First stop should be Lago Bayano in Darien, which is a giant lake that is allegedly dangerous given the fact its border is close to Columbia. However, the region is actually quite safe and it has picture perfect views that will impress just about any explorer. Here you will find some fantastic caves to explore along the edges of the lake that hide waterfalls in a place that could be easily described as paradise.

Another great stop is the island of Isla Canas located to the south of the Azuero Peninsula in Los Santos. Isla Canas is home to some of the best untouched beaches in Panama and since it does not get a lot of tourist activity offers some unique wildlife sightings such as giant leatherback turtles. However, you will not find any hotels on the island so make sure to bring a tent if you want to stay the night.

Finally, another island worth checking out is the Boca Brava found just off the coast of the country over in the Chiriqui province. The Boca Brava region is home to plenty of white sand beaches with jungle right behind them, offering endless opportunities for an eco-tourist. The best way to get out and see the area is to hire a boatman and head out along the coast to see all of the sights from a local perspective and with plenty of local fisherman this should not be a problem.

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Rio San Juan is located in Nicaragua and is a place with an incredible amount of history. It was first explored in the 16th century by conquistadors and was dominated by English pirates through the 17th century. The river was the site of epic battles and later a place where people hoped to find gold. It runs for nearly 200 km and takes water from the largest lake in Central America, Lake Nicaragua, and deposits it in the waters of the Caribbean.

On its bank there are isolated farming communities that only can reach other inhabited places by use of the river, as the tropical rainforests around them is simply too thick to navigate. People in the area refer to the river as a ‘road’ because of the amount of transport that takes place on it. If you are looking for a holiday that is off the beaten track then there is no better place to head to and you can take a tour down the river which lasts 12 hours.

Generally, ferries that make the journey depart from San Carlos, a fishing town upriver. In order to reach here you have to take an additional 14 hour trip as you have to cross an enormous lake to reach it. Most tours are organised so that you are able to enjoy the spectacular sunrise as you start to reach the beginning of the river.

The waterway was strategically very important in history and it was used by the Spanish to set up their empire, but also was used by pirates. By the 17th century, pirates were dominating the area and it was the site of the ransacking of some of the richest cities in Spanish lands. In order to combat the pirates the Spanish added a great deal of fortifications to the river during the 1600s but today only one fort remains.

This fort can be found in the town of El Castillo and it was constructed in 1675. If you go on this river tour then you will be able to stop in this town and explore the fort. There is an excellent museum which tells of its history as well as that of other fortifications that once existed along the river.

One of the greatest problems for people who came to conquer the region were the tropical diseases they encountered and any tourist in the area would be wise to bring a mosquito repellent. The tropical jungle that surrounds the river is full of the pests and without any repellent you’re going to get eaten alive.

There are several tiny communities that a tour will stop in on the way down and most of these are nothing more than a few thatched farmhouses and a scattering of banana trees. It is fascinating to see the simple lives that these farmers on the river banks lead and they seem genuinely quite surprised to see tourists stopping in their town.

The river once had dreams of becoming a major international shipping channel but these faded with the construction of the Panama Canal at the turn of the 20th century. Since the construction of this major shipping lane, the Rio San Juan fell out of use and in the 1980s many of the buildings surrounding it were destroyed by a hurricane.

Nicaragua cruising the Rio San Juan

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The Colca Canyon for example is an amazing sight located about one hundred miles away from Arequipa and is famous for its depth and its wide array of wildlife.  The Canyon itself is twice as large as the much more famous Grand Canyon and offers some great views such as views of the Andean condor which is the largest bird on the earth.  It also is great for hiking through given the fact that towns line both sides of the canyon so that you can easily work your way slowly up the trail with plenty of places to stop and set up camp.

Those who may want to take it a bit easier while on holiday should consider taking an aerial flight or helicopter tour over the Nazca Lines given the fact that the large pattern is stunning to observe from above.  It is even more amazing that the design was made by primitive civilizations centuries ago by hand and there are plenty of flights and companies that offer such tours.

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There are several important water sources that supply the urban water supply, and recreation and quality of life for residents, while preserving the landscape and promoting tourism. The preservation of the park is directly related to the welfare, health and wealth of the city, and perhaps its greatest green asset.

