Experience Adventure during your Peru vacation

There are lots of activities which can be included for a complete adventure Peru vacation. Here are some suggestions:

Treks in Cuzco
There are great opportunities for trekking in the sacred valley. First, there is a four day hike to Lares, Patacancha, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. You can also visit the Apurimac river canyon which is a remarkable site. The trek, then, leads to difficult-to-reach valleys comprised of breathtaking treks.
There are Andean farms, amazing landscapes and the famous Inca remains of Winay Wayna, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca along this trail.
This is a high altitude trek and offers a culturally enriching experience.

Rafting in Urubamba

River White-water rafting is, no doubt, one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities. Your adrenalin rushes when you go down stream and experience the true power of Nature. In Cuzco, there are locations along the Urubamba River for every category rafting that are most suitable hardcore adventure lovers.
A whitewater rafting trip can be arranged with almost every tourist agency. These tours include a little bit of preliminary training, transportation and safety equipment.

A photographer is usually included in the package. Mostly, visitors do one day of whitewater rafting down the Urubamba. This takes around eight hours. You can also go for multi-day rafting that includes class 4 and class 5 rapids in case you want an a challenge for yourself. Cycling in the Sacred Valley Peru has one of the biggest networks of trails connecting the awesome sites in Cuzco, Nasca, Paracas and Puno.

A real treat for bike lovers! The trails cannot be reached through motorized vehicles and provides a chance to experience the local communities. Mountain biking is, in fact, new to Peru, however, routes are opening up offering great riding opportunities.

Long trips are also being arranged for willing visitors. The tour also includes a professional guide and biking equipment. The trips are generally designed in such a way that you can get the best value for your time and money spent.

Puerto Maldonado Amazon activities
Peru offers a most diverse ecosystem and awesome rainforests in the Amazon basin. The Madre De Dios River is branch of Amazon that runs along the south-eastern border of the country rushing through the groves of Mauritanian palms.
Puerto Maldonado can be reached by an airport. It is the last place after which travelers venture into the deep jungles.

The best reason for choosing a lodge around Puerto Maldonado is to experience the wildlife that includes thousands of birds, insects and other species. The parrot clay lick is an awesome sight. Around fifty parrots congregate simultaneously feeding on the deposits. You can also see the scarlet macaws, parakeets, blue-headed parrots and others.

Searching black caiman - a cousin of the crocodile -- is another activity. These reptiles are endangered since their meat and their hide can fetch very high prices. Yet, tourists are very delighted to spot them. A night boat tour is also a great activity.

Puerto Maldonado rainforest also offers an awesome array of flora. Tourists can explore surroundings by taking a guided trek. There are several hiking trails near the lodges with stunning trees. The guide points out medicinal plants, names birds and insects and gives other related information.

Sand dunes activities in Ica
Ica is situated around three hundred kilometers from Lima. The city was founded in 1563 by Luis Jerónimo de Cabrera. However, the history of the area dates back at least ten thousand years. Ica offers lots of activities for vacationing visitors.

There is a museum of controversial Ica stones with a collection of around fifteen thousand engraved stones. The Huacachina oasis lies only a few minutes from Ica lies where tourists come to relax in the warm.

According to legends, this oasis came into being when a young hunter saw a local princess as she bathed. When she ran away, the pool of water in which she had been bathing, became an oasis.

The Oasis is surrounded by great sand dunes. The most favorite sport of this area is sand boarding. Dune buggy rides are also very well liked by tourists.


Lorena Petsios is author of this article.
For bookings Latin America vacation or Peru vacation

Gallery: Top 10 Inca Ruins to See (That Aren’t Machu Picchu)

1. Sacsahuaman

Not long ago, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a result that will surprise none of the millions of people who’ve visited the spectacular stone citadel in the sky. What most visitors to Peru don’t know, however, is that the country is thick with ancient Inca wonders. Here are ten others worth checking out. Many are within a day’s journey of Cusco and can be combined with a visit to Machu Picchu.

The first is Sacsahuaman (pictured above). Arguably the greatest Inca ruin outside of Machu Picchu, this gargantuan complex overlooks the city of Cusco. (You can take a taxi or hike up in less than an hour.) Sacsahuaman is believed to have once been a royal retreat, a fortress, or both. Its zigzag walls are built with some of the largest stones to be found in Inca masonry; some are estimated to weigh as much as 300 tons, yet are fit together as tightly as the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. 

—Mark Adams, author of Turn Right at Machu Picchu

2. Vitcos/Yurak Rumi

When Hiram Bingham came to Peru in 1911 to search for the Lost City of the Inca, one of his top priorities was finding this former Inca settlement. The main palace here is enormous—its front wall measures more than 200 feet across—and its doorways feature some of the finest Inca stonework in existence. The real draw, though, is Yurak Rumi (pictured above)—“White Rock” in Quechua—an intricately carved granite boulder the size of a city bus, which was once one of the holiest shrines in the Inca Empire.

3. Pisac

These ruins, overlooking the Urubamba River less than an hour northeast of Cusco, are notable for their Inca waterworks and beautiful, curving agricultural terraces, which offer excellent vistas of the Sacred Valley. The religious buildings in particular are as finely made as those at Machu Picchu, and the site features one of Peru’s only remaining intihuatanas, enigmatic carved rocks that were used for astronomical observation. The town of Pisac, located beneath the ruins, also hosts a popular local crafts market.

