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Must See Places In South America

admin — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 18:35:38 +0000

Set between the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and the South Atlantic Oceans, South America is the land of attractions. This continent can also be referred as the land of superlatives. The continent is the home to Amazon, The world’s biggest rainforest, Angel Falls, the world’s tallest waterfall, and Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego, the frozen landscapes. While the Remote islands like Galapagos Islands, Easter Island and Fernando de Noronha are great attractions of South America, the pristine beaches in Brazil’s Northeastern region also have their own magic.

Apart from breathtaking natural attractions, South America treasures ruins of ancient civilizations. Machu Picchu and other Inca cities are fine examples of these. One can also explore the Serra da Capivara, the oldest rock paintings or admire the modern architecture of Brasilia. While traveling to South America, do not miss out the chance to take part in colorful festivities. Some of the most remarkable names in this context include Rio’s Carnival, the Vendimia festival and Belem’s Cirio de Nazare, etc. Featuring all these fascinating attractions, South America continues to allure visitors like no other place on the earth.

South America, the southern continent of the Americas, covers about 3.5% of world’s total land area that is approx 17,840,000 square kilometers. It is surrounded by Pacific Ocean to the west and north, the Atlantic to the east, North America and the Caribbean Sea to the northwest. South America consists of 15 countries. The continent has a population of approx 371,090,000.

Machu Picchu, Peru: Machu Picchu, the fortress city of the Incas is situated 8,000 feet above sea level. This pre-Columbian ruin is the scared symbols of the Inca Empire. Constructed, during 1430 AD, this ruin was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1983. Situated on a mountain ridge, Machu Picchu was made in the traditional Inca style.

Salar de Uyuni: Salar de Uyuni, largest salt flat in the world is one of the major attractions in Bolivia. 3,656 meters above the sea level, it is located near the peak of the Andes. Salar de Uyuni is at present a dried hill with enormous cacti. In this site you can explore tourist areas like Bloques de Sal, Salt-mining area, Laguna Colorada, Laguna Celeste, Valles de Rocas, Train Graveyard and Laguna Hedionda.

Lake Titicaca: This fascinating lake is located between Bolivia and Peru. Tourists throng to this lake each and every year. 3800 meters above sea level, a tour to this lake will be an unforgettable experience for you. This lake was once the sacred place for the Inca civilization.

Angel Falls: The highest waterfall in the world is located in the Canaima National Park. Situated in Venezuela, this waterfall was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Other must see places in South America are Amazon, Nazca Lines, Peru, Cartagena, Colombia, Patagonia, Easter Island, Rio de Janeiro, Galapagos Archipelago, Santiago, Iguazu Falls of Argentina a, Tierra del Fuego, The Great Blue Hole, Los Katios National Park Colombia, Buck Island Reef National Monument, US Virgin Islands, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, La Antigua Guatemala, Placencia Beach Belize, Huacachina and Historic Centre of Salvador.

Holidaying in South America:rio De Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo

admin — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 18:35:39 +0000

South America is a vast continent of jungles, rain forests and some of the world’s most exciting cities. Miles and miles of fabulous beaches, soaring mountains and a passionate culture that thrives on music and dance make the region a must for a holiday.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio sits between lush mountains and the glorious beaches fronting the Atlantic and is a true city of the imagination. The pulse of the samba is rarely absent from this city in which every day is a celebration.

Climate

Like all of coastal Brazil, Rio is sultry and humid for most of the year. Summer temperatures hover around 28 C. The rainy season occurs from October to January. Winters in Rio feature temperatures of around 23 C.

Transport:getting there and getting away

Flights connect Rio with all of Brazil and Latin America, as well as many other major cities. Buses depart for most destinations from Novo Rio Rodoviaria.

City buses are often crowded and struggle through Rio’s traffic. Rio has an excellent, air-conditioned subway system but it only covers points north of Botafogo.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Rio de Janeiro hotels

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

*Carnaval is the five-day internationally-famous extravaganza beginning at midnight on the Friday before Ash Wednesday. Dancing, parades, head-dresses and flaunted bodies make up this unforgettable spectacle.

