Category Archives: South America

Exploring Venezuela Beyond its Beaches!

Venezuela is often called a beach bummer’s paradise and rightly so. The country boasts some of the most enchanting beaches in the Caribbean, known for untamed natural beauty and exciting water sports.

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But that’s not all when it comes to a Venezuela holiday. The Caribbean land offers a wide array of enthralling experiences that make it a perfect holiday destination for everyone. Explore the country’s diverse wildlife, admire its historical legacy, soak up the colourful culture, or relish mouth-watering seafood – there is definitely much more than the sun, sand, and the surf to enjoy in Venezuela. We’ve composed a list of some such top attractions in Venezuela.

Hiking up Roraima Mountain

Hike up the Roraima Mountain to explore Venezuela at its natural and rugged best. This stately table mountain lies in the south-eastern corner of Canaima National Park and features strange rock formations, beautiful waterfalls and a diverse range of flora & fauna. Unexplored until 1884, the stark landscape allures hordes of hikers and nature-lovers to discover its otherworldly charms. The best time to hike the mountain is between November and April.

Salto Ángel (Angel Falls)

The world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls is simply a beauty to behold. Watching the waters falling from a majestic height of 979m is certainly a memorable experience. There are camping facilities near the base of the falls. You can also take up excursions to the surrounding mountains and green forests. As the waterfall is situated at a distance and there is no road connectivity, most visitors opt for a boat ride to reach the campsite.

Wildlife Spotting on the Orinoco Delta

How about a canoeing or kayaking expedition on the vast Orinoco River and its tributaries that are home to exotic aqua species including cayman, catfish and even piranhas? The surrounding forests on the Orinoco Delta have some of the most diverse wildlife in Venezuela. Rare species that you can spot here include puma, howler monkeys, and hummingbirds. Enjoy overnight camping and gorge on freshly cooked local delicacies to complete your excursion the traditional way.

Mérida

Nestled in the Chama River Valley with the snow-capped Pico Bolivar Mountain in the backdrop, Mérida is a beautiful town and a terrific holiday destination in Venezuela. The city is famous for its historical buildings and museums that depict the region’s eventful history. An eclectic array of bars, clubs and restaurants promises a fun-filled time after sunset. If you’re up for adventures, the surrounding mountains offer great trekking opportunities.

A Quick Guide for First-time Travellers to Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza is the most popular archaeological site of Mexico, and because of its history, culture and architecture, it has been recognised as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Chichen-Itza

It is famous for its pyramids, which were used as sacrificial altars by the Mayans. According to the internet polls it is one of the “new 7 wonders of the world”. The brilliant architectural genius is evident from its structures which were built more than 1,000 years ago.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Chichen Itza is around the fall and spring equinoxes. During this time, the stone-serpents on the pyramids seem to wriggle down the surface due to an illusion created by shadows. It’s better to go during the autumn equinox, as the summers in Mexico are very hot.

How to get there

Chichen Itza is situated to the west of Valladolid. If you are travelling by road, take the ‘cuota’ (tolled) roads from Cancun (which is costlier); alternatively you can follow the free roads, marked ‘libre’ (free). It takes longer to reach Chichen Itza through the free routes.  You can also catch an ADO bus which runs from Cancun to Chichen Itza. It takes around 3 to 4 hours.

What to Carry

It gets very hot during summers, so it is always advisable to carry a sun-block and sunglasses. Wearing a pair of comfortable walking shoes is recommended as you will have to walk a fair bit. It is also advisable to carry a bottle of water. Keep some pesos too as you will probably want to buy something from the many stalls in the area.  If you are planning to visit a cenote (large wells) on your trip, don’t forget to take a towel and your swimming clothes.

Where to Eat

There are mainly three types of restaurants and eateries found in the Mayan Riviera; restaurants which serve foreign cuisines, such as pizzas, burgers and sushi; Mexican restaurants, which aim at serving dishes tailored to the tastes of visitors and local restaurants which serve the real cuisine prepared in authentic  Mexican style. To taste the authentic fare, look for restaurants with menus written on a white or blackboard or painted on the walls, with a big grill at the front.

