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We arrived to La Paz at dawn, having caught an overnight bus from Sucre. We’d been traveling through northern Argentina and southern Bolivia, passing through cities and towns like Salta, Jujuy, and Potosi. In conversation with travelers heading in the opposite direction, time and time again, we were constantly told, “If you’re going to La Paz, you must go to the Witches’ Market!” Having dutifully read our guide books, we were aware of the Witches’ Market (known as the Mercado de las Brujas in Spanish) but by the time we reached La Paz, it had been elevated in our minds to almost mythical status and it was at the top of our list of things to do.
We caught a short taxi ride from the bus terminal and were deposited at the door of our lodging, located very close to Santa Cruz, one of the main streets that runs down the length of La Paz. At this early hour, the city was already revving up to the frenzied pace that characterizes daily life here. After checking in, breakfasting, and having a nap, we finally headed out to our destination.
A population of over 2 million inhabitants resides in La Paz, a city built up the sides of hills ranging in elevation from 9,800 feet to 13,400 feet (3,000 meters to 4,100 meters). Photo Credit: Herlim Li.
The Witches’ Market is actually one street in the middle of a larger market and is located on Jimenez and Linares streets between Sagarnaga and Santa Cruz. In this collection of shops and booths, women dressed in layered skirts and wearing black bowler hats trade in souvenirs and occult knowledge. Yatiris is the name for the medicine healers and fortunetellers, recognizable by their ponchos and coca pouches, that also available on these streets, offering their skills to paceños and travelers alike.
One of the most fascinating things you will see in this fascinating city is the Mercado de la Brujas – or the Witches’ Market.
On sale at the Witches’ Market, amid quantities of cheap trinkets, alpaca sweaters, and happy pants, we saw dried frogs and rats, owl feathers, seeds, herbs, and insect parts, as well as medicinal plants, love potions, ceramic figures, and amulets. There are also statuettes and when you talk to the vendors, you learn that different statues serve different functions. For example, there are statues to protect children, to safeguard travelers, to attract love, or to bring prosperity to a business. Many of the items on sale are the raw materials used in indigenous Aymara rituals as part of practices with ancient roots that are still very much part of Bolivian culture.
For many who seek out the Witches’ Market, the main draw is the desiccated llama fetuses that are visible everywhere along the street, piled into baskets, crammed into boxes, or hanging on display. There are two main uses for the llama fetus, or sullu in the Aymara language. Bolivians purchase dried fetuses to bury under the foundations of new houses or other buildings in order to bring protection to the construction. In its second use, the llama fetus is prepared by brujas (witches) with incense, sugar and sweets, and wool dyed in multiple colors. This preparation is known as a mesa andina (Andean table), and when burnt, it brings good luck, whether to a household, business, or other venture. In both uses, the llama fetus serves as an offering to give thanks to Pachamama, or Mother Earth.
Tiny llamas, some with fur and some without, will provide a shock for some and a thrill for others.
You may be wondering where these llama fetuses come from. Well, it is not uncommon for llamas to miscarry during the rainy season. The aborted fetuses are collected and then sold in markets like this one.
An interesting characteristic of the Witches’ Market is the predominance of women as business owners. This market has existed for generations and many of the shops that line Calle Linares, as well as the knowledge that is exchanged within them, have been passed on through generations of women. Additionally, in Bolivia, where home and business are often merged, the witches and folk healers that do their business along Calle Linares also live on this street.
Two things struck me most about the Witches’ Market. First, was the initial sense of foreignness and difference upon seeing the raw materials of witchcraft so openly displayed. Second, was that the intended effect of that witchcraft was deeply entwined with the universal and enduring preoccupations of humanity – among them, money, luck, and love. For me, travel is about finding these resonances.
Read about why Bolivia and Peru are perfect for a dual-country holiday and contact one of our expert travel advisors to start planning your fully customized trip to Bolivia and other destinations.
Category: Bolivia, Peru, Travel Tales
The Amazon Rainforest is just one of Brazil’s 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it the country in South America with the most honors.