*The Fiestas Junina’s is celebrated in public squares throughout June.

*August 15 sees music, colorful stalls and a parade celebrating the Festa de NS da Gloria do Outeiro.

*Festa da Penha is one of the largest religious festivals in the city. It’s held every Sunday in October.

Buenos Aires

With its fading architecture, grand boulevards and old-style cafes Buenos Aires seems like an European city of another era.

Transport:getting there and getting away

Buenos Aires is a major transport hub for the southern part of South America. The city has two airports: Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarni (known as Ezeiza), for international flights. Domestic and regional flights use Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (Aeroparque) which is just five miles out of town. Both airports can be reached by bus.

Getting around Buenos Aires is easy. The city boasts an efficient underground known as the Subte and a round-the-clock bus system. Plus the major tourist attractions are near each other so it’s well worth exploring on foot.

Climate

Summers are hot with the temperatures reaching 40 C and winters can get very cold. Spring (October to November) and Autumn (March to May) are warm and pleasant. Rain can come at any time but it tends not to be heavy.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Buenos Aires hotels

Events

* Buenos Aires Tango is a tango festival that takes place between late February and early March all over the city.

* The Feria del Libro annual book fair celebrates Latin American literature in April at the Centro Municipal de Exposicions.

* Mid-May sees the art fair, Arte BA.

*More tango related activities on June 24 when aficionados remember Carlos Gard el, the man who made the tango famous.

*December features the Campeonato Abierto Argentino de Polo.

São Paulo

São Paulo is the largest city in South America. It’s also Brazil’s most cosmopolitan and boasts pulsating nightlife, fine restaurants and an impressive cultural and arts life.

Transport:getting there and getting away

São Paulo has three airports: São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU, for domestic and international flights) and Congonhas, (CGH, for domestic flights).

The city is very congested so the subway is the best method of getting around.The buses are very crowded.

Climate

Not as pleasant as other Brazilian cities but generally warm and sunny all year round. Rainfall is highest during the summer months.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Sao Paulo hotels

Events

*São Paulo Fashion Week is the crowning event in the Brazilian fashion scene.

*São Paulo Gay Parade in June features a huge carnival.

*Brazilian F1 Grand Prix is in October.

4 Essential Places to See on a South America Trekking Holiday

admin — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 18:35:37 +0000

South America has long been a continent associated with exploration and adventure. Geographically diverse and with a fascinating ancient culture, it has attracted dedicated explorers and casual travellers alike for decades. From scenes of outstanding natural beauty to ancient Inca cities, there is plenty to see on a South America trekking holiday.

The continent as a whole is huge, and it would take months to see just the one or two major sights of each country. But if you are planning on visiting South America, consider making at least one of the following places the centrepiece of your holiday…

Machu Picchu, Peru

One of the most famous architectural sites in the world, ‘The Lost City of the Incas’ has long been one of the major attractions for South America trekking holidays, and it certainly lives up to the hype. Perched on top of an isolated mountainside, this excellently preserved set of ruins lay undiscovered until the beginning of the 20th century, and is perhaps the finest set of ancient Inca site on the continent.

Whether you walk the famous Inca Trail, stay in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes, or just visit for day on the train from Cusco, there are numerous ways to see Machu Picchu. While you are there, make sure to climb up the nearby mountain of Huayna Picchu for some spectacular views of the ruins from above.

