Category Archives: South America

Cayo Santa Maria

Holiday in Cuba

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THE BEACHES

Without a doubt the main reason tourists love Cuba are for the beaches which rank among the best in the world. White powdery sand and warm turquoise waters attract guests from all over year after year. If you’re looking for an All Inclusive vacation set on a world-class beach, then consider Varadero, Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Guillermo, and Holguin. These destinations on the north side of the island are ideal for letting the warm Caribbean sun melt away your stress as you relax with a Mojito or two.

THE NATURE LOVER

Cuba offers a range of destinations for Eco-tourists and nature buffs alike. Although mostly known for the beaches and top resorts, keep in mind it is a tropical island with much of the interior covered in jungle and rainforest. As a perfect setting for hiking, bird watching, horseback riding and for the more adventurous – zip lining and rock climbing, there is plenty of spectacular scenery and flora and fauna to stay absorbed in your senses. The best place in Cuba to get back to nature and discover is a stay in Santiago de Cuba in the South East of the island. Plenty of excursions are offered in the area to the mountainous and jungle regions geared towards Eco-tourism and adventure travel.

Holiday in Cuba

Holiday in Cuba

HISTORY AND CULTURE

From the days of the pirates through to the revolution led by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara and the ongoing differences with the United States, Cuba has a rich history that still provides visitors with a fascinating portrayal of the country to this day. Visiting Santiago de Cuba in the south, one can learn about the invasion on the Moncada Barracks which started the revolution and take a trip into the Sierra Madres to explore Fidel and the Rebel’s old hideout. The City of Trinidad takes you back to the colonial days with impressive architecture and that authentic Cuban feel. Time spent in the capital of Havana is a cross-section of the history and culture of Cuba with forts built to repel the pirates, museums showcasing the revolution and where the sounds of Cuba come alive in local bars and restaurants. Anywhere you go in Cuba has distinct references to the incredible history and culture of the island either through architecture, museums or just music and dance. The best locations to discover the history and culture of Cuba are Trinidad, Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba. Continue reading →

Plaza Serrano in Palermo Soho

Holiday in Palermo

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Walking is a great way to explore a new city. If you’re arrived in Buenos Aires and want to do some independent exploring of the famed Paris of the South, you’re sure to be overwhelmed by the limitless number of starting points. The most talked about neighborhood in Buenos Aires is most definitely Palermo and this trendy neighborhood is worth some independent exploring. Here is a suggested itinerary; no tour guide required.

Palermo comprises a few different neighborhoods, including Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood, and Palermo Viejo. Start in Palermo Soho, the more posh section, which is bordered by the avenues Santa Fe and Cordoba on the north and south, and Scalabrini Ortiz and Juan B. Justo on the east and west.

You can take a cab to Plaza Armenia on the corner of Malabia and Costa Rica. On weekends, there is a street fair on this green-lawned plaza and on weekdays the highlight are the small boutique stores that dot the neighborhood and are excellent for window shopping – as well as actual shopping! There are also some interesting bookstores worth peeking into. Honduras is a nice street and you walk northwest until you get to Plaza Serrano, at the intersection with Borges/Serrano. Be sure to scope out the restaurants along the way because you’re sure to want to come back to this area for dinner or dancing at one of the numerous clubs.

From Plaza Serrano stay on Honduras or walk 2 blocks down to Gorriti, also lined with shops and restaurants. Walk along either of these streets, cross the busy Av. Juan B. Justo, and you’ll be in the edgier but very hip Palermo Hollywood. Continue scoping out restaurants and also bars and clubs because this is where the nightlife is concentrated. You can walk up either Humboldt or Fitz Roy to get back to Av. Santa Fe and there are tons of cute little cafes to stop for refreshments along the way. Try a cortado – espresso with a few drops of milk – or treat yourself to a medialuna or an alfajor, the quintessential Argentine sweets.