4. Ollantaytambo

In 1536, this settlement was the site of the Inca's greatest military victory over the invading Spaniards. Today, it is one of the only towns in Peru that retains its original Inca walls and street grid, dominated by long, ancient stone walls that once divided groups of homes around communal courtyards. An imposing set of stone terraces (from which the Inca assaulted their Spanish invaders with slingshots and arrows), capped by six enigmatic slabs of pink granite, looms above the town. Most trains to and from Machu Picchu stop at Ollantaytambo, making it an ideal overnight stop.

5. Cusco and the Koricancha

The name Cusco can be translated as “navel of the world,” and this holy city was once the nexus of the Inca Empire; four roads led out from its central plaza in the cardinal directions, toward the empire’s four quarters. Cusco was also home to the palaces of its rulers. Most of the original Inca buildings were destroyed by the conquistadors, but some walls—famous for masonry so precise that a knife blade cannot be wedged between stones—were incorporated into new structures. The walls were so well made that they’ve withstood major earthquakes and can still be seen in Cusco’s tight alleyways. The holiest site of all was the Koricancha, or sun temple, which at the time of the Spanish invasion was covered in sheets of gold. The precious metals have long since departed, but much of the original temple still stands beneath the veneer of a Spanish monastery.

6. Moray

This unique archaeological site is one of the best examples—along with Machu Picchu—of what might be called extreme Inca landscaping. Three enormous pits, each with beautifully curved sides that staircase down like the interiors of titanic flowerpots, have been carved out of the earth to depths of up to 100 feet and more. Air temperatures between the top and bottom layers can differ by more than 20 degrees, which has led some researchers to theorize that Moray was an Inca agricultural site where experiments on crops were conducted.

7. Choquequirao

Often referred to as Machu Picchu’s sister city because of its striking similarity to the more famous site, Choquequirao may in fact be the larger of the two. (Only 30 percent of the original complex is believed to have been uncovered; in 2005, several sets of ancient agricultural terraces decorated with stone llamas were found.) In addition to its fascinating ruins around a central plaza (as at Machu Picchu), Choquequirao offers the most breathtaking views of any Inca site. The arduous two-day walk to what was probably the estate of an Inca emperor is slowly gaining in popularity as an alternative to the Inca Trail, but to reach the ruins one must walk up and down the steep sides of a valley almost a mile deep.

 8. Isla del Sol

 According to the creation myth of the Inca, this island in the middle of Lake Titicaca is where the waters that once covered the Earth receded and the all-powerful sun god, Inti, first emerged. Today the island—which is located on the Bolivian side of the lake—is still home to dozens of Inca and pre-Inca ruins connected by hiking trails (no cars are allowed on the island). Among the most impressive sights are the labyrinth-like structure called the Chincana (above) and the sacred Titi Khar’ka—Rock of the Puma—which gave the lake its name.

9. Tipon

The Inca were brilliant engineers who strove to integrate their architecture with its natural surroundings. Tipon, a 500-acre site built around a spring near Cusco, has been called their masterpiece of water management. Because the waterworks were constructed as part of a country estate for Inca nobility, Tipon has beautiful stone structures akin to those at Machu Picchu, built in the imperial Inca style, with trapezoidal doors, and serviced by finely cut stone fountains. The intricate baths and irrigation channels still function five centuries after the Spanish conquest, which provides Tipon with an endless, soothing soundtrack of running water.

10. Huchuy Cusco

This Inca town, whose name means “Little Cusco” in Quechua, is believed to have been constructed by an early Inca emperor to mark the conquest of a nearby rival tribe. Today, it’s best known for its impressive number of stone buildings and commanding view of the Sacred Valley. What makes the ruins especially appealing, though, is that they are accessible only on foot, and can be reached from (Big) Cusco in less than a day, making them a popular overnight trip. Much of the scenic uphill journey is made through winding gorges and on original stone Inca roads.

cc by Davis Polo

By National Geographic


Latin America tours

Travel To South America: How To Start

You set your mind and you’re ready to travel to South America, a magical place of immense beauty where myth and legend continue to walk hand in hand. I’ve traveled 18 months in South America and can give you some tips on how to prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure.

Common Sense

We all hear the unpleasant stories and South America has a fame of being dangerous. I traveled thousands of miles traversing
cities, jungles, islands and mountains. I survived 6 weeks in a street child care center in the favelas of Salvador da Bahía
(Brazil) and had the party of a lifetime during carnival.

Nothing, I repeat, nothing happened. Use your common sense. Avoid badly lit streets at night and if your sixth sense is
giving you the “something is wrong” sign then take a taxi to your destination.

Travel Guide Book

The first thing that you will need is a travel guide book. It will be your best companion in your search for adventure. I can
highly recommend Lonely Planet´s South America on a Shoestring to get you started. The book covers all you need to know to get the most out of your trip and is ideal to plan your journey ahead. I’ve used the guide extensively during my 18 month
adventure. They offer excellent separate travel guides of all the countries (besides using the Lonely Planet Shoestring I’ve used their separate travel guides of Peru and Brazil). Their guides are the most popular among backpackers. Other popular guides are The Rough Guide to South America and the South American Handbook. Ideal, but not practical because you want to travel light, would be to enjoy the adventure with a Lonely Planet and either the Rough Guide or the Handbook.

Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese

The most rewarding thing for me was the fact that you can travel in a huge continent like South America with only 2 languages.
Spanish and Portuguese. If you plan to travel just for a few weeks you can invest in a Spanish and/or Brazilian Portuguese
Phrase Book. English is not widely spoken and even a basic knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese makes the trip so much
more rewarding (they’re extremely willing to help you, so don’t worry, be happy). If on the other hand you’re planning to travel for a few months I can highly recommend taking a language course. Ideal would be in a school in South America (I took lessons in Quito, Ecuador, and had a private teacher for $2.50/h).

