except for the fact that during the change between the wet and the dry season, this river explodes with color created by unique species of plant covering the river’s bottom. Just as beautiful and serene is Tayrona National Park whose pristine beaches, stunning sunsets, and breathtaking landscapes make it a must-stop destination in Colombia.

Summary

Hopefully, you have already decided what your next travel destination will be. No matter what country you choose to visit in South America, one thing is for sure – you will leave with your head full of memories and your camera loaded with some of the best photographs you will ever take. So, pick your destination, study the travel guides, and start packing your suitcases to embark on the most memorable of journeys.

The Atacama Desert is one of South America’s most unique attractions. Located in the cool arid region that stretches from Peru’s southern border into northern Chile, it is referred to by climatologist as an “absolute desert.”

The annual rainfall (or lack of it) defines a desert, but that doesn’t mean that it never rains in the Atacama. Every so often a warming effect over the Pacific Ocean around the equator changes the weather. In late 2015, flowers blossomed in the desert after some unusual rain.

The Atacama Desert offers some of the most surreal adventures. From lunar-like landscapes to dune surfing and more, the activities in the desert are unlike anywhere else.

The small town of San Pedro de Atacama is the main base for exploring the region. You will find many tours and expeditions ready to take you on some of the most spectacular excursions in the desert.

For a wide range of activities to suit every taste, here are five you should not miss.

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1 – Go to Mars on the Moon Valley

Moon Valley or Valle de la Luna is one of the most visited places in San Pedro de Atacama. The landscape is characterized by unique sand and stone formations and a series of colors and textures.

It resembles the surface of the moon, and it used by NASA for staging and testing instruments and vehicles to be used in Mars missions.

This is also one of the most popular spots to watch the sunset. After the sun goes down, the uninterrupted vistas provide a dramatic display of a kaleidoscope of colors. Amazing shades of brown, grey, pink, and purple reflect on the Andes Mountains as the moon rises in the night sky.

2 – Sandboard in Death Valley

Death Valley (Valle De La Muerte) is located very close to Moon Valley. Both are part of the Salt Mountain Range also in Cordillera de La Sal, part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve.

The name, tour guides will tell you to come from its tragic history. Most people who tried to cross it ended up passing away. Just like Moon Valley, it is recognized for its rock formation and sand dunes, set amidst the utter aridity of Atacama Desert. This is why many people consider it one of the most inhospitable place on earth.

Sandboarding is one of the most popular activities. Don’t expect to find chairlifts in the desert. Instead, walk your way up 330-foot-high dunes, under the hot sand and energy sapping sand. While it is hard work, the 360-degree views of stunning landscapes will be your reward. Surf down the dunes at hair-raising speeds and enjoy a unique way to experience the desert.

3 – Visit the World’s Highest Geyser Fields of El Tatio

El Tatio is one of the highest elevation geyser fields in the world, at about 14,000 ft in elevation. Known locally as Los Géiseres del Tatio, it is located about 90 kilometers north of San Pedro de Atacama, not far from the Bolivian border.

El Tatio has over 80 active geysers, making it the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere and the third largest in the world. Its geysers erupt to an average height of about 75 centimeters, with the highest eruption observed at around 6 meters.

The best time to see the eruptions are in the early morning when the tall, billowing steam erupts. The large steam clouds diminish as daytime temperatures rise, but the geyser activity continues throughout. Expect to see lots of steam and gurgling sounds like a jacuzzi.

Beyond the geysers are hot springs too. These are hot pools heated by volcanic rocks which can be a welcome relief to the chilling morning temperatures.

Most tour companies will provide a hot breakfast with freshly cooked eggs, hot coffee and more.

4 – Stargazing with an Astronomer

The Atacama is one of the world’s foremost stargazing centers. With more than 300 days a year of clear skies, along with no light pollution, means the stars and planets are there for all to see.

The ALMA Observatory, the world’s largest ground telescope, more powerful than the Hubble telescope is housed here. Major international observatories, including the European Southern Observatory (ESO) operates seven telescopes from its base in the area.