The Tijuca National Park was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1991.
It is the smallest national park and is in the central portion of the city and the blends in seamlessly with the urban area.

Originally, the entire park was covered by dense Tropical Rainforest. Historically, this forest was heavily degraded due to the removal of timber, firewood and charcoal for their numerous mills, cane sugar production, brick kilns and for domestic purposes, as well as the expansion of coffee in almost all areas.

In 1860, by order of Emperor D. Pedro II, the area began to be reforested with native tree seedlings. Along with natural regeneration, the area was reclaimed, forming the forest we see today, with a rich and diverse flora.

As a result of the changes that have occurred over the past 400 years, the biosphere of the park is unique and does not have all the animals that characterise similar sites of Atlantic slope of the Serra do Mar. The majority of wildlife are shy of visitors or have nocturnal habits.

There are insects, spiders and other arthropods including several snake species, caninana, corals, jararaca and jararacucus, lizards, geckos and iguanas plus birds lizards, tanagers, lace, tanagers, spies, hummingbirds, Juriti, hawks, vultures, urus, and Jacupemba inhambus-comum.

The mammals are marmosets, monkeys, dogs-do-mato, coatis, raccoons, cats, pigs, cavies, hedgehogs coendu, squirrels, tapitis, armadillos, anteaters and opossums-Mirim

Recreation & Sports Practice

Mountaineering is one of the many activities practiced in the park. The Tijuca National Park, besides the beautiful scenery of its many vantage points Chinese Pavilion, Mirante Dona Marta, Vista Admiral, it is possible to enjoy the quiet, calm, clean air, mild temperature and inspiring environment of the rainforest.

Hiking trails, swimming in the waterfalls, biking and picnicking are some of the recreational activities allowed. The walks are moderate and unfold to offer stunning views at Pedra Bonita at 524 m, Parrot’s Peak at 987 m and Pico da Tijuca at 1,021 m, and walks with more difficulty show the spectacular panorama in the Stone Gavea at 842 m.

The park has a visitor’s centre, library, health and various recreational areas, such as Dogwood, Bom Retiro, Mayrink and the Dam of Solitude.

Hours.

The park is open daily from 8 am to 1700, and 1800 during the summer. The many roads allow the visitor to view the park on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, auto and bus and to see the Statue of Christ Redeemer and spectacular Lookout Mountain. Visitors are also offered the option of the train journey with the Corcovado Railroad, which starts at the station located at Rua Cosme Velho.

Several tour companies run circuits in the park in special vehicles, and a helicopter can be used to view the Tijuca National Park sites and it is possible to hire a scenic flight in the area with the Mirante Dona Marta.

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1) Machu Picchu, Peru

Explorers came across this ancient Incan city, which sits on a high mountain ridge that rises above the densely forested valleys below, in the early 20th century. It is a breathtaking sight, and one of the world’s true must-see destinations. Trains run from the nearby village to within relatively easy walking distance of the 15th-century site, but true adventurers travel there by foot through the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the famous Inca Trail, a four-day trek that is an incredible experience in itself. Longer organised treks of up to 9 days are available for the really hardcore hikers.

2) Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands lie off the coast of Ecuador. They represent one of the world’s most varied eco-systems, home to thousands of species, including their famous turtles. A must for nature-loving travellers.

3) Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

Patagonia covers part of Chile and Argentina, and is a kind of fantasy land of unreal landscapes and sharp beauty. Snow-capped mountains, barren desert, ice fields and forests can all be found and explored here. It’s also home to the world’s largest penguin colony.

4) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

For many, Brazil’s colourful coastal city sums up South America. The famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema form the heart of the city: they are where the locals go to see and be seen. Once a year, the city explodes at carnival time, but all year round the place shakes with samba beats as people of all ages dance until dawn. Rio certainly has its dark side, with prevalent gang culture and poverty, but as long as you are responsible, it is a place you really should experience and one you will never forget.

Pretty much anything you want to see or do is possible in South America, and these destinations are just a tiny snapshot of what the continent has to offer. Speaking a little Spanish, or Portuguese in the case of Brazil, is useful, and many from the UK choose to take Portuguese or Spanish courses in London before departure (flexible courses are available at the many language colleges in the city, such as St Georges International). Alternatively, you can learn on the road by taking a course once you are actually there. However, even without much knowledge of the local lingo, it’s possible to get by armed with just a phrasebook, some universal gestures and a big smile in this friendly and welcoming continent.