Cross the busy Av. Santa Fe and continue north on Av. Int. Bullrich, a busy street with lots of car and foot traffic. After about 10 minutes, you’ll reach Av. Del Libertador, which marks the outer boundary of the Bosques the Palermo, an extensive park area where local go to walk, jog, rollerblade, and sun bathe. Here you can do a lap around the lake, visit the rose gardens, or relax on one of the benches to people-watch while.

At this point, you have some options. If you’re ready to call it quits, go back to your hotel and take a dip in the pool. If you’re tired but want to see more, hop in a cab and head over to Recoleta. If you’re just getting started, you can walk southeasterly along either Av. Del Libertador or Av. Alcorta, and after about 20 leisurely minutes you’ll reach Plaza Francia in Recoleta. Climb up the hill, there are usually artisan vendors whose crafts you can check out.

At the top of the hill is Recoleta Cemetary, which you can entry and wander the city-like maze of creepy vaults. The highlight is certainly the grave of Eva Peron. Once you’re done you can treat yourself to a well-deserved meal or drink in one of the many cafes or restaurants adjacent to the cemetery.

Puerto Juarez in Mexico Travel Guide

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Puerto Juarez

With only around 30 days of the year when the temperature doesn’t reach 27C, Puerto Juarez is the perfect destination for your winter sun holidays. Located just outside Cancun on the Bahia de Mujeres, this quiet laid-back resort is close enough to enjoy all the hustle and bustle of Cancun but far enough away to just relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the resorts beautiful soft white sandy beaches which are lapped by the crystal clear Caribbean Sea. The port itself is the departure point for trips to the Isla Mujeres which is situated a couple of miles off the eastern tip of Mexico.

The beautiful beaches around Puerto Juarez are perfect for snorkelling, scuba diving or just lazing under the clear blue sunny sky. Scuba divers can check out the shallow reefs, wrecks, underground caves, caverns and amazing marine life, maybe even coming face-to-face with the local whale sharks. The Great Mesoamerican Reef (Gran Acerife Maya) is one of the largest on the planet and will not fail to impress.

Puerto Juarez

There is so much to do and see away from the amazing beaches that you will be spoilt for choice on your cheap holidays to Mexico. Take a drive through the Mexican jungle where you can explore ancient Mayan ruins, visit an interactive zoo where you can hold and feed many different animals such as spider monkeys, spiders and even crocodiles, take lunch with the iguanas and take a cooling swim in the jungle cenotes. There are lots of Mayan archaeological sites to explore including Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba. Isla Mujeres (the Island of Women) is located just offshore of Puerto Juarez and makes a great day out for the whole family to relax and recharge their batteries. Here on the island you will find beautiful beaches, underwater reefs and an amazing Mayan temple featuring carved female figures from which the island gets its name. The beautiful Caribbean Sea plays a big part in holidays to Puerto Juarez. Apart from offering perfect swimming and water sports, there are party cruises, pirate-ship dinner cruises and romantic sunset dinner cruises all on the Caribbean Sea here in Mexico.

Eating out in Puerto Juarez is a sea-food and shellfish lovers heaven with everything on the menu caught locally, including the excellent lobster and shrimps. There are hundreds of restaurants and bistros in and around Puerto Juarez serving everything from fish and sea-food dishes to traditional Mayan cuisine. Try the cochinita pibil (suckling pig in banana leaves) or panuchos (tortillas with fried black beans, pickled onions and chicken) for a taste of Yucatan cuisine which combines Mayan and European ingredients.

The whole family will love a night out at Coco Bongo in Cancun which is a cross between the Cirque de Soleil, a concert and a stand-up gig. A mix of dancing, singing, acting, comedians and impersonators, this is an evening that will keep everyone entertained.

Puerto Juarez enjoys temperatures over 32C for more than four months of the year, with just 30 days of the year seeing temperatures below 27C. Last minute holiday deals to Puerto Juarez are great for beach holidays and plenty of water sports including snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, surfing, kite boarding, jet-skiing, paragliding and sailing.