Stargazing tours in small groups are regularly held on clear nights. Book one of the tours in San Pedro de Atacama and be prepared to discover a new world above.

The tours start can start as late as midnight, but they are fun and informational. Between experienced guides and powerful telescopes, people with little or no astronomical knowledge to observe and appreciate the amazing celestial displays.

5 – Float on the Water at Laguna Cejar

The water at Laguna Cejar has a higher salt concentration than the Dead Sea, allowing you to naturally float on the surface.

Laguna Cejar itself is a flamingo habitat. Visitors are not actually allowed to get into its waters. Tour agencies will instead take you to the adjacent Laguna Piedra, where you can lazily lay in the water, relaxing on a hot desert day.

When packing for your trip to the driest desert in the world, don’t forget to carry your swimsuit. Be sure to rinse off the salty water after you get out. There are a few showers on site but it’s generally advisable to bring your own fresh water to rinse off afterward.

Top Tips For Your Visit to Chile’s the Atacama Desert

• Wear layers. Temperatures drop in the desert, especially in the morning and nights. Be prepared to bundle up for star gazing or visiting El Tatio geysers at the crack of dawn.
• Pack your swimsuit. Even for a trip to the desert, you’ll need your swimsuit. Experience floating at Laguna Cejar or swimming in the volcano heated hot pool of El Tatio.
• Use sunscreen. And lot’s of it. Don’t forget you are in the desert and the daylight sun rays can be penetrating. Spread it on liberally.
• Drink lots of water. This goes without say, stay hydrated and drink a lot of water. In addition to the heat, you are at high elevations. Have your water bottle attached to you constantly.
• Get snap happy. The Atacama Desert is a photographer’s playground. Plan to have lots of space on your devices.

After you have explored this beautiful desert, you should go ahead and explore their world class local dishes!

In 2016, Peru was designated as the best country in the world for gastronomy. This honor was bestowed by The World Travel Awards (WTA) or the “Oscars” of tourism for the 5th year in a row. This means that Peru edged out other world renowned cuisines such as French, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Spanish, Thai, among others.

On your travels in Peru, be prepared to enjoy some of the most unique and diverse cuisines in the world. The rich biodiversity, the Inca heritage and the mix of immigrant cultures have all influenced the food. Peru certainly deserves its title as a top gastronomic destination. Here are 5 local dishes you don’t want to miss.

#1 – Ceviche

A trip to Peru would not be complete without trying ceviche. It is considered Lima’s dish of the city or Peru’s favorite dish. It even has its own holiday which was created by the Peruvian government. National Ceviche Day is celebrated every June 28th.

Ceviche is essentially a raw dish that consists of fish soaked in citrus juices like lime and spiced with chili peppers. There are just 5 ingredients in the national dish of Peru: raw fish, salt red onions and ají, Peru’s unique line of chili peppers, all doused in lime juice. The acidity of the lime ‘cooks’ the fish and makes it firm and opaque. The marinade is called leche de tigre (tiger’s milk). The ceviche is accompanied with camote (sweet potatoes) and choclo (large, white Andean corn), which are both native to Peru.

Choose between Ceviche Pescado (thinly cut slices of fish) or Ceviche Mixto (mix of fish, squid, octopus and scallops). Be sure to have it at lunch time or early in the day when the fish is the most fresh.

#2 – Lomo Saltado

Lomo Saltado, is considered a traditional Peruvian dish, though it is actually a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian food. When the Chinese came to Peru in the 1800s, they introduced new ingredients like ginger, soy sauce and scallion.They incorporated local ingredients like potatoes from the Andes, bananas and pineapples from the Amazon, and created a new cuisine called “Chifa.” Lomo Saltado is a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian food.

There are many places to have Lomo Saltado. For the most authentic experience, eat at the local markets for under 5 soles (approx $1.54 USD).

The main ingredients in this dish are; beef cut into pieces with sauteed onions, tomato pepper which are then flavored with a little soy sauce, garlic and cilantro. Served with a side of rice and Peruvian potatoes, this meal will please any taste buds.

