Ciudad del Este which is Spanish for “City of the East” is the capital of the Alto Paraná department of Paraguay situated at the Rio Paraná. The city is a popular tourist destination for Brazilians and Argentinians. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 320 thousand people.
The eastern situated city Ciudad del Este lies about 200 miles from it’s capital Asuncion on the border with Brazil. It’s a relatively young city founded just 4 decades ago yet its today’s leading commercial center due to the importance of import and export over the only bridge between Paraguay and Brazil. The city is mostly commercial with several shopping areas and sightseeing’s. Nearby attractions include the Iguazu Falls situated on the border between Argentina and Brazil, the falls are considered one of the world’s greatest wonders. Over 250 water falls which are spread in a tropical environment.
North of the city lies the largest power dam in the world, named Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Dam which has a total length of 5 miles and a height of 740 ft. It’s 14 gigantic spillways forming each an individual artificial waterfall generate an 12,600,000 kilowatts of clean energy. This dam and unique sight can’t be missed while your stay in Ciudad del Este.
If you are from the United States, you will need a valid passport and a visa to enter Paraguay. Your visa will allow you to stay for up to 90 days in the country. It will take two to three days for your visa to be processed. You also need to present a return ticket as proof of your plan to return to your country.
Arequipa is a city in the Southern Coastal region in the country of Peru, nearby the edge of the Altiplano and a total of 7800 feet above sea level being surrounded by 3 volcanoes. It’s Peru’s second most important city after the capital Lima, as well the second most popular tourist destination after Cuzco. As of latest measurement the city Arequipa has a population of 900 thousand people.
The city of Arequipa is also known as “White city” by it’s locals, reasoning is the white volcanic stone, Sillar coming from the three nearby volcanoes which can be used in different styles, modern as well Spanish colonial. Walking around downtown Arequipa which sparkles under the bright Peru-an sun shows interesting sights of churches, cathedrals with as highlight the Santa Catalina Convent which was built in the late 16th century but closed for public until 1970, it was used as a self contained community where nuns lived in total isolation. Nowadays the Convent serves as a destination for enjoyment and relaxation among locals and tourists, it has an peaceful ambiance, beautiful gardens and is the perfect getaway for a stress-free day.
Further more while in the city of Arequipa visit the Plaza de Armas which is the main square, all of the surrounding buildings of the areas are made of the earlier mentioned Sillar. In and around the downtown area where the square is also situated there’s several more sightseeing’s you can’t miss while there; Museo Santuarios Andinos, Convento de Santa Catalina, Convento de Santa Teresa, Puente Bolognesi and the Molino de Sabandía. Another fact is that right around 250 colonial buildings are entitled as Human Heritage by UNESCO in the main square area, so simply walking around is Arequipa sightseeing itself.
Travelers to Arequipa need a valid passport and visa. Citizens from US, Europe, Australia and Canada do not require a tourist visa, as long the stay does not extend 90 days. The best period for visiting are the summer months, which are from December till March with the best temperatures and the least rain.
Colonia del Sacramento is a city in the south west of Uruguay, situated nearby the Río de la Plata, facing Buenos Aires, Argentina. It’s the oldest town in Uruguay and capital of the departamento of Colonia. The historic city center is listed on the World Heritage Site. As of latest measurement Colonia del Sacramento has a population of 25 thousand people.
The city was originally found in 1960 by Portugal as Colónia do Sacramento, who built the city on the opposite banks of the Buenos Aires river. Further more Colonia del Sacramento was conquered by Spain, Brazil. Today, the locals refer to the city as Colonia. The old city of Colonia, which holds the main sightseeing is quite small and can be easily explored on foot. Be careful walking around downtown as the cobbled streets don’t always come in good conditions. There’s several shops to rent scooters or bicycles which can be used to explore the country side as well.
Because many different rulers were present Colonia has a rich cultural and history sightseeing, with as its main attraction the historic city center of Colonia. Here you can find a handful of museums which can be visited with just once entrance tickets. For a small fee you can overlook the city and river on top of the Faro lighthouse. Just outside the city you can find a abandoned amusement park with Uruguay’s only bullfighting ring. Further more it’s recommended to buy several souvenirs at the local market and eat a Uruguay cuisine barbecue specialty Asodo.
To travel to New Caledonia, Colonia tourists need to have passports that are valid until at least six months after their visit. Those who plan on visiting the islands for a duration of 30 days or less are not required to have a visa, but a permit must be obtained for longer stays.
Oruro is the capital city of the department Oruro in Bolivia, situated in between La Paz and Surce. The city was first founded in November, 1606 by Don Manuel Castro de Padilla. Oruro is a industrial city which manage to attract tourists with festivals and sightseeing’s such as the Carnival de Oruro. As of latest measurement the city of Oruro has a population of 420 thousand people.
The city of Oruro is a 5 hour bus ride away from La Paz, once you arrived you’ll notice the simplicity and well planned streets, which lead to the main square garden named Plaza 10 de Febrero. Of course, Oruro is known for it’s carnival, the famous sightseeing The Virgen del Socavon temple is where the carnival ends, during other seasons you can visit its mining museum. Other sightseeing’s include the zoo, several museums and churches, temples and chapels. Further more Oruro is a city fulfilled of legends and traditions, which locals love telling travelers about.
When you’re staying in the city for several days, take a walk up the hills surrounding Oruro, it’s an easy and nice excursion which offers unique and breathtaking views. Bring water and a digital camera along. Faro del Conchupata, according to locals is the best sightseeing in Oruro, which is a historical and cultural lighthouse on the top of the hills.
To visit Bolivia, you will need a valid passport and about a hundred dollars for the visa. You need to fill in a visa application form as well. You also need to submit proof of sufficient funds for your stay, proof of return travel, and, if coming from Brazil or Paraguay, a proof that you have had your yellow fever vaccination.
Tarija, also known as San Bernardo de la Frontera de Tarija is a city in southern Bolivia. It’s the capital and largest city within the Tarija Department, with it’s own airport (TJA) and a regional bus terminal with domestic and international destinations. The city has a Mediterranean climate similar to other Bolivian cities like Sucre, which is the complete opposite to the harsh cold in La Paz, and the heat in Santa Cruz. As of latest measurement the city of Tarija has a population of 200 thousand people.
Both travelers and local citizens agree, Tarija is the most Argentine city of Bolivia, there’s two ways to define it. It’s citizens are descended from Argentina, yet more importantly, it’s fabulous wine region. The city feels like the Argentina towns Jujuy and Salta, yet it has an exotic ambiance of Bolivian reality surrounding it, which you can feel taking a stroll in the central plaza or dining in one of the small yet fine restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. It’s advised to try an excellent local Argentinian wine Concepciòn, for a Bolivian price.
Another unique feature to this travel destination lies within it’s climate, vegetation, agriculture, locals and their language. If you enjoying your stay in Tarija, and wish to see more unique cities, towns you can follow the road to Argentina which goes through mountains and a deep forest canyon. Once you cross the border at Beremjo and Aguas Blancas you can continue the gringo trail leading deeper into Argentina towards Parque Nacional Calilegua, Salta, Jujuy and many other small villages where you hardly find any tourists.
To visit Bolivia, you will need a valid passport and about a hundred dollars for the visa. You need to fill in a visa application form as well. You also need to submit proof of sufficient funds for your stay, proof of return travel, and, if coming from Brazil or Paraguay, a proof that you have had your yellow fever vaccination.