Walking Shoes

South America’s nature is overwhelming. You’ll walk for many hours day after day. It would be a shame to walk in the footsteps of the Incas with blisters on your feet. My biggest recommendation is to invest in high quality walking shoes with Gore-Tex.

Health Vaccinations

Yellow Fever (if you plan to go to the Amazon Basin), Typhoid (consists of two injections taken 4 weeks apart), Diphtheria-Tetanus, Polio, Cholera (only when necessary), Smallpox

Medical Kit:

Depending on what you plan to do you can include the following:
Antiseptic cream, aspirin, lomotil for diarrhea, antibiotics, throat lozenges, ear and eye drops, antacid tablets, motion sickness medication, alcohol swabs, water purifier, lip salve, foot and groin powder, thermometer (in a case), surgical tape, assorted sticky plasters, gauze, bandages, butterfly closures, scissors and last but not least, first-aid booklet Note: malaria pills are required in the amazon basin, please be aware that those pills are very b and you should check with your doctor before departure. 

Traveling Gear

Backpack:

Obviously a high quality backpack is a must. Choose the type that has different compartments that can be opened separately.
Very handy if you need something quickly. Travel as light as possible. A heavy backpack is destined to undermine your traveling pleasure.

Clothing:

Depends on where you go. If it’s the mountains and the jungle, get some quality clothing from home. If it’s the beach, buy your
t-shirts there (cheap). 

Camping and Climbing Gear: 

You can rent camping and climbing material in South America but the quality may be questionable. Always check the material. Bring your own gear if possible. I traveled 18 months with my own tent and various camping utensils.

Photography

Pictures are something personal. Some people just want some snap shots, others want to publish in the National Geographic. All my pictures were taken with a cheap Nikon F50 camera. Have a look at some amazing photographs at www.travel-amazing-southamerica.com

I had two zoom lenses, a 35-80 mm. and a 70-210mm. I also dragged a tripod and an excellent flash with me. I used FUJI
slides (100 ASA) but you definitely need 200 to 400 ASA if you plan to go to the jungle. A polarize filter enhances the colours
tremendously on sunny days.

Conclusion

South America will embrace you with open arms. It’s nature, people and history are overwhelming. With the right preparation
and set of mind you’re ready for an unforgettable adventure 

About the Author:

Mark Van Overmeire is an experienced traveler, composer and photographer. Released his first full CD Impresiones in 2004 with compositions based on his 4 year stay in South America.

Founder of Travel Amazing South America, a travel website with many wonderful photographs, stories and tips.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Travel To South America: How To Start

Latin America tours

Baños Ecuador: a piece of heaven

By Derek Ray

If you enjoy a warm, relaxing bath, I know a travel destination that just might appeal to you. Most international visitors to Ecuador are in a hurry to get to either the Galapagos Islands or the Amazon. But when Ecuadorians vacation, one of their prime destinations for relaxation is Baños de Agua Santa – more commonly known as Baños. With its picturesque scenery, lush, green mountains and soothing thermal baths believed to offer health benefits, Baños is a popular vacation spot. It’s also a convenient stop en route to towns such as Tena and Misahualli along the Oriente, the Ecuadorian side of the Amazon jungle. There’s no airport at Baños, so you must travel there by road. It's a three-hour bus ride from Quito. It was not on my original itinerary when I visited Ecuador, but the raves that I heard drew me here out of curiosity. The Ecuadorian family I stayed with in Quito highly recommended a stop in Baños on the way to the jungle town of Misahualli. I take these local recommendations to heart when there are no ulterior motives involved and it’s from someone I trust. I did not regret my visit. Sometimes described as the “Gateway to the Amazon,” Baños is inhabited by people of Spanish and Quechua ancestry. The locals refer to their community as a little piece of heaven. Visitors to the attractive resort town can understand why: The scenery on the road from Misahualli grew steadily more spectacular as we approached Baños. The bus station itself overlooks a magnificent gorge bisected by a river and surrounded by green hills. I stood for several minutes just drinking in the beauty before catching a taxi to my hotel. Baños is a tranquil sanctuary. It has a mild climate year-round. The town’s primary draw, the mineral baths, are believed to alleviate such afflictions as arthritis. There are two hot springs and two with cold water. Visitors arrive from throughout Ecuador hoping to soak in the health benefits. I took an early morning stroll from my hotel room to the La Virgen baths, located at the base of a waterfall. Families formed lines for the opportunity to take an early morning swim beneath one of the 60 local waterfalls. The Basilica de la Agua Santa (Church of the Holy Water), prominent in the central plaza of Baños, is dedicated to the Virgin of the Holy Water. An October festival honors the virgin. It is believed that several local miracles have occurred due to the grace of the Holy Virgin and that she is the town protector. This sentiment may provide a feeling of comfort and protection from the “Black Giant” that overshadows town. The highest active volcano in Ecuador is the beautiful, yet ominous 16,450-feet-tall Mt. Tungurahua. The hot springs stemming from the base of the volcano have a high mineral content, resulting in the thermal springs. You can take a volcano tour via a chiva (an open-sided bus) to the mountains to watch an eruption. The volcano will occasionally let off some steam. While this may be unnerving to the visitor, the locals welcome it as a much-preferred alternative to the destructive ash that it spews every so often. In 1999, the volcano coughed up ash and lava for two weeks, causing much of the population to evacuate. There have been subsequent significant eruptions in 2006, 2008, 2010 – and on April 2, 2011, when it began spewing ash up 11 km in the air. Many locals voluntarily evacuated the area. Due to this unpredictability, it is wise to check local conditions (volcano watch) before visiting Baños. Despite (or, perhaps, because of) this Damocles sword hanging over their head, the inhabitants of Baños celebrate their town as a place of parties and joy. There are plenty of outdoor activities for the adventurous traveler, including ziplining, whitewater rafting, hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, kayaking and mountain biking. If you prefer more cerebral activities, you can challenge one of the locals to a game of chess in the city square. Baños also has an active nightlife – there are plenty of bars, discos and opportunities for karaoke. Clearly, the locals manage to live life to the fullest. Another adventurous activity in its own way is shopping. The markets in Baños are a fascinating place to watch the locals go about their daily routines. Sunday is market day in Baños. Pick up some local produce. Sample some melocha candy, the chewy toffee that is popular here. Visit the craft stalls and local souvenir shops, where you can find wonderful traditional Andean handicrafts and arts. Another motivation for visiting Baños – and Ecuador in general – is to scout out a possible retirement location. Many expats have found Ecuador a comfortable place to retire on a much lower budget than is necessary in the US. If you feel you can never afford to retire, you may reconsider that notion after visiting here.

