The capital of Brazil in the central west region is a masterpiece of modern architecture. Brasilia was inaugurated in 1960 in the Central Highlands of the country along the plateau Planalto Central. Brasilia was built because president Kubitchek decided the country needed a monumental capital. After the start of building in 1956 the urban planning was built in four years time. Today Brasilia has a population of more than 2.5 million people.
Brasilia is a true modern utopia. It is home to all three branches of Brazilian government and the headquarters of many Brazilian companies. The city has a planned design in the shape of a giant bird or airplane. Various separated zones are assigned for specific functions. The city is still developing its own culture. Many Brazilians are proud of their futuristic capital and marvelous architecture. The city is listed as a World Heritage Site of UNESCO.
Brasilia has many architectural sites. The Monumental Axis in the center is the start for many other modern architectural buildings. The Square of the Three Powers houses the three highest authorities. The Palace of Justice, the Itamaraty Palace, the Palace of Dawn, the Brasilia Cathedral, the National Theater and the Juscelino Kubitschek Memorial are all close to the Monumental Axis. The city lacks major museums, but it has cultural centers and contemporary arts scenes. Brasilia also has nature attractions, such as the Paranoa Lake, the City Park and the Brasilia National Park.
Travelers landing on Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport require a valid passport and visa. Tourist visas are valid for 90 days and can be extended for another 90 days. The restaurants and bars are located in the smaller neighborhood centers, the wings of the airplane.
Cordoba is the second largest city in Argentina and the capital of Cordoba Province in the northwest. The city was founded in 1573 and named after the city in Spain. It was one of the first Spanish colonial cities. The city is surrounded by valleys of three mountain groups. It has a population of 1.3 million or more people. Cordoba is nicknamed La Docta or roughly “Learned Lady” because of the many universities and students.
Cordoba is a lively city with a fascinating mix of new and old. It mixes colonial architecture with modern buildings. There are many historical monuments, foremost buildings of the Roman Catholic Church. The Jesuit Block, a group of buildings dated from the 17th century, is declared as a World Heritage Site. This site includes the Montserrat School and the colonial university campus. The city is full of churches, palaces, monuments, museums and theaters. The city also has four excellent municipal galleries.
Cordoba has just as other large cities many shopping centers and a vibrant nightlife, although it is somewhat quiet during university holidays. The city has a public transport system with buses, trolleybuses and taxis. The Plaza San Martin square is considered to be the center of the city. Here you will find the Jesuit Cathedral, the colonial government house the Cabildo and the Jesuit Block. West of the city the famous holiday center Villa Carlos Paz is located near the San Roque dam which provides the city with potable water.
Travelers to Cordoba need a valid passport. American citizens don’t require a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days. The best time to visit the city is from March to May and August to November. These months the temperatures aren’t too high and there is little rain. Cordoba also provides outdoor possibilities in the Sierras mountains.
Arraial d Ajuda is a village in the south of Brazil, located in the state Bahia. It is located on a rock. Arraial da Adjuda is part of Porto Seguro, where the Portuguese first arrived more than 500 years ago. To get to the village people have to cross the Buranhém River in a ferry boat from Porto Seguro.
Arraial d Ajuda is located in a region with endless beaches, light blue water and sun all year round. You can enjoy walks on the beach near the village. The surroundings offer peach and relaxation. In the night there are lots of parties that start after midnight until the morning. During the day you can take boat trips or explore deserted beaches. Travelers can also try Capoeira lessons, Zouk lessons and Afro dance.
There are lots of nearby villages to visit, such as Lagoa Azul, Trancoso, Praia do Espelho with one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Brazil, and Caraiva. Porto Seguro has a historical center. Here the first church in Brazil was built. On the way to Trancoso you will come across the reserve of the Pataxo Indians. Spend some days here to learn about their culture, music and other aspects of Indian life.
Travelers to Arraial d Ajuda require a valid passport and visa. For most countries this visa is only issued overseas before departure to Brazil, this includes America. Tourist visas are valid for 90 days.
Esquel is a town in the Argentine Patagonia in the northwest of the province of Chubut. It was only founded in 1906 and is now the main livestock and commercial center of the region. Esquel got its name from the language of Mapuche, from a term meaning ‘quaking bog’ or ‘place of the thistles’. It is located is located by the Esquel Stream and surrounded by the mountains La Zeta, La Cruz, Cerro 21 and La Hoya. La Hoya is a popular ski resort.
For most travelers Esquel is just a quick stop over on their way to the Los Alerces National Park, 31 miles northwest of the city, and other recreation areas. The city is at the southern end of the narrow-gauge train line of The Old Patagonian Express or La Trochita. This train now takes tourists in the summer from Esquel to the volcano and settlement Nahuel Pan, and the other way around.
