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
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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
When it comes to Ecuador travel, most of the attention goes to the Galápagos and Quito - maybe with some to spare for quaint Cuenca up in the Andes. But the country’s largest city and business capital, Guayaquil down on the Pacific coast, is despite its big-city amenities still seen as rather grey and uninteresting to visitors - mostly a destination for business travellers.
Even so, there’s one historic neighbourhood, tucked away at the end of Guayaquil’s reconstructed malecón (and these
Among the many allures of Argentina´s capital is a vigorous shopping scene, with thousands of options from huge malls like Galerías Pacífico to funky local street markets and international brands to quirky indie offerings. Top shopping areas include the Palermo Soho neighborhood and Avenida Santa Fe, running through Palermo and Recoleta. Visitors especially interested in leather products, jewelry, and of course Malbec and the other superb wines for which the country is famous. An
Freddy Alexander Bugueño Tolmo
Located in the far north of this long, narrow country (and reachable by air in about seven hours via the city of Antofagasta), the Atacama is one of the world´s most fascinating and unique destinations in the world. With an area of some 105,000 square kilometres (40,540 sq. miles), the officially certified driest place on earth - with some areas recording no rain at all in decades and in some cases even centuries, nonetheless harbours a surprising diversity of lan
guido da rozze
As we have always mentioned in past notes, the great city of Cusco was once the capital of the majestic empire of Tahuantinsuyo. Today, we are the heirs of a millenary culture. This is reflected not only in the archaeological complexes that have survived throughout the city and the Sacred Valley, but also by the architecture of many of its buildings that have survived and by the oral tradition that is kept alive to this day.
The Legend of the Condor
Legend has it that in a vill
When most people think of beaches in this small South American country between Argentina and Brazil, Punta del Este and other strands along its "Gold Coast" most readily come to mind. But two hours north, among the charms of Uruguay´s appealing capital (pop. 1.8 million) are several beaches of its own, bathed in the waters of the Río de la Plata (River Plate), an estuary which empties into the South Atlantic and is so huge that locals refer to it as el mar (the sea). So in addition to admiring