Ecuador Tours

100 facts for 100 years of Machu Picchu: Fact 40

100 facts for 100 years of Machu Picchu: Fact 40
In July 2011, Machu Picchu, Peru's biggest tourist attraction, will mark its 100th anniversary of rediscovery. Hiram Bingham III, a Yale professor, came upon the vine-covered ruins on July 24, 1911. Here, then, as we lead up to the century mark, are 100-plus facts about Machu Picchu, its country, its history and its players. We will post one each day for the next 100 days.
Peru Tours

Flying With Liquids

I'm starting to pack for a trip, again. My biggest challenge, even sometimes more than how to dress for the weather where I'm going, is making sure I have refilled my traveling toiletries. I don't travel with any store-bought mini-toiletries.

How many store-bought or hotel-acquired toiletries do you travel with? My quart baggy has a standard size deodorant, contact solution, shampoo, mouth wash, toothpaste, a perfume stick, and Neosporin. Sometimes I throw my cosmetics in there, if I'm traveling on business.

I used to just take the shampoo bottle I either got in the mail or from the last hotel I was in and use it up, then start again. But then I got picky about my shampoo. So I started refilling the small bottle I had with my preferred shampoo.

When we didn't have to put our liquids into one quart bag with no larger than 3 oz containers in it, I used to just throw my daily toiletries in a cosmetic bag and then into my suitcase. But, I had to start rethinking all of my toiletries after the foiled UK terror plot with liquids changed our flying habits in 2006.

To avoid buying the travel sizes in toiletries I bought a 3 oz plastic bottle for my mouthwash. It's unfortunate that it's plastic, but that would be the case anyway; at least I can refill it with the mouthwash of my choice. My deodorant package is less than 3 ounces so I just bring it along and don't worry about having a small size.

I refill the sample size contact solution bottle my eye doctor gave me; that must make him cringe. I've already talked about how I refill a sample-size shampoo container. I'm testing a shampoo and body bar of soap to see how I like that, and will report back on that later. It may not be for everyone, but it might be a great solution for some people or situations.

My favorite traveling trick, when it comes to toiletries, is using contact lens cases to hold my toothpaste. I don't have to buy the little travel tubes, wasting more resources and money. I prefer the screw-on lid style of case because the "bowl" is bigger, so holds more toothpaste than the flip lid style -- and it's not likely to accidentally pop open.

I don't use lots of toothpaste when I brush so I find that the amount in one "bowl" lasts me for a week, brushing once a day. YMMV (your mileage may vary), but even if one entire lens case lasts you only a week they are small enough you can slip several in to your travel quart bag without pushing the limits. The cases wash nicely to be ready for another fill another time. One more plus of using contact lens cases, at least for contact lens wearers, is that we tend to accumulate lots of cases, so this is a great way to reduce waste and recycle plastic.

I feel I'm doing one more little thing to lighten my step on the planet by taking this approach to flying with liquids. That's what I do, get greener.

Kit Cassingham has been a greenie most of her life, even having a degree in Environmental Conservation. Her articles share lessons learned, both failures and successes. Food, cleaning, travel, energy and water conservation, waste reduction, home improvement projects, etc -- it's all part of green living, which you can follow at http://www.WeGetGreener.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kit_Cassingham
http://EzineArticles.com/?Flying-With-Liquids&id=6296255

Latin America tours

How to Travel to the Galapagos

Despite the cost, traveling to the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador is truly a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience not to be missed . One of the World's last natural sanctuaries, these islands  inspire the spirit and show case the wonder of evolution.

A key factor to your experience is. Boats are designed for different type of travel and activities.
As for the flight, Ecuador's airports are home to some very well-known and respected airlines in the world. If you are flying from the United States, and check both American Airlines and Delta for the best deals. Both of these airlines along with Continental offer service into the country's two international airports, Quito (UIO) and Guayaquil (GYE).

Remember to check with your doctor about health issues and immunizations before you leave.
Remember to pack your bags carefully. Certain items are prohibited in this reserve. Your travel agent should be able to provide you with a list of these. The park mantains a series of rules which you should abide.

*April, May and November as the best months to visit due to a combination of factors such as wildlife prevalence, the weather and water temperature, however the islands can be visited year round.
*Book well in advance as the best boats fill up quickly.

Check with your local Ecuadorian embassy or consulate to see if you will need to pre-apply for an entry visa. In most cases, upon entering the country, visas are automatically granted for 90 days; however, in some cases you will be denied entry into the country if you did not obtain authorization first.