#3 – Pollo a la Brasa

Pollo a la Brasa, also known as Peruvian rotisserie chicken is so beloved in Peru that it even has its own National Holiday. It has been declared a “National Culinary Speciality” and is celebrated on the third Sunday of July.

This popular dish originated in Lima. The chicken is made with unique Peruvian herbs and cooked in a special roasting system. For budget conscious travelers, you can’t get better quality fast food than this. Try out various pollerias (poultry shop/restaurant), as each place tweaks their recipe slightly. Eat with your hands like a local and dip the chicken into the different traditional sauces. Discover for yourself why Pollo a la Brasa is not just “chicken” in Peru.

#4 – Anticuchos

The story of anticuchos is very much part of the national story of Peru. Anticuchos come from the African slaves who were brought to Peru by the Spanish in the16th century. The Spanish would slaughter cows and would give the innards which they considered garbage to their slaves. The African slaves learned how to cook them using different seasonings from the Andes and the Spanish, transforming them into delicious morsels of meat.

The most traditional is Anticuchos de Corazon, which are pieces of grilled beef heart. If heart makes you queasy you can get chicken, regular beef or hot dog anticuchos instead.

At sundown, on street corners around Peru, look for the crowds and long lines in front of street vendors. Stand in line and get your generous portion of anticuchos. Served on a stick with a boiled potato on the top, this street food will surprise and delight you.

#5 – Picarones

One of the most unique and local desserts not to miss is the Picarones. Picarones are a kind of doughnut that is unique to Peru. The principal ingredients are sweet potato and squash. Typically sold in sets of four, they are deep fried and served with cane syrup called chancaca.

At markets around town and at local festivals and events, Picarones will be one of the popular desserts available. Although these sweet treats are deep fried, they are made with squash and sweet potato, allowing you to eat all four pieces, guilt free.

When most people think of visiting Peru in South America, the main reason is often Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

One often overlooked, yet spectacular area is the Sacred Valley. The valley was formed by the Urubamba River, which the Incas believed was sacred and that the flow of the water was tied to the constellations.

With the river as its source, the fertile valley was a major center of agricultural production for the Incas, who grew native Andean crops such as coca, potatoes, and more inexpansive fields along terraced mountain slopes.

Even today, the Sacred Valley continues to be an important agricultural area serving as the breadbasket for Cusco.

There are many impressive sites and Inca ruins in around the Sacred Valley which you don’t want to miss on your travels to Peru. Highlighted below are 5 amazing experiences to have.

#1 – Visit Chinchero Market

Chinchero is a small Andean Indian village located about 30km from Cusco. It is believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow.

You want to make sure to add this market to your must-visit sites for a couple of reasons. The colorful Sunday market is one of the major attractions where you will see locals going about their village made up of mud brick (adobe) houses in their traditional dress.

Traditional textile weaving using natural dyes is one of the highlights of the market. Chinchero is one of ten weaving communities supported by the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco to preserve the ancient weaving heritage and use of natural dyes and fibres.

Chinchero village is said to have been an important town during the Inca period. Inca leader Tupac Yupanqui, son of Pachacutec is said to have used Chinchero as a country resort.

The most striking remnants of this period are the terraces he ordered built for farming and agricultural purposes. Also worth noting is the massive stone wall in the main plaza with ten trapezoidal niches, doorways and adobo church built around 1607 by the Spanish.

#2 – Ollantaytambo – The Best Preserved Inca Village

The main attraction in Ollantaytambo is the Inca fortress built on the mountain side overlooking the village. This village is the strategic entrance to the lower Urubamba Valley and the starting point of the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

What makes Ollantaytambo so special is that it has little changed since the Inca time period. Much of the original walls remain intact as well as the impressive terraces built for farming purposes.

At the top of the terraces, is the important though incomplete, Templo del Sol or Temple of the Sun. It was like a calendar for the Incas and had special significance on the 21st June, the winter solstice and the 21st December, the summer solstice.

Ollantaytambo, became the only place ever to have resisted attacks from the Spanish in the 1500s. However, that victory was short-lived. The Spanish returned with reinforcements and
forced the emperor Manco Inca to retreat and Ollantaytambo, fell into the hands of the Spanish.

