Jewish life in the Americas stretches back to the very beginnings of European colonization, though often in hidden form. In the late 15th and 16th centuries, following the expulsions from Spain (1492) and Portugal (1497), some Sephardic Jews and conversos (Jews who had converted to Christianity, often under pressure) arrived in the New World with Spanish and Portuguese expeditions. Because open Jewish practice was forbidden under the Inquisition, these early communities remained lar
South America (59)
Stepping Away from Everything You Know
In a world where everything moves fast and attention is constantly pulled in every direction, many people feel disconnected—from themselves, from nature, and from any deeper sense of meaning. This is exactly why more and more travelers are searching for something beyond typical vacations.
They´re not looking for just another trip. They´re looking for a shift.
An ayahuasca retreat in South America is not about escaping your life—it’s about seeing it more c
Didwin972
Did you know that there’s a little bit of France in South America? Most people don’t – except perhaps the occasional aerospace geeks following rocket launches by the European Space Agency. They take place is Guyane, a tropical-forested territory in the Amazon, on the north coast just east of Suriname and bordered on the west and south by Brazil. With around 300,000 inhabitants in an area around the size of South Carolina and slightly larger than England and Wales combined, French Gui
Here in Cusco we´re high - as in 3,399 meters (11.152 feet) above sea level; other destinations in the Peruvian Andes not quite so much: for example, Machu Picchu 2,430m (7,972 ft.), Pisac 2,980m (9,776 ft.), and Urubamba 2,870m (9,416 ft.). But still, they´re all lofty enough to present an issue that some (by no means all) visitors from lower-lying places can face: what we call soroche or mal de altura - altitude (aka mountain) sickness provoked by the lower air pressure and oxygen levels up h
This landlocked country in South America´s Southern Cone is the continent´s biggest “blank space” for travelers. About the size of California and just under twice the size of Britain, but fairly sparsely populated, with a population of some seven million, it gets a fraction of the travelers welcomed by neighbors like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru. The reason is that it doesn´t have the “star power” and marquee attractions that pull most first-time visitors. Paraguay’s appeal is d
UNESCO
An anomaly in South America, the continent´s only country where Dutch is spoken, and it’s also one of the continent’s smallest and least visited—roughly the size of the U.S. state of Georgia and a bit more than England and Wales put together — with a population of 630,000. Most Surinamese live along the Atlantic Ocean coast, especially in the capital Paramaribo, and the interior consists of vast Amazonian rainforest, sparsely populated and even roadless in many areas.
The region was exp
Touristically speaking, South America´s sixth largest country should be a star, thanks to its considerable offerings in ecotourism, adventure, beaches, and culture. Instead, it ranks below not just neighbors like Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and especially Brazil, but even the likes of Paraguay. But even before the fateful rise of Hugo Chávez and his “Bolivarian”/Chavista movement to power in 1999, tourism to Venezuela was almost an afterthough – fairly marginal in an economy which relied overwhelm
On the Caribbean coast and the Magdalena River Delta an hour east of much better known Cartagena, Colombia´s fourth-largest city (pop. 1.2 million) is a thriving port famous for its nightlife, its handsome inhabitants, Caribbean culture, and vibrant Carnaval celebrations - oh and these days also for being the hometown of Shakira and Sofía Vergara. Though with a history stretching back to 1629, these days Barranquilla is somewhat industrial but it has charming neighborhoods, a wide range of sho
Founded in 1535, this country´s largest city (pop. 2.7 million) and business capital sits on the steamy Pacific coast, near where Guayas River drains into the ocean, and except for business travelers it´s not as popular a destination as, say the Galápagos, Quito, and Cuenca. But Guayaquil is still very much worth a visit, starting with this quintet of highlights:
Santa Ana Hill
One of Guayaquil’s oldest neighborhoods and a cornerstone of the city’s history, the 60-meter-high (1
Vice Paes
Latin America‘s largest country is home to a bewildering variety of biodiversity and natural landscapes, from jungles to deserts and tropical seashores to crisp Alpine mountains. Here are some Brazil highlights that nature lovers will want to put on their eco-bucket lists!