Explore Mayan Jungles and Revel in the Essence of Mexican Culture at Xcaret, Mexico

Xcaret is an ecological and archaeological park with more than 40 natural and cultural attractions that suit people of all ages. Located towards the south of Cancun in the Riviera Maya, this park displays the replica of a Mayan village. The colourful Mexican cemetery and the Papantla Flying Men here portray the perfect cultural amalgamation of Spanish and Mexican traditions. Xcaret

offers you a lovely opportunity to indulge in and learn about the Mayan jungles and Mexican culture. You can also take a snorkelling tour, swim through underground rivers, and enjoy the sight of playful dolphins. In Xcaret you would never run short of exciting attractions to explore. Here are our top picks amongst such attractions.

Scenic Tower

The Scenic Tower in Xacret can rise up to a height of 80 metres and rotate 360 degrees, thus offering spectacular views of the Riviera Maya and Cozumel Island. In fact, the panoramic view of the majestic Caribbean Sea and the beautiful Xcaret Park from the highest point of Riviera Maya is a class-apart experience. The scenic tower gives you a wonderful chance to admire the entire beauty of Xcaret in one go and collect a fond lifelong memory.

House of Whispers

Located at one of the highest points of the Xcaret Park, next to the Mexican Cemetery, House of Whispers is a vibrant gift shop that stocks traditional crafts and unique products from Mexico. The special thing about this place is an interesting echoing sound; this sound is caused due the unique architecture of the building. You can buy beautiful souvenirs from this shop while enjoying the echoing whispers.

Paradise River

Paradise River lets you admire the beauty of Xcaret from a small raft. This raft sails over clear water channels running through the deep jungles and gives you the chance to explore ancient Mayan caves as well as unique rock formations and marine fossils. You can also spot wildlife such as deer, monkeys, macaws, and a lot more from the raft. Adventure enthusiasts can rent snorkelling gear and experience underwater paradise as well.

Top 5 Attractions for Nature Lovers in Argentina

Argentina, the second largest country of South America, is home to many natural attractions. For instance, Aconcagua, the highest peak in the American continent, is located in the Western part of the country. The southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, is also located near the southern tip of Argentina. The country’s abundant natural resources and amazing landforms attract many adventure seekers and nature lovers, to seek out flights to this beautiful destination every year.

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu-Falls

With a height of about 2,700 metres, Iguaçu (Iguazu) Falls is one of the world’s largest and the most extraordinary waterfalls. Situated on the border of Argentina and Brazil, it is magnificently surreal. You will also witness dazzling rainbows forming over the falls here. A train journey through Puerto Iguazú will take you to this beautiful destination.

Monte Fitz Roy

Located in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, Monte Fitz Roy is a mountain with a height of 3,375 metres and lies on the border of Chile and Argentina. The mountain draws many nature photographers and climbers from all over the world. Because of its unique shape, it is known to be one of the toughest and the most technically challenging mountains to climb in the world,. The mountain was first scaled by Lionel Terray and Guido Magnone in 1952.

Valdes Peninsula

Valdes Peninsula is counted amongst the most important nature reserves of the country in terms of geology and fauna. There are many different animals such as elephant seals, sea lions and even penguins (only at certain months of the year) inhabiting the coastline. If you love marine life, you’re in for a treat. From May to December, whales can be found in the waters, between the Patagonian mainland and the Valdes Peninsula.

Perito Moreno Glacier

Situated in the Los Glaciares National Park, the Perito Moreno Glacier is a gigantic glacier. It is counted amongst one of the most significant tourist destinations of the country because of its easy accessibility, size and magnificence. There are trails and viewing platforms which make the visit pleasant and enjoyable. You can alternatively choose to hop on boat tours to view the Moreno Glacier, for a more thrilling experience.

Ibera Wetlands

The Ibera Wetlands, the second-largest wetlands in the world, is a true delight for photographers and nature lovers.  It boasts some of the most varied animal life in Argentina such as capybaras, pampas deer, caimans, howler monkeys, maned wolves, armadillos and different species of birds. You can explore this place on horseback, by boat and on foot.