#3 – Sacsayhuaman

Colloquially known as Peru’s sexy woman, Sacsayhuaman (Sac-say-hua-man) is close to Cusco, just 2 km north east of the city.

Sacsayhuaman is a spectacular fortress built from gigantic stones weighing between 90 to 128 tons each, assembled with astonishing precision. While not a military base, it is believed to have been the most important ceremonial center of upper Cusco. The complex includes a temple devoted to the Sun God, Inti and was used for various Inca ceremonies.

Today, each year, on the 24th of June, is the reenactment festival of Inti Raymi or the Festival of the Sun.

Revel in the mystery of stones, some as tall as 5m (17ft) weighing up to 350 tons. If your travel plans permit, check out the Festival of the Sun in June.

#4 – Maras Salt Mines

Your fascination with the Inca Empire and their ingenuity will continue into Maras. Maras is home to an incredible network of ancient salt deposits, from which salt is extracted using evaporation pools since before the Incas.

Warm salty water from a natural spring on the side of the mountain, is cleverly directed into hundreds of shallow terraced ponds via an intricate system of narrow channels. When full, the water is left to evaporate leaving 100 percent natural and unrefined salt in its place.

One of the most amazing facts about these salt ponds, is that they follow a community and cooperation-based system, established as early as the Incas, or even earlier.

To see the continuation of work that has been going on for thousands of years and a direct link to the Inca and their ancestors, Maras is worth the stop.

#5 – Machu Picchu

No trip to the Sacred Valley would be complete without visiting Machu Picchu. This impressive Inca citadel, built in the 15th Century is attributed to the great Inca leader, Pachacutec.

The construction, design and foresight of the Incas is remarkable. It’s difficult to fathom how advanced they were at the time. Spread out on over 20 hectares, don’t miss the many temples, including the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of Three Windows and the impressive Sacred Stone. The Sacred Stone is a powerful symbol of Machu Picchu and recognized as a spiritual area for carrying out sacred ceremonies and pachamamas (offerings to Mother Earth).

How To Make The Most of Your Trip in The Sacred Valley

Get the Boleto Turistico or Tourist Tickets

The best and most cost-effective way to visit the Sacred Valley is to buy a “boleto turistico“. Valid for 10 days, this ticket gives you entry into 16 historical sites found in the Cusco region and Sacred Valley.

Tickets include: Ollantaytambo ruins, Chinchero Market and Sacsayhuaman. Buy your tickets when you arrive in Cusco at the COSITUC office on 103 Avenida del Sol in the centre of Cusco.

Pay The Additional for Maras Salt Mines

While the Maras Salt Mines are not included in the boleto turistico, they are one of the most amazing sites in the Sacred Valley. Knowing that the system used to harvest the salt is the same one that pre-dates the Inca empires is incredible and worth seeing for yourself. Get there by taxi or minivan collectivo or minivan and pay the 10 soles (approx $3.08 USD) admission fee.

Buy Your Tickets to Machu Picchu In Advance

The boleto turistico unfortunately does not include Machu Picchu. You will have to get your tickets separately, and in advance. Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can only officially issue 2,500 entrance tickets each day. Plan in advance as tickets do sell out regularly.

There are several options to get your entry tickets. You can buy your tickets online, or via a travel agent, though expect to pay more.

Finally, you can buy your Machu Picchu entrance tickets either in Cusco or Aguas Calientes. You can pay by cash or Visa credit card, and will need your passport to complete the sale.

St Lucia’s Most Beautiful Place – The Pitons

Calling all Caribbean lover – this is a new Caribbean Adventure, series 3. This time your destination is The Pitons – St Lucia’s Most beautiful travel destination. The Pitons are two volcanic plugs in St. Lucia that are listed as a World Heritage Site. The two Piton Mountains are the best places for photography on the island. These two twin Pitons are known as Gros Piton, which refers to the bigger one, and Petit Piton, the smaller one.

Covered in lush green vegetation, the Pitons seem to rise majestically from the blue waters of the Caribbean. What makes them so spectacular is that they do rise straight from Piton Bay and can be viewed from every angle, and they are indeed an impressive sight, no matter how you look at them.