One of the most distinguished recognitions an attraction, cultural facet, or geographical region can earn in the travel industry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site declaration. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee, comprised of members from 21 countries, meets once per year to determine the best that nature and humanity have created, and which of those should be particularly honored and preserved for future generations. There is a stringent list of 10 criteria that each site, either in the cultural or natural category, is compared against in order to qualify its outstanding significance.
On the South American continent, the country leading the count for the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites is Brazil, a testament to its excellent cultural and natural wonders on an international scale. Brazil has a total of 18 declared UNESCO sites, and Peru comes in second in South America with 11 sites to boast about. Plan to visit at least one or two of the following top UNESCO destinations, officially some of the best in the world, on your next Brazil vacation.
The historical downtown of the old mining town, Ouro Preto, still promotes the gorgeous aesthetics and heavy atmosphere of its colonial days.
Historic City Centers
Per the old European styles, practically all cities and towns in South America, no matter what their size, have a central plaza around which everything else revolves. Historically, these centers were the hub for a mixture of commercial, administrative, religious, and social activities. Due to the Portuguese colonization of Brazil starting in the mid-1500s until the early 1800s, the majority of the country’s towns feature stunning examples of Portugal’s architecture, earning their downtowns UNESCO recognition.
For example, the town of Olinda about 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) north of Recife has beautiful scenery and buildings dating back to the 17th century. The intricate balconies, heavy doors, and painted walls all remind of an era long gone. Ouro Preto is a former mining town, whose glory peaked during the Brazilian gold rush and golden age in the 1700s. The vast riches to be had attracted some of the most high-level Europeans to the New World. Today, few modern buildings exist in Ouro Preto because all new constructions must adhere to UNESCO-valued Baroque historical standards.
The colorful center of Sao Luis
The city center of Salvador de Bahia, a top Brazil destination particularly during the Carnival month of February every year, was honored in 1985 and referred to as the Pelourinho. This area was vital as Salvador was the first colonial capital of Brazil. Today, the Pelourinho is a fantastic and charming place to spend your Brazil holiday strolling down its old avenues taking in the sight of more than 800 restored facades and interiors, not to mention countless churches, cafés, restaurants, and shops.
Diamantina, an old diamond mining town as its name suggests, has a marvelous city center featuring dated gems such as the quaint blue and white Capela Imperial do Amparo church whose construction began in 1773 but was not completed for another 4 decades. São Luís, on the other hand, is known for its historical city center where the buildings are covered by vibrant and delicately designed tiles, forming seemingly endless mosaics on the architectures themselves. This fascinating sight has led the city to earn its nickname as “The Tiles City.”
Iguazu National Park, which includes the spectacular Iguazu Falls, is one of Brazil’s most popular destinations and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Iguazu National Park
Many might already be familiar with the legendary Iguazu Falls, but in fact, the entire area around it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since November 17, 1986. Iguazu National Park spreads over an incredible 555,987 acres across Argentina and Brazil, and within its grounds are a multitude of diverse animal and plant species including endangered types such as jaguars, anteaters, South American tapir, and more. Visitors at the site as part of an Iguazu Falls tour can go on a boat trip from the Argentina side for a more intimate encounter with the 8,858 feet (2,700 meters) wide waterfall, see sweeping panoramas of the landscape from the Brazil side, and discover the luscious national parks available on both sides, all within a single (but long!) day. Most recently, Iguazu Falls was named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature alongside peers such as the Amazon Rainforest, Table Mountain in South Africa, and Komodo National Park in Indonesia.
Spot a variety of exotic wildlife during your trip to the Pantanal, including caimans and herons.
The Pantanal
The Pantanal is one of the world’s largest wetlands, covering somewhere between 54,000 and 74,000 square miles. The rainy season every year is the source of its fertility, providing resources to all that is around it and those animals that depends on the Pantanal for life itself. There are more than 1000 bird, 400 fish, 300 mammal, 480 reptile, and 9000 invertebrate species to be found on its premises. On a Pantanal tour or boating excursion, lucky visitors might even get to spot some endangered creatures such as the jaguar, mane wolf, giant anteater, or yacare caiman, or perhaps the rare giant river otter!