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If your travels include a budget there are a myriad of things that are happening in the city at the time of Rio Carnival which are quite cheap while bearing witness to the worldwide spectacle. Besides going to the famous Sambadrome there is another way to enjoy samba parades free of charge, because there are two types of Samba schools those at Sambadrome and those parading on Avenida Rio Branco.

Those on Avenida Rio Branco may not be considered the most prestigious but happen to be top quality and the parades they play in are free. Blocos or street parties are everywhere during Rio Carnival with over a hundred taking place throughout the different neighborhoods each day and for free.

The biggest and most important blocos are Suvaco de Cristo that is below the Christ the Redeemer statue and O cordao de bola preta that is around the historic centre. Local bands compose the music at the parties and people are dressed in special costumes with t-shirts designed for each particular area. The dancing goes on to all hours of the night and everyone is welcome.

In the Lapa district there is an alternative party in the southern corner of the city centre of Rio. A stage gets erected in front of Arcos de Lapa and all styles of bands play each night. One highlight is the opportunity to attend a ball. They vary in theme and style and cost about £72. These are fun and worth saving money to attend.

Rio Carnival is the world’s biggest street party with hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world arriving to the city each year. The last 4 days prior to Ash Wednesday the whole city closes to enjoy euphoric and wild celebrations. The celebrations start early and last until the wee hours of the morning and are attended by virtually all in the city.

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Although you can explore the Galapagos on your own when the cruise boat docks, it is best to have a guide if you want to view the best sites that the islands have to offer. So it is better to pay a bit more and browse through the luxury holidays option so that you can get the most out of the varied but spectacular array of natural beauties on offer.  From the cruise ship you the can visit the outer islands and see everything from the white beaches to the deep rainforests including the amazing wildlife that peaks out around every corner.

If you dock for some time it is worth taking a guided trip through the islands so that you can see firsthand the nesting birds, great giant tortoises, the water iguanas, and the sea lions as they gleefully perform their acrobatics.  In addition, some cruise tours will dock for a day or two so that you can venture into town for some unique and exquisite local goods or take advantage of the ferry system so that you can closely tour an island you otherwise would not get a chance to step foot on.

There are many different ways to choose a luxury cruise line as there are dozens of cruise companies that tour the Galapagos Islands.  You can choose to book a tour on everything from luxury ships to small luxury yachts that allow you to get even closer to the shorelines of the exotic islands.  The larger cruise ships offer you a full range or amenities as well as plenty of other entertainment options such as live shows at night and open bars while the smaller luxury yachts offer a more personalized trip through the islands.

Some people even choose to charter little romantic sailboats that offer small decks and intimate cabin space so that the holiday is truly one of a kind.  These are great for exploring the more secluded areas and for a chance at seeing wildlife that would be scared away by a larger cruise vessel.  Regardless of your choice most luxury cruise lines will offer guides when you disembark on an island.  Just be careful to make sure that you choose a trip that offers small tour group sizes so that you get the most personal experience possible.

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Features

Its climate is semiarid and it has an approximate area of 55km². The island is closer to the Dominican Republic, but belongs to the Puerto Rican archipelago. On the island there are walks and explorations, some of which have proved several times already to be dangerous due to, mortal-dehydration, disorientation, etc. primarily by the negligence of the visitors. There has been research conducted on the flora and fauna of the island by educational institutions (including the University of Puerto Rico) and state and federal agencies.

Nature reserve

The Island Nature Reserve is located in the Mona Passage, halfway between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, approximately 70km west of the main island. The Mona Island Natural Reserve is the largest MPA comprising of 157,379 ha (38.889 acres) with limits extending 9 nautical miles from its coast and including Monito, a small island 6km northwest of Mona.

Mona’s land area is 5,566 hectares (13.753 acres) and Monito is 14 (34 acres). These islands were derived from the deposition of calcium carbonate on the seafloor and subsequent uplift during the Miocene for 24 – 25 million years. Endemic terrestrial species are found on both islands, including plants, amphibians, reptiles, birds and various marine habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass and submerged vertical-cliff walls.