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Best place for Hiking and Mountain Climbing in St Lucia

The Pitons are famous tourist attractions for hiking and mountain climbing in St. Lucia. They are located near the towns of Soufrière and Choiseul, on the southwestern coast of St. Lucia. Located at the top of the Piton Mitan Ridge is the Ladera Hotel, which offers a view over Piton Bay and another hotel that was featured in my previous post on the Jade Mountain Resort.

Petit Piton

Petit Piton might mean “small Piton” in French, but this mountain is still 2461 ft high. Petit Piton faces the beautiful Soufrière Bay in the southwest of Saint Lucia. Soufriere was the capital of St Lucia (before Castries) during the period of French rule.

Today, it’s a small fishing village with a few tourist attractions, including the Diamond Botanical Gardens and the nearby Soufriere Volcano, which is known as the ‘drive-though’ or ‘drive-in’ volcano as there is a convenient road through the very center of the active crater.

Gros Piton

Gros Piton is also located to the south of the town of Soufrière. It is a little taller than Petit Piton, at 2619 ft. That might not seem like much of a difference, but this ranks Gros Piton as the second highest peak on Saint Lucia, after Mount Gimie.

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Where to Start and How to Reach the Pitons

Tourists who are visiting from cruise ships docked at Castries can book a full day shore excursion (6 to 7 hours), which will definitely cover the delights of the Pitons.

Make a visit to the Soufriere Volcano (sulphur springs), walk around the Diamond Botanical Gardens, lunch in Soufriere and stop over at Marigot Bay. The trip down the winding west coast road through the rainforest takes a couple of hours. The Pitons excursions are easily the most popular in St Lucia.

This could be a long day trip, but its definitely worth it. Remember that St Lucia is a mountainous island covered in lush rain forest, and the climate is fairly unpredictable and much wetter than most islands.

Have no doubt about it – visiting different waterfalls around the world always feels as if you’ve just seen a fall for the first time. The raw power of nature emanating from these epic cascades of water is sure to put anyone and everyone into adventuring mood.

Dream Of A Vacation on the edge of Waterfall

One year back, I saw the animated movie Up. It was a movie about an old man. When he was young, he and his woman promised to each other that they would go on an adventure trip together to Paradise Falls in South America and build a house there. I liked this movie so much that I decided to go there myself, but I have never heard of this Paradise Falls before. I thought I had good knowledge of the world’s geography. I knew all the little waterfalls in South America that no one knows.

So, I tried to find where the hell this Paradise Falls is in South America, but I couldn’t find it. All I found out was some Paradise Falls Bars, pubs for vegans and some other stuff. Finally, I found out a similar location as the location in the movie Up.

I found out there were two waterfalls in South America that were looking exactly the same as Paradise Falls that appeared in the movie Up. One was Angel Waterfalls (that everyone knows) in Venezuela, and the second was Tequendama Falls in Bogota of Columbia.

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The first image above is from the movie Up which shows its fictitious Paradise Falls. The second photo is Angel Falls, and the third photo belongs to Teguendama Falls.

No doubt Angel Falls looks more exciting, but after reading about Teguendama Falls, I liked this place more as I can’t make a house at the edge of Angel Waterfalls.

Tequendama Waterfall is a 132m high waterfall on the Bogotá River. It is located about 30 km southwest of Bogotá. These falls emerge in a very dramatic area. You have to make your way through the jungle and you will be rewarded with amazing scenery! Exciting isn’t it?? This waterfall was also the most common suicide spot at some point in time.

Haunted Hotel at Tequendama Falls

The most interesting thing I liked about this place was a haunted hotel. The name of this hotel is Hotel del Salto. It is haunted not because of any ghost or bad spirit skulking there. It is an old abandoned hotel and its old design makes it look like a little haunted.

Looks interesting?? Planning to go to Bogota now? Wait, I have news for you. This historic Colombian hotel that has been abandoned for nearly two decades will soon reopen as an ecological museum.

I wish they could allow us to spend one night in this hotel at the edge of the waterfall.