Category: Brazil, Destination Highlight
Buenos Aires is the birthplace of tango, a proud cultural element of Argentina’s national identity.
The passion of the South American lifestyle is fully reflected in the vigor and liveliness of the tango, an iconic dance which hails straight from the heart of Argentina: Buenos Aires. Danced in places from family homes to hidden milonga venues to straight on the streets, the sultry tango lies in the very blood and soul of an Argentine. Today, it is one of Argentina’s most known cultural exports, and the annual Buenos Aires Tango Festival is a celebration of its best qualities.
A great addition to your Argentina holiday if traveling in August, the festival brings together some of the best tango dancers in the world where they showcase exactly what the dance is all about. The intensely choreographed moves diffuse a smoky sense of lust rarely seen otherwise in public, all emoted by a swift swing of the leg, a hand down the back, and quick dip before coming back up for a near-kiss. From the brisk swirl of the female dancer’s traditionally vibrant red dress and lipstick to the commanding leading motions of her partner, there are few dances more sensual than the tango.
The city’s La Boca district is always alive with the spirit of tango.
Despite its popularity in modern times, however, tango has not always been so well-received. With origins in the mid-1800s, the dance was once an activity only for the lower classes—Argentina’s African slaves and working European immigrants—who needed an outlet after their long days of labor. The pure carnality of tango’s characteristic moves and the brashness of its musical lyrics made it inherently disgraceful almost to the point of being immoral. It wasn’t until the middle of the 20th century that the dance slowly came to be accepted in the wider Argentine culture when respected singer Carlos Gardel turned in into an international phenomenon. The rest, as they say, is history, and tango is now beloved as one of the most basic components of Argentina’s national identity.
At the annual Buenos Aires Tango Festival, visitors are able to watch the best dancers show off their moves for free! That’s right, all of the events are free of charge except for some special classes or seminars. Otherwise, spice up your Argentina trip and Buenos Aires tour just by watching the professionals to see how it’s really done, and even jump right in if you think you’ve got what it takes!
At the 2012 Buenos Aires Tango Festival, watch professionals show off their moves, or jump right in yourself!
If you unfortunately cannot make it to the capital city in August, there are always still other opportunities for experiencing the tango on your trip to Argentina. In 2012, February 9-12 brings the Misterio Tango Festival to Buenos Aires for 4 days with many shows all around the city, and March 11-18, the CITA (Congreso Internacional de Tango Argentino) rules Buenos Aires for 1 week. Otherwise, the bohemian and very diversified La Boca district always has many performers boasting their dancing talents along the river’s pedestrian walkway, and the historic Boedo neighborhood also has countless tango houses and theaters.
To learn more about how to tango in Buenos Aires on your Argentina vacation, contact one of our travel advisors at Argentina For Less.
Category: Argentina, Travel Tales
As a destination for travel to Argentina, the northwestern region is frequently outshined by the elegance and sophistication of Buenos Aires or the glacial beauty seen on a Patagonia vacation. However, when it comes to gorgeous geological features, northwest Argentina defends itself well, and the region also boasts a deep and fascinating cultural history – the product of mixing between Spanish, Argentine, and indigenous or Andean influences.
Indeed, anyone who travels through the northwest of Argentina, as well as northeast Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador will note unifying elements in regards to people, culture, artifacts, and architecture. An Argentina trip that starts in Mendoza and continues north to Salta and Jujuy provides insight into this captivating regional history, set amid a visual feast of incredible landscapes.
Mendoza
Readily accessible by air from Buenos Aires, Lima, or Santiago de Chile, Mendoza is the perfect starting point for a northern Argentina tour. The city feels like a laidback version of the Argentine capital and it’s easy to forget that it is smack in the middle of a desert. Mendoza offers an easy transition to the more rugged landscape that lies beyond its well-irrigated, tree-lined downtown area.