Mona the name derives from the name of a Taino chief (native Indian) called ‘Amona’ who inhabited the island prior to Spanish colonization. Mona was inhabited by pirates, guano gatherers, fishermen and hunters, among others.

In 1919, Mona Island Forest was declared by the governor, and in 1986 Arthur Yager Mona and Monito was designated as the Natural Reserve of the Mona Island by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) of Puerto Rico. DNER personnel permanently inhabited the island of Mona, while visitors camped under permission.

La Reserva Natural Isla de la Mona is a laboratory for scientific research including archeology, geology, oceanography, management of alien species, and conservation of threatened species (e.g. rock iguanas, turtles, and birds endemic).

A lot more information about Puerto Rico available here http://www.aboutcuba.info

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16 countries and over 20 destinations, covering Antarctica, Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Easter Island, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Robinson Crusoe Island, Uruguay and Venezuela are featured, and Latin American aficionados can design their own luxury holidays to the region, relying on Kuoni’s Personal Travel Experts to tailor-make inspired itineraries for the ultimate flexible adventure. Alternatively, there are private or escorted tours accompanied by local experts.

Some of the Kuoni Authentic Experiences include: become a cowboy gaucho for three days at Estancio El Rocio – cattle herd on horseback, cheer on the rodeo, bird watch at the local lagoon and play polo, or cook a Peruvian feast, mix a ‘pisco sour’ and become a Llama farmer for a day.

Regular itineraries also include; fishing for piranhas in the Amazon; trekking the ancient trails of the Incas and taking in coffee plantations, marvelling at the volcanoes peppering the Atacaman plains in Chile or hiking the Avenue of Volcanoes in Ecuador.

“There has never been a better time to experience South America,” commented Angelo Davino, Latin America Product Manager.  “South America is undergoing a travel renaissance and it is now offering a wider choice of quality accommodation, entertainment and better air access and connections on reputable scheduled carriers. We can combine luxury with a myriad of hardly discovered places.”

The brochure is valid until December 2010 and is available from Kuoni’s website, high street stores and travel agents across the country.

Website: www.kuoni.co.uk

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The compound is called rapamycin, named after the island’s Polynesian name Rapa Nui.

The Traveller’s 13-day tour is guided by Jo Anne Van Tilburg, the Director of the Easter Island Statue Project and the world’s leading expert on Easter Island. Following in the footsteps of pioneering Victorian explorer Katherine Routledge, Jo Anne is about to publish work detailing a new official tally of the famous Moai statues on Rapa Nui, and is looking into the Moai’s conservation.

On this tour, guests can learn from Jo Anne how Easter Island, isolated and alone in the South Pacific, was settled by East Polynesians in AD 300-400, how it came to be covered in more than 1000 mysterious stone moai statues, how the Birdman cult ritual was performed and discover the mystery and traditions of a remote island outpost.

Departing 13 November, prices are from £3395 per person including flights (Heathrow), all taxes, transfers, two nights’ B&B in Santiago and eight nights’ full board on Easter Island (all in 3-4 star hotels) and the services of Jo Anne Van Tilburg and a tour manager. Call The Traveller on 020 7436 9343 (www.the-traveller.co.uk)

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Cuba is famed for its exciting history and extraordinary music and dance traditions, as well as its vibrant capital city, Havana. Expect rumba beats, daiquiri cocktails and an endless choice of great venues in a city that loves to party where, with no official licensing hours, clubs and bars tend to stay open until the last customer leaves!

However, holidays in Cuba offer all of this and so much more, as it is also home to unspoiled palm-fringed, white sandy beaches that characterise the Caribbean. Thomson’s ‘Twin Centre’ holidays allow you to combine the best of both world’s in an unforgettable holiday experience. Passengers can book either a traditional package break or twin centre holiday, combining the sights and sounds of holidays in Havana with a beach holiday in Varadero or Guardalavaca, with prices starting from just £1126 per person*.

If you prefer to get a further taste of this country, then the Sierra Maestra Tour** is a must. This tour is included in a 14-night stay that starts with a 6-day exploration of Cuba’s most historic, and scenic spots, that include the city of Holguin, Santiago de Cuba (the home of Bacardi rum), La Plata (the headquarters of Fidel Castro) and of course, the Sierra Maestra mountains. Relax and reminisce on all that you have seen for the second week, as you kick back at the beach hotel of your choice in Guardalavaca. Thomson recommends the Playa Pesquero resort, a large resort set on a beautiful beach and home to Cuba’s largest pool.