Bsa Two Spectacular Highlights of the Huascaran National Park, Peru

Huascaran National Park, an epitome of nature’s beauty, is situated on Cordillera Blanca (the world’s highest tropical mountain range).

The park is a nature lover’s paradise due to the magnificent beauty of its snow covered mountains, serene turquoise lagoons, and a wide array of flora and fauna. Furthermore, there are nearly 660 glaciers and about 300 lagoons at the park. If you love hiking and trekking, take your pick from nearly 25 trails and around 125 climbing slopes with different levels of difficulty. In short, besides natural beauty, the Huascaran National Park is also a haven for adventure buffs. Now, let’s take a look at a couple of tourist highlights at the park.

Trek to Laguna 69

This short trek (6.5km one way) leads to Laguna 69, one of the most striking sites in Huascaran National Park. It takes around three and a half hours to hike up to Laguna 69 and nearly two hours to return. Laguna 69 is a picturesque turquoise lake, surrounded by snow covered mountains, jagged rocks, and sparkling waterfalls about 4,600 metres above sea level. The blue, green, and turquoise waters of the lake beautifully mirror the majesty of the surrounding mountains. Here, you can spot a vast variety of flora and fauna. The park is home to wild animals, such as condors, vicunas, deer, puma, Andean fox and viscacha.

Pastoruri Glacier

Pastoruri is a lovely spot for travellers who want to view a glacier up close without too much of trekking or mountain climbing. The parking lot near the Pastoruri Glacier is located at a height of 4,800 metres, and you only need to walk the final bit leading to the glacier. Witnessing the surreal beauty of this majestic glacier at close quarters will leave you stunned for sure! During your trip, stop along the way to see the gigantic and rare Puya Raimondi. This plant is a member of the pineapple family and stretches to a height 12 metres. The Puya Raimondi blooms only once in its 100-year lifetime.

Holidays in Mexico in August 2015: Explore the Rich Culture of Mexico

If you are travelling to Mexico in the month of August, you can be a part of various celebrations in

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numerous Mexican cities. We are listing some of the most popular festivals that will be held in August 2015. Check out the ones you may want to accommodate in your itineraries.

Chihuahua International Festival

This is perhaps the most popular cultural event in Chihuahua, the largest state in Mexico. From 01st to 24th August, 2015, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez are going to host over 500 cultural events. Dancers, musicians and theatre artists from Mexico as well as other countries will captivate your senses with their powerful performances.

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament

This fishing tournament is among the most popular ones that Mexico hosts. Hundreds of teams participate in the festival to win a cash prize of around $4 million dollars. This event transforms East Cape, Baja California into a party destination for five days. The 2015 edition of this tournament is scheduled from 05th to 09th August. Be a part of this ‘open to public’ festival to spend a day out at the beach, watch competitive fishing and feel the thrill when judges weigh the huge catches.

Monterrey International Film Festival

Rated as one of the top five film festivals in Mexico, Monterrey International Film Festival allures audiences and artists from across the globe. One of the main highlights of this festival is MECE, the Student Short Film Showcase, where students from various local universities get an international platform to showcase their works. Into its 10th year, this 6-day film festival will start on 25th August. Cineteca Nuevo León, Teatro de la Ciudad and Auditorio San Pedro are among the venues to watch film screenings, meet stars and interact with filmmakers.

San Luis Potosi National Fair

Scheduled from 08th to 31st August, this fair represents various facets of the rich culture of San Luis Potosi, a Mexican state which is bordered by nine other states. The festival offers an opportunity to explore the eclectic culture of this Mexican state at theatre performances, art exhibitions, and opera and dance shows.

Top Activities for a Memorable Holiday Experience in Los Cabos, Mexico

Blessed with a fascinating natural grandeur, Los Cabos is fast becoming a renowned tourist spot in Mexico. The lively coastal city is nestled on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula and bewitches tourists with its white sandy beaches, delightful dining scene and an array of enthralling water sports suitable for people of all ages. Scroll down to know more about the popular tourist activities in Los Cabos.