Mayan Riviera in Mexico

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Riviera Maya, Famous resort in Mayan Riviera

Playa del Carmen and the Mayan Riviera have an exceptional variety of attractions and activities from the Mayan ruins at Tulum to the Playa del Carmen nightlife. You will love your Mexico vacation. Here is a listing of some of the popular attractions:

Beaches and sport activities

This area has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Most of the beaches have been manicured and have fine white sand. The water is a turquoise blue of the Caribbean Sea.

Scuba diving and snorkeling

Just off the coast is the world’s fifth-longest barrier reef. The reef, home to hundreds of species of marine life, is perfect for snorkeling. Scuba dive and snorkel in the magnificent Caribbean waters. Scuba lessons for beginners and diving tours for the pros are available. Most resorts offer scuba and snorkel tours and/or lessons. Most of the ecological parks have great areas for snorkeling. For more information visit sealifedivers.com

Cozumel – Only 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen by ferry, this diver’s haven is well worth the trip across the ocean. Considered among the best snorkeling and diving spots in the world, Cozumel offers magnificent coral reefs, underwater caves, and shipwrecks sites to explore. There are over 30 kilometres of coral reef, including the world’s second largest reef called the Gama Reef.

Golf Courses

Playacar Golf Club – This is an 18 hole, par 72-championship golf course designed by Robert Von Hagge. This course is carved through the lush Mayan jungle where it challenges any golfer to come and enjoy it. Also features a putting green.

Puerto Aventuras – Marina, Tennis and Golf Club. Features a par 36, 9 hole course designed by Thomas Leeman. Maximum length 3,236 yards. Also features a putting green. Rental clubs and carts are available. Located on the Cancun to Chetumal highway at Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen.

Puerto Aventuras also has swimming with dolphins. You can relax and watch the dolphin show while having lunch at the marina and restaurant. For more information visit dolphindiscovery.com

Mayan Jungle

Take a trip out of the ordinary and explore the wild exotic jungles of the Mexican Riviera. The ATV Explorer Jungle Tour is the original Playa del Carmen jungle tour. Ride an ATV through jungle paths, swim in a clear 60 foot deep cenote, explore caves, and climb ancient Mayan ruins on this 2 hour tour.

Located right next to Playa del Carmen and Playacar, just an hour south of Cancun.

Mayan Ruins

Tulum – The smallest Mayan ruin site among the big three, Tulum only needs a day. These ruins overlook the ocean and are right on a beautiful beach. This is a perfect spot for a picnic, a short swim and sun bathing. Don’t forget your camera!

Coba – Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and prepare for an hour and a half drive into the jungle before reaching these ruins. Well worth the drive as there are beautiful temples and pyramids to see.

Chichen Itza – This is the most famous and grandiose pyramid of them all. Bring plenty of film and enjoy the beautifully kept grounds and the new restoration work on the pyramid. A must see Mayan ruin for culture enthusiasts. There are also restaurants, a small museum, and tourist shops on the site. Plan for a day excursion.

Eco-Parks

Xcaret – An eco-Mayan theme park for the whole family. A must see if you visit the Mayan Riviera. Prepare to spend your entire day at Xcaret as there are a million and one things to do and see. You can swim with the dolphins, snorkel, tour underground rivers, do sea trekking, visit a butterfly park, a Mayan village, and much more. The is also an excellent light and sound show in the evening. For more information: http://www.xcaret.net

Xel-Ha – Xel Ha is an eco-park with a large lagoon for snorkeling. It is a great place for first time snorkellers. Inner tubes and life vests are free, and you can rent snorkel gear or bring your own. There is an amazing cave system, cenotes, lagoon, and great snorkeling with thousands of tropical fish. For more information visit XelHa.com

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, one of Mexico’s largest parks, covers more than 1 million acres of coastal jungle or about 20 percent of the state of Quintana Roo’s land. This virgin wilderness is home and sanctuary to wide number of species of tropical flora and fauna, of which, the jaguar found here is counted as one of the many protected species. Offers eco-trekking through mangroves, lagoons and rivers. Get a close-up look of the wildlife in the reserve in their natural habitat.