“We’re thrilled to have re-introduced the destination of Cuba to the Thomson brand”, says Shona Swain, Acting General Manager, Longhaul Product, TUI UK, ”it is a magical Caribbean experience offering so much more than just a beach holiday. The city of Havana is an absolute must and in my opinion is one of the most exciting cities in the world. There has never been a better time to visit.”

Thomson offers flights direct to Cuba from London Gatwick and Manchester airports. London Gatwick has a year round weekly service flying into Holguin and once a week service for the winter to Varadero. Thomson also has a year round weekly service flying into Varadero from Manchester. Flight only prices start from just £494 return, including taxes and charges, based on a seven night departure on 20th July 2009, from London Gatwick. All Thomson flights are now ATOL protected so customers can be confident that their money is safe.

For further information or to book visit http://www.thomson.co.uk

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The world is a great place full of wonderful sights and sounds and amazing experiences. Every nook and cranny of the world is filled with something unique and has a lot to offer to people everywhere. The world can be best explored through traveling and traveling is something that most people in the world like to do. Traveling is one of the best ways to rejuvenate ones own self and unwind and relax in a different place. Traveling can be a real eye opener and has a lot of benefits attached to it. One of the most well known benefits is that by traveling an individual gets a wider and a more open perspective of the world that we live in and also of the areas and regions not known to us. Traveling is a great way by which to discover the cultures and the traditions of a different land.

Different types of tourism

In the world today there are different types of travel and tourism coming up. These different types of tourism focus basically on niche areas and focus on one particular area. Different types of tourism like spiritual tourism and cultural tourism and new entrants like ethical tourism and ecological tourism are various types of tourism. Ecological tourism or eco friendly tourism is traveling and visiting places without harming the environment present there. Ecological tourism is fast gaining lots of popularity and this concept is one good way in which to travel the world without harming the environment and the natural surroundings in a big way.

South America and Guyana

South America is a big and quite a popular destination for most ecological travellers. Most ecological travellers head to the Amazon rainforests and other rainforests in countries like Brazil, Peru, and Colombia among others. However the northern tip of the continent of South America also has some lovely tourist destinations with countries like Venezuela, Suriname, and Guyana among others. Guyana is a very lovely country to visit and has a lot to offer to a tourist. The capital of the country is the quaint city of Georgetown and this city is a great place to visit for tourists who like small streets and a very relaxed atmosphere.

Ecological travel in Guyana

The country of Guyana boasts of a lot of natural wonders within its boundaries. The beaches of Georgetown and New Amsterdam are very famous and quite clean and a lot of resorts are ecological and eco friendly in their functioning with coconut thatch cottages and other eco friendly modes of living. Guyana has some of the best waterfalls in the world and the Kaieteur Falls are really spectacular and their height is five times that of the famous Niagara Falls. A lot of forest resorts offer cabins and lodging in the forest and these resorts are hot favorites with ecological tourists as these cabins and lodging facilities are completely in the wild and offer a very Spartan lifestyle but also offer some of the best experiences in the world. Guyana is a great place to visit for tourists and it is something on the lines of a paradise on earth for ecological tourists.

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The world is a very lovely and a very enchanting place to visit. The world is so vast that a traveler can never hope to completely see the world. However the world has some really awe inspiring sights to offer as well as some experiences which are truly unique. Traveling is one of the oldest forms of rest and relaxation known to man. Travel is also a very handy form of recreation. One more positive aspect of travel is that it is highly rejuvenating and taking a break from a busy professional life is something which can do wonders for an individual’s mind and body. Traveling has a lot of benefits and one of the biggest benefits of travel is that it changes the perspective of an individual and an individual looks at the world with a much broader outlook.

Ethical travel

There are different types of travel cropping up in the world. Some different types of travel are ecological tourism and spiritual travel or cultural travel. The newest entrant to this group is ethical travel. There is no set definition of ethical travel but ethical travel can be simply defined as traveling according to a set of ethics. This set of ethics can differ from person to person but some of the regulation ethics are respecting the culture and the traditions of a particular place and also giving the locals a certain amount of request. One more ethic is to provide impetus to the locals by purchasing locally made goods and availing of services offered by locals.