Within Mendoza, the cultural offerings include wine tourism and excellent dining options. For wine enthusiasts, the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (National Grape Harvest Festival) occurs annually during the first weekend in March. During the rest of the year, there are several hundred bodegas (wineries) that offer world-class wine tasting and culinary options.
Mendoza is the place to sample Argentina’s increasingly famous wines.
For the adventure traveler, the nearby Andes Mountain range will beckon, and there are abundant opportunities for mountaineering, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and other activities, all within driving distance. From the nearby foothill community of Blanca Encalada, you can enjoy a 2-hour hike to Cerro Negro, a 6,800 foot (2,072 meter) mountain. Climbers can also try to tackle Cerro Aconcagua, 70 miles (112 km) from Mendoza, which, at 22,841 feet (6,962 meters), is the highest peak in the Americas. In the winter months, the nearby Las Leñas ski resort features excellent skiing options.
Salta
On the way to Salta, stop in La Rioja, a province host to Talampaya National Park, where you can find ancient petroglyphs dating from 10,000 BC, as well as stunning geological formations along the dry bed of what was once the Talampaya River.
Stunning geological formations are a highlight of a tour through northwestern Argentina.
Also within the park are the Cañon Arco Iris (Rainbow Canyon) and the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City). The amazing water- and wind-formed landscape can be appreciated on foot, horse, or bike.
The Dali-esque, Cañon Arco Iris, or Rainbow Canyon, named after the dazzling multicolored hues of its rock formations.
Further north is Salta, the 8th largest city in Argentina and host to architectural treasures that bestow the city with an air of colonial charm. Around the city’s main square, travelers can find the Cathedral, the Cabildo (or city hall), and the Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montaña, which houses the impressively preserved remains of 3 Inca children thought to have been human sacrifices in ancient indigenous rituals. A city tour of Salta includes visits to churches, convents, and other colonial monuments in the surrounding plazas and pedestrian streets. For panoramic views of Salta, a cable car takes passengers to the top of Cerro San Bernardo, which rises 1,400 feet (430 meters) above the city.
Salta, Argentina’s 8th largest city, bears a strong Spanish colonial influence most evident in its architecture.
Salta also provides a jumping off point for more outdoor adventures and sightseeing. The Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) is a popular 217km (135 mi) rail route that can also be traversed by car. Sights and stops along the way include Campo Quijano, Quebrada del Toro, the pre-Inca city of Santa Rosa de Tastil.
Jujuy
In juxtaposition to the heavy Spanish influence visible in Salta, Jujuy’s culture and population are more heavily Andean. Quechua and Aymara groups have a profound and visible presence and travelers that arrive during a carnival can appreciate this community’s rich and living cultural traditions. The nearby sites of Tilcara, Quebrada de Humahuaca, Paseo de los Colorados, and the Salinas Grandes (salt lakes) boast must-see landscapes as well as pre-Inca ruins dating back several thousand years.
Jujuy’s Salinas Grandes provide a surreal setting of vast flat spaces bordered by foothills and interrupted by active salt mines.
From Jujuy, travelers can launch into further exploration of the region by venturing into Chile, Bolivia, or Peru. The region’s deep history and the remarkable vistas that it offers make it a worthy addition to any Argentina or South American travel package.
Category: Argentina, Destination Highlight
Uncornered Market is one of the Internet’s most popular travel blogs. Ambitious world travelers Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott have been on the road for the last 4 years, going through more than 65 countries, including some truly off the beaten path destinations such as Iran. Most recently in 2011, the pair traveled through much of Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, indulging in the color and spirit the world has to offer while sharing their most fabulous stories and photos with their online audience.
Despite all the things they have seen and done, Audrey tells us that their time spent in South America remains some of the most treasured memories. Here she shares some of her nostalgia and tips for traveling on the continent, hoping to inspire everyone to go see it for themselves.
The fragrant smells, colorful displays, and mingling local population found in South American food markets often make for eye-opening travel experiences.