Aktun Chen – Witness spectacular geological formations and swim in crystal clear fresh water in the underground caves. Spider monkeys and a serpentarium (snakes) can be seen. For more information: http://www.aktunchen.com

Xaman-Ha Aviary – Located in Playacar, this exotic bird sanctuary is a wonderful natural habitat for some 60 species of tropical birds that populate the jungles of the Yucatan peninsula. Scarlet macaws, flamingos, herons and may other beautiful feathered creatures can be found here.

Jardin Botanico del Dr. Alfredo Barrera – Beautiful botanical gardens sprawling with exotic species of tropical fauna in the lush Mayan rainforest. The gardens sit on 60 hectares of jungle and mangrove. A groomed loop trail provides easy walking to various collections of plants, all beautifully displayed in their natural environment. A scenic lookout tower is a bit of a challenge to climb but rewards the brave with a panoramic view from the mangrove to the sea, and out over the jungle.

Shopping

Playa del Carmen Shopping – Play del Carmen is a must for the best shopping in this area. The pedestrian street 5th Avenida in the heart of Playa del Carmen is lined with boutiques filled with goods from all over Mexico and the world. With handicrafts such as fine silver jewellery to hammocks there are shops that cater to every budget.

The stores that cater to tourists typically carry items such as carved wood and stone, hammocks, leather goods, paintings and sculptures. However, there are also high-end galleries featuring artworks from San Cristobal and Oaxaca for the serious Mexican art shopper.

If you’d prefer to venture off the main strip, there are interesting treasures to be found in the small plaza between 6th and 8th Ave.

Cordoba, Argentina

Cordoba, Argentina

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Second largest city in Argentina, Cordoba is also filled with fascinating history, hospitable people, and a riche culture, making it a favorite destination among travelers. Proud Cordoba even entertains an old rivalry with the capital Buenos Aires. Formerly part of the Peruvian territory, the city was founded in 1574 by Jeronimo Luis de Cabrera. The Spanish king used to distribute lands to religious orders at the time, and Cordoba was then settled by the Campania de Jesus, which created here a particularly luminous town.

In the future, this Jesuit capital and its inhabitants were to become major actors in the independence war against the Spanish. The city soon became an important industrial, commercial and touristic center in Argentina. It’s also a big student center, with over 50,000 students frequenting the town’s 7 universities. Thanks to this diversity of attractions, Cordoba is seen as a natural capital for Argentina and a hub for culture and economy. However, and surprisingly, it is also often left aside by foreign visitors, who are immediately attracted by the sensuality of the actual capital, Buenos Aires, and the magnificent landscapes of Patagonia.

Cordoba is still a fascinating destination, with its colonial vestiges and bustling commercial activities. If you’re a shopaholic, make sure to visit the city’s gigantic outdoor shopping mall. But of course, all travelers visiting Cordoba need to start their exploration of the city in the main square, Plaza San Martin. This is where all executions and corridas were held in the past. The square is dominated by a majestic statue of Don Jose de San Martin, standing proud among centennial trees. This is a great place to catch some shadows in the afternoon, and a favorite meeting for lovers at night. Continue reading →

Iquique, Chile

Iquique, Chile

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Iquique, Chile

Iquique, Chile

Situated in the north of Chile, the coastal city of Iquique is among the most attractive in the country. Known as a “city of eternal sunshine”, this town is a pleasure to explore and a perfect stop over if you’re crossing into Peru. Thanks to its international airport, it’s also a gateway to the fantastic Atacama Desert and its myriad natural wonders. The city itself has a lot to offer, including fascinating ancient archeological sites to explore in the surrounding area. If you want to relax for a few days, soak up the sun, and immerse yourself in the culture of northern Chile, Iquique is the ideal destination.