Bolivia

South America is a very interesting continent to visit and there are a lot of countries in South America which absolutely merit a visit. One country which has a high amount of appeal to it is the country of Bolivia. Bolivia is a great country to visit and is one of the most remote countries in the continent of South America. Bolivia has a nice mixture of some very breathtaking outdoor sights and some bustling cities. The capital of the country is the city of La Paz. La Paz is a very beautiful city with a lot of nice monuments and some really good restaurants and bars. The city of Sucre is referred to as the legal capital of Bolivia and Sucre is the seat of the Bolivian judiciary.

Tourist delights of Bolivia

The city of Potosi is also a must visit place for tourists as at one point of time this city was one of the richest cities in the world owing to the huge number of silver mines in this city. Bolivia also has some natural wonders and foremost among them is the impressive lake Titiaca which is the highest lake in the world which is navigable. The ruins of Samaipata are also an interesting visit and a visit to the UNESCO world heritage site of Tiwanaku which has some very good Inca ruins. Bolivia is a great place for ethical tourists as this country has a lot to offer but also has a sizeable amount of tradition which has to be respected but also to be experienced.

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Rio de Janeiro means the river of January. The official language of Rio de Janeiro is Portuguese. It is the second major city in Brazil after Sau Paulo. The city functions as the capital of Rio de Janeiro state. It had served as a capital to Brazil for nearly two centuries between the 1763 and 1960. From 1763 to 1822 it was a Portuguese colony and from 1822 to 1960 it was an independent nation. It is most commonly just known as Rio. It has also been nicknamed as A Cidade Maravilhosa which means marvellous city. Rio de Janeiro is popular because of its natural setting. It is set beautifully among mountains and the sea at its side. Most of the people know about the famous carnivals that take place in Rio. The carnival celebrations are responsible for attracting maximum amount of tourist attraction. Rio has beautiful hotels lined by the sea. The view of the sea and the distant mountains is breathtaking. The most famous beaches at Rio are Copacabana and Ipanema. Rio de Janeiro is the perfect place if you wish to spend a relaxing vacation.

Tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro has breathtaking views of the sea and the mountains. There are many tourist spots that you can visit. The main attraction of Rio de Janeiro is the beaches and the sea side restaurants. If you want to spend a relaxing vacation then there is nothing better than eating exquisite food and dancing on the lovely beaches. It will surely add back some energy into your life. People in Rio de Janeiro have a happy go lucky attitude which makes the atmosphere even more relaxed. The colourful Rio will surely entice you and make you forget about your worries. Rio de Janeiro is in itself a big tourist destination of the world. From the Copacabana beach you are only a few kilometres away from the Corcovado Mountain that has the statue of Christ the Redeemer. It is better to follow an organised tour if you wish to explore Rio de Janeiro at its fullest. The following are the following are the tourist spots that one must visit.

Sugarloaf

Sugarloaf is a green unearthly peak that rises above Rio de Janeiro. It gives you a bird’s eye view of the city. You can watch the Copacabana beach to the Corcovado Mountain. You will have a breathtaking view of the Rio de Janeiro sunset.

Cristo Redentor or Christ the Redeemer

The statue of the Christ the Redeemer was placed on top of the Corcovado Mountain in 1931. The statue of Christ has his arms apart as if to embrace the city. It has been a symbol of the city for a long time.

Jardim Botanico or Botanical Garden

The Jardim Botanico is spresd over 340 acres of land. It is one of Rio’s most striking tourist attractions. It consists of more than 50,000 species of tropical and subtropical vegetation. It features 900 varieties of palm trees. The garden makes for a great stroll on a hot day.

Maracana

Maracana is the soccer stadium of Brazil. It is highly worshipped by the soccer fans in Brazil. It is also a home to one of the best foot ball teams in the world.

Reviews on Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. People who have travelled to Rio de Janeiro have given rave reviews of the city. They have especially praised the beaches and restaurants of Rio. The climate there is wonderful to give you a good tan. The beautiful views of the sea and the mountains make it a heaven for some people. The exquisite cuisines and tourist spots are the best aspects of Rio de Janeiro.