1. What aspect of travel in South America has continued to be most memorable to you? The landscapes? The people? Aspects of the culture? The architecture? etc.
Most memorable has to be the people, of course. We have wonderful memories of getting lost in lively local markets learning about local foods and dishes from vendors. Landscape comes in as a close second. Some of our favorite landscapes include the salt flats (Salar de Uyuni) in Bolivia, Patagonian mountains and glaciers in Chile (Torres del Paine) and Argentina (El Chalten), mountains throughout Peru and Ecuador.
2. Have you had a chance to visit the 2 South American destinations that have recently been honored as part of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the world: the Amazon Rainforest and Iguazu Falls? In what ways did they strike you?
We were at the edge of the Amazon Rainforest while in Bolivia and Peru but didn’t actually go into the Amazon. It’s still on our wishlist!
As for Iguazu Falls, we were blown away. We’re usually jaded when it comes to waterfalls, but Iguazu is like no other waterfall we’ve seen – it’s awesome to feel the mist from the falls on you and really feel the power of the water.
"Iguazu Falls is like no other waterfall we've seen."
3. If you had the chance to return to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, or Chile tomorrow, which would you choose and why?
Oooh, tough question! If I could only choose one, it would have to be Peru because we missed visiting Arequipa and trekking in Huayhuash during our last visit.
4. Which South American destination would you suggest to the nature lover? The urban city explorer?
For the nature lover, I’d suggest the Patagonian area of Chile, especially the northern areas near the Carretera Austral. We had the chance to travel quickly through there and not only was the landscape stunning, but there was no one around. It would be the perfect escape for a nature lover.
The 4-day journey from Tupiza to Uyuni going through the salt flats was also incredible; the colors were just surreal at times.
As for the urban city explorer, I’d suggest Buenos Aires for cosmopolitan, La Paz for funky, Quito for colonial beauty, Lima for food, and Santiago for markets and laid back feel.
Peru is known throughout South America and the world for its exceptionally developed and varied gastronomy. You can’t miss out on a fresh plate of ceviche or hearty meat sandwich during your Peru vacation!
5. Peru, and particularly Lima, has been earning spots on countless 2012 Gastronomy Capital honors in recent months. Where did you best enjoy food in South America?
Definitely Lima. We spent over three weeks there and could have stayed longer just to eat more Peruvian food. Loved the fresh seafood dishes like ceviche and tiradito, but also enjoyed causa, rocoto relleno, and so much more. Also, the fresh juices in Peru were addictive (and very cheap)!
Category: Amazon, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Interview, Peru
The Paracas National Reserve aims to protect and preserve a portion of the delicate biodiversity of Peru's coastal desert.
As nice as it is to have every convenience at your fingertips when you live in the center of the country’s capital, sometimes you just need to get out. If you’re in Lima, one of the best and subsequently most popular getaways is Paracas, an area teeming with natural and wildlife resources just 3 hours south of the metropolis. My friends and I only spent 1 day in Paracas as part of a greater weekend in the region as part of our overall Peru vacation, but it was definitely one to remember.
One of the main attractions that draws visitors to the quaint shoreside village is the Islas Ballestas that lie off its coast. This cluster of smaller islands is known to be one of the most dynamic and diverse homes for wildlife in the world, rivaling places such as the infamous Galapagos. Like many others, our plan was to take one of the dozens of morning boating excursions to get up close and personal with the Ballestas. However, our expectations fell apart because as it turned out, the sea had been uncharacteristically violent in recent days and it was not safe to venture out of the port for our Ballestas Islands tour. Instead, we took advantage of our time to visit another nearby attraction: the Paracas National Reserve.
The park was founded in 1975 and is the only protected marine area of Peru, home to colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, dolphins, flamingos, and many more species.