Laid back atmosphere and beautiful colonial buildings characterize this charming and bustling port town. This feature is even revealed in the city’s name, which derives from the native Aymara language: ique-ique means “place of rest and tranquility”. Continue reading →

Getaway to Costa Rica

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Costa Rica Beaches

Costa Rica Beaches

The beautiful country of Costa Rica offers vacationers a wealth of sights and experiences they won’t soon forget. From the gorgeous beaches, hot climate, thrilling volcanoes and an array of mountains and valleys, Costa Rica is truly a dream come true for many travelers.

Located in Central America, between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica is a family friendly destination that kids will enjoy as much as adults. The people are also extremely friendly, and will make you feel comfortable and welcomed in their country. They will do everything they can in order to help you enjoy your vacation to the fullest. There are a variety of restaurants available so you can experience their food, which is rich and delicious. There is also a wide selection of museums, and sights to see so that you can learn about Costa Rican culture as well as the people.

There are many resorts and hotels to choose from, and each will give you the feeling of being right at home. The hospitality is second to none, and the views are spectacular. There is nothing like relaxing at a beautiful resort after a busy day sightseeing! Continue reading →

Mexico City Attractions

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Alameda Central

Alameda Central

Mexico City has a long and interesting history. The city is divided into 16 boroughs (delegaciones) which in turn are split into neighbourhoods (colonias). Mexico City has many old towns like San Angel, Tlalpan and Coyoacan where visitors can experience the Mexican traditions which are preserved in these towns.

Mexico City is steeped in history with plenty of interesting places to see and things to do. Continue reading →

Planning Safe Vacation To Cancun Mexico

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The Necessity of a Cancun Vacation

We are all incessantly hearing the dire economic news. High unemployment, the rising cost of living, gas prices – we understand that life is expensive and likely always will be. Regardless of the expense, some things are simply necessary. There is surviving and then there is living – and for me, truly living means taking a vacation once in a while. It requires prioritizing and generally a little saving over time, but I get away for a Cancun vacation once a year. Cancun is such a deal, though, that a little cash really goes far. Continue reading →

South America Wine Tours

South America Wine Tours

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If you love the vino, you’ll love South America. Chile and Argentina are wine producing powerhouses, both for Latin America and globally. The best way to enjoy these intoxicating delights is during a South American wine tour to Argentina and Chile.

Start your sipping adventure in Santiago, the capital of Chile. This is where you’ll find Chile’s best restaurants, so you’ll be able to enjoy the taste of wine in class and style. While you’re here, you should visit the highlights of the city, which include the main cathedral, city hall, and the National Historic Museum. During your second day in Chile, head to the coast to visit Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. This bohemian area is a great contrast to the modern Santiago.

Now, let the vineyard visits begin! After you see Chile’s central highlights, head into the Elqui Valley, which surrounds the town of La Serena. This region is famous for its productive orchards, lush fields, and of course, its rich vineyards. Take the time to visit some smaller villages, such as Algarrobito and El Molle, to appreciate Chilean rural life.

After you’ve tasted everything Chile has to offer, it is time to take a trip to Argentina. Mendoza is the main wine region in Argentina, producing around 80 percent of all of Argentina’s wine. The main grape grown in Mendoza is the Criolla Grande, which accounts for a third of all grapes in Argentina. These grapes actually produce relatively low quality wines, but these wines are what fill the table wine glasses across Argentina – and they are almost as delicious as the pricier products.

When you first arrive in Mendoza, be sure to take the time to appreciate the town and its beauty. A Mendoza city tour is a high quality Argentina tour option, and during it you’ll visit the historic center as well as the Cerro de la Gloria hill. Be sure to venture into the surrounding countryside. Blanco Encalada offers great views of the area, as does the summit of Cerro Negro.

And of course, you must visit the vineyards. Mendoza is surrounded by nearly one thousand vineyards, so you’ll have plenty of excursion options. You may even choose to spend the night at one of the vineyards to see how life works out in the country.

If you’re lucky enough to be traveling in March, you can participate in the La Vendimia festival, the wine and grape festivals for which Mendoza is famous. This week-long event is packed with parades, street fairs, and of course, lots of wine drinking.