Source: wikiHow
How to choose a Galapagos Cruise   

Galapagos islands travel

Interesting Facts on Belize

The country of Belize once called British Honduras is located in Central Americas Caribbean Coast. Mexico borders it to the North, Guatemala to the West and South. It is as subtropical country that is about 176 miles long and 63 miles wide covering about 8870 square miles. One of the more interesting facts on Belize is that it includes the world's second largest barrier reef. This 185 mile long reef contains three coral atolls all of which makes it an ideal location for diving. Snorkeling and fishing.

The mainland consists of varied and diverse landscapes and topography. The North end of the country is a flat plain with shallow soils that support tropical hardwood shrubs and forests. The Northern coast is best described as consisting of mangrove swamps.

Central Belize consists of large sandy savannas to the North and large hills to the South. Elevations rise to approximately 3600 feet above sea level providing the country with the only pine forest in Central America. Called the Mountain Pine Ridge Area and the Maya Mountains this area contains the headwaters of the Belize River.

The Southern Part of the country contains the Maya Mountains and subtropical rainforest. It receives more than 168 inches of rain each year. The coastal belt produces abundant citrus and bananas.
One of the most sought after facts on Belize are the many cayes or islands, atolls and barrier reef are the main attraction to Belize. The most famous are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker where visitors have direct access to the beautiful blue Caribbean. There are many additional islands and cayes that lay behind the barrier reef that provide habitat for birds and marine wildlife.

Belize is the only English language country in Central and South America. However Creole, Garifuna, Mayan and Spanish are also common. Probably the most interesting facts on Belize's are that its population is about 260,000 and consists of a mixture of many cultures including European, Creole, Maya, and Mestizos. Racial harmony makes the people very friendly to all.

Belize's currency is the Belize dollar (BZ$) and its value is tied to the US dollar. One US dollar equals 2 BZ$. Credit cards are readily acceptable in most hotels and restaurants with a 5 percent surcharge. The cost of living in Belize is very low making it very economical to visit the tropical paradise.

Entry to the country requires a passport, a return ticket to another destination and sufficient funds to support themselves during their visit. Normally this equals $50 per day. Visitors may stay for a period of 30 days but may purchase an extension from the government for $25. A visa is not required for citizens of the US, Britain, Canada and European Economic Community. A visa is required for entry for all other nationals.

Belize is a beautiful subtropical paradise with many dedicated natural areas. The cost of living is low making it one of the most economical places to visit. The people are friendly and the lifestyle is relaxed. Many people from the US and Britain are retiring and moving to Belize to enjoy this beautiful country.  The facts on Belize show why so many people visit this great travel destination each year.



James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of the Moving to Belize website located at http://www.moving-to-belize-info.com  Providing [http://www.moving-to-belize-info.com/interestingfacts.html]facts on Belize a great vacation destination.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Interesting-Facts-on-Belize&id=1228175] Interesting Facts on Belize

Latin America tours

Argentina's New Tourist Tax Targets Canada, Australia, and USA

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tom_Germain]Tom Germain
As a result of yet another ill-timed law passed by Cristina Kirchner's government, travelers visiting from Canada, the US and Australia are now required to pay a tourist tax upon arrival in Argentina. The law went into effect late in December, 2009, and has raised grave concerns from the Argentinean tourist industry, already reeling from the effects of the last recession.

US citizens are asked to pay 138 USD for the right of entry. Although the fee is collected once during the lifetime of your passport, this isn't a visa, and it isn't clear how it is tracked by Argentinean authorities. Meanwhile, Canadians will be the hardest hit, since they have to forfeit seventy US dollars each time they disembark in Argentina. Australians are bilked for 100 USD. The amounts can be paid in US currency or the equivalent in Argentinean pesos. Note that this new tax is in addition to the departure tax you have to pay upon leaving. If you have dual Argentinean citizenship, then you're exempt from paying the new tax.

The explanation given by the government for this new policy is that it's an act of reciprocity for the costly and complicated process imposed on their own citizens when they apply for a visa to one of the three countries. Brazil was one of the first to impose reciprocity several years ago, although I should point-out that what you get is a real via, good for five years. It's absolutely true that Argentineans are discriminated against by several economically rich countries, and the fees they're charged for their application isn't refunded if it's refused. I agree this is unjust, but on the other hand, before the 2001 economic meltdown in Argentina, visas weren't required of them - this changed when the flow of illegal immigrants from Argentina became an exodus of millions.

The real concern here isn't whether this policy is justified, but what effect it will have on the already battered economy, where tourism is one of the most important sources of growth and foreign income. If you read the postings on this subject in online forums, you get a definite sense that the sector will take a big hit, judging from the virulent reactions of would be travelers to Argentina. If an American family of four was planning to go to Buenos Aires for a once in a lifetime vacation, they might reconsider upon discovering that their tab just went up by 552 dollars.

This tax will also have a negative impact on neighboring countries, particularly Uruguay. Many combine their visit to Uruguay with Argentina, typically landing in Buenos Aires, then traveling by Buquebus to Colonia or Montevideo. If you're a Canadian, are you going to visit any neighboring countries knowing that you'll be tagged for yet another 70 dollars upon returning to Argentina? The same problem arises for Canadians living in Argentina who have to renew their 3 month tourist visa, typically by crossing over to Uruguay for a brief visit. That, my friends is at least 280 dollars a year!