Igauzu Falls, Argentina/Brazil

When medieval sailors imagined the edge of the earth as a series of endless waterfalls, perhaps they thought of something that looked like the Iguazu Falls. This stunning series of waterfalls, located on the triple border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, is one of South America’s natural wonders. Surrounded by lush jungle, there are numerous walking routes around the waterfalls, as well as the opportunity to take a short boat trip right beneath the most impressive section of the falls. It’s an ideal destination for a spot of South America trekking.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

This cluster of islands, located off the coast of Ecuador, is home to one of the world’s most unique and fascinating ecosystems. Isolated from the mainland for centuries, the island is home to many unique species of plants and animals. It is a botanists’ paradise (providing Charles Darwin with much of the research for The Origin of Species) that is also ideal for walkers to wander around. Entry to the region is tightly controlled, but most visits combine a mixture of cruising and walking around the islands. If you are fascinated by animals, the Galapagos Islands are simply a must see!

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

There are many places to go trekking in South America, but few can match the Torres del Paine National park. Centred around the stunning Torres del Paine mountains and with surrounding countryside that includes glaciers, lakes and thick forests, the park is a delightful place to explore on foot. Single day and multi day treks are available for all skill levels, and if you want to experience some of the finest South America trekking, don’t miss out on Torres del Paine.

The Wild Life – taking South America Holidays for Luxury Honeymoons

admin — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:35:36 +0000

It’s supposed to happen once in a lifetime, the honeymoon – so why not make it big? Luxury honeymoons are probably the only chance half of us will ever get to really go to town on a holiday, and as a way of celebrating the blessed union of two loving hearts, there’s no better reason for taking it. If the chance for the holiday to end all holidays is going to be taken, of course, it ought to be taken properly – but how to choose? A person might want cities in their luxury honeymoons; or jungles; or how about deserted islands, mountain landscapes and beautiful beaches? Fortunately, there’s a continent in this world that offers the lot. South America holidays give happy couples a whole planet’s worth of stuff to choose from for their luxury honeymoons.

From the beating centre of Rio de Janeiro to the deserted beaches of Brazil; from the mystic peaks of Machu Picchu to the sweltering green belly of the Amazon – South America holidays really do cover all the bases. Luxury honeymoons visiting the South American continent can run the gamut of every adventuring emotion: big, buzzing cities; wild, colourful villages; and astonishing natural vistas that can be hiked in, boated through or simply flown over. There are festivals, cantinas and carnivals; lost cities, ancient ruins and exotic wildlife. South America holidays, unlike any other, can give luxury honeymoons a secluded beach resort with honeymoon suite and a gruelling trek up the most famous river on earth in the same package.

Other luxury honeymoons are only able to focus on one or two outstanding selling points: a private villa, perhaps, or a location that allows the happy couple to swim with dolphins. Swimming with dolphins is just part of a day’s work for luxury honeymoons taken as South America holidays: today, swim with dolphins; tomorrow, head up to a mountain village for a romantic lunch in a forgotten cantina; Saturday, pack the bags and head off for a few days jungle trekking. Or go clubbing in Rio. Or tan on the beach. Or visit an Incan temple. South America holidays make all other luxury honeymoons seem frankly pedestrian.

Even those with a taste for something other than sunshine get more than they ever imagined with luxury honeymoons taken as South America holidays. How about swapping the suntanned beaches of Brazil for Argentina’s astonishing Moreno Glacier? Whatever the taste and however big or small the budget, South America holidays have something (usually, many, many things) to make all luxury honeymoons truly unforgettable.

Cruise South America With Costa Cruises

admin — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:35:28 +0000

An adventurous cruise through South America will take in a huge array of wildlife, you could see many natural wonders and some spectacular scenery, and even lost cities along the way. Rich with beauty and atmosphere, a South American cruise truly is a unique experience.

For travellers who are in search of breath taking mountain views, vast tropical rainforests and natural, rugged beauty a low” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” rel=”external nofollow” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.thomascook.com/cruise/cruise-destinations/south-america/”>South American cruise really is it. The west coast of Chile with deep fjords and icy glaciers is something to behold. In contrast you could experience the tropical atmosphere of a mangrove river in Costa Rica or explore a tranquil fishing village in Mexico. This huge continent covers many thousands of miles and has equatorial tropics and sub Antarctic regions. There are fourteen countries and territories that make up the continent and that means some wonderfully diverse cultures as well as many interesting animals to be seen, from Whales to Penguins and Sea Lions as well as many tropical birds.