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Paradise for Vacationers – Venezuela

The tourists can look forward to a great experience in the form of a vacation in Venezuela. Venezuela provides with varied landscapes like widespread plains of Los Llanos, lovely Caribbean beaches, dense jungles, unexplored forest areas, magnificent rivers, majestic Andes Mountains and world’s highest waterfall- the Angel Falls.

As Venezuela is endowed with such incredible landscapes, it is a paradise for the adventure seekers. You can enjoy a host of adventure sports like hiking, diving, trekking, wildlife spotting, kayaking and snorkeling. Venezuela is suited as a vacation spot for all kinds of tourists – culture freaks, heritage lovers, nature enthusiasts or leisure travelers.

About Venezuela

Venezuela is a nation of South America with shorelines on the North Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. It is bordered by Guyana, Brazil and Colombia. Venezuela is made up of four distinct regions – Venezuelan Highlands, Maracaibo Lowlands, Los Llanos Plains and Guiana Highlands. The original inhabitants of Venezuela were Arawak and Carib Indians. Christopher Columbus claimed Venezuela as Spanish territory in 1498. Venezuela formed a sovereign state in the year 1830 after the dissolution of Gran Columbia. Caracas is the capital city of Venezuela.

Venezuela has a good positioning as it is located on the major air and sea routes connecting South and North America. Venezuela can be reached easily by plane, ships or cars. You can travel within Venezuela by buses and rental or hired cars.

Tourist Attractions in Venezuela

Caracas

The tourist attractions in Venezuela are aplenty. Caracas, the capital city is worth seeing for its historical importance. This city was founded in 1567 and has a long standing history of culture and traditions. Do visit the intact old towns of La Pastora and San Jose. Other notable monuments in Caracas are Plaza Bolivar, Old Cathedral, Casa Amarilla, Capitol building and Archbishop’s residence. The galleries and museums in La Parque Central are worth visiting along with Jardin Botanico, Panteon Nacional, Country Club and Parque Nacinal del Este. The tourists must also see the Museo del Arte Contemporaneo, Museo Del Arte Colonial, Museo de Bellas Artes, Casa Natal del Libertador and Museo de Transporte.

Mount Avila

You can get breathtaking views from Mount Avila of Caracas city and its coastline. This stretch along the capital has lovely beaches with good restaurants and taverns. The El Avila National Park is a haven for the naturalists as it is rife with exotic wildlife including sloths, armadillos, jaguars and red howler monkeys.

Angel Falls

Angel Falls is the star tourist attraction of Venezuela and it is located in Guiana Highlands. It is specifically situated in Venezuela’s Gran Sabana area. Angel Falls is the highest waterfall of the world, nearly 16 times higher than the Niagara Falls.

Merida

Merida is Venezuela’s university town and from here, you will be able to take a ride in the highest and longest cable car of the world to the peak of Pico Espejo at a height of 4765 m.

The other places of tourist interest in Venezuela include Los Roques Archipelago, Margarita Island, Mochima, Choroni, Orinoco Delta, Morrocoy and Canaima National Park etc.

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Buenos Aires has plenty more to offer from a thriving nightlife to local sports and from cultural events, shopping to hosts of excursions and tours. La Boca the major tourist attraction in the city draws the attention of all the tourists with its unique architecture, shops and street performers. For an international destination like this the airfare is rather reasonable with discount fares from United States which averages around 500 dollars round a trip. There are several important places in the city which are great for sightseeing and adventure. Buenos Aires Tango, Plaza De Mayo, Caminito , San Telmo, The Recoleta Cemetery, The Colon Theater, La Boca Football Game, Buenos Aires Restaurants and Buenos Aires nightlife.
Buenos Aires Tango is one of the biggest cultural dances which is enjoyed by all the citizens of the city as this tradition has continued to exist from over 100 years for now. Several Buenos Aires tango shows are been held in the city, however “milongas” the night tango dance is one of the most famous dance in the city. Plaza De Mayo has forever been the focal point of Buenos Aires and at present commemorates the May revolution of 1810. This public space is the place where Evita performed her speech and is also the office of the countries President.
Caminito is said to be one of the first outdoor museums in the world which is situated in the neighborhoods of La Boca. Jaun Quinquela Benito, an artist painted small houses with different colors making it the most fascinating and vibrant areas of Buenos Aires. San Telmo is yet another most exceptional neighborhood in the city which possesses vintage architecture, adventurous nightlife and interesting restaurants which also include tango shows. San Telmo is said to be the bohemian and arts district area of the city. The Recoleta Cemetery is situated in the neighborhood of Recoleta and is the place which brings life to the history of the country. Some of the most recognized people like heroes, scoundrels, presidents, legends and dictators rest in peace in this cemetery.
Another interesting place to visit is the Colon Theater which is one of the best opera houses which exits for over 100 years. Due to its beautifully constructed interior and acoustical design the Colon Theater is well renowned in the world. This theater houses one of the most exclusive collections of costumes in the world. La Boca Football game is the never to miss sport in the city as it is the occasion to have fun and thrill around the city. La Boca Football scene is generally dominated by two teams Boca Juniors and River Plate. It is entreating to watch these two team’s play with each other on this ground.