Currently, the tax is only collected in Ezeiza airport (Buenos Aires), probably because they haven't fully worked-out the logistics of collecting the fees country-wide, but their plan is to extend it to all entry points, be it by land, air or water. The Kirchner administration predicts it will collect forty million dollars a year from this tax, but that is probably very optimistic in view of the dampening effect it will have. More importantly, the tourism industry will lose ten times that, thus making it a net tax revenue loss.
The Kirchners are almost guaranteed to be voted-out in the next presidential elections, so we can only hope that the next government repeals this law.

Tom Germain is a Canadian who in 2001 decided he wasn't going to put up with any more winters and moved to Mexico. He never looked back and moved around the world every couple years, making his home in Argentina, the Canary Islands, Mauritius, and now Colombia. In his 2 blogs, Permatourist ( http://www.permatourist.com ) and Ocolombia ( http://www.ocolombia.com ) he tells of his experiences and offers invaluable tips on how you can live the life of a "permatourist".

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Argentinas-New-Tourist-Tax-Targets-Canada,-Australia,-and-USA&id=3580612] Argentina's New Tourist Tax Targets Canada, Australia, and USA

Argentina vacations

Costa rica Zipline

Best places to enjoy zipline are: 

• Monteverde
• Manuel Antonio
• Arenal
• Tortuguero
• Rincon de la Vieja

Zipline tours  in Costa Rica can  include  a  tour to the jungles or rainforest to experience the fantastic wildlife 

Peru to launch online ticketing system for Machu Picchu this month

• Cusco, Apr. 07 (ANDINA). Authorities in Cusco announced Thursday that tourists wishing to visit Peru's top tourist attraction, Machu Picchu, will be able to book their tickets online from anywhere in the world starting late April 2011.At present, the system allows tourists to make reservations online and pay for their tickets at any branch of Banco de la Nación nationwide or at the Ministry of Culture's office in the Imperial City.
  "By the end of this month, people will be able to pay with VISA card. Once payment is made, tourists can print out their tickets and go directly to Machu Picchu," said Cusco's Culture Director, Juan Julio Garcia Rivas.
  He added that the aim is to use the online payment system to book tours and other tourism services.
  
  
  "Soon we will launch an official invitation to add quality cultural products to the system," said Garcia Rivas, "we will invite the Catholic Church to offer its tickets for the 'religious circuit' through the website."
  
  Machu Picchu tours

Argentina Wine route

The route of wine offers a trip around different geographies and wonderful landscapes. A full range of resources, including a variety of not only vines and wineries, but also climates, heights, peoples and cultures, are blended together at every region to produce the most diverse wines, which are in all cases in tune with the personality of their places of origin. All these resources turn this route into an adventure full of flavors and sensations, open to all tastes and preferences, and particularly enticing to lovers of good wines.

As opposed to other wine growing countries, Argentina does not have one linear wine route with wineries succeeding one another at a few meters’ distance. The so-called Argentine Roads of Wine actually connect different wine growing oases chained together over large distances either southwards or northwards.

From the Calchaquí Valleys, in Salta, you pass on to some Catamarca villages, and from there, down to La Rioja, which has three wine growing valleys rather far-flung from each other. Then, you go down to San Juan, where wine activity is distributed among four different oases. The “route" turns a little eastwards to the district of Colonia Caroya (Córdoba), to later go back west to Mendoza, with its four tourism-open wine growing venues. A long way away from Mendoza is Neuquén and, virtually next to Neuquén, is the Alto Valle del Río Negro (a high valley of a river). At this point, the route forks into the newest La Pampa vines, which are as yet not open to tourism, and further south into El Hoyo (Chubut), where there are the southernmost vines both in the country and the world. 

All ten wine growing provinces offer their own characteristic landscapes and wines, the only shared feature of them being perhaps the fact that they all produce mainland wines. Indeed, Argentine wines are unique in that they have never received sea influence, as opposed to any other wines in the world. Each oasis has its own typical features and its own unique wines. All of them together make up a very special route, full of landscapes, flavors and sensations, which will surely live up to the most demanding tastes and expectations.

Wine-therapy is a new technique originated in ages-old practices and first used as such by two Frenchmen from Bordeaux in 1999. Nowadays, it is part of the services offered by hotels, spas, and lodges in the Mendoza, Salta, and San Juan wine tourist circuits, and it is also expected to be incorporated as a new attraction in the provinces of La Rioja and Neuquén. Wine therapy is said to have healthcare properties related to the relaxation, rejuvenation and aesthetics of the body.


source: Ministerio de Turismo
Argentina Vacations

Cusco to promote alternative sites during Machu Picchu centenary

Photo - Akarawut Lohacharoenvanich

• Cusco, Apr. 19 (ANDINA). Tourists arriving at Macchu Picchu this July will be invited to visit the 16 alternative sites included in the tourist ticket of Cusco's Committee on Tourist-Cultural Integrated Services (Cosituc).
  
  
  The head of Cosituc, Orlando Olivera, said Monday that the initiative was submitted to Cusco's Regional Office for Foreign Trade and Tourism in a bid to boost tourism during the centenary celebrations of the scientific discovery of Machu Picchu.
  
  
  "We are suggesting the promotion of the beautiful attractions located in Sacsayhuaman, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and Moray," Olivera added.
  "In addition to Machu Picchu, there are important Inca and pre-Inca sites in the provinces of Cusco, Urubamba and Quispicanchi," he continued.
  
  
  The tourist ticket costs 130 soles (approx US$46) and includes admission to Qorikancha, Saqsayhuman, Q´engo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay and other archaeological sites and museums.
  