This is adventure cruising, and as well as the main cruise itself, you will probably want to take excursions away from your ship in order to truly experience this region. Boat up the Amazon to see the jungle surround you and a wonderful array of wildlife and birds that just can’t be seen anywhere else. Take an excursion to see OIinda, a wonderful Portuguese hilltop town which is now a UNESCO world heritage site. Or sightsee in the exotic and cosmopolitan Rio de Janeiro. You might even take in Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands on your route and experience a little slice of Britain out in the South Atlantic.

Travel round the Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of the southernmost continent, and visit Patagonia, a vast landscape of deserts and mountains that stretch between Chile and Argentina which in it’s gentlest parts looks something like the wildest areas of Scotland, here you can go penguin spotting and visit the national glacier parks, and possibly even see a killer whale. There are so many places to visit in this area that no cruise can take them all in, but whichever route you choose you are bound to experience some wonderful sights, and if visiting Antarctica appeals to you, it is possible to take a day cruise out there from some main cruises, but these can be expensive at around £1,500 per person for this day event. It is however a once in a lifetime experience.

In between visits to exotic places, there is of course the wonder of the South Atlantic ocean to see. From your ship at night you will be able to view the stars over the water in this vast unspoilt area, and there are many aquatic creatures to look out for along the way in the daytime such as the South American sea lion which can be found on the Peruvian, Uruguayan, Argentine and Chilean coasts. So, with fine dining aboard ship and adventurous trips inland to be taken, as well as incredible wildlife and astounding landscapes and seascapes to be seen, most people enjoy cruising this area which is like no other anywhere on the globe.

Ski South America

admin — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 18:35:31 +0000

With skiing in the northern hemisphere winding down, it’s time to look deep into the southern hemisphere to feed your passion! In the case, I’m talking blank” href=”http://www.onlyskiing.com/?id=Destinations_SA”>South America and the countries of Chile and Argentina.

Here, the ski season runs from mid June to late September and Within the Andes Mountains are some of the best ski resorts in the world. The easiest ones to get to are located just two hours outside of Santiago, Chile. Santiago-Benitez International Airport is the main air hub for the region and has good transfer services via shuttle bus to nearby resorts.

Chile

In Chile, the more modern ski resorts are located in the Central Region, easily accessed from Santiago. Valle Nevado, Portillo, and Termas de Chillan are internationally known ski destinations. The Valle Nevado complex straddles the imposing peak El Plomo, and includes the 5-star Hotel Valle Nevado, the 4-star Hotel Puerto del Sol, and the 3-star Hotel Tres Puntas. Portillo is the most famous and oldest ski area in South America. It is more of a “boutique” ski resort, with limited hotel capacity, no lift lines and uncrowded slopes. Termas de Chillan, another popular destination 6 to 7 hours south of Santiago, is Chile’s most complete Ski and Spa center.

Portillo is unique because there is no town and only one hotel: the grand Hotel Portillo, which has 123 rooms. In this regard, the Portillo skiing and resort experience is unlike that of any other commercial ski resort. Portillo operates as a weeklong, Saturday to Saturday, all-inclusive resort, with packages that include: lodging; lift tickets; four meals a day (breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner); use of pool and fitness center; and other hotel facilities such as a cinema, game room, and more. Guests are given an eighth day of skiing if they return their room before 10am on check-out day.

Valle Nevado is another resort close to Santiago, Chile. At just over 35 miles from Santiago and an altitude of 9,925 feet, Valle Nevado sits in the midst of the most spectacular landscape of the Andes Mountains. The resort was created with the inspiration of french ski resorts and features modern buildings, hotels and lift equipment, like the Andes Express ski lift, the most advanced of southern hemisphere. It’s also part of Chile’s ‘Three Valleys’ ski region, putting you close to other ski resorts like La Parva and El Colorado.