Esquel is foremost an easy-going and exceeding friendly base camp for activities in the surroundings areas. Possible activities are path hiking, river rafting, fly fishing, horse riding, tours around ranches, climbing and lake circuits. It can be the perfect place to chill for a few days as it rests on a green mountain range valley. The city has two museums, different restaurants and hotels.
Travelers to Esquel need a valid passport. American citizens don’t require a visa for stays up to 90 days. The weather can be pretty cold. The best time to travel depends on your purpose. For other purposes than skiing on La Hoya the best time is from December till March, as there is little rain and temperatures are around 50 Fahrenheit.
São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil and its economical and cultural center. It is the capital of the southeastern state São Paulo It has a population of more than 10 million people and offers a great diversity. The city is nicknamed “Sampa” and its motto is “I am not led, I lead”. Locals call themselves paulistanos.
Cities as Rio de Janeiro and Salvador are more popular tourist destinations, but São Paulo has just as much to offer. The city offers world-class restaurants and diverse regional and international cuisine. The variety of cultures is probably the most attracting feature of the city. Its multi-ethnic society includes Italians, Portuguese, Africans, Arabs, Germans, Japanese, Chinese, Jews, Bolivians, Greeks and Koreans. The main religion is catholic.
The cultural events in São Paulo are diverse. They include the Art Biennal, Fashion Week, Gay Pride Parade, March for Jesus, International Film Festival and other events. The city has many museums in a variety of subjects, a great number of theaters and some buildings with observation checks. Go to Banespa Tower, Restaurant Skye in hotel Unique or the Jockey Club. Things to do are going to the park, exploring the city and its sightseeing, going to the zoo or visiting a theme park. Tourists can also take the Historical City Tour.
Travelers to São Paulo require a valid passport and visa. For most countries this visa is only issued overseas before departure to Brazil, this includes America. Tourist visas are valid for 90 days. Traffic in the city is complicated due to certain regulations. The safest and cleanest way to travel around this big city is by metro. The city has its crime problems, so always watch out for theft. Avoid extravagant or expensive-looking clothing to stand out in the crowd.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the largest city in Bolivia and its business center. It is located in the east of the country. The name Santa Cruz de la Sierra means ‘Holy Cross of the Hills’ and was founded by a Spanish captain, who named the settlement after a city in Spain. Originally the city was located east of its modern location. Santa Cruz has a population of over 1.5 million people.
Many tourists think Santa Cruz is a city of business people and busy traffic. Although the city is the largest in the country, it hasn’t got a business feeling. It lacks high-rise blocks. The feeling is that of a lightly buzzing small-town, with a relaxed tropical atmosphere. The locals in the city lounge on the main square and restaurants still close for siesta. The restaurants will serve mostly traditional foods such as majao, locro and masaco.
The city’s lay-out shows three rings or anillos. Tourists can visit the Cathedral, the Central Park, many markets. The city has some museums, like the Museum of Holy Art and the Natural History Museum. There are some great excursions that you can book in Santa Cruz. You can go trekking in Park Amboro or Park Noel Kempff or take a boat trip over the Amazon River. You can relax at the lagoon at Park El Arenal, just don’t do this at night.
Travelers to Santa Cruz need a valid passport and get a visa application form that can be granted to you on arrival by plane. You also need to submit proof of sufficient funds for your stay, proof of return travel. You need a certification that you’ve had Yellow Fever before if you come from Brazil or Paraguay. Check the embassy in your country before you leave to get the right requirements. Be aware that no official police officer will ask to see your documentation on the streets of Santa Cruz. You should insist to accompany you to the police station.
The capital of the Falkland Islands, Stanley is actually the only real city found in the area in the first place. Founded in 1843, the city was formerly known as Port Stanley. It has had several names through the years, both in English and Spanish. It was known as Port Jackson, Puerto Soledad and Puerto Rivero among others. Right in the middle of East Falkland, Stanley is considered shopping central. Stanley has a population of 2.000.
If you love staying near the water’s edge, you may like Stanley. Stanley is, after all, a seaside town. It is colorful and interesting because it retains signs of British heritage. Stanley may be considered a city but it is the perfect place for communing with nature, especially for bird-watching. You will see a variety of birds, including geese, ducks, vultures and cormorants. Stanley is also very rural in the sense that it does not have any traffic lights. The place may be a great place to hang out especially if you are good at chatting with the locals; most Stanley residents come from families who have lived in the area for up to six generations. You may get some interesting insights into how life changed through the years in Stanley.
You can reach Stanley either by boat or by plane. If you decide to fly to Stanley, you may have to stop at the Mount Pleasant airport. From there, you have to take a domestic flight to reach Stanley itself; the airport and Stanley are 35 miles apart. When in Stanley, you can choose between walking and taking a taxi. Taxis may be convenient but walking will give you a better look at what Stanley can offer.