  
  Machu Picchu tours
  
  
  
  
  
  

Peru launches new tour to Huaca Pucllana ceremonial complex

•  

A new tour to the Huaca Pucllana ceremonial complex, located in the district of Miraflores, was launched Thursday evening on a ceremony, chaired by Culture Minister Juan Ossio and the Mayor of this district Jorge Muñoz Wells.

• The Huaca Pucllana ceremonial complex is a Pre-Incan temple complex which was used by both the Wari and Lima cultures from 500-800 ce.
  The new tour of this on-site museum includes the huge pyramidal Temple located at the center of the complex, and seven levels or plazas, where priests used to receive offerings to the gods.
  The plaza, located on the very top level of the pyramid, exhibits replicas of cloth, ceramics, needles and other items that were found buried in the complex.
  
  The pyramid and walls of the administrative complex are an engineering marvel in themselves. The site was built using handmade mud bricks which were then dried in the sun. No molds were used in the making of bricks for the original construction.
  In addition, the tour is a walkthrough of a small zoo area containing wild ducks, llamas and cuy (guinea pigs) as well as samples of native plant life and crops.
  Moreover, there is a small museum on the site containing artifacts found during excavations of the site. It is estimated that it will take another 15 to 20 years to finish excavations and restorations to the site.
  This site is definitely worth a visit if you are spending a little time in Lima.
  
  
  • 
    source: Lima, Apr. 15 (ANDINA).
  
  

Peru Tours
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AMAZON ADVENTURES

Generally, a cruise on the Amazon River starts from the city of Iquitos – a city located on the northern side of the Amazon. The cruise, then, moves down towards the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
It is most difficult to decide whether you should take a river cruise or stay in a jungle lodge. Especially if you are tight on funds.


In case you decide to take a cruise, you will find out that the luxury offered by these boats is way above a jungle lodge. They offer separate rooms, elegant dining halls, exotic cuisine and, above all, nightly entertainment. There are other benefits of these tours:  Some of the boats take you for excursions into the wildlife. They also include piranha fishing and swimming with Amazon’s lovely pink dolphins in addition to the night safaris and village tours. You also get to see the hidden lagoons and flood lands.

However, if you prefer to stay in a jungle lodge it will mean that you will see more and more diverse wildlife of the Amazon. This is perhaps the best way to get up close and personal with the beautiful River and its amazing habitat. There are scores of jungle lodges in Iquitos. One of the best things about staying in one of these jungle lodges is that it gives you a chance to explore the southern part of the Amazon which is situated near Machu Picchu making it easier to visit the Cuzco area as well. The Peruvian part of the southern Amazon has much more diversity in wildlife than its northern counterpart. It is also less explored. 
You can spot sloths, monkeys and even jaguars in this area in addition to thousands of birds and insects.


For an ultimate wildlife experience, you must choose to stay in a jungle lodge. However, a cruise will offer an inspiring and captivating eco-system which is also very knowledgeable.
A few Amazon cruises offer the opportunity to explore the peak of the Amazon in Eastern Peru. The river is a bit narrow at this point so the cruise crafts are smaller that can hold fifty to sixty passengers.
An Amazon trip is a great adventure whether you take a cruise or stay in a lodge. You will be dazzled and entertained to the maximum. The Amazon has no shortage of surprises. Infact, it is full of them. Imagine watching the world’s smallest monkey dangling from a branch, or spotting the most beautiful fish in world – the Golden Dourada. An Amazon trip will surely be an unforgettable experience.

For more travel tips visit the site at http://www.absolutelatinamerica.com

The Most Amazing Markets in Latin America

Chichicastenango in Guatemala

Chichicastenango is located around one hundred and forty kilometers northwest of Guatemala city. It is home to one of the most famous native markets in, perhaps, all the Americas. The Market convenes on Thursdays and Sundays drawing the K'iche' Maya of the nearby areas as well as vendors from all over the country. These vendors sell their products in a variety of ways, languages and dialects. The Chichi market used to be within the central plaza but it has now expanded into all the adjacent streets as well.
The preparations are made a night before by setting up booths in the plaza and surrounding streets of Chichi. The markets start with sounds of firecrackers and homemade rockets. The crashing sounds continue all through the day.
Although it is not immediately obvious to the tourist newcomer, the market is highly organized, with vendors of specific goods occupying traditional sites in the market area. Each item has its own area where vendors can put their products on display. You can also see various native costumes from all over Guatemala.
Other sights include processions, street musicians and traditional dances, antique shops, a Mayan artifact museum and the city cemetery.

 

Pisac in Peru

Most visitors, on their tour to Peru, try to see the Sunday market, however there are similar markets on Tuesday and Thursday as well. Pisac is a beautiful Andean village well known for its Sunday market. Despite its fame, the market maintains its local charm. Villagers come from miles in order to sell their products in this market. The tourist section offers quite a few varieties of handicrafts.

Pisac is a great place for buying the local ceramics especially hand-painted beads in various colors.

Otavalo en Ecuador

For anyone visiting Ecuador, one of the destinations is Otavalo because of the famed market or the Fiesta del Yamor, which is celebrated in September.

Otavalo  is situated north of Quito within a two hour drive. It takes a few days to see the market in Otavalo and to visit the villages that supply most of the textiles sold in Otavalo.

Otavalo markets are open every day but the busiest day is on Saturday. If you go out early, you can have an all day experience of the market. You can stroll through the food and produce section, wander the artisan market from where you  can purchase arts, crafts, and textiles.

The history of the textiles can be traced back to the colonial days when the land around Quito was awarded to several people, including Rodrigo de Salazar.  Salazar established a weaving workshop and imported new tools and techniques from Spain. Some of the techniques used in those times can be seen in demonstrations at the Obraje Weaving Museum.