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Bogotá in Colombia is one of the 53 travel destinations for 2008 as declared by The New York Times. Bogotá was earlier known as a notorious place owing to gang violence and death squads, but the picture is changing fast. This megalopolis and capital of Colombia is South America’s fourth biggest city and is sprucing up its image to attract tourists. The colonial charms are being revamped and this is being coupled with its age old cultural diversity to draw the tourists. It is highly modernized and has exposures to the North American and European influences and the tourists can get everything starting from traditional recipes to cuisines from all over the world.

Bogotá is situated in the lap of Andean Highlands at an altitude of 2640 meters. It is divided into four districts or sections-North Bogotá, Central Bogotá, Occidente and Sur. Bogotá has excellent air connections and has an international airport by the name of El Dorado International Airport. This airport receives numerous daily flights form major American cities. El Dorado is served by various international carriers like Air France, Continental, Delta, Varig, American Airlines, LAN, Iberia, Aerogal, Taca, Mexicana, Copa and Air Canada in addition to many more. Recently three US airlines have applied to fly direct flights to Bogotá and these include US Airways, JetBlue and Spirit Airlines.

The bus services have improved considerably and they have become safer than earlier times. It is advisable that the foreigners avoid night travel and places of unrest. The services of upscale buses are very good and comfortable. You can explore Bogotá well by taxis as they are easily available and quite affordable. Bogotá has a new rapid transport system of Transmilenio Bus that is extremely clean, affordable and efficient and has excellent connectivity to all parts of the city. The other modes of transport are colectivos and bicycles.

The tourist attractions in Bogotá are aplenty and these include that different museums, churches, historical buildings, restaurants, shopping areas and skyscrapers. The tourists must make a trip to the unique Gold Museum El Museo del Oro to see the magnificent collections of gold items and Pre-Columbian artifacts. You can see the art works of great artists at Donacion Botero. At Casa de Moneda, you can get an insight into the history of coin and money minting and also see the ancient Colombian coins. The most notable place of tourist interest is The National Museum or Museo Nacional, Columbia’s oldest museum and also one of the oldest of the American Continent.

It resembles the architecture of a fortress and is made of bricks and stones. The National Museum is home to more than 20,000 exhibits. Bogotá’s Museum of Modern Art is also worth visiting and it houses collection of exhibits of modern art like paintings, drawings, sculpture, assembly and engraved work. The other famous museums in Bogotá are Banco de la Republica Art Collection and Museum of Colonial Art. The tourist must also visit Cathedral de Sal, Torre Colpatria, Monserrate, Maloka, La Zona T, and Parque de la 93, La Macarena, Unicentro, La Candelaria, Usaquen and Hacienda Santa Barbara. People who have already enjoyed holiday in Bogotá are enchanted by its lovely setting, facilities and overall ambience. The shopping and nightlife opportunities are abundant in Bogotá.

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Following hot on the heels of the latest Indiana Jones film, the new James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, also starts shooting in Peru.  Filming will from early March will include scenes at Machu Picchu.  This follows a period of filming in Panama, and after the Peru leg filming will then move on to Chile.

Quantum of Solace is scheduled for release November 7th 2008 and the story will be a direct continuation of the events of Casino Royale. It stars Daniel Craig as James Bond and Dame Judi Dench as M.

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