El Colorado, linked to Valle Nevado by special pass, is ideal for families and youth since unlike many other ski resorts, El Colorado offers a large number of runs devoted to beginners.

La Parva is suspended on the mountainside of the Andes high above the city of Santiago. This small mountain town has modern buildings, over 1,000 houses and condominiums, and can accommodate 7,000 people at any one time during the ski season.

Termas de Chillan, located 310 miles south of Santiago on the slopes of Chillan volcano in the southern Andes Mountains, is the biggest single resort in South America, by skiable terrain. The most convenient means of transportation for getting to and from Termas de Chillan is to fly to Concepcion and take a shuttle bus or hire a car to the resort.

Termas de Chillan has it all: immaculate tree-lined slopes, a huge vertical, South America’s longest run, a snowboard park, plenty of quality off-piste terrain and famous hot springs. Termas de Chillan ski resort has a good choice of accommodation at the base, with six slope-side condos as well as a three-star and five-star hotel. Termas de Chillan spa offers beautiful mineral pools where you can relax.

Argentina

In Argentina, there are outstanding ski resorts specially designed for winter sports lovers with international quality ski runs and state–of–the–art lifts and infrastructure. They are located along the unique Andes mountain range at the western and southern regions of the country. Las Lenas and Cerro Catedral are the country’s most popular ski destinations. Las Lenas, located in the heart of the Andes and a short distance from the airport of Malaguean, is one of the finest ski resorts in South America. It is the vastest and highest ski area in Argentina, offering some of the most spectacular mountains in the world. Cerro Catedral is internationally recognized for its quality establishments and services.

Las Lenas is located in the middle of the Andes mountain range, in the province of Mendoza, and 2,240 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by the mounts Torrecillas, El Collar, Ponce, Las Lenas, Entre Rios, Martin and Los Fosiles. Las Lenas is the most modern winter sport resort in Argentina and offers 228 hectares of beautiful natural environment. The immense mountains covered with the region’s best snow provide the perfect background for its famous ski runs suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers. Access to the Valley is direct, which ensures faster transfers and great enjoyment. It can be reached by plane, flights to San Rafael with transfer included and charter flights to Malargue; by car, it is only 1,212 Km away from Buenos Aires; and by sleeping car from the city of Buenos Aires and other major cities of the country. Las Lenas has several accommodation facilities such as an exclusive five-star hotel offering total comfort and amazing views of the Andes mountain range, hotels, apart-hotels, apartments and dormy-houses, restaurants, an international casino, and a disco, all of which make Valle de Las Lenas a remarkable resort.

Cerro Catedral is located in the Nahuel Huapi National Park, surrounded by a unique landscape of lakes and mountains, and only a 19 Km paved route away from San Carlos de Bariloche (Rio Negro), a city with lodging and food infrastructure at the most demanding international tourism level. Bariloche sleeps about 18,000 people. Lodging arrangements range from the more economic levels to a dozen four and five star hotels; some of these services can be found at the mountain base. Cerro Catedral receives thousands of visitors throughout the year who come to the mountain slope to take in the breathtaking landscapes and go hiking and mountan biking in the summer. In the winter months, Cerro Catedral becomes South America’s most highly developed winter sports center, given its 70km of ski slopes, 200 skiiable hectares and ski lifts, among which the six-seat chairlift with a polycarbonate super bubble is worth mentioning.

Other international resorts include Chapelco and Cerro Castor.

onlySkiing.com – your adventure starts here…

South America by the Book

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 18:35:37 +0000

Ever read a book that’s moved you enough to want to peel back the pages and step through an imaginary door into the world of the characters, and that’s described the place to you in such vivid mouth-watering detail that you felt you could almost reach out and touch the landscape through the paper in your hands? You know you have. The massive, magnificent continent of South America has been the inspiration for many authors of some classic novels which have become the tomes of our times. From the lyrical twists and turns of the Orinocho in Venezuela and Colombia; through the steamy jungles of the Amazon in Brazil and Peru; and down to the heart-stopping beauty of Chile and Argentina; each country tells its story in its own way. Wouldn’t it be nice to kick off your business clothes, throw your toothbrush in a backpack, and set off hiking South America on a journey through the pages of your favourite novels?