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Fun in the Sun and Sea

Los Cabos is a paradise for beach bummers. The white sandy beaches here feature captivating natural vistas and at the same time, offer countless ways to keep the tourists happily occupied. Hire a boat and go angling in its world-famous fishing zone. Try scuba-diving to explore the amazing coral reefs and captivating marine life in the Pacific Ocean. Or stroll around the beaches to simply enjoy the breathtaking views of the sea and rock formations. During winters, Los Cabos offers whale watching experiences as well.

Sample Local Culture and Cuisines

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Mexico is globally acclaimed for its invigorating culture and cuisine, and Los Cabos is no exception. Head to Mi Casa, near the town square, to satiate you appetite for delicious Mexican food. Try “Chiles en Nogada”, a local favourite dish that features the colours of the Mexican flag. An array of restaurants, cafes and bars at Cabo Wabo also make the city a hedonist’s delight. For immersing in lively local culture, try partying at beach-side bars, preferably El Squid Roe.

Shop Till you Drop

No trip to Los Cabos is complete without a little retail therapy. From quaint markets to flashy malls and an array of interesting boutiques, San Jose del Cabo has it all and enthrals shopaholics of all budgets and tastes. Some superb places to shop in the city include Luxury Avenue, Plaza Puerto Paraiso, and UltraFemme.

Pamper Yourself with a Spa Session

Los Cabos ranks amongst the best spa destinations in Mexico. Whether you are looking for luxurious spa treatments or just want to unwind on the beach-side with a reviving massage session, this Mexican city has something to rejuvenate every spa-goer. Check out the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort & Spa where a five-star spa offers world-class therapies and treatments. Casa Dorada, Armonia Spa and MexSun Spa are other wonderful places to pamper your body and mind.

Three Exciting and Popular Attractions of Panama City

Panama City, with its beautiful coral atolls, museums, parks, zoos and colourful neighbourhoods, makes for a delightful tourist getaway. The many attractions here can often confound visitors, making it hard for them to decide what to see and what to do. We thought about short-listing top three of the all-time favourite attractions in the city. Here, check out these attractions.

Panama City by Matthew Straubmuller/ CC BY

Panama City by Matthew Straubmuller/ CC BY

Panama Canal

Panama Canal by Lyn Gateley/ CC BY

Panama Canal by Lyn Gateley/ CC BY

An epic man-made marvel, Panama Canal is undoubtedly Panama City’s most fascinating and popular tourist attraction. This 80-kilometre ship canal connects the Atlantic Ocean (via the Caribbean Sea) to the Pacific Ocean. The best way to explore the diversified beauty of this canal is to go on a cruise here. Miraflores Visitors Centre is an interesting attraction of the canal that houses four giant halls. Each of these halls showcases artefacts from the canal’s construction days and also its marine ecology. A nearby restaurant serves delicious snacks and offers excellent views of the canal.

Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo

Situated in the Soberania National Park (20 minutes from downtown Panama City), the Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo is home to over 15,000 plant species and a diverse wildlife. The popular wildlife attractions of the zoo, such as jaguars, tapirs, monkeys and scarlet macaws, are housed in their recreated natural habitats. The zoo’s most prized exhibit is the Harpy Eagle – world’s largest bird of prey. Summit is another highly popular attraction that’s loved for its remarkable collection of palm trees.

Religious Colonial Art Museum

Dating back to the 18th century, the Religious Colonial Art Museum is located in the former St. Dominic of Guzman’s Chapel. The museum houses an interesting array of colonial-era artefacts such as paintings, sculptures, and sacred relics finely crafted from bone and silver. The marvellous gold altar remains the star highlight of this popular art museum. Temporary exhibits are also displayed, and some of the most famous ones so far have been the Jesus Resuscitated, Pelican, and the Virgin of Perpetual Aid. Besides the exhibits, the old building in itself is of great architectural and historical interest.

A Backpacker’s Paradise: Four Ways to Explore São Paulo Inside Out!!