San Telmo in Argentina

The small Plaza Dorrego is the center of the San Telmo Antiques Fair of Buenos Aires. Each Sunday, the plaza is transformed into a flea market, which contains hundreds of booths that sell everything from outright junk to costly antiques. The market is a great place for browsing and watching. There are numerous sidewalk cafes surrounding the San Telmo market making the atmosphere festive. San Telmo is also the center of Buenos Aires' tango district and, occasionally, you can see a couple dancing in one of the market's open spaces.

There is an artisans' market in the park surrounding the Recoleta Cemetery. If you like hand-made jewelry, then you will be quite interested in Recoleta artisans' market.

The Ipanema hippie fair in Brazil

Since 1960s, Feira Hipe or the Ipanema Hippie Fair is held in the Ipanema neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on every Sunday. It began as a small affair which was initially organized by the Hippies in order to sell their crafts.

Since then, the Hippie Fair has evolved into an important arts and crafts market, which shows the works of some of the best artisans of the city.

The Ipanema Hippie Fair is held every Sunday from 9 in the morning till 5 in the evening. It takes up a whole city block located in the northern part of Ipanema, close to the southern flank of Copacabana Beach.

It is a highly organized market where stalls are set up around the perimeter of the park. Painters exhibit and sell their paintings in the center of the park.
Locals and tourists crowd the place all day long. Though, credit cards are accepted by some vendors, still it is better to use cash. Some vendors will accept US dollars as well as Euros but their preferred currency is Reais.
The Ipanema Hippie Fair is essentially not a flea market and it is very difficult to come about used items or bargain. However, you can find all qualities of arts and crafts sold at quite reasonable prices. You can pick some cool souvenirs in this market.

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Latin american festivals you can't miss!

In Latin American culture, fiestas and festivals hold a very special place.  Some of these festivals are celebrated all over the continent while others are country-specific. A brief description of some of these festivals is given below.

Rio carnival

The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is a well-known event, which is held before Lent each year. It is considered as the world’s biggest carnival with around 2 million people per day on the streets. The festival dates back to 1723.
The Carnival includes Samba Schools, street carnivals, music and dances. It is held on March 1 and 5 and February 9 and 18. The main procession of the carnival is held on Sunday and Monday evenings after the above dates. The dates keep changing every year.

The four days and nights of the Rio carnival are a result of the yearlong planning, practicing and organizing. This carnival is Rio’s main event. The origins of this carnival are not known but it is widely believed that it started as a pagan celebration.

The festivities offer lots of fun for free. Everyone is welcome to watch and participate.

 

The Semana Santa Easter Festival in Antigua, Guatemala

The very first glimpses of Antigua consist of looming volcanoes, colorful homes and cobblestone streets. It is also one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.

The religious occasion of Semana Santa or the holy week was first introduced in Guatemala by their Spanish colonial masters. The holy week or Semana Santa is held annually in Antigua, Guatemala between March 22nd and April 23rd. The whole city of Antigua participates in the celebrations. Devotees in purple colored robes carry floats bearing images of the Holy Virgin and Jesus on their shoulders. The floats are followed by marching funeral bands. The processions parade the streets depicting the finals days of Jesus. From Monday to Thursday, several processions take the same course traversing the streets of Antigua, often lasting for twelve hours.

Antiguans make preparations for the occasions months in advance.

 

Corpus Christi in Cuzco

Though, the festival of Corpus Christi is celebrated in the  whole of Peru, its most impressive manifestation is in Cuzco. Various processions of fifteen virgins and saints come from several places to the Cuzco Cathedral in order to greet Christ’s body after sixty days of Easter Sunday. Sounds of the biggest church bell of Peru – Maria Angola – can be heard during the day. Maria Angola was built by Diego Arias de la Cerda during XVI century. Twelve different dishes are prepared and eaten the night before the actual celebration.

The timing of the procession on the main day is 11 in the morning with lots of people swarming the Plaza de Armas in order to watch the saints. Once the procession is complete, the saints go back to the cathedral.

After el Octovo or seven days, the saints partake another procession and then, go back to their original places. The Corpus Chriti is a traditional festival, which also gives visitors from all around the world a first-hand experience of Peru’s traditions and cultures.

Inti Raymi in Cuzco

The festival of the sun or Inti Raymi is a religious ritual of the Inca Empire in honor of one of the most respected gods of the Incas - Inti. Inti Raymi was created to celebrate the winter solstice and the New Year in the Andes. The celebration also indicated the mythical origin of the Incas. It spanned nine days of processions, dances and animal sacrifices in order to ensure good crops. The last Inti Raymi was carried out in 1535, after which it was suppressed by the Catholic church consequent to the Spanish conquest. It was completely prohibited in 1572.
 A theatrical representation of the Inti Raymi has been taking place at Cuzco on 24 June every year. The celebration attracts thousands of visitors and tourists to Cuzco.

 

Dia de los muertos in Oaxaca México

Dia de los muertos or the day of the dead is celebrated in order to gather family and friends to remember and pray for the deceased. The celebration is carried out on 2nd November. This date is connected to the Christian holiday on 1st November ( All Saints Day) and 2nd November (All soul’s day). Traditionally, the celebration includes building altars with sugar skulls and other foods. Eating and parties are common at the time of celebration. It is sometimes, confused with Halloween. However, the two are completely different.

Some people have a belief that the spirits of the dead eat the spirit of the food. In some parts of Mexico, such as the towns of Xoxocotlán just outside of Oaxaca, people spend the whole night beside the graves of their loved ones.

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