The national reserve could not have been more different from the oceanic Peru tour we had expected to embark on when we first arrived in Paracas. Rather, this protected park dives deep into Peru’s dry and sparse pampas desert and offers brilliantly soft golden, rocky expanses that particularly radiate in beauty when contrasted with the Pacific’s deep blue below its cliffs. This parched landscape was once the ocean floor, we were taught, and many prehistoric fossils have been unearthed in modern-day excavations. Our guide also carefully explained the names and significance of various species of exotic birds that flew around us throughout the day, and took us to see sights such as Playa Rojo (Red Beach) liked for its maroon-colored sands and the highlight of La Catedral, a large arched rock formation off the coast but now unfortunately stands destroyed by the deadly earthquake that shook Paracas in 2007. And of course, we visited the reserve’s stunning vista point where we saw dozens upon dozens of sea lions and penguins mingling amongst each other. Yes, this not-so-southern region of Peru is home to large colonies of Humboldt Penguins!
Overall, the Paracas National Reserve and its fascinating views of land, sea, and wildlife was an absolutely delightful break from the sounds and crowds of Lima, and well worth at least a day of your time on your Peru travel packages whether you want to relax or explore.
Category: Peru, Travel Tales
On January 6, officials from Peru’s national park and tourism agencies met with tour operators to discuss ways to develop Manu National Park as a top ecotourism destination in 2012. With financial backing from SERNANP, Peru’s national park service, the focus will be on maintaining and improving the infrastructure for hosting researchers and travelers, particularly in lodging, and also opening up new areas in the Amazon River Basin near Manu in order to better showcase the park’s exceptional biological diversity. These efforts are certain to motivate nature lovers to add a Manu or Amazon tour to any Peru vacation package.
In 2012, Peruvian park agencies will focus on developing Manu National Park as a destination for ecotourism.
What is ecotourism?
Ecotourism is a form of tourism that places emphasis on responsible and sustainable travel to natural areas. Among its key objectives, the ecotourism ethos seeks to minimize human impact, maximize conservation, and when applicable to increase the direct and indirect socio-economic benefits to the human populations that inhabit the affected environments. This philosophy is particularly important in Manu National Park, especially as it continues to grow and develop as a tourist destination.
Manu National Park
Located where the Andes and the Amazon River meet in southwestern Peru, Manu National Park comprises 1.5 million hectares and is the country’s largest protected area. In 1977, Manu was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and in 1987, a World Heritage Site. One unique trait of Manu is the range of elevations or altitudes within the reserve. From the river lowlands located at 500 feet (150 meters) above sea level, the mountainous rainforest areas and puna (grasslands) rise up to 13,800 feet (4,200 meters) in some places. This characteristic creates distinct ecological zones and microclimates, resulting in the astounding natural bounty of flora and fauna in Manu.
This tiny critter is one of 140 species of amphibians that populate Manu National Reserve.
Efforts to catalogue Manu’s diversity of species have turned up mind-blowing numbers: over 15,000 species of plants have been identified, including 250 varieties of trees. The number of bird species is around 1,000, more than the total number in the U.S. and Canada combined. Among the 200 species of mammals are 14 types of monkeys and rare species like the giant otter and the giant armadillo. Manu is thus the perfect location from which to appreciate Peru’s animal diversity.
Crikey, a caiman! With so many species of plant and animal life in Manu, you never know what you’re likely to see if you keep your eyes open.
These exceptional attributes have made Manu an alluring site for researchers and nature travelers alike. As international attention continues to increase in the coming years, organized efforts to protect and responsibly develop Manu are of obvious importance, and the recent meeting of officials and tour operators was an important first step.
Currently, primary access to Manu is through Cusco, whether by air or ground, making it a fantastically exotic destination to add to your Machu Picchu travel packages. Tours of Manu feature a visit to the famous Cloud Forest, and can be customized to include trips to the clay lick where parrots and macaws congregate as well as jungle hikes. See our Amazon tour page, read our blog on Amazon destinations, or speak with one of our expert travel advisors for more details.
Category: Amazon, Peru, Travel News
What kinds of animals would you like to see during your Pantanal trip in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul?