Sao-PaulooOne of the great things about São Paulo is that you’ll never run out of things to do here. It is friendly, affordable and beguilingly beautiful, making it one of the preeminent backpacking destinations in South America. From captivating landscapes to wild party venues and cheap options for shopping as well as dining, take a look at all that can keep you engrossed as a backpacker in São Paulo.

Soak in Some History

art-and-historyIt wouldn’t take long to understand why São Paulo is considered Brazil’s nucleus of art and history. It is home to numerous museums, historical monuments and cultural centres that stand testimony to the city’s fabulous past. Museu do Ipiranga and Memorial da América Latina are among the must-visit attractions, owing to their splendid architecture and grand historical significance. Many art connoisseurs discover that their flights of fancy get wings at places like Pinacoteca do Estado and useu de Arte Contemporânea.

Enjoy a Crazy Party Scene

Apart from the intriguing history, São Paulo also lives up to its reputation of being a favoured haunt of party animals. Scores of bars, clubs and discotheques here beckon all to get high and wassail in nightlife revelries. Vila Olímpia, Vila Madalena, and Barra Funda – all the major areas in the city have an amazing nightlife that is at its craziest best during the weekends.

Look For Pocket-Friendly Accessories & Memento

São Paulo is known for its high-end fashion boutiques and uber-luxury malls. However, it doesn’t mean that there is nothing for backpackers seeking retail therapy. Head to the Rua 25 de Março, where countless small shops and stalls will certainly quench your appetite! From gadgets to accessories and textiles and gift items – the place offers a diverse range of bargains and is a big hit with shoppers. Brás neighbourhood is another place to indulge in gratifying retail therapy without spending a fortune.

Living the Nature’s Way

Sao-PauloNot too far from this chaotic metropolis lie lofty mountains and lush rainforests that prove to be a nature-lover’s paradise. Apart from the soul-soothing scenery, tourists may enjoy wonderful adventure activities like hiking, trailing and camping. The magnificent Paulista Coast with its heavenly beaches is also just an hour’s drive away.

Most Dangerous Treks in South America to Add Novelty to your Adventure Experiences

The diversified grandeur of South America entices hordes of travellers. South American destinations offer an abundance of soothing natural beauty, thought-provoking historic sites, spectacular cultural insights, and loads of beach adventure. Now, talking of adventure, South America is a paradise for the ones who love to flirt with danger by way of going on difficult and often risky treks. For instance, Argentina and Peru are a couple of such destinations. A tryst with difficult trekking involves high risk and is not recommended for the faint-hearted. If you have such an action on your to-do list, here are a few treks that are named among the most dangerous treks not only in South America but in the world.

Huayna Picchu, Peru

Huayna Picchu, Peru by Rocco Lucia/ CC BY

Huayna Picchu, Peru by Rocco Lucia/ CC BY

Your visit to Peru is incomplete without experiencing the enchantment of Machu Picchu. Inca Trail here is among the most popular trekking trails in Peru. The real danger starts when you reach Huayna Picchu or the Hike of Death. This 1000 foot hike comprises of exposed corners, slippery stones and crumbling stones. Besides, mist and clouds would add more difficulties to your trekking drill. Once you reach at the top, the captivating bird’s eye view washes away all the fear and pain.

Cerro Torre, Patagonia, Argentina

Cerro Torre, Patagonia, Argentina by lluis Cabarrocas Ribas/ CC BY

Cerro Torre, Patagonia, Argentina by lluis Cabarrocas Ribas/ CC BY

This vertical granite peak is more than 3120 metres in height with glacier accounting for a sizeable portion. Of course, there are taller peaks in the world but its steep incline and the harsh weather conditions together make it very difficult to climb. In fact, over the decades, mountaineers have even been accused of making false claims about conquering this peak. It was only as late as 1974 that four climbers from “Ragini de Lecco” were officially acknowledged to have actually scaled this peak.

Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru

Among hiking and trekking enthusiasts, this is name is quite popular. While there are main mountain peaks here, not everyone dares to conquer them. Cordillera Huayhuash is strategically located in the Andes of Peru and is easily accessible from Lima Region. Trekkers may choose from a variety of trekking tours facilitated by reputed operators.