If you are visiting the Falkland Islands, you need to present a passport that is valid for at least six months upon entry. You will also need to present your return ticket from the islands. However, you are not required to get a visa if you are from the United States. Visit extensions should be negotiated at immigration upon arrival.
Cayenne is the French Guiana’s capital and largest city. It is thought of as a crossroads of several cultures, being located in the middle of the Caribbean and South America while still retaining the status of French territory. This blend of several cultures makes Cayenne an excellent destination. According to the latest measurement, Cayenne’s 9 square miles is populated with 50 thousand residents.
Not only is Cayennne known for being multicultural, it is also known for delicious dishes. With ethnicity’s such as European, Asian, Haitian and Brazilian among others adding to the Cayenne brew, the restaurants can offer so much. You need a belly full of Cayenne’s sumptuous dishes to enjoy the city’s colorful culture. To enjoy the stay to the fullest, you can be part of festival revelry during carnival and other festivals. This means that you have to visit on the first Sunday after New Year for the carnival and the week before Mardi Gras to enjoy costume balls, Cayenne-style.
You can reach the French Guiana by air through various stops in the Caribbean and South America. You can also reach the French territory from France via Air Caraibes or Air France. The French Guiana’s main airport is the Rochambeau International Airport. In the city of Cayenne itself, you can travel by bus, tram or taxi. However, you also have an option to rent a car or a motorcycle. If you are travelling with a companion or more and are planning to see a lot of the city, it is better for you to rent a vehicle. Renting vehicles will in the end be less expensive than going by public transport all the time. Cayenne’s climate is tropical. You can expect the temperature to range from low 70 degrees Fahrenheit to high 80 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.
Planning to visit the French Guiana? You need a passport good for six months upon entry. You also need to present your return ticket from the country. If you are from the United States, you do not need a visa unless you are going to work for a salary even for a short period of time.
Georgetown, not to be confused with other cities with the same name, is the largest and capital city of Guyana. It is called the “Garden City of the Caribbean”. Despite the name, do not expect sprawling lush gardens. Georgetown can be very businesslike and impersonal. It may be because it is also the center of economy and the seat of government; this means that in Guyana, everything that matters is headquartered in Georgetown. It is home to 230 thousand people according to latest count.
Formal Georgetown with its grid-like streets and government establishments can also be boisterous Georgetown with its noisy locals, densely-packed markets and traces of marijuana smoke. Despite the street chaos, you can actually get comfortable in Georgetown. The city’s accommodations offer superior amenities while the restaurants range from budget to fancy; there is always something perfect for anyone’s budget. If you can get past the seemingly dangerous quality of Georgetown’s streets, you will discover that the city does have an active intellectual scene and is populated with friendly locals.
Georgetown’s main airport is Cheddi Jagan Temeri International. You will have no problem getting a flight from the United States straight to Georgetown because there are available daily flights. Note that there is no ATM at the airport so bring along enough cash. In the city, you can get around by minibus or taxi. Ask your hotel for taxi recommendations just to be on the safe side. The whole of Guyana has a tropical climate, meaning that the temperature is constantly high; the range is from 68 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
To visit Guyana, you need a passport valid for at least six months. If you are an American, you can also stay for up to 90 days without a visa. Guyana’s visa requirement for some countries, including the United States, was abolished since 1993.
Paramaribo is the capital city of the Republic of Suriname, which lies in the northern region of South America. Suriname is situated north of Brazil, east of Guyana and west of French Guiana. Nicknamed “Par’bo,” Paramaribo also serves as the main port for Suriname. With an estimated population of 250 thousand, Paramaribo is the most populous city in Suriname.
The city of Paramaribo has a rich history and a diverse culture. Having been occupied by the Dutch and the English before gaining independence in 1975, Paramaribo has been largely influenced by the many different cultures and peoples who have lived there. For example, it is not uncommon to see churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues standing side by side. The city also has interesting architecture largely influenced by the Dutch, French and English. The Suriname River passes right through Paramaribo and shops, restaurants and cafes line the river and the streets of the city. With the numerous cultures that blend to give Paramaribo its unique atmosphere and environment, the city is definitely an interesting place to visit.
The two main sources for local transportation are both land-based: rentals and public transportation. Before renting cars to travel around Paramaribo, tourists should familiarize themselves with the English driving system, wherein the steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle, and drivers should stay on the left side of the road. For those who may have trouble with the English driving system, it may be better to travel by bus or taxi. The city also has the Zorg en Hoop Airport and the nearby Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport for air travel. The peak season for Paramaribo is during July and August, so tourists should make early reservations for vacations during these months.
To travel to Paramaribo or any other destination in Suriname, American citizens are required to have a passport, visa and return ticket. Visitors are also required to visit the Police Precinct Nieuwe Haven, Van’t Hogerhuysstraat, which is in Paramaribo.
