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