Archive for the ‘South America’ Category

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Ciudad del Este

Friday, January 29th, 2010

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.

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Arequipa

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

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.

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Colonia del Sacramento

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

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.

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Oruro

Friday, January 15th, 2010

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.

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Tarija

Friday, January 15th, 2010

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.

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Coroico

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Coroico is a town located in the Nor Yungas Province, in the La Paz Department of western Bolivia. The city was founded above the Kori Huayco River, meaning “Golden Valley” in Aymara. It has been build from the profits from mining gold back in 17th century. As of latest measurement the city of Coroico has a population of 30 thousand people.

The town of Coroico is a good place to spend a day before heading up to La Paz, or further into the Jungle. Because Coroico’s the lower elevation, the weather is quite nice by comparison to La Paz, and has a resort-like ambiance to it. Recently opened is the new highway to Coroico, which makes the town an easy access to point from other domestic destinations. For the adventurous traveler you make a trip from Coroico to La Paz on the so called “World Most Dangerous Road”.

The surrounding areas of Coroico are famous for hiking, many of the local travel agencies offer one day hikes where you can walk, climb and swim when seeing the local agriculture, old Casa da Hacienda which are the houses of former landowners, virgin forests and Afro-Bolivian communities. Another upcoming community is the eco tourism in the region, where local guides offer excursions the most beautiful valley with a fabulous cloud forest with monkeys jumping around, and as highlight the forgotten Inca Trail carved into the sheer canyon walls.

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.

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Sucre

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia. The city is located in the south-central part of the country, on an altitude of 9,000 ft. Its lower altitude gives the city a warm temperate climate year-round. As of latest measurement the city has a population of population 260 thousand people.

The city of Sucre is famed throughout Bolivia, for it’s pretty en well maintained center, and it’s favorable climate, it’s locally known as “la ciudad blanca” or white city it’s often referred to as the most calm and relax in Bolivia, some say South America. Sucre sightseeing offers specific attractions in and around city center but also countryside such as historic theaters and museums like Casa de la Libertad, as well indigenous culture and prehistoric with as highlight Sucre’s relaxed atmosphere surrounded by them as earlier mentioned.

Getting around within city limits is easy, as Sucre is a small city with hop-on buses and private taxis. Some of the sightseeing on Sucre’s country side require private transport such as the Tarabuco market where the Cal Orkco dinosaur footprints are also located. Other than that, most travelers will stay within 5 blocks of the main square Plaza 25 de Mayo. To experience the relaxed ambiance of Sucre travel to Parque Bolivar a spacious park in the heart of the city.

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.

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Natal

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Natal, the largest city of Rio Grande do Norte, a northeastern state in Brazil. The city is located on the Atlantic coast and worldwide known for its beaches. Natal was first settlements took place in the 1500s, yet unlike other Northeastern capitals it did not benefit from steady economic growth in the region’s sugar cane product. Instead it grew moderately to become the state’s capital city. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 810 thousand people.

During the second world war Natal hosted a United States military base because of the its strategic position far east on the Atlantic. Nowadays is the city of Natal a popular travel destination for Brazilians and foreign tourists, offering long stretched beaches, fine restaurants offering local and international cuisine and of course good rated hotels. When traveling to Natal, you can get in through Augusto Severo International Airport, about 12 miles from the city center. There’s numerous direct flights from the most important Brazilian capitals such as; Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia.

Once you arrived in Natal, it’s easy to get around using taxi’s, public buses are less convenient yet cheaper. There’s several sightseeing’s that may not be missed in a trip to Natal, include the Orte dos Reis Magos built in 1598, a star shaped fort on the northern tip of the beach. As well the picture worthy sunset of Potengy River, it’s breathtaking and brings a highlight in your day. Further more the city offers multiple beaches which can be reached by buggy including; Zumbi beach (North), Genipabu beach (North) and Barra de Cunhaú beach (South).

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. Traffic in the city is complicated due to certain regulations. The city has low crime problems, yet always be careful. Avoid extravagant or expensive-looking clothing to stand out in the crowd.

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Salta

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Salta is the capital city of the Salta Province located in the northwest of Argentina. The city is situated in the Lerma Valley at 3800 ft. above sea level, and at the foothills of the Andes mountains. The city’s location is perfect to explore its region. As of latest measurement Salta has a population of 500 thousand people making it Argentina’s eighth largest city.

The center of the city is small enough to be explored on foot. Plaza 9 de Julio is the city center, here you can also find the Cathedral established in the 1850s and also the Cabildo. In the east of the center, which can be reached by cable car is the Cerro San Bernardo from where you can overlook the city, especially at night and sunrise this is a beautiful view.

When enjoying your time in Salta, and looking for a short excursion outside the city, try visiting the small suburb San Lorenzo. Stroll around in the parks, enjoy the forest smell while hiking in one of the many trails. Rent a horse to ride up the hill and and behold the fantastic Salta city views. Don’t forget to walk around in the neighborhood to see and photograph the colonial style houses the rich live in. Furthermore there are several other excursions being held within city limits including local sightseeing with culture and history.

Travelers to Mendoza 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. Mendoza also provides outdoor possibilities in the Sierras mountains.

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Mendoza

Sunday, January 3rd, 2010

Mendoza is the capital city of the Mendoza Province in the country of Argentina. The city is situated in the north central part of the province, surrounded by foothills and high plains. As of latest measurement the city has a population of about 900 thousand people, making Greater Mendoza the 4th largest census metropolitan area in Argentina.

The city of Mendoza was originally found in 1561, since then a lot of historical buildings and place of interests have established around city center. A few of the tourist sightseeing include the Ruinas de San Francisco mission in the Ciadad Vieja, the Parque San Martin and the Museo Fundacional. When feeling like shopping during weekend, visit Plaza Espana where artisans markets are being held. If you prefer relaxing and enjoying with a drink choose to sit on the sidewalk terraces on Avenida San Martin.

As Mendoza is worldwide famous for its Argentinian wine industry it’s recommended to visit one of the many wineries just outside city center. Fine wine tasting, a tour on the farms and wine chambers are included for a day of fun, plus a chance to buy wine straight of the producer. Other tourist attractions around Mendoza include skiing in the los Penitentes, exploring mountains in Uspallata or visiting Aconcagua on the border of Chile to have a look at South America’s highest mountain the Cerro Aconcagua.

Travelers to Mendoza 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. Mendoza also provides outdoor possibilities in the Sierras mountains.

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