Colombia

Acclaimed novel ‘Love in the time of Cholera’ by Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez is the beautifully complex tale of finding love in strange and unusual circumstances. Whilst the city in the tale remains unnamed, Marquez’s descriptions and his own personal history led to the common conclusion that it is Cartagena in Colombia. Situated at the mouth of the Magdalena River, Cartagena today is a wonderfully preserved colonial city. Apart from being an important port, the city has a fascinating history. A stroll though the narrow streets of the Ciudad Amarullada (the old walled city) will take you back to the charming days of old; and for a stunning view out over the entire city and port, a visit to the Convento de la Popa will not disappoint. From Cartagena it is only a short side trip to the famed ‘Lost City’ of Ciudad Perdida, or Parque Nacional Tayrona, which offers wonderful opportunities for hiking South America’s unspoilt terrain.

Chile

The passionate prose of prolific Chilean author Isabel Allende has been translated throughout the world and, her first book – ‘The House of the Spirits’ – became a much-loved bestseller. The story is an epic tale of the South American Trueba family and charts their romantic, spiritual and historical quests as ultimately, their destiny overtakes them. Chile is home to some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, and hiking South America’s central Andes Mountains will be the journey of a lifetime. You can also trek through Patagonia across the rugged terrain of the monumental Torres del Paine National Park and experience the endless beauty of its glaciers and lakes. The narrowest country in South America, hiking is not confined to the mountains and there is over 4,000 miles of breathtaking Pacific coastline to explore as well.

Brazil

Brazilian author Paulo Coelho is a household name and, although his novels are set all over the world, many of his main protagonists retain a distinctly South American flavour. His inimitable style challenges the reader in more ways than one, but his wonderfully descriptive writing style has secured him a faithful following. A visit to Paulo Coelho’s Brazil will take you on a journey where his imagination becomes your reality. Brazil covers nearly half the continent’s area, and hiking South America’s largest country can cover the vast remote interior rainforests; voyages up the mighty Amazon River; endless miles of pristine beaches; and of course the world’s biggest and best party – Rio.

Contemplating South America Overland Travel

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:35:34 +0000

You could organise your own transport between road and rail, but this type of organisation can be rather delicate, especially for a trans-continental trip – plus, miss one connecting train or bus and your entire itinerary can be left null and void. Car rental is another option, but with the vast distances and unpredictable road conditions, this may also end in unnecessary holiday headaches.

South America overland travel with a professional operator eases the organisational hassles of arranging your own itinerary. The South America overland travel packages have many different options to choose from, combining different countries and destinations of interest.

South America Overland Tour Activities

Absorb the sights, sounds, scents and flavours that abound in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and of course, Brazil. Take an exciting tour to the Amazon Jungle and spend time in a tropical paradise unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Get up close to the relics and ruins and learn more about the Inca history of the continent. Walk in the footsteps of this ancient civilisation on the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu, just one of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites located in South America.

Take a meandering boat trip on Lake Titicaca on a lazy afternoon. Explore the Andes Mountain range, and take in some incredible sights of the longest exposed mountain belt in the world. Not to mention the awe-inspiring glaciers and ice fields of the Patagonian region.

The South American continent also boasts some amazing game reserves. Visit the Paracas National Reserve, a marine reservation in Peru – the only one of its kind in the country – and another UNESCO World Heritage site.

Located in the mountainous area of Chile, the Torres del Paine National Park is known for the many endangered species in the area as well as its breathtaking geography of rivers, lake and glaciers.

What better way to see South America than on an overland travel adventure? Overland travel is always an inspirational journey, full of real life adventures, amazing discoveries, picturesque views and lasting friendships.