Are you looking to visit a new South American destination unlike any you’ve already experienced? The state of Mato Grosso do Sul in southern Brazil will hit your travel lusting spot. This region’s beauty is absolutely unmatched, with sunken water-filled caves, the most incredible wetlands on earth, and modestly-sized cities that showcase the best of Brazilian culture. Better yet for the traveler, Mato Grosso do Sul is just a short internal flight from the legendary Iguazu Falls that linger with the border of Argentina. Thanks to the tropical and subtropical climates, there is never a bad time to visit. January is the warmest month with the most rain, and July is the coolest.
What are you waiting for? Be sure to speak with your travel advisor to ensure these gorgeous locations in Mato Grosso do Sul are not left off your Brazil travel plans!
Go diving in Bonito’s underwater caverns to see magnificent wildlife hidden from landlubbers.
Bonito
The name says it all—“pretty” in Portuguese—and the town does not disappoint. Or rather, it is the municipality’s natural treasures that travelers go seeking for. This eco-tourism capital is just a short 180 miles (300 kilometers) from Mato Grosso do Sul’s capital, Campo Grande, and about 16 hours by bus from Iguazu Falls with a transfer in the middle. The Pantanal wetlands are also not too far away up in the northwest. A small airport makes travel easy for those with little time. A number of adventure tours can be booked on-site, but organizing something as part of a Brazil vacation package beforehand is generally less of a hassle.
Cavern diving is the most popular recreational activity to try in Bonito, especially in Gruta do Lago Azul (Blue Lake Cave) where the azure hues at more than 325 feet (100 meters) deep remain as clear as if they were at the surface, giving way to spectacular underwater fish performances. Snorkeling in the Rio da Prata (Silver River) is also an unforgettable experience putting you within arm’s reach of exotic wildlife.
Don’t miss out on a walk along Bonito’s forest trails and listen to the bird symphonies scattered throughout the dense foliage. The best time to visit Bonito is between December and March during the rainy season when everything is green and the rivers are swollen with possibilities.
Sunsets seen in the Pantanal wetlands are some of the most staggering in Brazil.
The Pantanal
The Pantantal wetland is so large that it actually spreads over both Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul states. In fact, it dominates the international stage as the largest of its kind on earth and the third largest environmental reserve in the world. Perhaps the most visually appealing aspect of the expansive, 88,800 square mile (230,000 square kilometers) lowlands is the fact that it curves up on all sides, leading to various mountain ranges seen in the distance.
Seen from the air, the sapphire rivers that cut through the Pantanal contrasted with the rich greens of the flora is a spectacular sight indeed. Back down on earth, a slow cruise to observe the incredibly diverse ecosystem up close is a must-do experience during any Brazil holiday. Make your Pantanal tour reservation in nearby Campo Grande, or in the gateway town of Corumbá. See if you can spot some of the wetland’s endangered species during your trip, or go fishing between March and October!
Set in the middle of cattle country, the city of Campo Grande is a grand mixture of the traditional with the contemporary.
Campo Grande
As the largest and capital city of Mato Grosso do Sul with a metro area population of just about 1 million, Campo Grande is perhaps the most accessible destination in the state. The Campo Grande International Airport mainly caters to domestic flights, although a few fly to neighboring countries.
Located in the middle of the state, the city also well serves other favorite places such as Bonito and the Pantanal; Rio de Janeiro is just a 20-hour bus ride away if you have the time to traverse Brazil’s immense properties. Spend some time learning about the regional traditional lifestyles at the insightful Memorial da Cultura Indigena (Indigenous Culture) museum, as well as the Parish of San Francisco de Assis which stands as a respected icon in the old city.
Parque Ecológico do Sóter (Sóter Ecological Park) is a great place to spend an afternoon no matter what your age, skating along the walkways or maybe just lying in the soft grass. Finally, don’t forget to do your souvenir shopping at the House of the Craftsman or Barroarte Fair which have great varieties of delicately made artisan goods to choose from.
Category: Brazil, Destination Highlight
