Articles of category "South America"

Known as a vast deserted region visited only by fishermen and sailors, the coastal town of Punta del Este, frequently referred to as St Tropez of South America, has grown to become one of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide, attracting some 300,000 visitors annually. Today it is famous as a superb resort area with luxury restaurants and hotels, miles of alluring beaches and exciting nightlife in addition to numerous historic and cultural landmarks the old lighthouse.

Arguably one of the most exciting pastimes, traveling can be a great eye-opener to the world surrounding us. However, many people refrain from this pleasure due to lack of funds. Today, when a number of inexpensive travels are available worldwide, that shouldn't be a barrier to traveling. The most affordable, though not the most convenient way to travel to many destinations is trekking which allows you to focus on your priorities and do some research while getting value for money. Trekking tours offer a chance to see the sights and get some rigorous exercise at the same time.

Charming and exciting, Ecuador is best known for its colorful festivals and events, attracting huge crowds of visitors each year to become part of the magnificent celebration. All Ecuadorians observe relentlessly the Carnival, held during a forty-day period that precedes the Easter week, known as Semana Santa. Other important Equador festivals and celebrations include the Mama Negra, Semana Santa, the Otavo celebrations and Yamor among others.

The Brazil Carnaval is a celebration held annually forty days before the religious holiday of Easter. Known within the country simply as Carnaval, it differs from its counterparts in Europe, in addition to some variations being observed across the large territory of Brazil. Recognized for around the world, the main festivity in exciting Brazil Carnaval occurs in Rio de Janeiro, with its bandas, blocos and samba schools.

With its ancient temples, genuine rainforest and distinctive cultural heritage in abundance, South America is regarded as a backpacking goldmine that requires a reasonable amount to be reached. Many travelers consider backpacking in South America the ultimate adventure in an unexplored continent, filled with future discoveries, adventures and dreams. Exploring the continent can turn out to be a rewarding and exciting experience, particularly to those eager to deeper into the culture and language of the country they visit.

Situated on the eastern bank of the Rio Guaiba and marking the place where five rivers converge into the Lagoa dos Patos, Porto Alegre is the capital city of Rio Grande do Sul and one of the biggest cities in Brazil. Established in 1755 with the purpose to guard against the Spanish encroachment, it wasn't until the late 1860s that the city became the country's leading commercial center south of Sao Paulo. Today Porto Alegre, cosmopolitan in every sense of the word, is ranked with the most visited Brazilian cities.

One of Brazil's largest cities and the capital city of Rio Grande do Sul State, Porto Alegre is situated at the conjunction of five rivers, the Guaiba Lake among them. Despite the fact that its origins date back to the 1700s, the city was established in 1809. Currently Porto Alegre is recognized as the most important industrial center in southern part of the country, as well as a major city for Mercosul. It is also home to several renowned Brazilian institutions of higher learning, cultural attractions and historic landmarks.

Nestled in the part of South America, which lies south of the Neuquen River to the east of Andes and south of Chiloe Arcipelago to their west, Patagonia is one of premier tourist destinations in South America, known for its fascinating, unspoiled beauty. Very few places in the world have ever captivated the travelers' and explorers' imagination like this still unexplored destination that boast a wide selection of things to see and enjoy.

Situated in the southern part of South America, Patagonia embraces part of the territory of Argentina and Chile, expanding to the south of the Colorado River between the Atlantic Ocean and the Andes. Since the region was discovered, a single mention of Patagonia tours will give you an opportunity to experience the fascination and desire to explore the unknown and distant. A beautiful nature encloses to the observer in impressive mountain ranges, deep valleys and canyons and spectacular glaciers and lakes.

Located on the border between Brazil and Argentina, the Iguazu Falls is a group of 275 spectacular falls towering up to 70 meters, with Rio Iguazu running in them. While the Argentinean side offers an intimate touch with the Iguazu Falls boasting large amount of wonderful birds and butterflies and the rich flora, the Brazilian side is not so impressive, yet much more crowded, with only one trail offered to travelers. The most magnificent fall in this area is La Gardanta del Diablo, which means the Devil's throat. You can easily see all the important local sites while staying at one of the Igusazo Falls hotels.

Nestled in the Caribbean off the north eastern shore of Venezuela, Margarita Island is recognized as the largest island of the Nueva Esparta State, whose primary industries are construction, fishing and tourism. The largest city of the island is Porlamar that has a reputation of an important commercial center, and is close to the second largest city - Pampatar. Beaches abound here ranging from crowded to quite secluded, the most popular of these being Playa El Agua, which is conveniently located near Margarita Island lodging.

Blessed with more than 320 days of sun, alluring tropical palm fringed beaches and a temperature ideal for major water sports and recreational activities, Margarita Island is a mountainous Caribbean Island paradise, nestled off the Venezuela's north shore. Consisting of two smaller islands, connected by a 13-mile long land tongue, the Island fits in with the idea of haven on earth, with towering green mountains and extensive white beaches sloping towards the green ocean. When you plan your visit, why not consider staying in any of the Margarita island condos? They offer affordable family fun and entertainment!

Hidden high in the clouds, Machu Picchu is a pre-Columbian Inca ruin that was forgotten for many centuries by the outside world, until it was brought back to the international attention in 1911. Regarded as the most recognizable symbol of the Inca Empire, the city was established by the Sapa Inca Pachacuti around 1440 and inhabited until 1532, when the Spaniards conquered Peru. Archeological evidence shows that the place is far from being a conventional city, serving as a country retreat town for Inca. When you enjoy any of the Machu Picchu tours; you can reach your own conclusions.

Nestled on a high mountain ridge at the elevation of more than 7,700 square feet, Machu Picchu is a wonderfully-preserved pre-Columbian Inca ruin situated above Peru's Urubamba Valley, some 44 miles northwest of Cusco. Overlooked for centuries by the outside world, it was rediscovered in 1911 by Yale archeologists Hiram Bingham, who brought it back to the international attention. Since 1983 the Machu Picchu attractions have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the most enchanting and breathtaking destinations on the planet, the Amazon River has always attracted the most avid explorers from all parts of the world, from mere nature lovers to most adventure driven enthusiasts. Generally recognized as the largest water system worldwide, the Amazon and its tributaries are home to the greatest wilderness ever known to man, a paradise for birdwatchers and the largest pharmacy in the world with a wide variety of medical plants. An Amazon expedition will put you face to face with a diverse population of vanishing wildlife.