Chapada Diamantina National Park
A rugged 521-sq.-km (201-sq.-mi.) expanse atop a pleateau in the hinterland of Bahía state, six hours by road and an hour by small plane from the city of Salvador, it’s fantastic for
Down near the bottom of South America, this small, welcoming country especially lures visitors during its balmy summer (the northern hemisphere’s winter with, average temperatures here around an average in January of 23⁰ Celsius/73-74⁰ Fahrenheit). Above all they tend to flock to its 650 kilometres (404 miles) of fetching Atlantic Ocean beaches with both calm and wilder waters, punctuated by sand dunes and rocky bluffs, and served by a variety of places to stay and play, from luxurio
If you're looking for an exciting place to spend your next holidays, allow us to suggest one of the world's most interesting and welcoming countries. Located in the northwest of South America astride both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Colombia and its people will make you feel welcome and at home whilst you discover amazing new sights, sounds, flavours, and experiences. Here's how:
Fascinatin' Rhythms
The mix of cultures in this country has given rise to some 150 genres of musi
Tucked away in the southern region of Argentina, El Calafate is a small town that serves as the gateway to one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the world—the Perito Moreno Glacier. With its vast ice fields, towering ice walls, and shades of blue that change with the light, this glacier is a spectacle that leaves visitors spellbound. For Indian travelers, El Calafate offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, combining adventure, serenity, and a unique connection with nature.
The Perito
Once overlooked by tourists when going to Latin America, Medellin is now one of the most visited cities, not only for short vacations, but even for long-term stay. The welcoming spirit and vibe of the place and its residents is so attractive to people of different walks of life—mostly remote workers, slow travelers, and retirees, who after experiencing Medellin for what was a short visit is now looking into staying for good. Because of the increasing number of visitors, Medellin has continually
Municipalidad de Miraflores
This country´s capital is a vibrant modern metropolis of around 10 million, with excellent dining, nightlife, nearby beaches, and an atmospheric, UNESCO World Heritage colonial core dating back to 1535. And it´s also home to a number of Incan sites as well as others which are not just pre-Columbian but also predate the Incas; these huacas are temples, funerary, administrative, and commercial centres spread throughout the modern city, and provide a fascinating look at P
dabidy
Most major cities and many towns in LatAm of course pull out all the stops to ring out the old and ring in the new. But a few are particularly special for a truly unforgettable NYE experience. And here are five excellent examples:
Rio de Janeiro
I don´t have to tell you that Rio knows how to party, and Copacabana Beach hosts one of the most famous New Year's Eve celebrations (known here as Reveillon) in the world, attracting millions of revelers (many dressed in white for good luck). T
Alejandra Perez Alonso
In the vibrant cultural tapestry of Colombia, tejo stands out as one of the country’s most fascinating and traditional native sports. With deep roots in indigenous history, it´s is not just a game but a celebration of Colombian culture and community. This sport combines skill, strategy, and a festive spirit, making it a unique experience for both players and spectators. In this blog, we’ll explore the history, rules, and culture surrounding tejo, as well as its growing po
Marco_Piunti
Chile´s vibrant capital (pop. just under seven million), set in a spectacular setting surrounded by the Andes, is a city which combines a rich history with compelling culture both traditional and contemporary (including a rich legacy of art both in world-class museums and galleries and on its streets). Throw in a handful of charismatic bohemian neighbourhoods, a thriving nightlife, and a delicious dining scene, Santiago has something to offer for everyone who wants to get a taste of
If you're looking for an exciting place to spend your next holidays, allow us to suggest one of the world's most interesting and welcoming countries, Colombia. Located in the northwest of South America astride both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Colombia and its people will make you feel welcome and at home whilst you discover amazing new sights, sounds, flavours, and experiences. Here's how...
Fascinatin' Rhythms
The mix of cultures in this country has given rise
